So first up my office sent me over to a social media conference near Spitalfields Market where a really informal and amusing chat took place about how viral videos work across different countries. Talking aside, a lovely self service breakfast table was provided, courtesy of the ever so friendly Unruly Media. Thanks!
As tempted as I was to pig out and dive into everything, I did my best to remain civilised and polite by taking only a few items.....now and again. In short: Danish pastries, samosas, cakes, croissants, aubergine pastries, muffins, toast and a fortune cookie which told me that "my wish would be granted after a long delay". Not sure what that wish was but it's either money or a micro pig.
After that finished I took a trip down to good old Spitalfields Market to try Giraffe, the restaurant not the animal! Although I'm sure it would be very interesting, as long as it's better than kangaroo.
Now for those of you who are like me and thought that Giraffe is a vegetarian and eco-friendly restaurant that has overpriced health foods, it serves meat, and lots of it! A misconception that has left me to wonder why I didn't try it all those years ago. Well better late than never.
The restaurant is extremely cosy with dark wooden furnishings that compliment the concept of it being a world food restaurant. It's quite rustic Latin with an African twist almost. Great music, booths for a more comforting experience and friendly and fast serving staff members.
For drinks, Sweden's most popular premium cider, Rekorderlig (£4.50). I chose the strawberry and lime flavour which was highly recommended by the lovely waitress with bartending experience. The way to serve this is with ice, mint leaves, a dash of lime and sliced strawberries. Although Giraffe did not use sliced strawberries, he drink itself is excellent. Very fruity, the strawberry flavour is quite noticeable and the mint leaves add such a refreshing element to the drink as a whole.
Working for an agency that deals with imported beers etc, I have learnt to expect more from drinks than the standard options and tastes. It is about appreciating flavours that add that extra dimension and the history behind it's brewing which makes it that extra special. Rekorderlig fits the bill and you will not be disapointed.
For starters I went with an uncommon choice, Cajun style chicken wings (£4.95) served with a hot and fruity ketchup. Not on par with the likes of Sticky Fingers or Tony Romas but we're not in a steakhouse. The wings were actually quite a treat, Cajun flavoured with a sweet sticky glaze. The ketchup did have a fruity note to it, very similar to a sweet barbeque sauce. A splash of lime on top and the citrusy kick is well paired with the fruity flavours of the ketchup.
I really like the presentation of it too, a clean wooden platter and again adds to the worldly/rustic feel.
The main course was grilled mojito chicken (£8.95), half a chicken marinated in rum and lime with some mint, served with chips and a red pepper coleslaw. The chicken did not have a burst of the rum and lime marinade. In fact the chicken was somewhat plain without the little pot of garlic and herb seasoning (unless this was the rum, lime and mint marinade, but it didn't taste like it). The chicken was at first glance well cooked and succulent. A little more into it and the chicken leg was a fair bit pink. Only the leg though, I was full up by the time I reached it so it didn't make much of a difference. Just double check if you do order it though. For the quantity, the price is very admirable, not that far off the Nando's half chicken price either. You can replace the chips with rice instead and the coleslaw is another treat. I will want all coleslaws to have red peppers in them from now on.
There were many other interesting dishes up for trial next time, the ribs and the jambalaya risotto. I heard the breakfasts are meant to be really good and the desserts look great, especially the pancakes.
Against my better judgement, I spotted a nearby Crepe Affaire and thought (just like Giraffe), if I don't try this now I never will! In a way I wish I stayed, but absence makes the heart grow fonder and those pancakes will be mine.
Crepe Affaire is a sweet and savoury crepe eatery with delicious coffees. I took it upon myself to order a mellow yellow with mint ice cream and a vanilla latte which came to about £7.00. I can't give it a full review on the basis of one crepe, but I did not fully enjoy it. The latte was worth the try though.
THE VERDICT:
Giraffe is a somewhat cultural and rustic at the same time and offers a great range of cuisines and flavours. Glad to know it's not a vegetarian restaurant (no offence), although vegetarian dishes are available. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, relaxing and fun environment and open for breakfast through dinner. Ticks all the boxes and as all the dishes are different it will take a few visits to enjoy all they have to offer.
6/10
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