Yotam Ottolenghi, Voyager

Yotam Ottolenghi, Voyager

THERE’S A PRISTINE WHITE TAKEAWAY RESTAURANT on Islington’s desirable Upper Street called Ottolenghi and it’s a shrine to the sweet potato and mighty aubergine. Visible through the window is a shimmering crate of lucky Romano red peppers and jewelled couscous destined to appear on one of the platters of heavenly spiced salad. By the till
are billowing nutty meringues and dreamy lemon polenta cakes that will be munched by a star-studded clientele – one half of the rock band Franz Ferdinand plus children are seated on the primary-coloured Verner Panton chairs, knocking elbows with North London hipsters at the communal table when we meet patron chef Yotam Ottolenghi.