Brunch. I love it. In fact, a friend even decided that we need to use the specifically-devised French verb bruncher from now on. I am convinced it will be putting an appearance in the Robert dictionary very soon.
One Sunday, the plan was to head to King’s Cross with a couple of friends for the so-said brunch, and to soak up the bright sun’s rays whilst we were at it. Unfortunately, the two options we had lined up were full (Caravan and Grain Store), so “Plan B” had to be thought up on the spot. Heading back towards the tube station, we came across the very newly-opened Vinoteca, which prides itself on being a restaurant and bar specialising in finely selected wines from across the world, inspired by the wine bars of Spain and Italy. In fact, they take their wine so seriously, that they recommend a different wine for every single course offered on their menu, including starters (and yes, including brunch). They also have their own on-site shop, where you can buy these proffered wines, as well as many others.
But it was the food I really wanted to try. And I was hungry. I ordered myself a freshly squeezed orange juice, and because I don’t feel any brunch is complete without eggs, some scrambled eggs on sourdough toast. A match made in heaven, the sour taste of the thick bread great with the abundance of creamy eggs. Vinoteca prides itself on baking its own bread freshly on the premises each day, and I must say, the sourdough did not disappoint.
Not satisfied with just this, however, and feeling that to make it into a proper brunch, a second course was required, I ordered buttermilk pancakes with raspberry, ricotta and golden syrup. A treat for a spring day, the pancakes were nice and thick, American style, with lashings of golden syrup, and the broken raspberries cooked gently inside. The ricotta was a good, tart balance to the sweetness of the fruit and sugar. The eggs might not have finished me off, but this certainly did. In a good way.
Whilst it is tempting to go to one of the more established venues further behind King’s Cross, don’t miss Vinoteca. The modern, urban building and good, British food made from seasonal produce, sit nicely within the rejuvenation taking place in this central part of London.
Vinoteca King’s Cross
One Pancras Square.
N1C 4AG
020 3793 7210
7:30am – 11pm, Monday-Friday
10am – 11pm, Saturday & Sunday
Cherry on the Cake 