The Blues Kitchen
The Blues Kitchen
September 12, 2011
Emma Shaw
TotallyJewish.com
As the name suggests, live music is as integral at The Blues Kitchen as the food. Live soul and blues music is provided from both new and established artists every night, as well as regular jam nights. This place is seriously cool and made me and my friend look like a couple of squares who had lost their way en route to the local library. However, we soon relaxed and sat ourselves down in the most incredibly comfortable booth seats. We felt equally as comfortable with the decor: large funky statement lighting, the occasional torn gig poster and colourful impressions of legendary bluesmen such as Blind Willie McTell, Skip James, Little Richard et al. We felt as if we had been transported to a different era in the heart of American South, rather than a fabulous spacious diner and bar in the heart of Camden.
Being thoroughly American, there are around 50 bourbons in a variety of categories and some are used as bases for cocktails. Another refreshing aspect of The Blues Kitchen is that it is open all day, allowing its customers to enjoy a more relaxed meal with no rush whatsoever. We browsed the menu, mulling over classic dishes from the American Deep South and popular bar food such as burgers; we were really spoilt for choice.
To start, I couldn't resist the hot buffalo wings, - spicy authentic chicken wings served with vegetable sticks and a blue cheese dip - which were the best I had tasted outside of America. They were so moreish, my friend had to fight me for them; luckily, though, the portion was generous, although I remained somewhat reluctant to share. However, my attitude to sharing miraculously evaporated as soon as I clapped eyes on my friend's starter of spinach, artichoke and parmesan dip. This wasn't my fault: the portion was huge and arrived with an equally large stack of tortilla chips which looked as though it would be too much for my dear friend; I was merely helping out. My jaw nearly fell to the tabletop with the size of my main dish: 10oz of flame-grilled sirloin steak, lovingly cooked exactly how I had asked: a glorious medium rare which melted in the mouth and burst with flavour. Great value for money, - as with the rest of the dishes ordered - it arrived with a sauce and a side dish; I chose onion rings which worked extremely well with my steak. My friend opted for the equally delicious Blues Kitchen Chilli, which comprised a hearty bowl of chilli made with the softest brisket of beef and served with sour cream, guacamole and tortilla chips, which served to compliment and enhance the flavours of the dish. Despite the extremely generous portions, we both found a way to finish our delicious meals. We refused to be weak and forgo the desserts: I finished the meal on a sweet note with a homemade chocolate brownie which arrived with vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce, while my friend enjoyed a fresh Belgian waffle with strawberries and cream.
As well as excellent home cooked Soul food and the constant buzz of a lively crowd enjoying themselves throughout the evening, the waiters were professional, friendly and - unsurprisingly - genuinely seemed happy to be working at The Blues Kitchen, which all added to our experience. Contrary to the name of this great establishment, the only blues that I experienced were in the live music.
The Blues Kitchen
111 - 113 Camden High Street
London
NW1 7JN
Tel: 020 7387 5277
Web: www.theblueskitchen.com
Email: info@theblueskitchen.com
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