TĀTĀ Eatery has been absent from the scene for quite some time, but they recently made waves by helping launch Mr Ji in Camden. However, they have now made a grand return, teaming up with Resy for a one-month residency at The Sea, The Sea in Hackney. Led by the talented Zijun Meng and Ana Gonçalves, this special menu draws inspiration from Meng's personal journey through mindfulness meditation practice. Prepare yourself for a unique experience unlike anything this dynamic duo has done before. They describe it as a "2-hour journey through Ana and Meng's love, dedication, and commitment to their craftsmanship and food for thought."

The original The Sea, The Sea has been an instant London hit, combining organic wine with seafood based dishes with a more refined, yet still reasonably-priced, restaurant aesthetic. It was food that made you feel good about eating it, full of life and personality. Alex Hunter unveiled his sister-restaurant in Hackney, nestled beneath a railway arch. Collaborating with executive chef Leo Carreira, this culinary venture stands as a cherished sibling to its renowned namesake in Chelsea.

Within this captivating haven, a crescent-shaped table beckons a fortunate dozen patrons to behold a mesmerising spectacle—the open kitchen. Here, a no-choice tasting menu is crafted in front of you, captivating the senses of those fortunate enough to partake.

I had the privilege of previewing this exclusive experience. Let’s delve in shall we?

A succession of amuses kicked us off, mostly sea based. One lovely delicate sphere filled with razor clam was the most memorable, no less because my fingers smashed it open on picking it up. Delicate, crisp, and plenty of umami.

The smoked wing was polar opposite to the first two, and was in competition of being my favourite starter. This is usually my favourite part of a bird; all those gorgeous juices run down through the bird, pooling at the bottom to flavour it. The bite was unexpectedly juicy, and I wanted three more.

‘Self’ - Presa Iberica

The requisite ‘self’ course was visually appealing. An ensemble of presa iberica and pea were peppery and perfectly seasoned, with a paper-thin slither of lardo sat on top, making each mouthful even better than the last.

The lobster approached us next, smoked and brushed on the josper grill. There was an element of fun in its presentation; the bright red body sat neatly on the pool of sauce, the accompanying foam marking its territory. I took a deep breath and went for it; the intense flavour was jaw dropping.

And so, after 10 immaculate courses, we were finished - stuffed to the brim and ready for a nightcap. The Sea, the Sea in Hackney is a special little slice of Hackney, and I urge you to visit. I will be watching the restaurant’s development with immense interest, and hope to make another trip this year for the restaurant’s normal sitting.

Thank you to The Sea, the Sea team, Zijun Meng, Ana Gonçalves and Goya for a lovely evening.

Address: 337 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA

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TĀTĀ Eatery’s takeover at The Sea, The Sea in Hackney

Cycene by Theo Clench, Shoreditch