Rocking steak at Roxie

Ladies who lunch/dine/enjoy consuming food are generally well provided for in Fulham. There are tons of options for salads, "light bites", sushi and the like, but when a girl wants steak (juicy, bloody, deliciously carnivorous steak) suddenly the options seem either super swanky, super expensive, or just plain super-size. That's why we thought the concept behind Roxie, on the Fulham Road, was such a good one. A beautifully designed 'steak and wine cafe', it was conceived as a lighter and more casual way to get your meaty fix (with fishy and salad-based fixes too, for those who lean that way) with lighter fillets as standard, and a beautiful selection of wines, cocktails, salads and side orders to build around your meat.

When we were invited down last week, we were struck by the friendly and casual atmosphere, the décor at once sleek, modern and inviting. And once we got over that... we were struck by the food. Although the options are by no means ground-breaking, the steak is done to a T, and because you build a meal out of smaller dishes, it makes for a really convivial evening. The starters and mains mostly come with a small side salad, so for those on a diet, you needn't overdo it: but we recommend you do.To accompany our surf and turf (light fillet and sizzling prawns) and flame-grilled ribeye and fillet strips, we chose some devilishly good (and devilishly fatty, I'm sure) homemade double-cooked chips, a refreshing greek salad and lashings of bearnaise sauce and garlic butter. The starters are also a bit of a must: lemon and herb prawns were sizzlingly flavoursome, and the seared scallops with jerusalem artichoke puree and pancetta had us signalling our appreciation through a series of smacked lips, mmm noises and other (probably unladylike) sound effects.

Washed down with a bottle of Argentine Torrontes, and a healthy splash into the cocktail menu, the evening was spot on for ladies (and gents - all steaks come with the option of sizing up to standard, large or 'ravenous') looking for a much needed catch-up dinner with friends and loved ones. The staff are super-friendly, the service unpressured, and there are plenty of options on the menu everyone should like, so you can sit back, enjoy your food and concentrate on good times with friends. Now go forth, and get thy protein fix.

Roxie Steak and Wine Cafe

803 Fulham Road

London SW6 5HE

For bookings call: 0207 371 5785

Apologies for the lack of interior shots, they came out all fuzzy. But check out Roxie's gallery for an idea - it's really gorgeous!

The Moroccan Madness is Back! Soul Saturdays

 

Following the success of last summer’s ‘Moroccan Soul Saturday’ event organized by drummer and entertainment-extraordinaire Russell Cowie it's no surprise that it’s back with a bang this year on Saturday 28th July. With a rotational set by four gorgeous DJ’s which will include everything from Raggae, Dubstep to Dan Browne’s seriously hot house mixes, the party will be one to remember. 

 

Those who went last year (our review here) will remember the blazing sunshine, flowing cocktails and beautiful people partying on the roof of swanky Kings Road hotspot, Kings Club. Kicking off at 12pm and going on all afternoon, Soul Saturdays is an intoxicating and heady mix of day-time partying and Moroccan-style lounging (think day beds and champagne à la St Tropez). 

                                             

RSVP is essential and recommended sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment, join the facebook event to RSVP and for updates and further details.

Dates for your Diary: June and July

Although it may not feel that way, summer is upon us and there's plenty of fun to be had in Fulham over the next 6 weeks or so. Here's our round up of events you won't want to miss.

Eurovision madness at Bunga Bunga - from 22nd June:

The excitement of Jedward, the Dink and all at Baku may feel like a distant memory, but you needn't wait for Stockholm 2013 for your next Eurovision fix. Bunga Bunga, best known for its exquisitely kitsch Italian theme, is opening up its second floor to host the The EDC - Euro Disco Club, an entire nightclub dedicated to the world’s most kitsch competition: The Eurovision Song Contest. The walls will be covered with memorabilia from this annual institution, including gold discs, photographs of Jedward and Terry Wogan, and oversized blinds embossed with Abba, Scooch and other Euro Hall of Fame legends. 

Open each Friday and Saturday from June 22nd

Bunga Bunga

37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11

                              

Jazz nights at Del Aziz - Thursdays and Del Aziz Fulham Broadway

Thursday nights at Del Aziz are fairly eclectic. Whilst you chow down on their legendary Middle Eastern fare, treat your earbuds to their live performances of global pop and jazz. On June 21st, Aimee Penman will take to the stage to show off her versatile voice, with an act comprising of easy listening pop, folk, jazz and and classic. On June 28th, it will be Mel Pashova's turn to perform, with her act of jazz standards and modern classics. 

                                            

Celebrating Fulham Festival - Saturday June 30th to Sunday July 8th:

A whole week dedicated to celebrating our favourite borough, what could be better? Highlights include:

‘Elizabeth to Elizabeth’ - Tuesday 3 July, Great Hall, Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, SW6, 7.30pm

Concert trio ‘In Voice and Verse’ celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Actor Lance Pierson, soprano Belinda Yates and pianist Heather Chamberlain present a pageant of readings and music from across the centuries to celebrate the Nation’s Monarchs and highlights of our history.

