Back to School with Chin-Chin Labs

Chemistry has always fascinated me. Although my theoretical capabilities at the periodic tabled, psychobabble subject always fell slightly further than short while at school- I never lost the excitement that overwhelmed me 3 times a week when I got to shimmy on my uber chic Lab coat and measure in copious amounts of HCL and H20 [still got it.]

Given my thrill for all things test tube’d and smoke producing, you can imagine my excitement when I happen to come across this secret little gem. Chin-Chin Labs is Europe’s premier Nitrogen Ice-cream Parlor. 

Combining some of the most unique and quite frankly delicious flavours, the apple pie marshmallow ice cream was a personal favourite; Chin-Chin Labs gives visitors that nostalgic feeling of being in a world of magic and orchestrated mystery.

Upon selecting your flavor combination the, oh so helpful, ice-cream magician selects an array of measuring jars and test tubes- pours them all into a large mixer while you stare on jaws to the ground. The addition of the liquid nitrogen has on-lookers clapping like a seal, as bounds of white smoke emerge from this cauldron like piece of apparel- note to self: must put this on the Christmas List.

What emerges is the smoothest and flavorsome ice cream with rippled elements of the originally selected flavour. As if that wasn't enough, choose from a mixture of gourmet toppings for serious ice cream envy. We’re not talking about the sprinkles and chocolate sauce of the world- oh no my dear friends- choose from a delicate list that includes truffle crumble, crunchy honeycomb and candy pieces to name a few.

As the holiday season jingles on the way, Chin-Chin Labs are welcoming the Christmas spirit with a cheeky homage to all things Mulled wine and seasonal pie related. The temperatures may be plummeting, but it's never the wrong time to visit the overly cool Chin-Chin Labs. 

Old Macdonald and Chalk Farm

Soaring down the moving staircase, onto the cobbled streets of North West One, and hobbling, nude pointed court shoes in hand, towards an Uber London- this was the penultimate event of my night at Gilgamesh.

There is a place.

Adorning the corner unit of The Stables Market, the ornately carved entrance to this Pan-Asian restaurant is breath taking to say the least. Having previously visited Gilgamesh London a few times, particularly for its older boozy sister- The Babylon Club, I was determined to sample their updated menu courtesy of Executive Chef- Ian Pengelley. An email chain, sequence of girl squeals over Kimye’s baby name and four crammed schedules later- a Saturday night was fountain penned in to “Dine, Drink, Dance and socialize at London’s ultimate attraction”. I think it’s safe to say- The quota was fulfilled.

Mounting the escalators that ascend to, what can only be described as a parallel Narnia, you’re met by a plethora of colours, textures and authentic furnishings which add to the vibrant atmosphere that Gilgamesh hosts on a Saturday evening. It took us a total of 3 minutes, as observed by our clever waiter, to decide exactly what we wanted for this three course fanfare.

Roll in course number one: the ‘party in my mouth’ - Duck & Watermelon Salad.

The duck was crisp and succulent, accenting the watermelon incredibly. So what started off as a “dish to share” became more of a strategic movement to wharf down all duck pieces before my beautiful friends had the chance to lift their forks (Sorry ladies!)

The wine continued to flow as we continually glanced over to the kitchen eagerly anticipating our mains, we decided to tide ourselves over with a quick taster of the Salmon Sake.

With considerable “oooo ahh” factor- the dish arrived and disappeared almost seconds after touching our hand carved table. Most definitely signs of a good dish.

Due to it being a Saturday night we had a considerable and painstaking wait until our main course arrived, but when it did- OH did it arrive.

Beef Bulgogi. A Fillet of succulent beef smothered in Bulgogi sauce (don’t let the name put you off- it’s essentially the equivalent of Korean BBQ sauce) that prompted my palette to croon the sweetest sounds, ascended upon a heap of Japanese Chive Mash.  

Accompanied with an order of The Prawn Tempura, you know...just in case...

Endless amounts of wine stimulated gossiping later, we shimmied over to The Babylon Club for a night of cocktails and some of the best 90’s music I've heard in a while.

Definitely recommended for a fun Saturday night accompanied by the girls, however do be prepared to wait- especially if you’re famished (as we were). With news of a new tasting menu for the month of July hot of the press, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of London’s finest pan-asian food. And what’s more- I hear the roof of the restaurant retracts as the temperature soars; perfect for the summer!

Gilgamesh- it was a pleasure as always...