Last week I was invited to Stagolee’s, an American restaurant in Fulham. Discovering a new place to eat is one of my top three pleasures in life. As a Londoner it is something I get to do regularly with varied results.
Stagolees is new – it has only been running for 3 months but it runs like a well oiled ship thanks to have a great concept and a passionate team. Co founded by Julian Tenasee and Chef Ashley from Texas, they had been mulling the idea of a resturant around for a couple of years. As black Americans from the south they shared a food palette.
Having lived in London and experienced generic burgers and New England-esque lobster rolls they realised there there was no where for them to eat what they eat athome for lunch or brunch or dinner. Top notch Southern American cuisine was lacking in London and Stagolees was born.
“We really wanted to bring the best of black Americans… as opposed to having someone else tell our story” ChefAshley
Chef Ashley has experience in Michelin star restaurnats, but it is the food of her friends and family that is prepared from scratch and served with love. The Southern States are known for their hospitality and between the delicious food, tasty drinks, detailed decor, cool soundtrack and fabulous service, I felt right at home.
The drinks menu is extensive and American. From the beers to the bourban and moonshine you find an artinsinal tipple to suit your palette. If you are a fan of a cocktail that is delicious and not too sweeet, I would recommend the Espresso Moontini (for the coffee lovers) or Ashley’s Hip, for a tipple that hits the spot.
Everything is made from scrach – just as it would be if you came to someones house. The food is amazing. I could go into detail about it but I’m just going to post the pictures and tell you to go to Stagolees to experience it for yourself.
Delicious cornbread (it is better than my cousin Dawn’s)
Sides that hit the spot.
If you to get a fussy non veg eater to eat veg – give them Chef Ashley’s collard greens.
The star of the show is the buttermilk fried chicken. Moist succulent and delicious!
An introduction to Hot Chicken (delicious, but to my palette it was not hot)
Then the most delicious key lime pie – super crunchy base with a very lime-not to sweet pie filling
Bonuts – if you are from the caribbean and are familiar with a bakes or fried dumpling, this is a lighter sweeter version. If you dont know what I am talking about, you need to go to Stagolees to find out.
The evening was rounded off with moonshine. I am a rum and or brandy girl so this was not my usual tipple. It went down very nicely and no hangover the next day!
If you like food, as opposed to a pretty plate wtih a deleicately arranged leaf placed over some foam, if you like a cocktail where you can taste the alcohol, and if you like to eat your food with your fingers without judgement, you really need to go to Stagolees.