My month in food
Hollie Allen of Essex Foodies (@essexfoodies) is a food blogger reviewing restaurants across the county and beyond. She shares the eateries that have tickled her tastebuds this month
Raphael’s by Crem Kitchen, Romford
World cuisine
This is an absolute gem in Romford! Crem Kitchen is a brand created by chef Megha Arora, which sees her create a number of dishes inspired by her work and travels all around the globe. The menu offers a number of different worldwide tastes and flavours – just fabulous if you’ve got a broad palette! Choose from small plates or go all out with a three-course meal.
I recommend the lamb and leek dumplings as they were phenomenal! Bursting with flavour and totally fresh. They’re not something I’ve had before, but I would return for more! The restaurant is located in Raphael’s Park in Romford, so it's the perfect pit stop after a brisk wintry walk.
raphaels-restaurant.co.uk / 01708 918 470
Mediterranean, natural fast food
A long-awaited addition to Chelmsford, Leon has popped up in the prime location of Bond Street. This eatery brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the city thanks to its light yet delicious flavours. Choose from its natural, nutritious menu, including rice boxes, wraps, burgers, salads and so much more. My favourite thing to eat here is the Aioli Chicken Rice Box – it has a punchy flavour whilst remaining healthy. It’s great for grabbing a bite to eat for lunch, plus I hear the breakfasts aren’t too shabby either. Leon has an extensive vegan menu too so it’s certainly an all-rounder.
leon.co/restaurants/chelmsford
Brewery taproom and British cuisine
This is a place that I absolutely adore. The Taproom is exactly that, a taproom downstairs, serving up Other Monkey Brewing’s core and seasonal brews, with a gorgeous restaurant upstairs. The restaurant has extended its menu and offers throughout the week to include a Burger Night and Curry Night. I visited on a Thursday, which is when Curry Night takes place; £10 will get you a delicious homemade curry served with rice and freshly baked naan bread plus a pint. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or catching up with friends, and because this is a homemade curry, you won’t leave feeling too full or saturated. It’s the perfect balance.
othermonkeybrewing.com / 01206 986 446
Greek cuisine
A brand-new restaurant on me and one I have fallen in love with. My Big Fat Greek Taverna sits on the seafront in Clacton and offers traditional Greek food, as well as plenty of plate-smashing antics! The food has that delicious, healthy, grilled Mediterranean feel to it – think grilled meats served with deliciously dressed salads – it’s really refreshing. What I like about this place is that it’s a little unusual; we don’t seem to have a lot of Greek restaurants in Essex. This restaurant is what you make it; come and enjoy a light lunch, feast for dinner or indulge in luxurious cocktails – I’d recommend all three!
theroyalclacton.co.uk/my-big-fat-greek-taverna / 01255 449 978
