"Return of a Hackney institution": Elaine Chalmers returns with an Essex Road pop-up
Launching 2 November the pop up will be run by Elaine Chalmers, ex-owner of now-closed fine-dining Dalston restaurant A Little Of What You Fancy, in collaboration with her associate chef Peter Le Faucheur.
The residency follows on from chef Oded Oren’s Mediterranean inspired pop-up, ex Fera at Claridges chef Michael Thompson’s ‘Fodder’, and two separate Japanese inspired pop-ups from YBF’s 2015 winner Adam Rawson.
Billed as the “return of a Hackney institution”, the residency will be a continuation of Chalmers’ original restaurant, which was “priced out” of the area after seven years of business.
“At the time it felt like a great loss, not just to me but to the many regular customers who enjoyed our seasonal menus” says Chalmers. “But now I am thrilled to be back cooking my style of food in a new neighbourhood.”
Menu items will change regularly, featuring carefully sourced produce. Options will comprise the likes of Jerusalem artichoke croquettes with hazelnut rouille; skate wing with brown crab butter and roast potatoes; and fig, tahini and meringue.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7pm the restaurant will serve a selection of starters, mains and desserts priced at £25 for two courses or £35 for three. A Christmas menu will be available for £40, and from 23 November onwards lunch will also be served.
“Since my last restaurant ended I have been working on new ideas to bring great quality food to a local community” says Chalmers.