The music includes pieces by Handel, Beethoven, Purcell, Holst and Britten, as well as ‘Rule Britannia’ and the National Anthem. The words will include poetry by Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Milton, Tennyson and John Betjeman. Tickets £12.00 available from the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, 0871 22 11728,or http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on and view Events Elsewhere or type Fulham Palace into the search box.  Further information  020 3080 0655 or info@fulham.society.org

The Fulham Swish  - Thursday  5 July, Durell Arms, 704 Fulham Road, SW6 5SB, 6.30pm

Swishing is a fantastic way for you to breathe new life into your outfits for free and involves a group of people together to swap unwanted clothes. 

Bring between one and five items of clothing, pairs of shoes, bags or accessories. Items must be clean, good condition and something that you are proud to hand on. No children’s clothes please. Booking is required as places are limited. Email  swishing@lbhf.gov.uk 020 8753 1888

Fair on the Green, Saturday, July 7,  12 noon to 5pm

A fabulous day out for all the family. Two live stages of music and entertainment, over a hundred stalls, a food court, bouncy castles, Punch and Judy, carousels,  magician’s, climbing frame, fun fair,  and much much more. Call 020 7731 3964 for more details

Paggliaccio Cup, Sunday, July 8, South Park, Fulham

This youth football tournament is free for youngsters between the ages of five and 16. For more information 02073715253, www.paggs.co.uk

Bat Walk, Sunday, July 8 Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, SW6 6EA, 9.00 pm

Bat Walk around the Gardens of Fulham Palace, led by John Tovey of the London Bat Group.  Meet at the pedestrian entrance to the Palace Grounds. Wear solid footwear and bring a torch! Please ring 020 3080 0655 to confirm your attendance. This is a free event but donations to the London Bat Group are welcomed.

                                    

Concours D'Elegance - The Hurlingham Club, 4th/5th.6th July

This yearly event is pretty much Fulham's most glamorous luxury event. If you like champagne, powerboats, helicopters and sweet cars, Concours D'Elegance will more than likely float your boat (excuse the pun). Enjoy the Hurlingham's beautiful gardens, attend lectures from the world's leading style authorities and learn about the heritage of these fine goods whilst you browse, and maybe even treat yourself. Buy your tickets on their website here.

                                                      

Dayzed and Confused at Broadway House - Saturday July 14th, from 3pm - 10pm:

Held on the roof terrace of members' club Broadway House, soak up the sunshine (hopefully), New York vibe and plenty of champagne whilst you party to the sounds of DJ duo LIV3 RAT (billed as DEAD MAU5's evil twin) and DJ Optimus Times. May's event was a massive success, so July's event is sure to sell out quickly: snap up your ticket here before they're all gone.

                                     

Alice in Wonderland, cycle theatre tour - Chelsea, 18th to 22nd of July

RBKC Bikeminded have already brought us a plethora of interesting cycle tours, themed around things as diverse as Bond, Music and Cupcakes. This July they have teamed up with the Exquisite Folly theatre group to create an innovative and interactive storytelling concept. Follow Alice's adventures around Wonderland (aka Chelsea) on your bike and rediscover Lewis Carroll's classic tale in a way you won't have seen it before. Tickets available here.

New menu, same charm at The Hurlingham

The Hurlingham on Wandsworth Bridge Road is an institutional Fulham pub thanks to its impressive beer selection, recognisable kooky decor and mismatch furniture. Famed for many a wild party during any Rugby tournament and the 'Hurly Burger' it has long been a firm favourite for many fulhamites. Always keen to support independent local businesses and more importantly always keen for a glass of cold white wine after a day in the office it was without hesitation that I accepted the offer to try their new menu last week. 

                                          

Still in its teething stages the new menu is very much open to local opinion and feedback. Hearty comfort food has taken the place of less exciting pub food and favourites of ours included the lasagne, chicken curry and chili con carne. With all main course dishes now under £10 and portions bigger than ever it makes for an ideal post work-out, pre pay-day dinner option. 

                                      

                                      

To start we had calamari which was crispy and delicious and lightly battered king prawns which also were pleasantly un-oily and light, not always a given with pub seafood. We were guided by a lovely waitress with our menu choices and were not disappointed. It seemed she instinctively knew what type of evening we were in the mood for and recommended accordingly- it is worth asking their opinion as they have tried and tested all the new dishes and are more than happy to give honest advice. 

                 

The pub was inviting and cosy on the rainy evening that we visited and we were delighted to curl up by the fire over a bottle of delicious Sauvignon Blanc and plates of piping hot comfort food- perfect! It's also worth noting that they have wine Wednesdays, comedy nights and a weekly quiz nights if you're looking for something more lively! 

