Oren, the Israeli fix you NEED

A lockdown favorite, Oren has been the best culinary surprise we had in 2020. Tucked away in a little restaurant (about 20 seats currently!) off Shacklewell Lane, this Middle Eastern restaurant is a winner for us.

Why should you go? Because you’ll have an explosion of flavors in your mouth at every bite. Every single dish from nibbles to desserts are special. We’ve heard the menu changes regularly and products are fresh fresh fresh. More over, we love a restaurant where all plates can be shared, and Oren does not fail to disappoint.

What should you get? For starters, a beautiful flatbread (with za’atar, obvs) and some dips. We particularly love the tahini and the harissa dips, but you wouldn’t do any wrong with the kalamata olives or the house pickles, which are hand made at the restaurant. Portions are big, so don’t be fooled by how the menu is displayed. Both veggie, fish and meat dishes are a nice size. We are more into veggie food these days and so we would recommend you try the burnt cabbage (a must, really) and the roasted aubergine with feta. From the meats we loved the lamb chops and from the fish section we loved the octopus, though once again were are sure you can’t go wrong with any of the other options.

An added plus on the menu is their wine list. For starters, their ‘cheapest’ wine is Noble Rot’s house wine Chin Chin, so that’s already a big start. We’ll let you discover the rest.

When should you go? NOW! Why wait? They are open from Monday to Sunday 6-11pm (weekends only 12-11pm).

Where is it exactly? 89 Shacklewell Ln, Hackney Downs, London E8 2EB

Average Price per person (including a bottle of wine for two and tip): £55

Brunchin' in Hackney

Since the new year started, I've been trying to discover more my pretty neighborhood, Dalston. I have a feeling I am always on the go checking out other areas, missing how amazing Dalston is. And it is awesome!

It is becoming a Saturday ritual to start my weekend morning by shaking off any hangover/ week stress by hitting PopFit for a calorie burn-out. I can't believe it took this long to get a fab workout spot in London Fields! Of course that also means I'm allowed to indulge as much as I can afterwards. Every effort has its rewards, right? Which brings me to my discussion today: BRUNCH! 

There's plenty of choices where it comes to eating out in East London, but I've narrowed it down to three favorites, lately. What will you get? Great food choices, good prices and that little hipster touch that we all deny we like but secretly love. 

L' ATELIER

I have to admit this little french-style spot is becoming my regular, and that is a big thing to say, given that I never repeat restaurants in London. But what can I say, if you do something good great, then the chances of me coming back are higher. 

WHAT WILL YOU GET: Brunch classics made with great fresh produce. A wide variety of croissants, toasties (our fave is the Jambon de Bayon and cheese toastie!) and plenty of avocado on toast and salads for those looking for a healthy choice. Coffee is on point and so are the fresh squeezed juices!
WHERE? 31 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ
WHEN? Eeeeeveryday from 8am til 6pm.

CAFE MIAMI

Feeling that cold chill? Yes, me too. That is why TCB loves visiting Cafe Miami! A warm cafe with plenty of color (mainly pastel) and that american diner vibe that every non-american loves. Food choices here are a bit more naughty than at L'atelier, but you are in for a treat, regardless.

Please note that the kitchen is open-space; so those who hate taking home a smelly-souvenir with them should avoid this spot.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: Tooones of toasties. You can even build your own! Anything with their Fancy bacon is a treat to your belly. We personally loved the waffle burger with chorizo and avocado, but their american pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and blueberries is also a delight for those with a sweet tooth. 
WHERE? 24 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0PD
WHEN? Tuesday-Sunday from 9-5pm

WELL STREET CAFE

I must admit I haven't been to this cutsie little spot yet, but I am doing so as you may be reading this! I've got tones of recommendations from friends about it, and if my entourage loves it, I know I will too. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET HERE: a variety of breakfast baps served with tomato relish & rocket (yum!) along with the brunch classics and other more adventurous dishes such as smoked beef brisket w/ poached eggs or BBQ pork on corn tortillas with sriracha scrambled eggs (MY ADDICTION!)
WHERE? 203 Well St, E9 6QU
WHEN? Eveeerday Hoorraaay! From 8-4pm

ARE YOU GUYS HUNGRY YET? CAUSE I CERTAINLY AM. 

TCB xx