Taste it Share it
HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR TEACHERS WHO ARE ALSO FOODIES
BY MATTHEW BRODERICK
Magnificent monuments . Vivacious views . Mouthwatering mountains . Historical and cultural significance . Budget-friendly . Glorious sunshine . Activities and sports . These are just a few of the criteria that one might use when selecting a holiday . However , that is not the case at Broderick HQ . It is all about the food .
Previous trips included long drives to Marseille to sample authentic bouillabaisse ; to San Sebastián to see what the fuss was about , at Mugaritz and Arzak , to Lyon because it is the gastronomic capital of the world , to Piedmont for shades of boiled meats and hazelnut ( not together , of course ), to Barcelona for siestas and tapas , and to Tuscany for sensations of olive oil . A venture across to Jordan enthralled me with traditional Mansaf and sticky , barbequed pigeon . Cairo provided us with street delicacies and a spicy tomato dish that I never heard the actual name of . Stockholm has always been a favourite for its subtle flavours that include salmon , dill , and berries with exciting names that you certainly cannot find in your local Carrefour or Lulus .
Our list of destinations that are sure to be visited soon , include : Tokyo , Lima , Copenhagen , Lebanon , and pretty much anywhere across the
South of France . We are lucky that we can experience some of these wonderful cuisines right here in the UAE , but nothing can replace going to experience the ‘ real thing ’. The bouillabaisse that I had in Marseille ( at Le Peron ) was on a different level and was the catalyst for my tasting dishes in the places where they are renowned .
So , where should a teacher go ? Here are my recommendations based on nothing more than my own experiences of varying credibility . The flight times from the Middle East vary , but if you happen upon these areas , be sure to check them out and let me know what you think .
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London , UK . This is a place close to my heart and is a must-see for food , in case you believe otherwise . Long gone are the days of shoddy English fare , as the thriving metropolitan brings the best of cuisines from around the world . My top tips for the lesser-known eateries can be summarised as follows :
• Black Axe Mangal , Islington . The food is big , bold , and the smoked meat is sure to smack your senses around your head . As is the music . Not for the fainthearted but I 100 % guarantee that you will thank me if you visit .
• Trafalgar Tavern , Greenwich . The best view of London is from the top of Greenwich Park . Visit the Royal Observatory , walk back through the park , along the river and find this place . Order whitebait and sit outside to take in the aromas of the sea . Tell your friends about the time Jonny Lee Miller filmed here , as did Jonny Depp at the Royal Naval College opposite .
• Hakkasan or Yauatcha Soho , Soho . If you have tried Hakkasan in Dubai or Abu Dhabi , then this is the next level . Michelin-starred dim sum to make you an ‘ expert ’ at your next brunch . At Yauatcha Soho , you should ask for a table downstairs next to the bar , that is a 40-foot fish tank . The lunch menus are , as always , very affordable .
• The Frog , Shoreditch or Covent Garden . Adam Handling is the
44 | May - Jun 2018 | | After The Bell