At some points, maybe the cafe was a wee bit too chilled - it certainly wasn't the quickest service I've ever had. But, the coffee (skinny latte, £2.50) was pretty darn good. And what's even nicer is that we were there for two hours, one coffee apiece was all that we had bought, but they weren't trying really hard to get us to move along or get the fuck out in a polite/impolite way. The staff were more than content for us to while away our time chit chatting away there.
In Shoreditch? Want a really chilled coffee? Pop on down to Translate. I was meeting a friend I hadn't seen in absolutely bloody ages and she suggested that we go to somewhere new where she's been dying to go. I met her there and Translate has a really nice chilled vibe, really beatnik and (dread to say this) "trendy". At some points, maybe the cafe was a wee bit too chilled - it certainly wasn't the quickest service I've ever had. But, the coffee (skinny latte, £2.50) was pretty darn good. And what's even nicer is that we were there for two hours, one coffee apiece was all that we had bought, but they weren't trying really hard to get us to move along or get the fuck out in a polite/impolite way. The staff were more than content for us to while away our time chit chatting away there. We didn't really pick the best day to go - they were installing a projector right next to us when we went. However, the atmosphere was nice and the happy hour looks like a blast. When I had a gander at the food delivered to the table next to us, I had food envy. I think I will deffo have to be popping back to Translate for brunch soon! (Must remember they have a five pound card minimum however).
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Times are tough. And I am skint. So, when the girls and I decided to go for a spot of dinner, we needed something cheap and cheerful. Chico Bandito is something that is certainly that. Approaching the joint on Luke Street, I'm not going to lie, I was dubious. It was empty. It looked dingy. It, well, looked distinctly underwhelming.
However, the girls and I were here now and thought, you know what, let's give it a go. We sat down and it felt like we were back in Ayia Napa. Laminated menus. And I swear down that they were playing the Eurovision playlist CD from last year as our soundtrack for the evening.... My god, was it good Mexican food and for a fucking good price. Between half 5 and 7 is cocktail happy hour - 25% off for starters. For a starter, we ordered the classic nachos (£4.45) to start. A perfect size plate of nachos, with tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, cheese and a shit tonne of jalapenos. Mmm. Polished off in about a second. Inhaled in fact. My latest love of jalapenos, made everything just incredible. For a main, I went for two of the tapas dishes. Spicy black bean tacos (£4.95) Two crunchy taco shells, with a decent bowl of spicy refried beans and a side of chilli hummus. Generally, a bloody cracking combo. Spread the taco with hummus, pile on refried beans and crunch away. A really yummy mix. However, if I could say one thing, I would make it a bit spicier, but that's just me: throw the chillis at me. Crab and avocado tostada (£4.95) One large tostada piled high in crab meat and a seafood salsa. Slices of avocado added a creamy refreshing extra and the salsa too. It was served with a crisp salad which was the perfect accompaniment. A huge squeeze of lime and it made for a zingy, fresh and light dish. Overall a light, but totally satisfying meal. (Okay the nachos weren't light, but the mains were). And some of the best Mexican food I have had out in a really long time. Including at Wahaca. Throw in a diet coke and my whole bill came to £15 including tip. And I was stuffed! Unfortunately, I shoveled my food down too quickly and forgot to take pictures... Oops. You must go if you fancy a slice of Meh-heeee-coooooo and you're in Shoreditch! |
JessicaTwenty something living in London. Trying new things and hoping to inspire you to do the same. Archives
June 2015
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