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Tuesday 19 October 2010
Les Deux Salons
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Royal Hospital Road
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My husband (not usually one to risk a surprise birthday present) had been saying for a couple of month's that he had a cracker up his sleeve for my birthday this year. It has to be said that I was worried for him, but he really came up trumps with a visit to Gordon Ramsay's restaurant.
I'd been suffering with flu for a few days beforehand, but flu or no flu, I wasn't going to miss this opportunity. I think adrenaline must have kicked in as, it has to be said, I have slight memory loss about certain parts of the evening. Regardless, it was an absolute winner.
Bad service is a real sticking point for me. Having previously worked as a waitress myself I find rude service a particular bug bear of mine (it's really not that hard to be polite). I can honestly say we received the best service ever here. It was friendly without being over-familiar and knowledgeable without ever being condescending. The Maitre'd was particularly lovely, as was the cheese man (I'm sure that isn't the correct term, but you know who I mean).
Anyway, on to the food...
I had the lobster tails poached in butter to start (nothing like lobster tails poached in butter to make you feel better!). It was absolutely delicious - so rich and tasty. Yum. Tom had the lobster ravioli which was also delicious (the house speciality).
For mains I had the pork, which was good, although not the best main I have ever had. Still, I'm being picky. It was totally delicious, just not totally mind blowing. Tom had the lamb, which again was god although the proportions were a little out. Not enough of the delicious lamb confit or enough veg. Still, very good.
The cheese was probably a highlight. In an attempt to blow away the cobwebs we went for the strongest cheese there was, and we weren't disappointed. On the cheese man's recommendation we had camembert in calvados which was probably the nicest cheese I've ever had. I will be hunting it down for the Father-in-Law's Christmas present. One cheese lover to another.
We had the medley of desserts, also fantastic. The highlight for me was the souffle - light, fluffy and utterly delicious. The petit fours of ice-cream chocolates served in a dry-ice box topped it off perfectly.
Wednesday 1 September 2010
The Dining Room at Dukes Hotel, Mayfair
The French Cafe, Balham
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Monday 1 March 2010
Tom Ilic, Battersea
Tuesday 12 May 2009
The Lounge, Balham (again)
Anyway, I just had to drop a quick line about a return visit to The Lounge, the tapas bar just around the corner from my house (admittedly this is slightly delayed).
When I phoned up to book I was literally astounded to be greeted by - 'THE Penny, Penny from 'love to eat out.com'), not least because I think I may have a readership total of 2 (including myself).
Anyway, the Owner was the loveliest person. He came over for a good chat (turns out I was right about the husband and wife team), and gave us some lovely freebies. The food was top notch as ever (and I'm not just saying that because of the freebies).
Will definitely be popping back again soon...
Monday 27 October 2008
Grosvenor Hotel, Chester
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My lovely sister bought me afternoon tea at the Grosvenor as a belated birthday present. I may be a tad biased as she works there, but it was certainly the best afternoon tea that I've ever had.
Admittedly I have only had afternoon tea once before, but seeing as that was at the Lanesborough (which was voted as the best place to have afternoon tea) I think it's a fair comparison. Whilst the Lanesborough was stuffy and the sandwiches verged on stale; the Grosvenor was cosy, friendly and the food was delicious.
I think it costs around £30 for the indulgent tea which includes strawberries and cream, a glass of champagne, selection of sandwiches and cakes and scones (oh, and tea, of course). It was a million times better than The Lanesborough - the sandwiches were like biting into air (and the rare roast beef was amazing) and the cakes were unbelievably good.
If you're ever in the area, doing a spot of shopping or some sightseeing then I would highly recommend popping in for a real treat.