Comfort Food Heaven!

When I want comfort food, I buy Maltesers. I like all chocolates, but especially those. You can eat them, and because they're so light, you can convince yourself that they are not actually that fattening.

David Walliams

Last weekend I had a particularly shite day – there it is – shit, as they say, happens! Now I know to get punters reading my blog want to read uplifting, interesting, positive stuff so, I know a starter like this isn’t going to win friends and influence but wait; shit does indeed happen however, it’s what you do when it happens is what counts.

Did I go home miserable, did I go to bed early with a frown on my face, did I have a little weep? Nope, none of those, I did what I do when I need solace, I went out for something to eat!

At times like this I opt for comfort food and I like to have a few appropriate restaurants in my speed dial just in case. For those in need of a little something that simply puts a smile on your face, here’s a selection of my favourites which I know is very parochial however, I’m sure it will give you some ideas in your own neck of the woods 😊

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing speak comfort food more than a grilled cheese sandwich and there are none finer than the sandwich served at The Cheese Bar in Camden Market.

Ah, the humble toastie. Who knew what simple pleasures can be had from squishing bread and cheese under heat. The chaps at The Cheese Bar know their stuff when it comes to comfort food. There are five types of sandwich on offer but the stilton bacon and pear chutney is the one to try for the ultimate treat and is my absolute fave! The bread is crisp on the outside (for that all-important crunch) with a soft centre, and the salty yet sweet filling delights the taste buds.

Pie!

Specifically, pie at the Battersea Pie Station! Now London is famous for it’s “pie and liquor”, liquor not like a glass of Merlot, liquor as in as sauce traditionally made using the water kept from the preparation of the stewed eels, and served with a side order of jellied eels and cockles – and yes, whilst I am a huge exponent of tradition, this one you can stick right up your…… They do serve pie and liquor at the Battersea Pie Station to support the traditionalists however, thank the lord, it’s not compulsory! The pies at this place may not look like the prettiest pastries but don’t be fooled, these beauties deliver on taste BIG time. The pastry is beautifully browned and would make Paul Hollywood proud (and there's not a soggy bottom in sight). Perhaps it’s a heritage thing however, my favourite is the Steak & Meantime Stout – to die for! As well as the dreaded liquor, this spot also boasts a whole range of accompaniments, like creamy mash or crispy tatties tossed in garlic and rosemary, phew!!

Mac and Cheese

Comfort food and cheese plays a big part in my comfort food ingredients and nothing says satisfaction like watching melted cheese fall off your fork as you dive into a portion of steaming mac and cheese at Mac and Wild on Great Titchfield St. The dish marries together two spectacularly hearty ingredients for the ultimate taste sensation. Some would say it’s hard to top the humble pasta n’ cheese combination, but this Scottish spot does just that — by adding truffle, yep, we’re talking posh mac and cheese! It’s a tale of two sides, the bottom creamy and rich and the top crisped to perfection. There is also have a haggis version if you're after something a little meatier.

Pizza

Yes, we’re still on a bit of a grilled cheese theme, what can I say – it’s my default comfort food! Now, there are TONS of really, really good Pizzerias in London however, Sodo, again in Hoxton, have refined a lovely little twist. As the name may suggest, rather than the traditional pizza base, Sodo makes their bases from a sourdough that has been fermenting for 48 hours! The Pizzas are then baked at over 450 degrees which guarantees that light and airy texture. Pizza Nivarna! My default comfort pizza is their sublime “Wicker Man”, a combination of tomato, mozzarella, cobble lane nduja & pepperoni, mascarpone & scotch bonnet chilli honey – yes it’s a little spicy but after all, we’re looking for comfort so a little warmth just hits the spot.

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate just had to be in here didn’t it – a comfort food list without chocolate is just all kinds of wrong! So, for those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate mousse at Petit Pois Bistro on Hoxton Square will NOT disappoint. Sadly, you can’t just go there an order mousse, which is no real bad thing as the food in general there is fabulous, however, if it’s the chocolate that’s needed, I usually skip the starter then I don’t have to wait too long! The mousse itself arrives ceremonially and lovingly in the very large mixing bowl in which it’s been adoringly created, before being portioned out to hungry diners. At this point I hope for one of the male waiters so I can use my doe eyes to elicit an extra big bowl full – I now have this off to a fine art! Contrary to most comfort food, it’s light and airy, but packs a punch with flavour. It’s silky and lip-smackingly indulgent

What’s on this week?