Brindisa

I have a mild obssession with Brindisa. Ok, it's not so mild, it's a full on bona fide obssession. I start to think about it, and I can't think about anything else, I want to go there. This happens several times a week.

It all started quite innocently with a hunt for judion beans many years ago, those giant butter beans used in Spanish cooking. Even in a great sprawling city like London they are hard to find. Until you find Brindisa that is. A quick dash around the shop revealed many types of pulses, spices, meats, cheeses, chorizo, morcilla, even paella pans. I was hooked.

Then I discovered the stew and the sandwiches, the homemade tortilla and the gazpacho and for a while it was game over for all other lunch options. The staff are so friendly and knowledgable, it's a pleasure to shop there. Some of the produce is very expensive, but it's a worthwhile spend for most of it. For lunch you can't really go wrong with takeaway options like a fabulous roll with jamon iberico & *good* tomatoes for £3.95, or, chorizo & chickpea stew with bread for £4. They also support small time independent producers, ethically they've got things covered.

It's worth going for their cooking chorizo alone, it's my favourite by far and delis in the know also stock it. I love it there and I'll continue to go there as often as is reasonable. I'll probably be explaining it to a heart surgeon in years to come, but it will have been worth it*.

* Disclaimer: I hope this doesn't happen and if my future heart surgeon is reading this, sincere apologies and feel free to slap me around the head.