Category: UK

Foliage – The Last Post (Closed)

Last Post for the Foliage, not last post for No Expert – we are still going strong.  The Foliage at the Mandarin Oriental however had a farewell lunch service today. It was lovely to be there but tinged with sadness, as it marked the end of an era for us.

The team pulled out all the stops.  We started with a complimentary glass of superb champagne and some very tasty canapes. This was followed by the amuse bouche.  We then had the opportunity to go off menu to choose some of the dishes. One of the standouts being the Sea Diver Scallops with chicken and mushrooms.  It was also impossible not to order our last gnocchi, one of the Foliages sublime dishes.  For main course we choose the lamb and an off menu beef dish, the wine selection chosen to go with this was absolutely stunning. Indeed all the wines selections were off a very high standard.  I especially enjoyed the Trocken Beerenauslese, Nittaus, 2004 dessert wine.

The ever attentive staff were on hand to bring us up to date on the progess being made to complete the Daniel Boulud Restaurant (Bar Boulud)  in the basement, due to open in May, and the Heston Blumental Restaurant which would be the Foliage replacement, due to open towards the end of this year.  It is just a shame that a such a fine restaurant is closing prematurely to make way for these changes. It was good to see the Head Chef Alex Marks come out of the kitchen to talk to some of the regular dinners, where he received some direct praise for his teams work over the years.  It was also a nice touch to be presented with a copy of the menu signed by members of staff as a memento.So it’s a fond fairwell to the Foliage. We and the other regulars will miss you.

See also Post – Fairwell to Chris Staines

Marks out of 10

Food 8.5

Service 9

Ambience 8.5

UPDATE : January 2011 – Alex Marks in now the head chef at Maze.

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5th View @ Waterstone’s – Book it

The 5th View @ Waterstones in Piccadilly is a real find, an oasis in the heart of the West End. It has however now “been found” by a lot of people, and has grown to handle its success. It now takes up the entire top floor.  The expansion is extensive, as well as a larger bar area and more seating, there is now an attractive Champagne and Seafood Bar, which can be booked for private functions.  To find somewhere stylish and quirky that delivers good quality food and top notch cocktails in a book store is unusual to say the least.

The expansion also extends to the menu in the main bar and food area, which now includes a range of breakfast options.

Plus I do love their carrot cake, especially when served with one of their lovely cocktails, a real indulgence.

 

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Menier Chocolate Factory – Just Dessert

The Menier Chocolate Factory,  (so named because the building is a former chocolate factory), just does not make enough of its name.  The building incorporates a gallery, a small theatre, a bar and a restaurant.  Post theatre we stopped for dessert. There was a limited choice, but at least now they do have a couple of chocolate options and make more of an effort on the presentation.

On the food front the Restaurant has gone down hill over recent years.   The matching of menus to what is on at the theatre does not really work, i.e., a 70’s based play merits 70’s style food.

There are some pluses – they do have an ok selection of inexpensive wines and the staff are friendly.

Marks out of 10

Food 4

Service 4.2

Ambience 4.5

 

UPDATE : November 2010. Definately still sliding down that hill, had a dreadful meal pre theatre.  Next theatre trip I must remember that Brindisa is just 2 minutes away.

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RSJ – Neighbourhood restaurant on the South Bank

RSJ is a good pre theatre venue, not just for the Old and New Vic, but also for the Imax.  It is a cosy neighbourhood style restaurant which delivers homely cooking and good wine from the Loire valley.

There is a reasonably priced set menu and a small number of à la carte dishes on offer.   RSJ also provides a range of wines by the glass, chosen to compliment the menu.

Marks out of 10

Food 5.5

Service 5

Ambience 5

 

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Inamo – for high tech gastronauts

Inamo is a rather unusual restaurant, that gives you a taste of “Living in the Future.”  The main attraction is off course the rather fun interactive tables, where you can select everything you need – food, drink, table cloth! You can also view the Kitchen CAM and order a taxi.  It can get expensive as everything looks so good, and there is a very interesting selection of Sake’s.

The food when it arrives (within 15 minutes of ordering) is beautifully presented and prepared.

The dishes are designed for sharing and arrive when ready,  just like Wagamama – but Wagamama the Next Generation!.

The food highlights for me, were the Hamachi with soy mirin truffle, the Hot Stone Rib Eye served on a hot stone with 3 sauces, nam jim, soy and truffle, and the desserts – Macaroon and white chocolate mousse (pandan macaroon and yuzu flavoured white chocolate mousse with lemongrass and coconut sorbet, and milk chocolate sauce) and Thai Basil Pana Cotta served with coconut foam, tropical fruits, and coconut tuile.

This place defines Geek Chic. It may be a novelty, but it’s one that’s worth returning too.

Marks out of 10

Food 6.2

Service 7

Ambience 6.4

 

 

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Fig & Olive – a find in Islington

The Fig & Olive in Islington is a busy venue with a nice friendly buzz. The cakes displayed by the door (which are also available as take away), look stunning, and if the bakewell tart I had was anything to go by, tasted good too.

This is not just a venue for Coffee and Cakes though. They also have a varied menu covering everything from English Breakfasts to Sunday Roast, and a selection of wines and cocktails.

Food 5

Service 4.5

Ambience 5

 

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