“You might want to try the cornbread”. My mouth occasionally salivating as those words replay in my mind reminding me of what was – glory at Big Easy Canary Wharf. The largest Big Easy in the UK serving “low and slow” meat did not disappoint.
Like many middle of the day boredom can make you question life (maybe that’s just me when I’m hungry and stuck behind a desk). The perfect way to get your mind of idol thoughts – food. What better place than Big Easy – Canary Wharf (beware, cheesy plug alert – too late).
The unlimited boozy brunch – consisted of North Carolina Chopped Pork, Pit-Smoked B.Q Chicken & St Louis Pork Ribs, ‘Slaw, Pit-Smoked Beans, Fries & (drum roll please) Fresh Baked Cornbread.
The overall menu at Big Easy had my head spinning. Meat upon meat with different variations of that same meat. Then fish upon fish with – you get the point. So it was far from an anticlimax when a single piece of paper was laid before me showing me the brunch menu. The difficulty of making tough life diffused in an instance and boy did I eat!
Mouth-melting pork and chicken served with smokey beans and spongey homemade cornbread (oh that cornbread).
I initially said “no” to the beans (the kind of “no” a parent tells a naughty child). Credit to the waiter he anticipated my lack of trust in restaurant beans and assured me that what I would eat would blow me away. Not one to take people by their word he spoke with such conviction I was left nodding my head as he walked away. I ate the beans a few minutes later still nodding my head. What a delight. With ribs, pork and chicken all provided in this meal – the beans allowed for these different meats to mix together and blend perfectly.
My mind wandered to the architecture of the building as my palate engaged with heaven. Outside terrace area, open floor dining, bar that had more drinks than books in your local library and later I was to discover the 26-seater “Captain’s Table” private dining room shown by the manager. An exclusive 17th century style luxury private dining room with it’s very own private terrace.
Back to the food. The ribs. If you don’t like fat I’m sorry. There were distinct layers in their ribs. Fat, meat, bone. Divine. No games. Good ol’ ribs. The meat didn’t fall off the bone. I had to engage with it. That’s how it should be.
The pork too had the right texture. Not over done and chewy yet not soft and mushy. Just right. And with those beans (ohh yes) they worked a treat.
“You might want to try the cornbread” – the waiter said. So I did. My mouth watered as though a pipe had burst within me. Had not been in my right mind I would’ve called a plumber.
My mind wondered to my childhood. Sweet memories and nostalgic moments. Memories that had been conjured up on the spot. The cornbread’s sweet and inviting warmth made me devour more than I should have – breaking into my mouth and crumbling so evenly I forgot to use my tongue for five minutes. The tender and sweet cornbread muffins were the perfect accompaniment to the dish.
Big Easy was truly a delight. A wonderful restaurant with –my mouth just salivated. Cornbread – you naughty boy.
Big Easy Canary Wharf
Park Level, Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf
London E14
BREAKFAST
Mon – Fri 7.00 a m – 11:30 am
Weekend Brunch 9.00 am – 5:00 pm
LUNCH & DINNER
Mon – Sat 11:30 am – midnight
Sun 11:30am – 11:00pm
FULL AFTERNOON TEA
Everyday 3:00pm – 5:00pm
THE BARS
Mon – Fri 7:00am – Midnight
Sat 9:00am – Midnight
Sun 9:00am – 11:00pm