The Foundry, Camden – Review

Camden is a world famous hive of colours, activity, diversity, fantastic drinks and great food. So, looking to try some of the best offerings in the area, we visited the Foundry to try out their fayre. We were immediately struck by the inviting and vibrant atmosphere of the lower floor, where London`s Jazz festival was being celebrated and was in full swing. A real buzz was in the air and we couldn`t wait to begin our meal here.

On arrival and being greeted by enthusiastic staff, we started with a cocktail and I chose a vodka mixed berry fruit Collins – which was refreshing, light and a great way to kick off the evening. Using vodka as a base, it is mixed with lemon juice, sugar, soda and a choice of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry(£7.50).

The cuisine is a blend of modern European and modern English dishes, which utilise the freshest seasonal ingredients from the season for optimum flavour. Taking a rather unexpected detour from my usually carnivorous menu choices, my meal began with the Vegetarian friendly handmade ricotta & walnut ravioli with sage butter. A classic combination, the Foundry did this dish very well. The walnuts adding a wonderful contrasting texture and flavour to the lavishly creamy ricotta (£7.00). Served as a trio, this pasta dish is not overwhelming as a starter and really tickled the taste buds. Another classic, the Chicken liver páté, onion marmalade, toast (£7.00), was also a hit with our party.

The mains were also a real delight. We particularly enjoyed the fillet of venison, parma ham & wild mushrooms en croute with chestnut purée & green beans (£19.50) The combination of the Parma Ham, mushrooms and the venison was beautiful, and it was complimented well by the saltiness of the ham. Upon tasting, the tender meat melted away to the nuttiness of the mushrooms and made for a gorgeously extravagant dish. The venison was the perfect partner for a bottle or Rioja; th Abizu, Tempranillio, 2011, which hails from the prime Rioja Alavesa region.

For those looking for a seafood option, the chargrilled swordfish steak served with samphire & salmoriglio dressing (£16.00), was stunning. The swordfish stood up well to the salty samphire and the salmoriglio dressing, making for powerful, yet coordinated set of flavours.

To finish the meal, we indulged ourselves in one of the house made Naughty Chocolate Sundaes! Complete with home-made ice cream, chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream and lashings of chocolate sauce, this was a great finish to the meal and made me feel 7 years old again.

The Foundry lives up to the promised vibrancy and excitement of the Camden area; a great meal, great drinks and a great evening.

For more information: http://www.foundrycamden.co.uk/