Tue 9 July, 2013 America Take Two Bye bye burger London's culinary love affair with the Big A still seems to be going strong – Shake Shack and Five Guys opened last week – but here at UJHQ we've had our fill of burgers and dawgs. Literally. Instead, we've been looking to some other NY micro trends (and we aren't just talking about the Dosant), with an eye on a new region moving in. Brooklynite hipster shot, the Pickleback (read: a shot of whisky chased with pickle brine) has been making appearances, namely at Brewdog, the Sebright Arms, Pitt Cue Co and, most recently, Caravan, with a peach and cucumber twist. Smoking is also big news. Taking inspiration from the smoked cocktails at Fatty Cue, and Corton in NYC – Caravan just released a "Smoked, Pickled & Raw" menu – think pickled and smoked beets, smoked anchovy bagnacauda and a smoked Bloody Mary. The Westbury also smoke their eggs and The Grill on the Market in Smithfield does a great smoky Old Fashioned. Although NY is still on the mind, we're beginning to move south. The Lockhart, was recently opened in Marylebone by four homesick Texans (lobster nachos, anyone?), and soul food eatery Blue Plate, from the team behind Outsider Tart, is currently hosting a series of events called "Route 66 – Around the States in 50 Dates". Last on the Southern food trail is Joe's Southern Kitchen and Bar, which opened last week. Here they look "beyond the burger", serving the likes of "Beer Can" chicken (carved on a specially-designed chicken trolley), "Pressure Fried" chicken, devilled eggs, crispy fried pickled okra, and blackened catfish. Forget burger's, now it's Sazeracs all round.   Info Caravan, 11-15 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QD Joes Southern Kitchen & Bar, 34 King's Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD The Lockhart, 22-24 Seymore Place, W1H 7NL LINK TO THIS FEATURE: Eat & Drink by CS SPOTLIGHT Donmar Warehouse The Same Deep Water As Me Sponsored Listing John Crowley returns to the Donmar to direct this witty and incisive new play by Nick Payne, winner of the Evening Standard Award for Constellations. Had an accident at work? Tripped on a paving slab? Cut yourself shaving? You could be entitled to compensation. Andrew and Barry at Scorpion Claims, Luton's finest personal injury lawyers, are the men for you. When Kevin, Andrew's high school nemesis, appears in his office, the opportunity for a quick win arises. But just how fast does a lie have to spin before it gets out of control? Ticket available from £15* don't miss your chance and book now. * All phone and online bookings are taken by ATG tickets with a £2.50 transaction fee. No fee applies to Barclays Front Row tickets or tickets purchased in person at the Donmar Warehouse. The Same Deep Water As Me, August 1 – September 28, Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LX SPOTLIGHT Ludlow COMES TO London Sponsored Listing From today until July 12, InterContinental London Park Lane will be giving London a taste of one of Britain's most celebrated food festivals – the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival. Taking place in the hotel's Cookbook Cafe, Executive Chef Paul Bates has created a daily changing lunch and dinner menu – think pork and cider tastings, steaks and cheese, lamb and craft ale pairings, and English vodka cocktails (rhubarb, elderflower, and marmalade) from Chase distillery. The cafe will be brimming with a selection of Ludlow's world-class farms and producers. And if you want to learn the kitchen's secrets, the evenings will be packed with talks, hands on demonstrations and tastings. Click here for the full details and schedule of events. Ludlow in London | Twitter | Facebook Calendar Picks This Week’s Picks SHOP DRINK SEE BEAUTY Redecorate your home with some raw hide, taxidermy and musical instruments from Atelier/Randall at the Sanderson. Now open. 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG Get sipping on some freshly shucked Piña Colada's at Portside Cabana Now open. 13-23 Westgate Street, E8 3RL Check out some 'food as art' at Somerset House's latest retrospective ElBulli : Ferran Adrià and the art of food. Now open. Embankment Galleries West, Strand, WC2R 1LA Get your beauty fix at beautyMART latest pop-up at Boxpark. Now open. 2-4 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6GY CLICK HERE FOR MORE LISTINGS LIKE SHARE FORWARD PREVIOUS EDITION (c) 2013 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. Urban Junkies is a free daily mailer. All listings and features are editorial: We do not receive any payment from venues, artists or promoters. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information listed but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.