Jenius Social launches in Islington

Prosecco and conversation both flowed at Jenius Social last night, a new Islington-based food hub which aims to connect aspiring cooks, bloggers and foodies with a range of events and masterclasses. The launch party at its headquarters by Holloway Road which gave visitors a sneak preview of the upcoming fare from both resident British head chef Malcolm Emmanueil (who worked at the Connaught under Angela Hartnett for two years) and specialist food partners.

Founder Jennifer Yong was born in Singapore, raised in Australia before moving to London in 2005. With a passion for food which has taken her to explore the food of over 40 countries, it’s no surprise that the range of partners working with Jenius Social serve cuisines from around the world. On launch night, guests were treated to a range of cuisines stretching across the globe – from Mexico to Malaysia – with a taste of the supper clubs, cookery classes and food masterclasses coming up in the next two months.

Mangia Mangia!, a family-run supper club specialising in artisan Sardinian food products, served up some of their finest antipasti – including spicy cured sausages, rich slices of coppa and a unique smoked ricotta and Sardinian flatbread pane carasau. Mangia Mangia! will host a supper club in late July, offering a taste of authentic Italian home cooking along with aperitivo and wine.

Next door, Malaysian popiah (freshly made wraps in thin, spring roll pastry) were being made and consumed en masse. The delicious, flavoursome, street food favourite was the most popular dish of the evening, with good reason – light pastry filled with an umami-rich mix of mushrooms, beansprouts sun-dried shrimps coated in an chilli-based sauce were the perfect portable accompaniment to a glass of Prosecco or wine. A ‘Taste of Malaysia’ cookery class will give guests an introduction to the unique fusion cuisine of Malaysia, whilst also teaching guests to recreate chicken satay and seafood curry laksa at home.

Elsewhere, resident chef Malcolm Emmanueil could be seen preparing Mexican street food, serving up Mexican-style sausages and open chicken fajitas, topped with obligatory guacamole, sour cream and a punchy tomato salsa. Visitors queued patiently, with a plate in hand, although this guest found the result lacked excitement and was left a little disappointing. Nevertheless, chef Emmanueil’s two decades’ of cooking experience is impressive and he will be the driving force behind a range of cookery classes at Jenius Social.

Outside, a vast selection of cheeses attracted guests with crackers in hand, whilst Pimp My Profiterole! in the adjacent tent provided some salvation for those with a sweet tooth – perfectly formed profiteroles topped and filled with various combinations. A personal favourite was filled with apple cream and topped milk chocolate and pistachios for a delicate balance of clean, summery tones. Upcoming classes will provide a lesson in perfecting the notoriously challenging choux pastry, as well as the accompanying sauces and fillings.

Special offer: As part of their launch offer, Jenius Social will be offering a 25% discount on all internal courses in their first month – between 22^nd May and 21^st June. You’ll also have a chance to win £500 to spend on courses and events by signing up to their mailing list.

Xi Weng

For more information about Jenius Social, Studio 8, The Islington Studios, 6 Hornsey Street, Islington, London, N7 8GR, call 020 3286 4998 or click here.