Unlock the Flavors of Café Cecilia: Irresistible Recipes That Will Make You Head to Hackney!

I recently came across a wonderful green cookbook that caught my eye. This summer, I felt drawn to visit Hackney, where Café Cecilia awaited.

Each year, the L.A. Times Food section reviews many cookbooks to highlight the year’s best. In 2024, Café Cecilia’s book charmed me with its stylish, easy-to-follow recipes. The restaurant, run by chef Max Rocha, blends Irish, Italian, and French influences. I had to experience it for myself.

In July, I took my first trip to the U.K. in six years. Besides visiting family, I was eager to try out Café Cecilia, located by Regent’s Canal in Hackney.

My friends, my partner, and I settled at a long wooden table next to the kitchen. It turned out to be one of my best meals of the year. We enjoyed crispy sage and anchovy fritters, golden mutton croquettes with mustard, buttery scallops, and a deliciously sweet fried pudding.

Rocha left the music industry to cook in renowned London kitchens like St. John and the River Café. His restaurant, now four years old, has already become a sensation. “We have people calling up asking about the recipes!” Rocha shared. The word has spread, especially since he has no PR team. His cookbook has boosted the restaurant’s popularity significantly.

Café Cecilia attracts visitors from as far as Australia and Korea. Rocha believes its appeal lies in its diverse flavors. It also has a stylish atmosphere, thanks to the uniforms designed by his sister, Simone Rocha. The family connection extends to the restaurant’s name, a tribute to his grandmother, who saved to send her son to London.

Rocha aims to create “fancy canteen food” that feels both special and familiar, making it easy to crave. From his culinary journey, he draws inspiration from both of his grandmothers, combining tastes from his heritage.

To help you get a taste of Café Cecilia at home, here are two recipes from the cookbook.

Guinness Bread
This comforting bread is found on nearly every table at Café Cecilia. It’s hearty yet light, echoing his mother’s sweeter version. It’s straightforward to make and pairs perfectly with butter.

Mussels and Datterinis on Toast
A favorite of Rocha, this dish combines mussels with roasted tomatoes and aioli on toast. It’s all about sharing and enjoying delicious flavors together.

Fun Fact: According to Google Trends, interest in comfort food has surged in recent years. People are turning to hearty, home-cooked meals more than ever, perhaps seeking familiarity and warmth in uncertain times.

For those interested, you can check Café Cecilia’s cookbook for more exciting recipes. It’s a great way to bring a bit of the restaurant’s magic into your kitchen.

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