It's most definitely the time of year where everyone's searching for something seriously hearty to eat - and a month-long pop-up in Hackney aims to provide just that. Cassoulet Nights - as the name suggests - focuses on rural French cooking. The chef in charge of things is Jacob Rosen - the former Head Chef of Pitt Cue. He's teamed up with Quite Nice Wines to provide the perfect winter combo.
They'll be taking over Apiary Studios on Hackney Road towards the end of the week from now till the end of December, with four course dinners on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and lunches on Saturday and Sunday. On the menu you'll find bread with saucisson sec and fromage de tête with sauce gribiche, soupe de poisson and a cassoulet of white beans, confit duck, Toulouse sausage, pork belly and ham hock. To finish things (or you) off, there's a final course of French cheeses or French puddings that they'll be wheeling out on a trolley.
"Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to see the difference that good animal welfare makes not only to the life of the animal but also to the flavour of the finished dish and our impact on the environment. What we want to do here is show that meat can be enjoyed responsibly for feast days and festivals in these old-fashioned recipes that use the whole animal and still taste great."
Given the partnership with Quite Nice Wines you can expect a great wine list, running from a glass of Ce Vin est une Fête for £6 up to a magnum of Rockaille Billy No Control, Volvic, Auvergne for £75.
The team will also be offering a Christmas party menu with Whole Roast Ducks from Creedy Carver Farm and - for vegetarians - Tarte à l’oignon et au gruyère, Chou Farci, mushrooms and truffles with Gratin Dauphinoise, wild mushroom and truffle braised chou farci.
Usefully they've managed to secure a late night license so this will be a handy place to pop into if you fancy a late night glass of wine and a truffled croque monsieur.
More about Cassoulet Nights
Where is it? Apiary Studios, 458 Hackney Road, London E2 9EG
How much? £35 for four courses for the Cassoulet Nights and £45 for five courses for the Christmas party menus
How to book: Online or email info@quitenicewines.com or call 07703665228.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @quitenicewines
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