Jamie's Recipease: Northcote Road

Last night we went to learn "How to cook the Perfect Steak." I've been to a couple of other places for cooking evenings. I'm quite big on experiences these days, so this was a great birthday present. And the fact it was steak even got Jonny interested.

This place was a lot more informal and relaxed than other places I have been for cooking lessons, and definitely had that Jamie feel about it. Small group - 10 max, and you can see from the picture you got your own workstation in this area that just forms the rear part of the store.

We started with a glass of wine whilst our host explained to us the different cuts, and showing us how to cook them. We get to try them to get the taste buds going. We learnt that, in her opinion, rib eye gives the best flavour, whilst fillet is the most tender but less strong flavour. So, from what I can remember, your top tips for the perfect steak are:

• Finger test. Thumb to forefinger - meaty part of hand texture = medium rare. Thumb to middle finger = medium. Thumb to ring finger = well done.
• Medium rare is best flavour as the blood and juices are what gives it the flavour
• Get your plan REALLY smokey hot
• Bring steak to room temperature before placing on hot pan (about half an hour)
• Add oil and seasoning generously whilst your steak is on the board. Never add oil to the pan.
• Once steak is in pan, prod it a lot but do not move it.
• Once steak starts to lift from pan - it is sealed and you can turn it
• Only need to turn a steak maximum of 4 times
• Once you see the blood juices coming through - you have a pretty good indication of medium rare
• Allow the steak to rest for approx 5 minutes before serving
• Cut against the grain of the steak

I had to upload this one as it is such a rare picture of Jonny cooking his own dinner. Bless.He looks so serious about it too:

After the steaks were cooked to perfection, we all sat down and ate them with salad and new potatoes and maybe a little more wine. As it is a small group, there is ease of conversation with others at the evening and lots of fun. I tell my fellow chefs that I will be writing a review of this place on my blog so what do they think of it? The overriding consensus is that it is a really fun evening and everyone would definitely go again. Jamie's development points (oh dear I still sound like a big 4 firm consultant...) were:

• Could have brought in more about how to cook the trimmings like potatoes etc
• Most people would have liked some guidance on the sauces you can make with your steak
• No goody bag. A little take home recipe card or something would have been a nice gesture.

After closing the four of us wander on for just one more drink. We end up in Be @ One where I haven't been for 8 years when I first moved to London. We may have ended up doing some good moves to cheesy music (like Baywatch theme tune!) whilst Jon Young played his leg air guitar. Oh dear. But was a very fun evening. Thanks Sis.