After nose-to-tail dining – the food philosophy which set out to use all parts of the animal – it was perhaps inevitable that we’d get the vegetarian version, so say hello to root-to-stem. Adopting the same waste-not, want-not approach to greens that nose-to-tail chefs have to meat, root-to-stem uses every part of your humble fruit and veg – stalks, peels, rinds and all. Proponents claim that these commonly disregarded offcuts introduce a fresh palette of flavours and textures: Swiss chard stalks create a smoother, more ethereal houmous, for example, while asparagus tips add a tangy, delightfully pungent touch to relish.
This ecologically aware food trend has attracted a number of culinary advocates, including two new London restaurants: Native in Covent Garden and Tiny Leaf in Notting Hill, a zero-waste, vegetarian-only organic eatery. ‘We include the zest, peel, beet tops, skin and husks,’ says Justin Horne, Tiny Leaf’s executive chef and co-owner. ‘We only use organic fruit and vegetarian, which is better for our health, due to lack of pesticides, and has the added benefits of tasting better too.’
Tiny Leaf's four floors include a botanical cocktail bar; the Green Room, offering bespoke drinks, canapes and a small plates menu; the White Room, featuring heady aromas, snacks and artisan cocktails; and the Dark Room for after-dark drinks. Pictured left: Tiny Leaf's courgetti and almond pesto, Greek basil and flaked almonds. Right: Tiny Leaf's bubble and squeak and eggs, with poached eggs on toast
Native's palourde clams (pictured front) and pigeon kebabs (back)
Native's rhubarb and rosemary, with meadowsweet custard
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Tiny Leaf’s website and Native’s website
ADDRESS
Tiny Leaf
209 Westbourne Park Road
Notting Hill
London, W11 1EA
Native
3 Neal's Yard
Seven Dials
Covent Garden
London, WC2H 9DP
-
Pininfarina Battista Reversario is a new one-off electric hypercarThe all-electric Pininfarina Battista Reversario is joining its aesthetic inverse in an ultra-select car collector’s garage. We take a look at a car built to a very precise order
-
Fernando Jorge’s fluid diamond earrings show his curve appealDiscover Brazilian jewellery designer Fernando Jorge's snake-like silhouettes and graphic shapes
-
Abreham Brioschi debuts Ethiopia-inspired rugs for NodusAbreham Brioschi teams up with luxury rug experts Nodus to translate visions from his heritage into a tactile reality
-
First look at Samba Room, London’s innovative cocktail lounge packed with Brazilian energyLondon’s Samba Room, an extension of SushiSamba, is a dynamic bar, lounge and private dining space designed by Fabled Studio
-
Reborn distillery Port Ellen welcomes Islay whisky pilgrims with smoky delightsThe resurrection of Islay whisky distillery Port Ellen has been hailed by connoisseurs, among them Neil Ridley, who explored the smoky delights of this Scottish west coast gem
-
The Connaught Bar shakes up home cocktail making with first book by Phaidon'The Connaught Bar: Recipes and Iconic Creations' by Phaidon allows anyone to elevate their cocktail making at home, for every occasion
-
Claridge’s new restaurant is a beacon for art deco elegance and fine diningClaridge’s new restaurant, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, is a redefined London brasserie richly layered in decadent style and cuisine
-
Josephine is a classic French bistro in London, built on comfort and authenticityJosephine opens in London’s Chelsea, serving up French bistro classics and family recipes
-
Step inside London’s first Scottish deli, dishing up wee plates and hearty scranAuld Hag-The Shoap is London’s first Scottish deli. Discover fridges and countertops brimming with produce celebrating the best of Scotland’s culinary heritage
-
NoMad London introduces afternoon tea with a New York twistNoMad London serves up an afternoon tea menu spanning from elegant finger sandwiches to elevated New York street food classics
-
First look inside St John at Fortnum & Mason, bringing nose-to-tail to PiccadillySt John at Fortnum & Mason opens for three weeks, securing your nose-to-tail fix while the restaurant’s Smithfield home is refitted
