Casa Negra

On Saturday night, my uni friend Katherine and I needed a catch up so we went for dinner at Casa Negra in Shoreditch. Their older sister's place in Soho - La Bodega Negra is known for its neon sex shop sign on the door, which I'm ashamed to say that I've never ventured through.

When I booked the table earlier in the week, I was told that they could fit us sitting on the kitchen bar. I was assured by the chatty hostess that this is a good seat 'as long as you're not on a date... are you on a date?'. After assuring the girl that sadly it was nowhere near a date the table was all booked. Anyway we went in at 8 o'clock and had a drink in the bar which is dark and moody and would be perfect for a few drinks with either friends or dates. Then margarita in hand, we were taken into the main room which is actually pretty small and intimite with an open kitchen which we perched on the side of. 

We started with a massive bowl of tacos and guacamole whilst we perused the menu. They had a selection of small plates and starters and then a few mains at the 13-18 pound mark. We decided to order just a couple of the smaller plates to try and share. First up was the 4 cheese quesadilla (£10) which was like a tasty chilli cheese pizza. 

As well as that we went for 2 types of tacos - prawn and steak. Both were tasty enough and I loved the little stand in which they were served. The prawn was was my favourite with a refreshing mango salsa on it. 

All in all although it might not be the most groundbreaking Mexican food I have ever tasted - but everything I tried was nice and the staff were all lovely. The room itself had a great atmosphere - the table behind were having a birthday so that helped. Also sitting at the kitchen/ bar was great as it allowed us to watch the chefs buzzing away and plating everything up! 

If you need somewhere to have dinner round Shoreditch and a great margarita or 3, I would definitely recommend Casa Negra. And since we only had one drink each and a few dishes the bill was only £50 including service - well you can't argue with that.

Casa Negra
54-56 Great Eastern Street
London
EC2A 3QR
0207 033 7360

When Mac Met Cheese Pop-up at The Russet

I'm afraid December's madness is to blame for this late post. In December every single night seems to be filled with some kind of Christmas festivities and then I have a pre-Christmas birthday just to top it off. The whole month is just a daze of eating, drinking, eating, drinking, and so on.

Anyway January is upon us and most people have quietened down due to either lack of funds or fear of liver failure. I am never as extreme as to go for a total dry january... just a damp one. I am trying to limit the amount I go out to eat and drink at the moment but couldn't resist when I saw this little number on Twitter.

Well seeing as I live within a ridiculous close distance to The Russet, a lovely cafe/ restaurant/ bar in Hackney Down Studios - how could I resist? The January diet was dumped and off we went on Friday night to eat some Mac and Cheese. I had already tried When Mac Met Cheese at the last Feast so new I was going to get a good feeding. 

The Russet was busier than ever and after a slight confusion as to whether we had to queue up to the bar to be seated or not, we sat down and perused the choice of cheese goodness. I went for the Carlos The Cactus as I always go for the spicy option and was advised to add bacon lardons. My friend went for Mum's classic with added pulled pork. 

When the boxes of cheesy goodness arrived, we were ready and hungry. My one, with the jalepeno's adding a kick and the bacon lardons adding an extra salty savoury treat was delicious.. The sauce is so cheesy it should be impossible. They also make every mac and cheese to order so its all freshly cooked meaning its less stodgy. Perfect winter comfort food which was easily washed down with a glass of white wine or two...

Is it rich? Yes. Did I feel slightly sick towards the end? Possibly.. Would I do it all over again? Most definitely. When Mac Met Cheese are at the Russet every night until this Friday. If you're in the neighbourhood and haven't been - get yourself there immediately! It's basically towards the end of January anyway, you might as well call the diets off!  

When Mac Met Cheese @ The Russet

17 Amhurst Terrace

London

E8 2BT