Jazzgir | Mediterranean-Jazz Restaurant Review

  

Last week Russell and I were invited to Jazzgir, the latest Mediterranean restaurant to arrive on the London food scene. 

Situated on the serene waterfront of Canary Wharf’s Harbour Exchange Square, just a 5 minuet walk form the main tube station, the restaurant offers a little something for everyone; whether you want to enjoying a relaxing waterside drink or a lively night out!

With a menu that reflects the diversity of the European coastline, the restaurant pairs fresh flavours with the vibrant sounds of Jazz.

The interior features warm, neutral colours combined with golden notes, wooden features and leather sofas, providing a welcome escape from the harsh lines and grey palette of city life.

Every evening Jazzgir’s live music starts with acoustic piano from 5pm, with live jazz bands performing from 7pm followed by a DJ set until late, allowing guests to kick-back and enjoy a vibrant and lively evening.

Russell and I were greeted by the soft tune of a piano when we arrived around 6:30pm and later enjoyed a fantastic performance by The London Belles. We're not usually keen on singing performances throughout dinner as we have found them dominating, but the up-beat and unique post modern twist to their set was mesmerising.

After sipping on cocktails and soaking up the atmosphere we ordered food from the small but varied menu.

I ordered the Burrata, Heritage Tomato and Basil Pesto salad, which was delicious. The soft and creamy texture of the cheese paired beautifully with the fresh and slightly crisp tomatoes to make a dynamite of a duo. I added a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the summer produce.

 

Russell tucked into the Tuna Carpaccio served with pressed cucumber, white asparagus puree, pea shoots and a martini dressing. Strangely when it was served our waiter advised us to eat all of the components together otherwise the dish would 'taste bland', however we found it to be light and refreshing on a rather humid July evening. The crunchy deep fried shallot shards gave the dish much needed texture, whilst the pea shoots injected sweetness. 

 

 Although the restaurant is not famed as a steak restaurant, our main course of Ribeye with sautè new potatoes was cooked to perfection and would recommend to any city dwelling carnivore (although we found the side salad a little bland/unnecessary).

 

However, the fresh pappardelle with rabbit ragu and salty Kalamata Olives was the best dish of the evening - if you're planning to visit you NEED to order this!

It offers an indulgent and rich Italian experience without the usual heaviness of a pasta dish.

 

Dessert was an extremely indulgent Tiramisu (can you tell I enjoyed it?) and sweet, light Baklava oozing with honey. Both were delightful and finished our meal off beautifully. 

 The restaurant describes itself as fine dining, however Russell and I didn't agree with this description. The term fine dining brings to mind crisp white table cloths, waiters in tuxedos and the finest in food, service and atmosphere.

Although the interior décor is beautiful and the food is good, we would describe the offering as well cooked food, attentive (if not, a little overboard) service in an environment both foodies and casual dinners can enjoy.

Well Dressed Plates | Tony Rodd | Review

 

 

When Tony Rodd invited me to sample his food at his new pop-up I was pretty flattered.

Tony was a finalist in the 2015 series of BBC's MasterChef and is currently the moustached man behind the Well Dressed Plates pop up at Strongroom (in residence until the end of the year).

 

The venue has long been synonymous with music given its 30 year old recording studio and music producing community based in the neighbouring buildings.

With an extensive beer and cider menu featuring both local and international microbreweries, my dinner companion (an old university friend) was pretty impressed.  

 

Upon arrival Tony greeted us with a giant smile, eager to talk us through the menu. He is clearly passionate about the produce he uses and explained in a friendly East End accent that he was busy in the kitchen over the next few days experimenting with new flavours to refresh the lunch time specials for regulars.

The first thing we noticed about the menu was the price - surprisingly very reasonable! The second was that there are loads of vegetarian and gluten free options, something pop-ups in particular don't seem to offer much of. 

 

As a massive brunch fan I ordered the poached eggs, asparagus, ham and hollandaise to start whilst my friend opted for the smoked Trout on Fennel, Beetroot and Pickled Apple Salad.

 

Both dishes were delicious, and although the flavour combinations were traditional each featured a beautiful presentation and slight flavour twist that elevated it. Next time I would switch my order to the trout as the combination of fresh dill, sharp apple, earthy beetroot and liquorice fennel was addictive.

 

 

Following Tony's suggestion we ordered the Pork belly and chicken roulade for our main courses. The pork was served with roast fennel, the creamiest mash ever made, apple puree and port sauce - I honestly could have eaten again, and again, and taken some more away to eat again later. 

