Fay Maschler's week in food: from Foley's to home-cooked duckling

1. With children away, our neighbours the Kramers come out to play. At Foley’s we share cornflake-crusted popcorn chicken, pickled shimeji, corn, endive and chorizo from ex-Palomar chef Mitz Vora.

2. Black is the new black in fried cod bao (pictured) at the new Windmill Street branch of the Taiwanese bun sensation. FYI Bao Fitzrovia. Wednesday 2pm: no queue.

3. July babies sticking together at Portland celebrate our birthdays with a spiffing lunch including Cornish plaice with Poitou asparagus and a rugged almond and boudin noir sauce.

4. We heard it through the grapevine that after Motown the Musical the menu at J Sheekey Atlantic Bar can deliver just what you want, eg, sautéed cod cheeks with lobster gyoza and dashi broth.

5. A sybaritic state: watching an engaging movie — Maggie’s Plan at the Curzon Bloomsbury — knowing a duckling is roasting low and slow in the oven at home.

Also see: Our guide to the best food in London, from brunches and burgers to roasts, veggie options and high-altitude dining

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