Labels: 12 Step Plan Records
Review by: Samuel Fowler
Ska Punk is a tricky cuisine to get right. When served up by masters of the craft the result can be a life-affirming fiery treat, however at the hands of rank amateurs, the stodgy depressing fare you can find at many joints can all to easilly give the cuisine as a undeserved reputation. Having heard of this new venture titled the “Junk” brought to the discerning diner by the same hands that were responsible for the magnificent “Once Over” restaurant, I was keen to sample the wares they offer up. The initial appearances were positive, the obvious anti-capitalist demeanor, with the walls resplendent with pictures of corrupt ugly cops in riot gear caving in the faces of protestors were evident here. I felt at home. Keen to sink into the delights offered, I bravely sallied forth fearlessly into the “Novus Ordo Seclorum” set menu…
Entrée- “Scream Your Dreams”
The first impressions of this dish were unfortunately overlain by the unpleasant taste of a Comeback-Kid-esque sauce, however this faded into a competent but unimaginative starter. A brave riff on standard fare, but not quite enough to excite this jaded critic.
Plat Principale- “Monkey See- Monkey Do”
Oh my! this dish raced from the blocks with a strong Consumed-esque tinge leading into a more than competent interpretation of No Comply. The inclusion of peppery “hep-hep’s” and upstrokes threatened the inherent integrity of the dish, but the strong underlying character carried it through effortlessly. A delightful fresh dish that cleansed the palate and left yours truly practically drooling for the desert.
Desert- “Far From Here”
Your intrepid reviewer fair burst his (not-in-any-way-inconsiderable) braces here. The flavours were clear and the dish practically shouted right at the esteemiable diner from the plate. An immense Antimaniax-esque finish resplendent with unprescidented vigor and vitality rounded off this spectacular gastronomic experience. To find food of this quality and competence from a fresh and inexperienced endeavor was a delightful and novel experience for your respected critic.
If in any way you might consider yourself to be appreciative of the ska-punk cuisine you could do much MUCH worse than make the effort to visit this delightful diner. Not since I strayed north of Hadrians formidable Wall where I I sampled the delights of the “Hijacks” cafe many moons ago have I found such a refreshing and invigorating take on this much-trodden and befouled path. I’d go as far as to suggest that if these fine young chefs concentrated on their strengths, then in the not too distant future they could find themselves the proud recipients of a Michelin Ska or two! (sorry)