The Owl and the Pussycat, Shoreditch

Well, it isn't often that I am lost for words, but there comes a day and that day was last Sunday.
I began exploring this new "boozer" in the downstairs bar by sampling the surprisingly good selection of bitters. Settling on the Fortyniner I took a stroll into the beer garden, while getting a real good feel for the place. Despite it having been open for a mere 2 weeks it felt like it had always been there. A comfortable feeling of belonging.
I really like the open space, chance for a quick cig and mingling with the "trendy" crowd lets you lose your inhibitions and forget about the over 10 year age gap.
I'd have loved to spend all my time downstairs, but the dining room table was calling me from afar, so I ventured upstairs...
The room had an unobtrusive style, a warmth which made you want to stay. I was greeted with warmth by staff busily running to and fro with what seemed to be genuine smiles on their faces.
A good start, no a very good start.
After being seated I scanned the menu, and was instantly awed. Simple, yet inspiring. After much deliberation I decided on bone marrow on toast, followed by trotter sausage with champ, despite the fact that I rarely go for bangers.
A half Pilsner to whet the appetite and keep me company while an orchestra of scents swirled around me.
I was lost, lost in gastronomia without a map or directions, but I never felt the need to ask "where to from here?".
My starter threw me back to the olden days of mum's kitchen, anxiously awaiting the toast and marrow. Lush!
My companion was a bottle of Samur, a single grape Cabernet Franc which, with it's subtle earthliness brought me back to the ground.
I was finally home.
For my main course I dare not utter one single word, for it would be considered blasphemy. Bliss doens't even scratch the heels of where I was.
I could go on and on, but rather than boring you, I say just one thing; go there and see for yourself or forever live blind.
Thank you!

27 Oct 2010 00:01