                                     

Blue Elephant Revisited

It was a sad day indeed when the legendary Blue Elephant shut its doors in Fulham Broadway (our previous glowing reviews are here and here). It had been long known for its excellent food, served in extremely exotic surroundings (it had a Koi river, people!) and was a bit of an institution. However, a collective sigh of relief was breathed when they reported they weren’t closing down, but simply moving premises, to a riverside location in Imperial Wharf, conveniently, for me at least, just a stone’s throw from my face. Obviously, I had to go check it out.

The new venue has a totally different vibe from the last. What was once dense jungle, dark woods, scattered flowers and flowing water is now much more slick, elegant and pared back. The ambience is undeniably exotic, and very Thai: you still feel like you’re on holiday (there’s plenty of light, and although no koi river, the actual Thames is right outside), but you feel more like you’re in a 5 star restaurant than a rainforest.

The looks may have changed, but in substance the Blue Elephant is just the same as ever. This food is expensive, but it is top notch, expert and creative Thai cuisine, full of delicious, fresh and surprising flavours and the cocktail list is the perfect exotic complement. We kicked off proceedings with the fantastically refreshing (and fairly potent) Golden Ice Tea and the sweet ‘n’ sharp Passionfruit Mojito, before cleansing our palates with the complementary Tom Kah Soup amuse bouche. I always find an amuse bouche a nice touch (particularly when you’ve spent a fortune on the main) and the soup did not disappoint. Although not the most inventive soup, it was coconut smooth, yet sharp and zingy – you can buy this as a starter dish, so I’d definitely recommend it.

The starters were certainly adventurous: we ate wild catch tiger prawn and crispy catfish and mango salad. The prawns were really spot on, and the chilli mango element of my salad was really delicious, however, there seemed to be a bit much crispy and not enough catfish for my tastes. Still: in principle a gorgeous dish, and I hope I was just a bit unlucky.

But if I didn’t get enough fish in my starter, my main certainly made up for it. My Pla Rad Prik (deep fried whole seabass topped with garlic, chilli, sweet basil and red curry paste) was huge, packed with meat and flavour. Although it didn’t come with any accompaniments, there was enough flavours and textures in that dish to set you up for the evening alone. The boy’s lamb chops with red rice stir fry, wild basil, garlic and black pepper was also quite an exciting dish: very spicy, but full of contrasting and interesting tastes.

The bill did come in at rather a lot, but the Blue Elephant still serves the finest and most exciting Thai food I’ve tasted in West London. The riverside location feels elegant and gracefully luxurious (even if it lacks the wow factor of the previous premises), and for a special occasion I can still give it a wholehearted thumbs up.

The Blue Elephant 

The Boulevard

Imperial Wharf

Townmead Road

London SW6 2UB

www.blueelephant.com/london

Get the Jam Jars in!

Last week I drank 15 cocktails in approximately 3 hours. Now this may seem boastful, crude and more than a little lad-ish, but let me explain. It was all for a good cause, and I hope some of you may even benefit from it. The occasion was the Jam Tree's Cocktail Committee - a committee of local "experts" brought together to taste all of the contenders for their new cocktail menu, with the aim of whittling down 15 to the ultimate drinks list.

So, on a beautiful sunny Wednesday, I dutifully lined by stomach, and plunged right in. 15 drinks, 3 hours and, thankfully, a belly full of the Jam Tree's famous hot wings, asian squid and vegetable somosas later, the committee had spoken. Each drink was introduced by the barman that had created it, and we marked each for taste, appearance and originality. We had weird, we had wacky and we had lots of tasty. We drank the Marmalady out of a jam jar (this was a recurring theme) with an accompany mini-pot of marmalade vodka jelly. The Pearl Jam came with popping candy, and the Jaffaholics Anonymous tasted uncannily like an alcoholic jaffa cake. Both the All England Club and the Jelly Dream would have made the perfect desserts, tasting of strawberries and cream and Reese's Pieces as they did, whilst the Royale Tree and Dreadlock Rasta were fruity, yet sophisticated perfection.

It was a fantastic way to spend a Wednesday evening, sampling away to our heart's content in the Jam Tree's sunny garden with a fabulous group of locals and amazing hospitality from the pub's management and bar staff. I can't wait to see which make it on to the menu! Have a look at all the drinks below (except for the Fig Tree: sorry, I didn't get a picture of that fig-jam wonderment) - which do you think look the tastiest? And which have the best names?

The Jam Tree
541 King's Road
London SW6 2EB

All England Club

Jaffaholics Anonymous

Pearl Jam

Wham Bam Thank You Jam

Basil Faulty

Alabama Jammer

Bison's Kiss

Dreadlock Rasta

Jamhattan

Jelly Dream

Marmalady

Wu Jam Clan

Royale Tree

Ru Bar