My Plate & Place with… Capri Cafaro

Her debut cookbook, United We Eat, received international acclaim and features recipes that tell America’s unique delicious past while bringing people together over food.

Cafaro is also a regular contributor to titles including HuffPost, Daily Mail, Variety, BBC Food, Food Network online, and Taste of Home, among others.

Describe your perfect day in London?

Any day that involves a concert. I am driven by music, and London, as well as the whole of the UK, is the epicentre in my opinion. From Blur at Wembley, Stereophonics at Hyde Park BST, the Chemical Brothers at the Royal Albert Hall, or Genesis at the O2, the best days for me always involve live music.

Many smaller venues have sadly closed, but of course there are still the classics like Ronnie Scott’s in Soho or Underworld in Camden Town. I’m planning to see The Prodigy at Brixton Academy in December.

Favourite restaurant?

Signor Sassi in Knightsbridge because I need my Italian comfort food and they’re the best in town. I also love Da Mario in my South Kensington neighbourhood who also serve up Italian classics with a side of disco in the basement.

Best place for brunch?

I’m more of a Sunday roast girl rather than a brunch girl; so, for me it’s The Spaniards Inn up in Hampstead. The history alone makes it an incredible place to have a meal, but their traditional roasts are second to none.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

Sadly, it’s been a minute since I’ve visited a museum or gallery. One of my photographer friends recently celebrated 30 years in the profession at Behind the Gallery, but I was gutted I couldn’t make it due to my filming schedule.

I like to find galleries that are off the beaten path, but of course I still enjoy the classics. Tate Modern was the last museum I visited.

Where are the best places to shop?

I am a devotee of London’s incredible markets. Borough Market and Greenwich Market are two of my favourites for their wide selection of food stalls and vendors of eclectic fun items from clothes to home goods.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

I’m too old for a night out! Long gone are my days at the Ministry of Sound or the Met Bar (RIP). I prefer staying in my neighbourhood for a quiet drink at one of my two locals, The Builder’s Arms, or The Gloucester Arms in South Kensington. If I venture out, it may be to The World’s End in Camden because they usually have good metal music playing.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

At Kensington Gardens with my baby pup, Marshmallow, or on my couch catching up on Eastenders (I am a super fan!).

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

This is tough. I would say Camden Town because of its music history.

What is your top London tip?

If you are only here for a short time, and want to see all the iconic sights, take an Uber Boat on the Thames from the Embankment to Greenwich. You will see everything from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and everything in between for a good price. There’s even a small bar on board. And you can hop on and off with your Oyster Card or by tapping your phone.

There are multiple stops along the river.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

My new culinary TV series, America the Bountiful, has just been launched which explores the untold food stories of rural and small-town America. You can catch the series now on PBS America.

I also host a radio show and podcast, Eat Your Heartland Out, which airs on SiriusXM Radio.

In addition, I have started working with a new organisation, Therapeutic Kitchen Collective, that aims to engage and educate about how cooking and baking can improve mental wellness.

I will also be presenting from the sidelines of the London New Year’s Day parade!

 

Make sure to follow Capri Cafuro on Instagram @capriscafaro to keep up to date with her news and latest projects!