For my birthday this year, I went to Acme Fire Cult in Dalston with my family. It’s an open-fire restaurant with a menu built around seasonal ingredients, grilled meats, and inventive vegetable dishes.
We started with the Acme Marmite Bread & Pecorino – warm, sourdough soaked in marmite, covered in a sharp cheese topping. It was simple but a well-done dish. The first time was so nice, we had to order it twice!
The rest of the meal was a mix of delicious sharing plates:
- Tamworth Pork Chop with Saffron-Honey Mojo Rojo – this was a showstopper, tender pork with a sauce that was sweet, and a little spicy. Barbecued to perfection.
- Coal Roast Leeks with Pistachio Romesco – my personal favourite. Smoky leeks paired with a creamy nutty, vibrant sauce. The flavours went perfectly together.
- Fermented Pumpkin Hummus with Macadamia – smooth, slightly tangy hummus with a satisfying crunch from the macadamias. Served with a lovely crusty sourdough.
- Cotechino with Pink Onions, Salsa Verde & Guindillas – the only dish that didn’t quite hit the same heights, but still good. Rich sausage balanced by pickled onions, fresh herbs, and mild peppers.
- Butter Bean Labneh with Datterino Tomatoes & Fried Garlic Za’atar – creamy beans with bursts of sweetness from the tomatoes and a fragrant crunch from the garlic. The garnish was perfectly done here.
- Roast Pink Fir Potatoes – although simple, they were a nice addition to the meal. Crisp, golden, and seasoned just right.
To drink, I had an espresso martini although it looks very modest, it was easily the best I’ve ever had – smooth, well-balanced, and not too sweet. And I’ve had more than a few in my time.
It was a relaxed, enjoyable evening with great food and a lovely atmosphere. The perfect way to spend my birthday. I’d happily go back.