Launch Night at Jenius Social, London.
Feature by Lisa Hooper, photos Sarah James:
Last night we went to the opening of Jenius Social, an event space on the edge of trendy Islington. The concept is to provide a space for gastronomic events such as cookery classes, supper clubs or privately organised parties or team building events. The space comprises of a blank canvas reception room which leads into a fully equipped, modern demonstration kitchen. There was also a display of unusual delicatessen type items for sale; beautiful pastas, quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil, as well as cheese and charcuterie.
Hands on cookery classes can accommodate 20 people, whilst 30 can attend the demonstrations. A cookery class will typically cost £50 (more for longer classes such as bread making), but if you move quickly there is a discount for early bird bookings!
Glass of Prosecco in hand we visited each of the “street food” stalls which had been set up for us to sample their offerings. Each of the stalls were run by one of the suppliers/companies who will help cater for the cookery classes or supper clubs. Our taste buds were tingled with hand-made Chicken Fajitas (with some of the best guacamole I have tasted), Popiah Spring Rolls from the Malaysian Kitchen, Caramelised Onion Pork Sausages from Sizzling Sausages, and some wonderfully hand-made pasta from Mangai Supper Club.
Mangia also brought along a selection of their charcuterie and cheese sourced from Sardinia. It literally melted in the mouth.
My companion was even brave enough to sample the Nose-To-Tail Tapas which came in the form of Braised Tongue!
The space also has access to a large outside area where we found more food offerings in the guise of cheese from Eat The Rind, (the only non-factory produced blue cheese from Northern Ireland called ‘Young Buck’ was a hit with both of us), and something sweet from the wonderfully named Pimp My Profiteroles!
The owner, Jennifer Yong, has spent several years sourcing some excellent foodie partners to help her launch this new business. With the growing trend for dinner parties and “eating in being the new eating out” I can see a demand for the cookery classes and supper clubs she will be running. For further details check out the website:
sounds like a great place to go. I would love to have somewhere suitably foodie local to me – I miss living in Bath for the quality delis and such
Wow that looks absolutely incredible! Makes me hungry just reading about it!
This sounds incredibly yummy! I love the dessert & charcuterie offierings!
Very entertaining concept, learning and tasting at the same time. I imagine you had a great time.
Clad you guys enjoyed the Young Buck! Sounds like a real cool joint, some tasty looking foods!