By Priya Konings
Duke’s Grocery, inspired by the relaxed atmosphere and international culinary flavors of London’s best neighborhoods and dining establishments, recently celebrated its one year anniversary. This causal neighborhood pub has retained its original chilled-out ambiance since it opened, and continues to churn out fresh and seasonal fare that is far from ordinary American bar cuisine.
If you haven’t been, stop by for a pint and a bite to eat; their menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are available from local farms but they usually post a picture of their chalkboard menu on Facebook every morning so you can catch a glimpse of what they are featuring.
Here is what they are currently featuring: oh-so-crunchy local carrots and radishes served with creamy housemade hummus drench in silky olive oil and a green chili pesto. It’s perfect for sharing while you peruse the rest of the menu and down your first cocktail (which should be their Proper Pimm’s Cup or the Blueberry Bourbon Lemonade).
Next up is a grilled cheese that is so goddamn cheesy the melted goodness oozes out the sides before you even pick it up. The fact that it is grilled in truffle butter will make you swoon. Forget the calories. Eat one and remind yourself that it’s a good, good life.
Be sure to get over there in time to try the avocado toast, made with huge hunks of toasted bread smothered in avocado, an egg, radishes, and some other real good shit. This may not be on for much longer since avocado season is coming to a close.
In addition, the roti stuffed with lentil and chickpea fritters, spiced with Indian chilies and harrisa, and oozing with creamy raita, is worth a try. For those who love a dish with some heat, get the local corn elote: a bowl of sweet corn, Mexican crema, and some of the spiciest salsa in town.
If you have room for dessert, order it and tell me how it was! Bring your friends, sample some cocktails, eat a lot of food: it’s the recipe for an awesome night.
