The Real Greek - We Are Dining in W12!

 I was set a challenge, to take on a Westfield London restaurant's signature dish head to head. Had lots to choose from, and was torn between Mexican Wahaca, Brasilian Cabana and The Real Greek.................I settled on The Real Greek in the end, as I am more familiar to Greek food, (we have a Villa Annie in Crete that we frequent).

We headed to Shepherds Bush for the day (home to the mighty Super Hoops), and picked up my mum on the way.  The signature dish here was the Souvlaki, a popular dish across Greece, and served slightly differently depending on where you are.

In Crete the Souvlaki would simply be skewers of BBQ's meats, and if in a wrap it would be known as Gyros - which translates as "plate" i.e. it is a meal in one.

Souvlaki

Here the Souvlaki was served in a flatbread wrap, with their own home-made tstatsiki, red onion, tomatoes, sweet paprika, and a choice of meats, haloumi or falafel.  I opted for the chicken.   It was truly scrummy, the flavours transported me straight back to the little shop in Kalyves where we often stop for lunch..........I must go back to W12 and try the other fillings too, I love haloumi/squeaky cheese as we call it  (though I would say this is more a Cypriot ingredient).

Anyhoo, I digress.  I have since produced my own version of this dish.   It was every bit as yummy, and I enjoyed making it, as much as I enjoyed watching the kids devour it.  We are off to Crete in April, and this has just served to make my heart pine for my little piece of Greece.........bring on the sunshine!


Annie's Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki, red onion and tomatoes in a flatbread wrap!

2tbs olive oil

2tbs lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch of salt
500g chicken thighs (skinned & boned) and cut into squares.

Combine all the ingredients and marinade for a minimum of 2hrs, but longer if you have time.

For the tsatziki (this makes plenty)!

170g plain Greek Yoghurt (I use the Total 0% fat)
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and grated
1 tbs olive oil
2 tsp white wine vinegar
1 glove garlic, crushed
Pinch of salt

Again, combine all the ingredients and put in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

You will also need flatbreads, skewers, tomatoes and red onion, or whatever other fillings you like.  I also added grilled sweet peppers.

When you are ready to go, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers - if using wooden ones, make sure you have pre-soaked in water for at least 15 minutes.  Put under a medium grill for around 8 minutes a side, until no longer pink in the middle.

Load the flat bread with the chicken, a couple of spoons of Tzatziki (to taste), tomatoes, onion etc. wrap and eat.

In Crete, when you order the Gyros, they put chips in it too, the kids and Chris like it, but I always take mine out - a carb too far in my mind, but hey as you like it!

Thanks for reading!
Annie x

Chocolate Golden Cake, courtesy of L'Orchidee, Westfield Stratford

A while ago I was invited to Rhythm Kitchen in Westfield Stratford, and was shown how to make the most delicious Sea Bass.   (There is a video on my sidebar).

I was recently sent a downloadable recipe book incorporating recipes from Westfields diverse collection of East London restaurants.

Jasper checking they're OK

In all its glory!

I chose to give the Chocolate Golden Cake a whirl, courtesy of L'Orchidee, and as it was the Paralympics added my own twist with some red, white and blue decorations.



The recipe did make probably double the quantity of chocolate butter cream though, so next time will halve!

Go Team GB

Below is more information, with an opportunity for you to download your free copy too!

Today Westfield Stratford City launches a free downloadable cookery book, packed full of recipes from its famously diverse collection of East London restaurants.

Showcasing Westfield Stratford City’s extensive food offering, the ‘Around The World Recipes From Westfield’ book hopes to inspire visitors to taste something new at the centre and try some of the authentic recipe creations at home.

The cookery book features 25 recipes from ten popular restaurants including a variety of cuisines like moussaka from The Real Greek, Busaba Eathai’s pandan chicken, Caribbean sea bass by Rhythm Kitchen and All Star Lanes’ champion chilli con carne.

To assist with re-creating the dishes from home, the cookbook highlights expert advice from senior chefs at these leading restaurants, describing why their recipes were selected.

Executive Chef at Busaba Eathai, Krit Sangsida, describes their pandan chicken as: “Great for family and friends, when you have a special occasion.”

Thomasina Miers, co-owner of Wahaca, points out that: “The secret to a good guacamole is to really mash up the chilli to a paste before you even think about adding the avocado.”

To download the free cookbook and watch videos of the chefs re-creating these much-loved recipes step-by-step, visit:http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/food-and-drink/

As well as accommodating 1100 diners in The Balcony area alone, Westfield Stratford City has over 50 places to eat and drink, so hungry shoppers will be sure to find something to their taste.

Find out more about the extensive range of eating options at Westfield Stratford City here.

Enjoy
Annie x

Westfield Stratford Rhythm Kitchen Cookery Workshop:)

A lot of you will know that I am a huge fan of Carribean cooking, so jumped at the chance of attending a cookery workshop at the Rhythm Kitchen restaurant at Westfield Stratford.  The place is vibrant and fun, and since opening last September has proved a huge success for owner Delroy.

We watched the Sea Bass being stuffed and cooked and then sampled it afterwards, it was to die for!   You can watch the video by clicking to the right of this blog, and watch some other Food Explorer demonstrations here!

Vibrant and fun

Beautifully presented

I have the Sea Bass recipe myself now, so watch this space for my attempt at cooking it :) or better still get yourself down to Rhythym Kitchen where it is now on the menu every Friday!

To keep in touch with all the Westfield food news, check out the website here :)