We are happy to be in touch again - this time with an exciting new opening in Bristol from the much-admired Sanchez-Iglesias family. We're also delighted to welcome Scotland's Ka Pao into the Tonic community and we'll be celebrating a special Smithfield x Dalston collaboration this weekend, so it really is a far-reaching affair from us this month.
We are also proud to be supporting StreetSmart's efforts in our second home, Edinburgh. Read on for the year's penultimate email - next month's full to the brim with mince pies, pigs in blankets and clementine martinis. Can't wait.
Latest news
Peter Sanchez-Iglesias to open Italian restaurant Casa in Bristol
Casa, meaning 'home' in Italian, will see the Sanchez-Iglesias family cooking Italian food again, just as they did when they launched Casamia in 1999. Peter is reviving some beloved family recipes (a gamechanging tiramisu), and serving them on cherished plateware archived over the years. But this won't just be a nostalgic experience as it's a menu of dishes reimagined (potato ravioli with Lion's Mane mushroom ragu) and entirely new. Opening on November 16th, book us in immediately.
Acme Fire Cult x 40FT and St. JOHN celebrate return of collaboration 'Eccles Cake Stout'
This November 6th, Dalston's 40FT Brewery and much-admired institution St. JOHN will celebrate the return of their collaboration beer, the Eccles Cake Stout.
40FT's sister venue, Acme Fire Cult will host a feast - for one night only. Guests lucky enough to have bagged a reservation will enjoy a selection of dishes from the St. JOHN chefs, with a special Acme Fire Cult twist (think Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad and Ox Heart Bun). The limited edition stout will be served at Acme Fire Cult, 40FT's taproom and St. JOHN Smithfield.
Tonic is now working with Scotland south east Asian restaurants Ka Pao
This month we're proud to welcome Ka Pao - one of this year's most exciting launches in Edinburgh - to the Tonic roster. Ka Pao combines the techniques and flavours of south east Asia with the best of Scottish produce (we're looking at you Arbroath smokie miang) and we can't get enough.
Trivet launches a Christmas wine pairing case, curated by Michelin award-winning sommelier Isa Bal
This Christmas, Trivet's Michelin award-winning sommelier Isa Bal has chosen six bottles of wine to pair perfectly with elements of the Christmas feast. Now available, this is Bal's first mixed case, and is available for nationwide delivery amongst 50 other wines on Trivet's online shop. Included is a sensational sparking NV Pierre Moncuit Champagne, as well as Bernahard Huber's 2019 Malterdinger Spatburgundre, which is made with 100% Pinot Noir. Read on to see what else he's chosen for the day, or better still, order yours here.
THE COSIEST PUDDINGS TO SWEETEN UP AUTUMN
As the rain begins to hammer down this season, we want to be tucked up inside our favourite restaurants, feeding our soul with something sweet. From warm cassava tart to indulgent chocolate cake, here’s our pick of the puddings you'll find us returning to this autumn.
Tiramisu at Luca
If an impromptu trip to Tuscany isn't on the cards, go for the next best thing - plates piled with crisp parmesan fries and bowls of delica pumpkin ravioli at Farringdon's Luca. Don't forget to leave room for tiramisu, though; loaded with marsala-soaked biscuits, espresso and freshly whipped cream, it might just be the best bit. Book your table here.
Cassava tart at Sarap
Head to Sarap for Chef Budgie Montoya's roast suckling pig lechon, but stay for his cassava tart - a twist on the Filipino staple cassava cake. Savour forkfuls of sweet cassava custard amongst buttery shortcrust pastry, before heading back out into the chilly streets of the West End. Book your table here.
Marmalade bread and butter pudding at The Chelsea Pig
The King's Road surely remains one of the best Christmas shopping destinations? Next time you're there, why not indulge at The Chelsea Pig with the bread and butter pudding? This one's laced with tangy marmalade and served with a nutty toast ice cream; the perfect end to a comforting meal of British classics. Book a table here.
French toast with caramelised apples at The Colony Grill Room
Comfort food doesn't get more refined than french toast at The Beaumont's Colony Grill Room. Settle into the plush Mayfair grill and await a generous portion of pillowy french toast, served with sweet caramelised apples and a scoop of brown butter ice cream. Pairing of H&H 20 year old Terrantez Madeira, of course, always recommended. Book in here.
Stevie's twice-cooked chocolate cake at Pastaio
A bowl of handmade pasta, followed by a slice of twice-cooked chocolate cake at this Soho pasta joint from Stevie Parle, will be sure to cure all autumn ills. Expect ultimate satisfaction at Pastaio as your fork melts through a layer of light, mousse-like chocolate and hits a rich, fudgy chocolate cake below. Time you booked in here.
THE AULD REEKIE REPORT
We're proud to be working with and supporting StreetSmart's brilliant annual campaign to raise money to help the homeless in Scotland. Read on to find out which restaurants are participating in Edinburgh and St Andrews, including Tonic's very own The Palmerston and Ka Pao.
Psst... next month's Tonic Grapevine will include all our festive news, exciting new openings and more.
See you guys in December x