Lucinda
1. What role does eating out play for you?
For me, eating out is all about making time to enjoy the company of friends and family and seeking out new and different places to do that. I love going to small, independent restaurants and eateries because of the story and emotion you feel behind the place. When brands can channel their sense of individuality and unique personality into each of their outlets, they create something really special. As a vegetarian and aspiring vegan, I’ll take any excuse to test out new and exciting meat-free alternatives, which to my delight are popping up thick and fast…
2. What’s the best thing you’ve seen so far in 2018?
Brands who are dedicated to local causes and are part of their community make a huge impression. That’s why seeing the partnership between Ben and Jerry’s new London ice cream parlour and the North London social enterprise Luminary Bakery really stood out to me. Luminary employs refugee women to bake delicious treats, and they supply the cookies that Ben and Jerry’s uses in their legendary ice cream sandwiches. For many, food is about coming together and this partnership does just that, showing that no brand is too big to make a meaningful local impact that really knits them into their community.
3. What’s your favourite restaurant, and why?
Flour & Grape in Borough, London has brought all the deliciousness and simplicity of great Italian to London. Not only does it have a mouth-watering food & wine menu, but it tells you exactly how to make them work together by pairing each dish with its perfect glass of wine. Pasta-loving young professionals aspiring to be wine connoisseurs flock to its doors, as it cuts through the masses of Italian restaurants with a different proposition, which is all the better for its confident simplicity. After all, is there really anything better than a bowl of steaming fresh pasta and a glass of wine?
David
1. What role does eating out play for you?
The fact I have just returned from a two week holiday in Cornwall to visit all of the fantastic restaurants of the area in celebration of my 30th birthday says a thing or two about the role of eating out in my life. Eating out is all about atmosphere: when good food, great wine, great design and great service come together to enhance the company and conversation. I always have a wish list of restaurants to visit that I’ve read about, heard about from friends and family, or researched myself.
2. What’s the best thing you’ve seen so far in 2018?
The fact that fads and trends aren’t completely dominating the restaurant industry, and that some of the grandes dames of the restaurant world are being open to changing the way they do things whilst still remaining true to themselves.
3. What’s your favourite restaurant, and why?
It has to be the River Café: the ultimate in food, wine and atmosphere above everything else.
Lucy
1. What role does eating out play for you?
I’ve always said without a doubt that dining out is my favourite activity. What could be better than discovering a new favourite restaurant, dish or cocktail – whether in a remote corner of the world or on your doorstep – and being able to share that moment with other people?
2. What’s the best thing you’ve seen so far in 2018?
The industry calling out our problem with plastic! It’s not just about big dogs banning plastic straws, individuals are recognising their ability to influence and drive change. Chef Neil Rankin, of Temper, posted on Instagram earlier this year calling out the need to rethink excessive vacuum-packing of produce in restaurants.
3. What’s your favourite restaurant, and why?
It’s got to be Dehesa, on the corner of Carnaby St in London. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count and it never gets old. Food designed for sharing is always my favourite way to dine and the menu changes frequently (but I always order my favourite, the courgette flower stuffed with goat’s cheese and drizzled in honey, just for me). I’ve eaten at other restaurants also part of the Salt Yard group, and whilst the food is good, they just don’t manage to piece together all the elements that create the charm of Dehesa. Beautiful wine, great staff and a magic atmosphere.
Nate
1. What role does eating out play for you?
I love to cook, so, aside from the fun of being out with friends/family and enjoying the experience of great service, I really appreciate the chance to see new combinations of flavors that I might then try myself at home.
2. What’s the best thing you’ve seen so far in 2018?
Many come to mind; however I’d have to say the post-overnight flight Full English I had at Muriel’s in South Kensington was perhaps the most satisfying thing I’ve had to date this year.
3. What’s your favourite restaurant, and why?
Vermont’s my home, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t start with one of its best restaurants: Hen of the Wood. The state truly receives all four seasons, and the ever-changing menu at Hen of the Wood reflects whatever’s most interesting at the time of your visit. While summer’s full of great fresh flavors, winter—a time that’s all-too-often a time of root vegetable overload in New England—is when the kitchen’s creativity is truly on display. And, you can pair it with one of Vermont’s many world-class beers.
Second, Calderwood Hall on North Haven, a small island off the coast of mid-coast Maine where we like to spend a week or so as a family each summer. Calderwood Hall functions as a gathering point for the island—a bakery, restaurant and market in one—that’s as dedicated to the comfort of its guests as it is to providing absolutely excellent food. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that the island’s brewery, North Haven Brewing Company, is located just downstairs.
Joyce
1. What role does eating out play for you?
Eating plays a massive role in my life. With eating you come together with friends and family. Those moment are worth everything.
2. What’s the best thing you’ve seen so far in 2018?
Not the best thing what I have seen but the best thing I found out is the juicy burger for a fiver at Patty and Bun.
3. What’s your favourite restaurant, and why?
A restaurant back home in Rotterdam. Guiliano, is my favourite place to go for lunch and also the first place I visit when I’m home. This is the place where you can find me when in Rotterdam.