 

 

The chicken and mushroom roulade with mash and asparagus is known as the signature main course dish. The smooth texture was unexpected and the salty addition of prosciutto ham seasoned the plate beautifully. Again, the super creamy mash was the star of the show - I don't how he made mash so tasty?! - whilst the asparagus offered a crunchy and clean cut through. 

After all that food we couldn't handle a heavy dessert so decided to share a British cheese board complete with grapes and gherkins.

If you're looking for a relaxed evening give the pop-up a visit; it's atmosphere, food menu and beer selection aren't to be missed. I can't wait to go back for date night with Russell. 

 

2015 - A Year Filled With Blessings

Attempting the beat the January blues, I decided to take look back at my favourite moments of 2015. Before spending a few hours shifting through photos, I hadn't thought much of the year. In hindsight, it was filled with milestones, blessings, travel and many precious family moments.

In one big emotional out pour (don't judge me, I've become rather sentimental since becoming an Aunt), here are my top 7 memories of 2015: 

 


Russell and I bought a home

Without a doubt, my biggest achievement in life so far is becoming a homeowner. Russell and I moved into our new home in June, and every day I still wake up incredibly humble and blessed.

Situated in Epping, it's perfectly positioned between the forest and last stop of the central line, giving us easy access to both the city and countryside. Hopefully this house will be our home for the foreseeable future, and will witness the growth of our little family - be that with the pitter patter of human feet or canine paws. 

I visited 4 new cities

Considering I didn't think I travelled much, last year I managed to tick 4 new European cities off my travel list. 

In May I was invited to Milan on a press trip which included a visit to the Milan cathedral, copious amounts of gelato and lunch at a rustic Italian restaurant that grew their ingredients in the surrounding gardens.

Russell took me to Paris for 5 days in June to celebrate my birthday, which was a whirlwind week of museum trips, long walks and evening feasts.

In September we attended one of my oldest friend's wedding in Edinburgh, and was amazed at what the city had to offer. With only three days to try to fit it all into we're planning another visit soon, but was left with great memories of indulgent brunches, food markets and stunning scenery.

In October I was whisked away to Paris again for a day trip to stuff my face with sushi, and a week later I experienced a crazy 12 hours in Berlin with a tech company.  

Continuing to grow our own

For the last few years Russell and I have been growing our own fruit and veg. Although last year wasn't as bountiful as our first due to the unpredictable weather, we still continued to gorge on courgette flower, rhubarb and even aubergines!

This year I plan to grow an array of new produce to really expand our knowledge - expect rainbow carrots, loganberries and Jerusalem artichokes.




Riley Beau

Although my nephew was technically born in December 2014, he wasn't home from hospital until January 2015. This little bundle of pure joy lights up our weekends with his cheeky smile, endless supply of energy and blissful cuteness.

Every week we're amazed by the new things he learns, and I can't wait for him to get a little older so we can start baking together, visiting the sites of London and hopefully begin music and language lessons.




Writing and Reviewing 

Last year I've been amazed at the opportunities my blog has generated. Aside from being sent some very lovely products to review, given the opportunity to travel on press trips and attend some pretty fabulous events, last year I saw a massive pick-up in restaurant reviews. 

This has come as a blessing in disguise for Russell and I - as things are pretty tight since buying the house. We regularly indulge in date night, dinning at some of London's newest restaurants and then writing about them after - you can read our reviews here.

Festivals and Friends

Every year since graduation me and my dear friend David set off on a little holiday. Our first year saw us visit the Christmas markets in Lille, in 2014 we attended Wilderness Festival and last year we were given press tickets to Camp Bestival. With a electric line-up of live acts including Clean Bandit, Wretch 32 and Professor Green, it had the best acts of any festival I've been too (and some pretty decent food stalls, too).

This year we're planning to attend the Whitstable Oyster Festival to eat our weight in shellfish, admire the phenomenal fireworks display on the beach and to take a much needed break.

 

My Great Grandma

Every year we're able to spend with my Great Grandma is a blessing - at 96, with a tongue as sharp as ever and possession of every one of her marbles, my Great Grandma became a Great Great Grandma to my nephew and second cousin in 2014. 

Now living with my Grandma, the whole family cherishes time spent with her at family gatherings with the little ones. She still enjoys very frequent trips to our holiday bungalow in Clacton, and loves nothing more than eating jellied eels whilst looking out at the sea at Walton-on-the-naze. With 5 generations of my family alive at the same time, I'd say we're very blessed indeed.