Green Feta & Asparagus Toasts
& a new spot in Camberwell 🍽️
Hey everyone, hope you’re all having a great week.
This week’s recipe is all about asparagus, and of my the ways I’ve been using it during the season. Whether you’re stirring it into a risotto or pairing it with dippy eggs for breakfast, it’s just one of those ingredients I always get a lot of joy from.
Back in my restaurant days, asparagus was one of those ingredients you had to really give attention to. It’s not the cheapest veg, so there was always a bit of pressure to prep it properly and not waste it. I actually enjoyed those moments in the kitchen, learning little tricks and techniques that I still use in my day-to-day cooking now.
This week’s recipe is another ‘on toast’ number (can you tell I’m into these lately?). I’ve been loving things that are low-effort but still deliver on flavour, perfect for a quick lunch or to serve as a snack with an aperitivo when friends are over. This one has a green whipped feta, full of chives for a garlicky hit, and grilled asparagus piled on top. I like it warm, but it’s just as good cold too.
I also finally got to check out a spot I’ve been curious about for a while—it’s just opened in Camberwell, on Camberwell Church Street where Forza Win used to be (iykyk). I wasn’t sure what to expect, as their Instagram is a bit of a mixed bag, but once inside it all made sense. The space is full of colour from the walls to window frames. Every corner cosy without being too moody.
We ordered tried a couple of dips to start (Omi’s artichoke cream was my standout) and then moved on to mains. Oh and also, don’t skip the pickles, they’re really good. JoJo’s describe their menu as ‘elevated comfort food’, which, if you’ve been here a while, you’ll know is very much my vibe too, and that came through in every dish.
Though the snacks are meant for sharing, we were encouraged to each order our own main. We were a fairly big group and realised (myself included) that none of us could resist trying a bit of everything anyway. I think the small-plate culture of most London restaurants has kind of ruined our ability to commit to just one thing, which isn’t strictly good or bad, just something I’ve noticed.
From the mains, my favourites were the crispy potato and smoked cheese dumplings with peas and buttermilk, and the wood-fired lamb with turnips and seaweed, because if there’s lamb on the menu, I’m probably going to order it. I guess I gravitate toward dishes I wouldn’t usually cook at home.
If you’re in the Camberwell area, or fancy a little trip down to SE, then I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. It’s the kind of spot that feels like a real neighbourhood gem, and worth visiting while it still feels a bit under the radar.