The Great British Fry-Up has been in a steady decline with people wanting to eat more healthily, the addition of hash browns from the United States, black pudding from up north and people wanting something different for their morning meal, so I was more than happy to go over to the Latin American-inspired Elmore Jam to check out their two new breakfast items, writes Michael Holland.
Colombian born chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño is continually experimenting and creating new dishes and I am always up for trying something new, so me and my son Jimmy walked over London Bridge from Bermondsey to be part of the experiment.
Elmore Jam is on the border of the City so those there having breakfast looked like they were preparing for the day ahead. Some were on their laptops, some on their phones, some having mini-meetings, and all with plate or bowl of energy-giving goodness in front of them. All the dishes looked very nice but I knew what I was there for, the new breakfast dishes.
We were sharing so that we would both get to taste the new fare on offer. First up was the fairly traditional Bacon and Egg Sandwich(£5), no doubt for those too insecure to try anything adventurous. The only nod to being different was the Spianatta bread, a soft bread with a crispy crust that adds another texture to any sandwich. It worked perfectly with the crispy bacon.
Next was the Huevos Rancheros(£6.50), three corn tortillas filled with black beans, salsa, fried eggs and guacamole. This was a new sensation in breakfast. The crunch of the tortillas countered the softness of the guacamole and egg, while a revelatory taste-punch came from the smokiness of the beans and the tang of the sauce. I had a smile on my face and salsa smeared round it. Deeelish!
We could have been in and out in 15 minutes, but we tarried a while with an Earl Grey (£3) and a coffee(£3.20) to absorb the Elmore Jam vibe and people-watch the City workers cross the bridge to their offices.
Our own day was just beginning and it had begun well.
Elmore Jam, 24 King William Street, London, EC4R 9AT
