Here’s a nifty exhibition hitting one of the East End’s more interesting galleries. “Never Judge … ?” is a group exhibition in association with Penguin Books celebrating the art of the book cover.

For the show, street art sweethearts, StolenSpace, will be exhibiting original book covers from their favourite artists from around the world. In addition to original works, the gallery will produce limited edition prints of a selection of the exhibited pieces. The show promises to be a visual feast and is in conjunction with Penguin and their upcoming Penguin Essentials project.

Contributing artists (and there are many) include Anthony Lister, Blek Le Rat, Cyclops, D*FACE, EINE, Jon Burgerman, Kid Acne, Matt Small, Methane Studios, Michael De Feo, Miss Van, Pete Fowler, Shepard Fairey, Sickboy, Sylvia Ji, Tara McPherson, The London Police, Usugrow, WK Interact and Word To Mother and more. Woo.

“Never Judge … ?” runs from the 3rd to the 19th December at StolenSpace (91 Brick Lane, Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery, E1 6QL). Visit www.stolenspace.com for more details.

I feel I’ve now sufficiently recovered to give you the low-down on one of the best recent events we’ve had.

Oh, the meatyliciousness of it all.

Last Thursday, 20 Qypers descended on Shaka Zulu South African restaurant and bar in Camden to gain an understanding of both the food and the idea behind this huge project.

We met downstairs in the restaurant for sparkling champagne before a welcome chat with the owner Roger Payne.

 

Roger gave a small insight to the idea of the mighty warrior, and how the decor and design reflects the legend and culture of Africa. Carved panels were brought in piece by piece to cover entire walls, millions of tiny shells are embedded into siding and each time you visit, you notice something different!

Soon, it was the turn of head chef Barry Vera to talk us through some of the dishes we would be trying. He spent over an hour sitting and chatting with members about his previous restaurant exploits in Australia and time working for Marco Pierre White, as well as food travels through India and South African shanties. Barry has also written cookbooks and presented TV shows on food travel, so is best qualified to bring the spices and flavours of Africa to the masses.

Plates of food were then brought out for us to try some of the standout dishes from the Braai restaurant menu, all topped off with large glasses of local Saam Mountain Pinotage or Chenin Blanc.

Starters kicked off with house made biltong and masai mara chilli dipping sauce and bread. Cape Malay pickled fish was a favourite for many, with 12 spices and coriander shoots giving a delicate taste. Ostrich carpaccio was crusted with mixed spice to give it a kick, with horseradish and peppadew. Finally, smoked salmon with thinly sliced cucumber has a sweet, citrus tang.

That was just the starters!

Next we were on to mains, with the interesting Bobotie becoming a firm favourite. It’s essentially a baked, minced spiced beef or lamb with a custard-like top, best spread with fruity chutney and served with a side of pilaf rice with raisins. Sound weird? Granted, but the taste was sublime!

A meat board allowed us to taste ostrich, kudu, springbok and Boerewors beef and lamb sausage. Springbok was declaimed the winner on out table, and the peri peri fries and Chakalaka warm veggie salad the perfect accompaniment.

Once stuffed with this vast array of amazing tastes, we then were treated to a lemon or cherry and coconut cocktail, while watching a display by the barmen of lighting brandy balloons of overproof rum with winter berries and causing fireworks!

By the end of the evening, we had great food, fantastic showmanship and really good service, so I for one will be sure to go back soon! Plus the doggy bag of meat board treats helped to soothe my hangover.

Check out the all the pictures on our Facebook page

I’ve been Qyping for a fair few years now, but there’s always something new and exciting in London to try. And before I go exploring, I tend to have a nose on Qype before I do. And there’s a lovely little list of places that I wouldn’t have found if it wasn’t for Qype.Here are some of my more recent finds that I’ve discovered because of Qype’s London community.

Cask: My most recent find, and one of the rare decent pubs in Victoria.

Cox Cookies and Cake: It took me a while to check this place out, but I heard it first on Qype.

Marie’s Cafe: OK, so it’s not exactly fine dining, but it was worth a trip for a quick lunch.

Byron: I’ve *still* not eaten here, but their milkshakes are fab, and it’s hard to ignore all those amazing reviews they get.

Dovetail: I couldn’t argue with the reviews. I do wish I’d listened about the food though. Looked amazing.

To a Tea: Eamon told me about this place, it’s wonderful. In an area that’s sorely lacking in wonderful.

The Rake: I honestly have no idea what took me so long. Qype has been telling me to go there for years.

All of those places I’ve found through chatting on Qype, using Qype Radar, reading reviews *before* I go into that dodgy looking pub (actually, I don’t always do that, and it always gets me into trouble). They’re all brilliant venues, and now in my favourite places list. I’d love to know what places you’ve found through Qype, so then everyone can go and nose about those places too.

What’s your favourite hidden Qype gem?