Burgers... Assemble. Or ensemble.
You already know that I love burgers. You already know that I have had some burger kits (3 to be precise).

This latest one, was a collaboration between Patty&Bun and Shake Shack. 
So what is in this special 'Patty Shack' Burgers:

• Patty&Bun’s signature beef blend in Shake Shack’s ’Smashed’ style patties
• Shake Shack’s classic potato buns
• P&B's pickled cucumbers
• American cheese
• Shake Shack’s caramelised onions
• Smoked cheddar mayo
• Ketchup and American yellow mustard

Sounds Good Right. Collaborations are definitely welcome right now.

The key to most cooking, but also a burger kit, is to plan and make sure everything is ready. I managed to get some help in this production. The chef and his sous chef had their assigned roles.
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My role as Head chef was to make the patties (with cheese) and toast the potato buns beforehand.
Sous chef had to get the potato buns fully topped up (as above). This meant ketchup, onions, pickled cucumbers and smoked cheddar mayo.

The result can be seen below. A small, yet tasty burger.
I had to mention small, because after effort and cost, the burger went after a few bites. I am complaining a bit, but a sign of a good burger is the disappointment went it has finished.

My brothers and I were however expecting it to be a bit more memorable. As a collaboration between great burger places, it seems to take one step forward and two back. In the sense, that it wasn't two for the price of one, but instead just one okay-ish burger.

I could of done with two patties or two burgers even, to be a bit happier, but we live and learn.

An overall summary, it was a good try and good combo. However, on this occasion, I feel the hype was more than the delivery.
I'll see you both again soon, albeit separately.
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Prime location, on trend cuisine, Buns and Buns has had big appeal to me for a while.
Replacing the Old Jamie Oliver restaurant in Covent Garden, I was excited about this.

Even though it has been around for a while, even before the pandemic, I hadn't managed to visit. It didn't feel like a venue I could go for a quick bite, by myself.
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Just before the new tiered lockdown however (October), I managed to visit for a catch up work lunch.

With the name, I assumed that Buns and Buns, served Bao buns only. To my surprise, when I checked the menu, I saw Pizza, small plates, salads and grilled dishes too.

After seeing all this, I became a bit apprehensive that they were doing too much. Jack of All Trades, Master of None. Even with this, I made sure I tried the Buns only, the name forced me to do it.

I kept this visit simple and ordered two buns. One Pork Belly bun (with Bourbon glaze and Apple coleslaw) and one Beef mac bun (Beef and Burger sauce). 
Both buns were delightful, tender, tasty and juicy.

Strangely enough, the beef burger took longer than the pork burger (I think they forgot about my order tbh).
The flavours and taste did confuse me however. I initially thought we were in a Chinese Bao restaurant. However, with the different options (Pizza, grills, salads) and the beef mac too, I realised this was fusion food.

I mean a bao is a bun, which is a burger. And a burger is basically a sandwich. Carbs and Protein combined is usually a good meal in my books.

A pleasant restaurant experience with good food to add. In these strange times, any experience out seems like a bonus.
The wide variety of the menu, I believe is there for the tourists. However, the buns are good and based on that, I would be happy to try out the rest of their menu too.

GOOD TIMES: Buns, everyone loved them. Buns for all too.

WATCH OUT: Such a varied menu, you may need to visit everyday to see what they have

OMG: Did I say Buns?

Welcome to a new type of lockdown; where once again, restaurant trips become rare.
What this means is that I will have to rely on others for reviews; so thanks to @heraldsinc for this review of Cottons in Notting Hill.

I hadn't heard of Cottons before, but it is well known and was visited for a birthday trip. Looking at the site and the pictures, I can see why.

This is how they describe themselves:
"Welcome to Cottons Notting Hill where it's Carnival all year long! Following a complete re-design, we are glad to welcome you in to  totally tropical vibes and a new bigger bar area for our infamous rum selection and cocktails.Cottons is packed full of contagious Caribbean spirit offering a wide selection of  Caribbean cuisine in the heart of Notting Hill including our signature Mixed Jerk Grill Platter and Jerk Half Chicken, Superfood Rasta Salad and divine desserts full of tropical taste.
​Calling all Rum lovers, Cottons proudly owns of the Guinness World Record for the most amount of rums commercially available - 372 to be precise. Come and try them all!"

Sounds both yummy and boozy. I should visit.

Guest Post below:

I have been lucky enough now to have tried a few Caribbean restaurants over the years, thanks to my brother in law. He has helped open up my eyes a bit more to what is out there. I always go for a jerk dish, something I know and something I enjoy.

When I gazed at the menu at Cottons, what grabbed my attention was the mixed meat platter, Jerk Pork, Jerk Chicken, chicken wing and a lamb chop - sold, sold, sold.

When it came, it did not disappoint. The dish came with a serving of rice and plantain, very yummy. The sauce on the meat had the necessary and expected kick, yet it didn't leave me crying. It was finger licking good in fact and I was happy and sad after I had consumed it all.
It was only after 20 minutes that I realised how much I had eaten and that I was way beyond full. At the time of eating, I was just savouring every bite.

I should mention that I did get the salt fish fritters to start, which had a lovely mango chutney sauce and were a great portion size to start.

The restaurant itself was very nice and cozy. Tables relatively close together and with attentive staff. We didn't have to wait too long for our food and everything was served efficiently and with a smile. Cottons has a few other venues dotted around London, so if you are in Camden or Shoreditch, do go and visit. Well worth it!

Thanks for the blog and I will definitely go and visit.

A nice sunny, yet windy day with a window seat, we watched the world walk by.
Obviously with COVID we looked at quieter streets and times, however, this worked to our advantage as we were able to get a table.

Once in, the tean were friendly and attentive, without being in our face. To me, this is the right level of service as i like to relax and enjoy my time in a restaurant. A time to unwind, chat and enjoy good food.

The food here was top notch. The seafood was very fresh and cooked well. They were all accompanied with great partners like the fennel salad or silky spanish rice.

​Having been to San Sebastian last November, Harbour Street Tapas made me reminisce a lot. Light bites, full of flavour, filling and hearty. A day to the Kent coast felt like a mini holiday.

GOOD TIMES: All good food. When down the coast, have the seafood.

WATCH OUT: book in advance, small restaurant and popular place

OMG: San Sebastian but in South England. SAY WHAT!