Happy St David’s Day! Let the country’s mascot daffodils remind you that spring is around the corner, and we can look forward to a brilliant bounty of new ingredients arriving imminently.
February saw us open Lahpet’s fantastic new site in the West End; launch achingly cool new bar Sweeties at The Standard; and congratulate our clients on their Michelin accolades. Arguments about reliability aside, Michelin is still the guide to be recognised by and we’re so happy for them all… more on that below.
This month, we're proud to start representing Casamia and Paco Tapas – Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’ Bristol (Michelin-starred) restaurants. If you’ve not been yet, we’ll be rounding you up for a day trip very soon.
Pob Hwyl! (So long!)
Trivet awarded its first Michelin star
We were thrilled to see Trivet, the London restaurant from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal, awarded its first Michelin star in the 2022 guide. First opened in November 2019, the Bermondsey dining room was credited by Michelin for Chef Lake’s “fuss-free, assured cooking”. Star dishes include the Drunken Lobster with Trivet Noodles, and the Hokkaido Potato dessert. Book your table to try them both.
Trivet's Isa Bal wins Michelin Sommelier Award 2022
Not only did Trivet garner a star, but did the double with Head Sommelier Isa Bal winning Michelin’s prestigious Sommelier Award 2022. Wine is at the very heart of the Trivet experience, with Bal’s 450-strong wine list encouraging guests to try something a little different. Michelin said the award was given for Isa's “fascinating wine list and his passionate approach, particularly to lesser-known regions”.
Burnt Orange awarded a Bib Gourmand
We were also pleased to see our friends in Brighton, Burnt Orange, awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin guide this year too. From the team behind The Coal Shed and The Salt Room, the restaurant’s “vibrant” Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates are worthy winners of the award, given to restaurants that provide both quality and value. Book a table, and keep both your pocket and tastebuds happy.
Jun Tanaka retains his star at The Ninth
Not that we ever expected otherwise, but it is a delight to see Jun Tanaka’s stunning work at The Ninth retain its Michelin star for yet another year – an accolade it has held since its first year of opening in 2015. Jun’s beautiful take on French cuisine with a Mediterranean edge is designed to share, but we’ll take a pain perdu for ourselves every time. Make your reservation, and find out what makes it an enduring favourite.
Peter Sanchez-Iglesias retains Michelin stars at both Casamia and Paco Tapas
We’d also like to congratulate Peter Sanchez-Iglesias on retaining stars at Casamia and Paco Tapas, his Bristol restaurants and brand new Tonic clients (more on that below). Expect fine dining with a twist at 20-course tasting menu specialists Casamia (book here) while Paco Tapas elevates Andalusian snacking to a new level (book here).
Latest News
The Standard, London launches new cocktail bar, Sweeties
Sweeties, a new cocktail bar situated on the 10th floor of The Standard, London, has opened its doors. Serving a menu of naturally mood-boosting cocktails by award-winning mixologists Jack Sotti and Todd Austin, the Shawn Hausman-designed bar will play host to an evolving line-up of international DJs against the backdrop of the London skyline. Book here.
Oklava founders announce Quince + Co hospitality consultancy
Oklava co-founders Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie have announced the launch of their new hospitality consultancy business Quince + Co. Drawing on Kiazim and Christie's 32 years of experience in the industry, Quince + Co will offer start-to-finish guidance to hospitality businesses, providing conceptual development, practical training and financial advice.
Butchies launches Ealing site with 100-sandwich giveaway
Fried chicken sandwich specialists Butchies will in Ealing on 19th March. To celebrate, they will give away 100 of their famed ‘OG Sandwiches’ to the first 100 guests from 12 noon on opening day. Butchies will also mark the launch by donating meals to local homeless charity Ealing Soup Kitchen. If you can't wait until the 19th, order yours for delivery here.
Tonic Communications to represent Michelin-starred Casamia and Paco Tapas in Bristol
Tonic is pleased to announce that we now work with Michelin-starred restaurants Casamia and Paco Tapas. The Bristol restaurants by celebrated chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias – who Londoners will know from his stunning food at Decimo at The Standard, London – have joined the Tonic family as new clients.
Chef Spotlight: Shaulan Steenson
In the first of our new series, we are shining a light on the brilliant Shaulan Steenson, Executive Chef at TEMAKI, and a man whose knowledge of rice knows no bounds.
Steenson’s knowledge and skillful approach to Japanese cooking was honed at some of the country’s most revered sushi institutes – including Tokyo’s Hakkoku and Sushijin in Toyama Bay – while his CV also includes stints at London’s Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants.
Now, Steenson is bringing this expertise to TEMAKI’s sushi counter in Brixton, creating the restaurant’s elegant namesake handrolls and much more to high standards of authenticity and quality.
Rice is Steenson’s specialism, with his closely guarded secret recipe for golden Uruchimai rice at the heart of TEMAKI’s menu. Traditionally made with a hangiri (半切 or 飯切) – a round, flat-bottomed wooden tub – and a shamoji (杓文字, しゃもじ) paddle, the rice is mixed with the vinegar, sugar and salt to achieve just-perfect potency.
Using a blend of Akazu (Japanese red vinegar), Steenson follows a precise technique for mixing it into the rice to give each grain a beautiful golden shine and deeply aromatic flavour.
To try Shaulan's handrolls first hand, make your TEMAKI booking here.
