Last week I joined a group of food fanatics for a day of Italian cuisine by Theo Randall, followed by a private viewing of the Food Photography exhibition at the Mall Galleries. It was a feast for all the senses, and a lovely opportunity to catch up with like-minded people over good food and art.
Theo Randall at the InterContinental is hidden away in the large Park Lane Hotel, and it would be easy to never know it existed. Unfortunately, the restaurant has no windows so feels like it is underground, but the decor is modern and stylish, with contemporary furniture and lighting.
We were sat on a large marble table and presented with three-courses of classic Mediterranean cooking from Theo and his kitchen. The meal began with prosecco and a flavoursome array of salami, radicchio salad and my favourite antipasti, Burrata with grilled marinated red peppers.
For main course, we each had the impossible choice of choosing from a long list of tempting recipes. Luckily I was seated next to some generous foodie friends so as well as my truly exceptional Ricotta & Mixed Green Ravioli with butter and sage, I also tried the highly flavoured stuffed guinea fowl and the simple and beautiful Roasted Silician Red Pepper Risotto.
A selection of desserts arrived on sharing platters for us to try. I loved the pannacotta with rhubarb and the vibrant and punchy lemon tart, which was the most exquisite shade of sunshine yellow.
It was refreshing to dine at a restaurant that cares so much about doing the classics really well. Theo cares about flavour first and foremost, and this attention to details ensures that every dish really shines.
After the long and lazy lunch we all rolled into a taxi and headed to the Mall Galleries for a private tour of the Food Photography Exhibition by Pink Ladies Apples. This annual competition showcases the best of food photography and is lovely to observe and admire as a food lover. Amazingly, even after the giant lunch, I found myself dreaming of the dishes captured in the photos… sizzling steaks and oozing caramelised figs.
More information and book a table at Theo Randall at the InterContinental here.