I love eating out! I’m a small girl but have a big appetite, much to the surprise of many people when they actually see me eat! I’ve lived all over the world, including a four-year stint in Japan as well as having lived in places such as Argentina, Australia and the UK (I’m from the United States).
I’ve travelled extensively to over 50 countries (by extensively I mean spending weeks exploring one country) and in that time I’ve not only developed my cultural knowledge but also my taste buds. So needless to say, I love food and I love trying new food or discovering fusion.
That’s why I was really excited to try Jamboree Foodfest & Bar, a new restaurant that has just opened in Blackfriars, which celebrates flavours from all around the world. With live music, delicious and varied cuisine and a laid back atmosphere, I want to tell you all about it!
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Jamboree Foodfest & Bar is relaxing. It’s a bar and restaurant together and on the night I went, there was live music which was relaxing and fun. It’s a great place to go to for after-work drinks or on a casual date as it has the added benefit of the live music entertainment.
Cocktails
So what do you do first when you go out to eat? Order drinks of course! Jamboree Foodfest & Bar has an amazing range of delicious cocktails from around the world. I tried the Tulum Tower which is a Mexican-inspired drink with mescal, passion fruit, pineapple juice and a twist of lime. It has the sour sweetness of a margarita but fruitier. Deliciously refreshing and just what I needed after a crazy day at work!
Starters
When I’m hungry, I’m hungry so I like to order a starter. My dinner date and I ordered the Goan Fish Cakes and the Crispy Calamari to start, two very good choices. I LOVE calamari and after a recent trip to Spain, it reignited my taste buds!
The calamari is perfectly crispy and not overdone or underdone. It comes lightly peppered and with wasabi mayo (yum) to dip.
The Goan fish cakes come battered with a mango yoghurt dip. With a squeeze of lemon, all the delicious flavours came out of these. The portions of the starters are good. If you are hungry hungry, go for the calamari. If you are just peckish, the fish cakes are a great option.
Mains
My date and I ordered the Chargrilled Ribeye and the Miso Salmon for our mains – one meaty option and one healthy option.
I ordered the steak medium which was perfect. The peppercorn sauce was a delicious accompaniment as well.
As for the Miso Salmon I thought the salmon was mild and the miso paste wasn’t overpowering so this was a great dish for fusion Japanese beginners!
Sides
With each of the mains we chose a side – tenderstem broccoli and sweet potato fries.
I love, love sweet potato fries – they are so good! They are sweet and salty and satisfy every taste bud under the sun. These were perfectly done as well – highly recommended!
The tenderstem broccoli was also delicious and gave some nice veg option to the meal. Tenderstem broccoli is particularly good as well, really nicely done.
Dessert
I have a big sweet tooth and can’t finish a dinner out without something sweet. It really signifies to my brain that I am finished eating and is the perfect cherry on the top of a good meal. Depending on my mood I go for either chocolate or a fruit tart option but in this case we decided on the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie with Posh Toffee Ice Cream and the Passion Fruit Panacotta.
Of the two I really like the brownie dessert. The brownie was warm when it arrived and was the perfect ending to a fabulous meal.
So there you have it – one happy customer! Thanks to Jamboree Foodfest & Bar for having me!
