Supper Clubs offer a unique and often more relaxed way to eat out, and it’s a great way to meet new people who will already share your love of food. However, rocking up to any stranger’s home can be a little intimidating. I recently went to a local Supper Club to me in Brixton called Matango, and any reservations were soon put to ease by the huge welcoming smile of our host for the evening Carine Ottou.
Her house is quirky, beautiful, stylish and homely, which she shares with her husband and beautiful little daughter – both make a guest appearance later in the night. Carine is a professional chef and has teamed up with a new social dining booking service, Tabl. whose aim is to match food-loving guests with chefs at interesting venues. Carine also has her own chef’s booking site Inspiring Chefs. Her food is undoubtedly inspired and Matango channels different cuisines each month. I get a taste of Carine’s African heritage with traditional flavours of Cameroon.
L to R: Carine, Banana and Cassava Beignets
and Guests
White Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves
The evening starts with nibbles of Banana and Cassava Beignets and two hot dipping sauces, one more potent than the other, but both delicious adding a warming kick, which nicely offset the sweetness of the crisp and fluffy beignets. An Avocado and Mango Salad follows, which is lightly spiced and a fresh start to the meal. We move on to a beautifully presented White Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves served with Cassava Fries. This dish is ‘for the win’ – it’s vibrant, light and the delicate flavour of the banana leaves permeate through the fish adding a slight floral note.
L to R: Pepper Sauce, Smoked Chicken with Peanut Sauce,
Roasted Banana with Mango Sorbet
Next is Smoked Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Fragrant Rice. It lacks the smoke flavour, but the side of extra pepper sauce really elevates the dish to bring out some fabulous warm and earthy flavours. The meal ends with a Roasted Banana with Mango Sorbet. I’m not so keen on roasted banana, but the sorbet is full of mango flavour and a toasted coconut topping offers a good contrast of textures.
Matango Supper Club Guests
I took my close friend Otis with me, and the other guests were fun and interesting – no silent awkward pauses and full of boozy laughter. Carine’s food is cooked with heart and soul, but where she really excels is in her homemade sauces ‘Marie’s Little Jars’. They might have a sting in their tail, but the flavour sensation will most certainly give you a buzz.
A Matango Supper Club is from £25 and BYOB.
Food I Fancy dined as a guest.
looks very different, and interesting… good chance to try different food for sure!
Hey Fede – it was a lovely eve. I also liked the anticipation of not being sure of what to expect.