Exploring James May’s Gin-Infused Cuisine at Market Place Vauxhall
Market Place Vauxhall has kicked off a week-long food festival in collaboration with James Gin, the brainchild of TV icon James May. As a journalist, I had the opportunity to attend the opening day of this exciting event and sample all the gin-infused dishes on offer, despite initially feeling a bit skeptical about the concept.
The food festival is a celebration of the street food market’s two-year anniversary, with various vendors showcasing limited-edition gin-infused specials. From the Gin & Zest Pizza to the Gin & Tonic Fish and Chips, there is a wide array of unique dishes available for a limited time only, ending on September 29th. Participating vendors include The Duck Shed, Inamo Sukoshi, Made in Puglia, Wicked Fish, and Yorkshire Burrito, each offering their own creative take on incorporating James Gin into their dishes.
One of the standout dishes I sampled was the Gin & Duck Salad, featuring a James Gin vinaigrette that added a subtle yet refreshing hint of gin to the mix of vegetables. Despite my initial reservations, I found the flavor combination to be surprisingly pleasant and well-balanced.
Moving on to the main courses, I indulged in a truffle pizza with a James Gin, lemon, and tonic-infused sauce. While the gin flavor was not as prominent as I had hoped, the overall taste was delicious and satisfying. The Scottish salmon and avocado rolls with James Gin-infused mayo also caught my attention, offering a sweet and delightful twist on traditional sushi flavors.
The highlight of the meal for me was the fish and chips, where northern-sea haddock was lightly battered in James Gin. This dish, typically made with beer batter, was a perfect match for the gin infusion, resulting in a flavorful and crispy treat that left me craving more.
As I explored the different offerings, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of vegetarian options among the James Gin specials. However, I was pleased to find that vendors were accommodating and willing to make substitutions, such as swapping sausage for mushrooms on a pizza. For vegetarians looking to experience the adventurous gin-infused dishes, I recommend trying the pizza for a unique and satisfying option.
To complement my meal, I paired the dishes with James Gin’s Asian Parsnip flavor and elderflower tonic, creating a delightful and harmonious combination of flavors. While the gin itself was of high quality and stood out in terms of taste, I did find the price point to be a bit steep at £36.95 for a 70 cl bottle on Amazon.
During the event, I had the opportunity to hear James May speak in a Q&A session, where he emphasized the importance of associating his name with only the highest quality alcohol. His dedication to excellence was evident in the quality of the gin being showcased at the food festival.
Overall, while the food at Market Place Vauxhall may not have been groundbreaking, the lively atmosphere and unique gin-infused dishes made for an enjoyable and memorable experience. If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous culinary outing, I highly recommend checking out the quirky gin-infused offerings before the festival ends on Sunday.
In conclusion, the collaboration between James May’s Gin and Market Place Vauxhall has brought a refreshing and innovative twist to the street food scene, showcasing the versatility and creativity that can be achieved with gin-infused cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of James May or simply looking to try something new, this event is definitely worth a visit.
