An Edible Voyage

June 2020 It was love at first bite and, ever since, Gatineau in Summertown has been a favourite of mine.   The croissants are perfectly crisp on the outside and delightfully soft in the middle, the kind where you can pull the end and the light and airy middle will tumble out.   Pain aux raisins balance generous spirals of creme patissiere and raisins without being overly sweet and sickly, and the colourful display of beautifully crafted patisserie always makes it a challenge to choose. Le Cappuccino is a decadent summery alternative to an iced coffee - coffee soaked sponge and silky coffee custard wrapped in a crisp white chocolate cup with a little crunchy biscuit on top. If matcha is your thing, go for the matcha sponge soaked in a tart passion fruit syrup, balanced by sweet and fruity raspberry jelly.  In case this isn't luscious enough, it's topped with a creamy yet airy Opalys 33% whipped ganache and gold flecks. ...

September 2019 I had this cheesecake at a very cool cafe, however unfortunately I never established it's name...  Inside was a glorious mixture of colourful art, small sculptures and mis-matched seating, with cushions outside for lazy afternoons and long summer evenings.  The menu was in Ukrainian and the staff spoke no English, but there was an enticing display of sweet treats to choose from, and a coffee can be ordered in any language right?! I was particularly taken with the matcha and chia raw cheesecake - it was a little bland, and had an unusual jelly-like from the chia, however I loved this place for it's vibe, Ukrainianess, and the eclectic selection of art to admire.   Find it on Nyzhnii Val St - look for the outside cushions, just west from Veterano Brownie.

April 2020 This is an adaptation of a recipe I saw.  Half an avocado blended with coconut water, apple juice, a handful of almond, a generous chunk of ginger, and a teaspoon of matcha.  The sweetness of the apple is offset by the matcha, the avocado gives a creaminess and makes it more substantial, and the ginger adds a spicy kick as well as all its health benefits. Perfect way to start the day, or as a post workout pick me up.

March 2020 I was very excited by this concept and couldn't wait to try it.  Imagawayaki, or wheel cakes, are a Taiwanese hand-held wheel of pancake enclosing a flavoured custard - matcha, chocolate, adzuki bean...  This had the potential to have a crispy outside and fluffy middle, oozing with sweet custard offset by matcha.  Unfortunately it was a bit soggy, I think from being cooked in batches earlier in the day, and the matcha was incredibly bitter.  But if you manage to get your hands on a fresh one, I think they could be great! Find it at Wheelcake Island, Seven Dials Market, London.