I don't eat out much - not only to save money, but also because such great food is cooked at home exactly the way I like it (so why pay more for something that is not as delicious?).
However, when I do eat out, it is important to me that I see that the establishment respects food and the environment as much as possible. This includes sourcing local and quality produce, organic or even biodynamic produce where possible, perhaps using foraged ingredients and ideally giving something back to society. Of course, as these types of eateries are not widespread and others claim to be "sustainable" when this is possibly more "greenwash" than anything else, I can't always support those that are worthy of it.
Here is (the beginning of) a list of eateries I have either tried out, heard about or go to regularly. Eventually, I would like to make it international, but for now I am starting with London...
As always, if you have any to add to the list or any comments to make on already listed establishments, give me a shout!
Covent Garden and Spitalfields, London (UK)
Owned and run by two women (Sue and Anne Marie, I think!), this is my favourite lunch place in the world. I am a regular at this little take away place, which has a different savoury menu on a daily basis (during the working week): huge range of freshly made salads, from which I have drawn inspiration for new salads to make at home, delicious quiches, pastries and pies, properly filling hot meals. For those who prefer a more traditional English lunch, there are also sandwiches and some quick to grab lunchboxes. The fantastic cakes eternally tempt me - some made by Kastner & Ovens themselves, others bought in from Konditor & Cook (Curly Whirly chocolate cake is a signature of the latter, as well as their wonderful mince pies which are only available in the run up to Christmas).
Sue says that they use local ingredients where possible, and also pay attention to the quality of the produce they receive. That explains why their food is so good! They are also not shy of using their leftovers, which I have to say has delighted me many times (I liked the turkey stroganoff with mash and red cabbage even more the second day it was served, and can never get enough of their sweet potato, potato and sage bake).
The original shop is in Covent Garden, but I suppose, judging by the queues that form and therefore the apparent success of their business, they decided to expand and opened a new shop in the Spitalfields area some time ago.
The original shop is in Covent Garden, but I suppose, judging by the queues that form and therefore the apparent success of their business, they decided to expand and opened a new shop in the Spitalfields area some time ago.
Covent Garden (Neal's Yard), London (UK)
This café, according to its website is "an independent leading-edge eatery created around the art of feeling good" and you can feel it when you walk into it. It prides itself in its so-called "sunfood" which is "raw-centric". They go foraging for a lot of the food they prepare, and serve delicious bread and superfoods of a high standard. Their wines are normally organic or even biodynamic. It is probably more appropriate for a light, yet tasty and nutritious meal than a filling feast. I love watching how they prepare the food in the open plan kitchen with such attention and care.
Also, nearby is the related Wild Juice Bar also in Neal's Yard. A little pricey, but amazing ingredients and decadent smoothies. Well worth a treat every now and then!
Vauxhall, London (UK)
I love that they are BYO*, that they have rotating volunteer chefs, which means you get international cuisine, and that they supposedly create a community feel in the area. They are also vegetarian. Other pluses apparently include dinner by candlelight and by a lit fireplace. When I went with a friend, the candles were there (I didn't notice the fireplace - but perhaps I forgot to look for it to be fair), and the food was delicious. It made us both very happy! Definitely going back.
I love that they are BYO*, that they have rotating volunteer chefs, which means you get international cuisine, and that they supposedly create a community feel in the area. They are also vegetarian. Other pluses apparently include dinner by candlelight and by a lit fireplace. When I went with a friend, the candles were there (I didn't notice the fireplace - but perhaps I forgot to look for it to be fair), and the food was delicious. It made us both very happy! Definitely going back.
*BYO is a concept I first came across in Australia, which is unfortunately less widely spread in the UK. It stands for "Bring Your Own" bottle of wine (or other alcohol I suppose!) and is used by restaurants that are unlicensed. This is great, because you are not dependent on taking a gamble on probably not so special and overpriced wine supplied by the restaurant itself.
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