I’m not much of a hot drink drinker, so teas and coffees rarely feature in my day-to-day consumption. I like coffee but prefer it mixed with something else like tiramisu or a coffee and walnut cake. Or, if I’m in need of a pick-me-up then I’ll knock back a warm espresso shot. Recently I discovered a new way of drinking it, and that’s in a Martini, an Espresso Martini.
I tried this at a tasting event at The Forge and Foundry, Camden. The Forge and Foundry used to be two separate entities; The Forge was the music and arts venue and next to it, The Foundry, that served food. About a year ago these merged into one unique interchangeable venue with interiors reminiscent of a smaller Royal Festival Hall. Depending on the night the music played is generally classical, jazz and world. It has just launched a new music event every Saturday called Fired Up at the Forge with free entry from 7.30pm. The venue will play host to the best of new and breaking talent across the UK, focusing on live music and DJ sets.
The music side looks impressive, but I’m all about the food and Espresso Martini. The Martini is a very simple cocktail recipe that was created in Soho, London, in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell. It consists of: 37.5ml premium Vodka, 12.5ml Kalhua, 25ml fresh Espresso and ice to shake. It looks like a Guinness with its foamy, white head and dark underside, but the martini glass gives it a Sex in the City look – I like. It is really strong in taste, not bitter and smooth, you can tell that the cocktail heavily relies on the quality of the coffee beans.
In this instance the beans are made using a variety called Santos Dark, which is cultivated in the Brazilian mountains. A local chap named George, grinds these beans just down the road from the venue. He uses really old machines to toast the beans, some of which date back to about 1910, all of which add to its depth of flavour. And boy, the drink is potent. I had three during the event and was up until 4am buzzing.
Gourmet Ploughman’s Platters
Food wise, we share a few Gourmet Ploughman’s Platters for the table. This was loaded with a very fine selection of honey roast ham, Parma ham, Keens mature cheddar, Blacksticks blue, fruits and pickles – the quality top notch.
Duck a L’Orange
For mains, I had a twist to the classic duck a l’orange, which was a generously sized and perfectly cooked duck breast with an orange cream and plantain chips. Flavours overall balanced nicely and good textures apart from the addition of pulpy banana wedged in between the plantain chips, which was simply not needed and a bit odd.
Tocino del Cielo
I was really undecided about the dessert, but was recommended the Tocino del Cielo. I didn’t know at the time that it’s a Spanish crème caramel and should have enquired further before ordering because I don’t like crème caramel. It’s the egginess of it, just can’t do it. So no fault of the dish itself, just wasn’t for me – the vanilla cream and dusting of caramel was delish though.
If you’re looking for good food in the Camden area, in a lovely venue, then The Forge and Foundry is the place for you. They serve à la carte as well as a less expensive lunch menu. The à la carte prices range from: starters £5-£9, mains £15 – £22+ and desserts £6 -£8.
The Forge and Foundry
3 – 7 Delancey Street
Camden Town
London, NW1 7NL
Tel: 020 7387 5959
Food I Fancy dined as a guest.
