29th November 2006
Cargo - Street Food Cafe
When visiting Cargo for a night out don't overlook the casual dining caf to your left as you walk in.
Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
The food and setting are based on Richard Bigg's (Cantaloupe Group) travels around South America, they follow the theme of the street markets and stalls. This translates to a unfussy rustic style with heavy wood stools and tables that have inset cutlery, condiments and the ever essential hot sauce.
With the added touch of colourful Spanish styled menu boards, you could be anywhere but the cold winter in London. They have free Wi-fi and a stack of newspapers waiting for you to while away your afternoons. And keep in mind for the summer they have extensive outside seating amongst bamboo and planter boxes.
While getting your munch on before a gig you're quite likely to be sharing a table with the band or DJ playing that night. This is because the cafe has a few large tables to encourage socialising between diners, and sharing! Though more intimate seating is available for those who want it.
Ok, the food... there are so many taste sensations here, this is mainly because of the sauce action we're looking at:
Harissa, (made from a base of beetroots and carrots and flavoured with chillies, coriander seeds, caraway, garlic, salt and olive oil. From Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria)
Chimi Churri (made from chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, and paprika with olive oil, from Argentina)
Mexican Mole poblano (made with dried chilli peppers nuts, spices, Mexican chocolate, salt)
You can sit in London but your mouth is in the Americas.
My perfect meal would have to be
Grilled Greek Haloumi(3.50) with chives and virgin olive oil drizzled on top.
Then sharing the Vegetarian Platter(14.50), which includes vege tacos (roasted sweet peppers, tomatoes and pinto beans with guac and cheese) dolmades, hummus and hot crispy falafel among other things.
Wine wise, I'll be sharing a bottle of Vina Rey Spanish Tempranillo(15) yum, it has enough body to carry the food yet is lively enough not to bore.
The finale has to be the very simple but effective Chocolate Molten Cake(4.50), it's hot, it's rich, and it lets little dribbles of melted dark chocolate run around your mouth , then you mix it with small cold scopes of the lush vanilla ice cream. Bliss!!
Mmmmm I'm so back there, you finish with a carajio (espresso with a shot of rum) it's off to see your band with one of their Sauza margaritas in your hand!
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