Eat 17

Eat 17 is one of the smarter restaurants in Walthamstow village, with its sleek modern interior and food just edging on the side of pretentious. (It’s ok though, it’s on the good side). The service is great, and the menu is changed frequently enough that there’s always something new to try. It gets busy at the weekends, so book in advance. If you live nearby, go on a week day so you’re more likely to get a table. 

Fuelled with a couple of bottles of a lovely light, dry Pinot Grigio we made our way through some of their tasty offerings. Crispy fishcakes with creamy remoulade topped with succulent local leaves for Dad to start, a fresh crab and avocado salad for me, and some hot chicken wings for Tomasz. The pictures of the wings didn’t come out too well (Tomasz was hungry so I was under too much pressure!)

We also added a little nibbly plate with bruscetta, marscapone and Eat 17’s homemade award winning Bacon Jam. Sounds odd, but it’s really special. Sort of like a sweet red onion chutney slathered on a Boxing Day ham. They sell it next door at the Spar and it’s definitely worth squirreling away a pot if you can. 

My main course was fairly epic. Pink and juicy duck, scored and seared to crisp perfection, with a glossy gravy, caramalised red cabbage and creamy dauphinoise potatoes. It was beautiful. Dad had the fish of the day; cod with Moroccan spices and giant cous cous and for Tomasz a gormet burger, with melted cheese and a basket of chips. Now, the chips… twice fried, crunchy and golden and pillowy soft inside. These chips were mega. They were so delicious we may have stolen most of them off him, and had to order another basket… just maybe.

Now, stuffed as we were, Dad wanted a pudding. He is a sucker for crumble (apparently his evil wife never makes it for him) so I felt I should keep him company. While he drowned that crispy sugary crumb and spiced fruit with cream, I nibbled on Blue Montana, a lovely strong Sussex brie and some sharp and crumbly Westcombe cheddar. They came with little black biscuits instead of bread mercifully, I don’t think I could have had bread as well. 

Swimming in Pinot and full of cheese we ambled back home to rest our fat little bellies. 

Eat 17’s website is here. They also have a Hackney branch. If you're in that area of London pay them a visit and let me know if it's as good as its cousin.