Food for thought this Mother’s Day
It’s hard enough to decide where to dine on a Tuesday night with your old NCT friends, so when it’s a day which is dedicated to the brilliance that is motherhood why not try somewhere a little different. Rebecca Moore rounds-up her three favourite new restaurants in the capital…
With the kids… Inamo, Camden
For Mother’s Day, all many of us really want is for a chaos-free, delicious sit down with our nearest and dearest. But if the thought of being in a restaurant with your minis brings you out in a cold sweat then let Inamo assist.
The latest to open is its Camden branch, directly opposite Mornington Crescent’s tube station (so minimal walking required!). The trick to keeping the kids fuss-free and at the table is down to Inamo’s combination of interactive technology and delicious dining. Love it or hate it, our little ones are infatuated with technology and at Inamo it really does make it an unforgettable experience.
Diners begin by ordering via the interactive technology on their table, you can also continue to order throughout if you require extra dishes – this is great opportunity to get kids involved in the ordering process, but don’t panic you can review it all before the order is sent to the kitchen. The interactive tables mean you can play games against your fellow diners, or sketch away on the table. Who doesn’t like writing their name on the table, no matter the age…
The cool technology is of course met with flavorsome creations, all centered on Pan Asian cuisine. From sushi and sashimi to delicately steamed dim sum take your palate on a food journey with dishes from Japan, China, Thailand and Korea. Your tiny tasters won’t be disappointed either with a dedicated kids menu.
Don’t forget to order… Ebi Tempura – a delicious Asian shrimp tapas dish
Without the kids… Jan, Battersea
Mother’s day is a celebration of the little brood you and your loved one have created, so why not embrace the big family roast in the day and once the kids are in bed enjoy a date night?
The recently opened Jan, on buzzy Northcote Road, offers Caspian flavours, punchy cocktails in a decadent space which is decked out in a Turkish-Hamman style – adding a certain dose of romance in an intimate setting. Now, if like me, you left Geography in the classroom, Caspian means that diners can expect flavours from Turkey and the Middle East. Think harissa and tahini mixed with a surprising amount of aubergine and pomegranate – so don’t be shy of the spices!
The hub of the kitchen is the traditional charcoal-fired oven, which cooks the tasty breads and tender meats. The menu, although small in size, offers a great mix of vegetable and meat dishes with innovative alternatives such as cauliflower cous cous.
Don’t forget to order… the Topped Obi-nan – 12-hour slow roasted lamb with crunchy pomegranate and spiced yoghurt
As a big group… Chai Thali, Camden
When it comes to Indian communities, it’s all about whopping family dinners. Here, here! Team up with a few other families, or get the siblings involved and head to Camden’s latest feeding hot spot. Either indulge in its private Maharaja Room (seating 16) or make the Indian street food bar and restaurant home for the evening.
Bringing to the table some of the best of the subcontinent’s street food, whether you like the tapas-sharing-style or your own dish to devour Chai Thali’s menu is an absolute feast. The restaurant itself has a fun energetic vibe, which marries well with the exciting immense menu.
The dishes are pieces of art in themselves, with cool creative sharers like the Paani Poori little bites of wheat puffs filled with masala potatoes with a pour-in sweet and sour tamarind shot, or the Bhaajj Pao Fondue where you can get dipping bits of brioche bun is a mild vegetable curry. Say goodbye to the outdated badly-lit Indian restaurants with dodgy table cloths, Chai Thali is a cool space ready for some great family gorging.
Don’t forget to order… Maharaja King Prawns – lightly spiced and cooked in the clay oven
