From 12 March, Greek restaurant Esti will begin a six month residence at TT Liquor in Shoreditch, promising to combine Hellenic cuisine with Australian hospitality.
Taken from the Greek word ‘estiatorio’, meaning ‘to do’, the pop-up is the brainchild of Kostas Vais.
Drawing on his Greek heritage, and particularly the cooking of his grandmother, Vais will be bringing traditional cooking from the Mediterranean to the bright, spacious Orangery on the first floor of the TT Liquor building, which was once a Victorian-era police station.
While British season produce will be at the forefront of the menu, there will also be an Antipodean flourish with the addition of Aussie ingredients, including lemon myrtle, finger lime and forest anise.
The menu will be centred around dishes cooked over fire, prepared by head chef Sal Galasso. Classic chicken and pork souvlaki, charred aubergine and twice-cooked lamb ribs are highlighted. Away from the grill, braised octopus and saganaki ‘toasties’ with confit lime and honey are promised to delight customers.
Dessert also displays a similarly creative streak, with an iced parfait made with Cretan olive oil and finished with Australian lemon aspen berries and a sprinkle of Murray River salt.
After the six month residency is up, there are plans for Esti to find a permanent site.
To read about more of this month’s London restaurant openings, click here.
