keeping it local

It’s winter in London and as a result one tends to spend majority of your time indoors. Suffering more than a small dose of cabin fever, Fox and I are desperate to make the most of an unplanned Saturday evening. Unfortunately, spontaneity in London isn’t always rewarding. Disappointingly, our ever-faithful Tastecard can only offer local restaurants that really need the business. The problem when two softies marry each other, is that you end up opting for the place that says in the reviews that the owner has to work a day job just to keep the eatery open. So, we make a reservation at Cochin Brasserie for 7pm, only to arrive and and feel embarrassed to say as much, considering the restaurant is totally empty. Well, we’re here now. Despite the utter lack of ambiance, the staff are welcoming and the food is utterly delectable. Poppadoms and sauces that tease the taste buds just enough to whet our appetites for the crispy fishcakes and stuffed chicken starters to follow. Our mains are some of the tastiest curries I’ve enjoyed in a long time and the nan and paratha (my new Indian favourite) are textured to perfection.  At one point I think it might all come crashing when Fox thanks the waiter and the waiter turns and says,

'What did you say? Thank you, Raj?’
'No.’
'I thought you say ‘Thank you Raj’.’
’No, why, is your name Raj?’

Oh my goodness. Bad situation to worse. Turns out Fox has actually said ‘Thank you very much’ and it’s not a major issue because raj is an Indian word and the waiter thinks it was Fox being polite. Phew. Could have been bad. Empty restaurant, no witnesses.
When two fellow customers walk in I am almost disappointed to be forced to share our own little foodie paradise but slightly relieved that we won’t need to eat here every night of the week to ensure the place stays open. By 8.30pm the customers start to flood in. I count 24 in total and we are delighted that it has become so busy the manager has gone to change so he can help serve tables. Things get so crazy they almost have to start pushing tables together. Almost. I’m telling you, you just can’t pay for entertainment like this.
It’s time to leave and we depart with our tummies over-full and our hearts content that Cochin Brasserie will live to see another day. And all this for a mouth-watering 2for1. Thank you very much, Tastecard.