Mayochup

As a treat, Mrs Mayochup took me to a Persian restaurant where she and a friend had been to before for linner (the time between lunch and dinner). The outside didn't look like much however, once you're inside and sat down, you could almost feel that you are on holiday in Iran.

We didn't have a reservation and I didn't think that would be a problem as, being 4pm, it should be empty. Well, there was more people in there than I expected and after eating, I could see why.

After we ordered, the first thing that came was the freshly brewed Persian tea.


The pot is vibrant and is sat on top of a candle which is a neat idea as it stops the tea from getting cold too quickly.

We didn't get starters as we ordered the mixed grill for two which consisted of one grilled skewer of lamb chops, one grilled skewer of chicken, two grilled skewers of minced meat with tomatoes and two portions of saffron rice with barberries.



The mixed grill for two is big enough for three or four people and the rice was enough for four! The meat on the platter was marinated beautifully and each bite was just heaven. It is one of those dishes you never get tired of eating however, due to its size, we struggled over the finish line.

The bill came and it was much cheaper than we thought and is excellent value for money. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Mrs Mayochup has never been to Borough Market before so we decided to go and see what it is all about and, on a Saturday, it is extremely busy however, you can just go slowly and you'll get to all the stalls you wish to. The market has five main sections of meat, fish, cheese, vegetables and breads and most of the cheese and bread stalls were offering free samples which we duly obliged.




After we were suitably tired, we went for linner. Linner is a term made up in the pub through a friend of mine who said we needed a name for that in-between time between lunch and dinner. After all, there is brunch.

Anyhow, I digress. We went to Camden and went to Cottons. We have been here before for the cocktails and decided to try the Jamaican food they serve there.



For starters, I had the Escovitch Crab Cakes and Mrs Mayochup went for the Salt Fish Fritters. The crab cakes came with grilled pineapple which was far too sweet and overpowering and the crab cakes didn't have enough flavour which was disappointing. The Salt Fish Fritters was just OK. Nothing special and could have done with some seasoning.




The mains, I had Banana Leaf Steamed Sea Bass Fillets and Mrs Mayochup had Whole Jerk Baby Chicken. The sea bass came wrapped in a banana leaf which was novel and it did look appealing. But that was as far as it went. I found the fish quite buttery and again, it badly needed seasoning. The jerk chicken was quite nice but could have done with more marinading.




Overall, the place is great for cocktails but for the food, I would give it a miss.