5 hot spots in London

Tabasco is 150 years old and celebrated this milestone, among other things, with a grand culinary party in London. FavorFlav’s Renée was there and reports on the hottest spots you must not miss during your next trip.

Wherever you are in the world, and whether you’re on a submarine, in a space shuttle or ‘just’ in a restaurant: Tabasco is everywhere. And it has been for quite some time, because the condiment is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. They’re celebrating not only with a limited edition – a detail: made with sparkling-wine vinegar – but also with a huge party in London, where the hottest chefs from London’s food scene serve their favourite dishes, naturally finished with a generous dash of Tabasco. We’ve listed the best dishes and accompanying hot spots for you.

Recipe: strozzapreti with tomato sauce and braised pancetta

Rocks Oyster Grill

Oysters and Tabasco: a proven combination – classic Cajun style – that you’ll find served both at Michelin-starred restaurants and at the market. That it can be even better is proven by #OysterMaster Simon Lamont of Rocks Oyster Grill. His charcoal-grilled oysters with Parmesan-Tabasco butter are flying off the counter during the party. Honestly, I’m also queuing up for a load of smokin’ hot shells for the third time.

Everything about these oysters is over the top. Creamy, briny, spicy, smoky, savoury… They demand attention on every level, and successfully so. Unfortunately, this London street-food pop-up has no permanent location, but via Facebook they’ll let you know where they’re firing up the grill. 

Jinjuu

Korean fried chicken with a sauce based on gochujang, soy and Tabasco, all served on a sweet, soft bun. ‘Nuff said, right? Celebrity chef Judy Joo knows how to bring Korean street food to the masses, not only in her television programme Korean Food Made Simple, but also at the popular Jinjuu – with locations in London and Hong Kong.

Expect fusion, and don’t pull a face at that straight away, because there’s bibimbap, bossam pork belly, bulgogi and, of course, that divine Korean fried chicken. In short: all the Korean street-food classics in one place. Bonus: they also have a special menu for vegans and a gluten-free offering, so you can come here with your entire squad. 15 Kingly Street

Bubbledogs

Hot dogs and champagne are the order of the day at Bubbledogs on Charlotte Street, which happens to be my favourite street in London. You can sleep at the Charlotte Street Hotel here (it’ll put a dent in your wallet, but you get what you pay for) and it actually doesn’t matter much where you walk in; you’re almost always in the right place on this street.

At the Tabasco party, Bubbledogs serves a banh mi hot dog with a slaw of pickled veggies, roasted-garlic mayo and Tabasco – Who’s going to bring this to market ready-made? – topped with roasted skin-on peanuts and coriander. They left the champagne out for this occasion. Such a shame, because take a look at this list and put the following address straight in your diary. 70 Charlotte Street

Tip: go for dinner at Park in Amsterdam East

Gunpowder

Gunpowder is an immensely popular and well-visited Indian home-style restaurant in Spitalfields. Don’t expect old junk and rickety chairs and tables, but a relaxed, hip spot where the surprising menu is based on family recipes.  At the Tabasco party, they served fantastic Kerala-style short ribs with tomatoes, pickled red onion, coriander and Tabasco sauce. Kerala is a state in southern India known for its fantastic spices, including pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and more. Just as in Kerala, we pull the meat from the ribs by hand. A little messy, but so delicious. 11 White’s Row

Nonna’s Gelato

Of course, we’re saving plenty of room for dessert, because none other than Sophia from Nonna’s Gelato is in the building. As an artisanal ice-cream maker, Sophia knows better than anyone how to make the ultimate cornetto yourself. I don’t know whether you’ve already seen the photo above, but my face says it all. I was as happy as a preschooler with the chocolate fondant cornetto with roasted hazelnuts. As far as I could tell, there was little or no Tabasco in the ice cream, but I didn’t mind one bit. Artisanal chocolate ice cream does the trick, because I’m definitely a Nonna’s fan from now on. Broadway Market (Saturday), Church Street Market (Sunday)