Some like it hot - UP Box launches winter menus

UP Box, the environmentally friendly take out in Ludgate Circus has just launched a great new range of delicious, nourishing winter dishes prepared by their new chef, Ron Laity, who hails from Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.

Although launched only six months ago, the UP Box concept of providing ‘urban picnics’ - well-balanced, freshly made and delicious bento box-style food themed on different countries has already proved popular with City workers looking for an alternative to gluten and carbohydrate-heavy high street offering.

Ron will be expanding this offering and introducing a range of warming and comforting winter boxes, containing complete meals such as: Italian Slow cooked lamb with green beans and vinegar, mashed potatoes, cherry tomato and courgette with chilli, garlic and basil; Moroccan Chicken Tagine with preserved lemons and olives, couscous, sautéed courgettes with mint and garlic; Tandoori salmon with mustard chutney, rice and lentils with caramelized onion, carrots and peas with cumin, cucumber raita.

Classic dishes such as Beef bourgignon, Shepherd’s or Fish pies, Middle Eastern pilaffs will also feature along with the weekly healthy ‘Feel Good’ box. The ‘hot’ UP Boxes are priced at £4.99 as an introductory offer (otherwise £6). Each meal also contains a mini dessert and is made using seasonal ingredients, sourced in Britain whenever possible. All meat is free range, supplied by Macken Brothers in Chiswick. UP Box uses fully degradable, recyclable unbleached cardboard boxes while knives and forks are made from wood and are again fully biodegradable.

Ron Laity will also focus on introducing Japanese food to the UP Box existing group of 12 countries. Ron was previously the Head Sushi Chef for Rick Stein and the Executive Chef of Yakitoria before that. Having also spent six and a half years working as a chef in Tokyo and Osaka, Ron is looking forward to creating a Japanese offering different to what is currently available on the high street.

His first Japanese UP Box will be available this week and contains Cod with miso, mirin and soy, Japanese rice with enoki and shimeji mushrooms, mange tout with sesame and pickled red pepper garnish. Nick and Ines Alfille, founders of UP Box will both continue to spend some time in the kitchen while also focusing on brand expansion.

UP Box is open from 7.30am to 3pm from Monday to Friday.

Find out more at up-box.co.uk.