Sunday 11 March 2012

Brunch & Co's Event #7 - Our British seafood inspired brunch today was a huge hit!!

Photo by Haf Saba

The scene was set for a fun event as we went all out on the decoration front with bunting strewn across our underground restaurant, specially made “London” napkins, and old style English roses to decorate the table. There was definitely some Cath Kidston channelling going on...

Photo by Melvin Lau

Photo by Haf Saba
We had a lovely bunch of guests this month – one special guest, Kenneth, chose Brunch & Co to celebrate his recent birthday with a couple of his pals.  Happy Birthday again Kenneth J.


Photo by Melvin Lau

Today we welcomed all with a very thirst quenching British drink, Pimms & ginger ale along with a homemade lemon iced tea.


Photo by Melvin Lau

To get the party started food-wise we had special mini scones, organic raisin ones and cheese ones, handmade by our wonderful guest helper for this month, Hwee Yin.  Thanks so much Hwee Yin!  (Anybody interested in beautiful baked goods please get in touch and I will pass you Hwee Yin’s contact details – she supplies some of the best cafes in town!)


Photo by Haf Saba

I particularly enjoyed coming up with this month’s menu.  Our version of the classic “Prawn Cocktail”!

Photo by Haf Saba

It consisted of layers of shredded jicama infused with a punchy Thai dressing, prawns coated in the classic Prawn cocktail dressing and topped with some pan fried spicy fresh prawns marinated in a lemongrass & ginger marinade.  This was served with freshly made Irish Soda bread & Welsh butter.

Photo by Melvin Lau

For our main course, we served layers of smoked salmon along side creamy scrambled eggs, asparagus drizzled with lemon infused olive oil, avocado and homemade pesto brimming with toasted pinenuts & fresh basil.
Photo by Haf Saba
Photo by Melvin Lau
Today’s sorbet course was an unusual flavor of watermelon, salt & chilli.  

Photo by Haf Saba
Just a hint & a tiny little zing to cleanse the palates of our lovely guests, I think they really enjoyed this one!
Photo by Melvin Lau
Our final course was an apple, maple syrup & stem ginger crumble served with homemade vanilla ice cream or for those who preferred hand whipped (by Hwee Yin’s powerful arms!!) fresh cream.

Photo by Haf Saba

I tried out an interesting little tip I found in a cookbook called “Bryn’s Kitchen” where he suggested baking the crumble topping separately and adding at the last minute to the apple mixture so it stays nice and crunchy & crisp. 
Photo by Melvin Lau

There was a lot of taste testing going on of the crumble topping mixture that is for sure, very moreish!!  Hmmm, I might add some of the leftovers to my cereal tomorrow morning!

Photo by Melvin Lau

Our little name tags this month were packets of homemade shortbread using a recipe by the famous & inspirational chef Heston Blumenthal.  It is the first of his recipes that I have been brave enough to try – I hope you all liked it!

Photo by Haf Saba
Well all the dishes and glasses are washed and packed away ready for our next brunch on Sunday 22nd April.  We might keep the bunting up for a little while longer to remind us of the fun we’ve had!


Photo by Melvin Lau

PS. If you are wondering “Where are the photos??” – we had TWO professional photographers at our brunch today so I will be posting their photos up here soon J - Thanks Haf & Melvin!! 
[Update: Ok - now including lovely photos from Haf - check out his website to see more of his wonderful photographs at http://haf.smugmug.com/].
[Update2: Blog now includes Melvin's gorgeous photos too - wow, with TWO great photographers Brunch & Co has never looked so good!  Please check out Melvin's wonderful photographs (he specializes in Wedding photography - so much love! ) at http://www.facebook.com/multifolds.photography and his official website http://www.multifoldsphotography.com.]

Happy Brunching to one and all,
Mark & Louise