Tag Archives: Michelin star

Sommelier’s Table, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

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Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is one of the most special restaurants in London… and those in the know book the exclusive Sommelier’s Table downstairs in the intimate wine cellar.

Helene Darroze

A select group of foodies gathered at noon in the hotel lobby before lunch. After a quick peek into the sophisticated dining room, we headed downstairs to the wine emporium. Champagne was served as we ogled at the beautifully set dinner table and took a seat.

Helene Darroze

The decadent four course lunch was centred around a selection of fine Pinot Noir wines selected by the Connaught’s sommelier. For each of the wines Hélène presented an immaculate recipe focussed on seasonal wild mushrooms to match the wine flavours and intensity.

The first course was a subtle veloute with pink garlic, ceps, parsley and lardo di Colonnata. The light and creamy soup was a delight on the palate, with a luxurious, oozing poached egg and earthy, lusciously juicy ceps. It was served with a glass of 2011 Pinot Noir from Terravin, Marlborough, New Zealand.

Helene Darroze

The next dish was easily my favourite of the day. A stunning leaf-shaped mini lasagne, with layers of frog leg, ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It was a beautiful assortment of flavours and textures that perfectly complemented the 2010 Pinot Noir “Barda” from Bodegas Chacra, Argentina.

Helene Darroze

We knew it was time for main course even before it arrived at the table because an irresistible scent of richly flavoured pastry wafted through the room. Waiters arrived with platters of Grouse Wellington, which tasted as regal as it looked. The game was stuffed with foie gras and cep, and was served with a caramelised sweet fig and a wonderfully aromatic whiskey jus. The 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin, Olivier Bernstein from Burgundy, France managed to majestically stand up to the bold flavours of the dish, it was a delicious match.

Helene Darroze

The Signature Savarin was a boozy dessert doused in Hélène’s brothers Armagnac. Topped with tart apple and nutty chestnuts, it was a dish that tasting like Autumn. Champagne Eric Rodez, Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru from Ambonnay provided a light and floral finish.

Helene Darroze

Every experience of Hélène Darroze’s food is a treat, but when you try a specially crafted food and wine menu at the Sommelier’s Table, the culinary memory is unforgettable.

More information on Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and the Sommelier’s Table here.

Veeraswamy, Regent’s Street

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A few months ago Veeraswamy was known predominantly as London oldest Indian restaurant, celebrating its 90th birthday in 2016. Tucked away at a first floor Regent’s Street address, this eatery was only frequented by those in the know. But when the renowned Michelin Guide 2017 was released with Veeraswamy as a new 1 star entry, foodies flocked to try this established restaurant.

VeeraswamyVeeraswamy

The entrance is small and unsuspecting and you will be greeted before heading up in the lift to the dining room. With old fashioned portraits in the lift and traditional music playing in the background, I left like I was travelling back in time. The illusion continued as I stepped out into an opulent restaurant, the alluring smell of spices flavouring the room.

To start we ordered the Tandoori Green Prawns, delicate and juicy wild prawns, grilled to perfection and served with coriander, mint and chilli. I tried the Raj Kachori, a typical street food from Delhi which has become a signature dish at Veeraswamy. Colourful and unique in shape, I was very excited to taste it. The familiar flavours of Rajasthan came flooding back to me, but here the textures were refined and elevated to produce a fine dish of delicious food.

VeeraswamyVeeraswamy

There was a range of elaborate main courses to choose from on the menu, which included a few 90th birthday celebratory additions. We couldn’t resist the Patiala Shahi Raan which our waiter strongly recommended. It was a dramatic dish, a juicy lamb shank encased in thin, crunchy pastry and cooked for a long time. The meat was tender whilst the exterior remained crisp, a brilliantly innovative and tasty dish. A keen lover of Makhani chicken curry we ordered it to trial the Veerswarmy version. The curry was creamy, rich and moreish, paired with garlic naan, lemon rice and saag.

Each component was carefully made and presented prettily, but without being over-stylised and pretentious. There are so many contemporary, ‘trendy’ new Indian restaurants in the city, it feels like Veeraswamy have avoided modernising too much to keep the experience authentic.

Full from our feast of indulgent Indian dishes we only opted for one portion of rose kulfi to share. It was the ideal light dessert after a meal of rich and indulgent curries. Paired with a cup of comforting homemade Masala tea, it was a lovely end to a beautifully refined Indian meal.

More information and book a table at Veeraswamy here.

All photos supplied by the restaurant.

Il Buco Ristorante, Sorrento

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The Amalfi coast is a full of sunshine and vibrant fresh produce, so you would expect to find some exemplary restaurants serving great Italian food and wine. Unfortunately, many of the tourists visiting settle for less-than-authentic bistros which do not give a true taste of the area. I recommend turning off the busy main square, into the pictoresque side street which is home to Il Buco Ristorante, a charming Michelin star restaurant, with delicious food and lovely service. This elegant restaurant is housed within the beautiful wine cellars of an old monastery, and serves traditional fare presented with flair and creativity.

Il Buco, SorrentoIl Buco, Sorrento

If you can, sit at one of the outside tables… we were seated in an atmospheric corner with a glimpse of the ocean in the background. The shadowy alcoves of the ancient building provide a romantic setting for an intimate meal. To whet our appetites the sommelier poured us two glasses of delicious fine Italian sparkling wine.

Il Buco, SorrentoIl Buco, Sorrento

The menu is lengthy and varied, with a range of starters, pastas, meat and fish options. We followed our waiters recommendations and started with Calamari filled with porcini mushrooms, potato, mozzarella and wasabi, and the antipasti plate of Buffalo mozzarella on tomato with ricotta-filled cannoli and a selection of homegrown pickled vegetables. The calamari was incredibly fresh and artistically presented to look like a mushroom, while the rainbow plate of antipasti was a highly flavoured taste of Italy, with different marinaded vegetables and contrasting creamy cheese.

Il Buco, SorrentoIl Buco, Sorrento

The meat and seafood dishes sounded tempting, but we couldn’t resist ordering pasta for our main course. Homemade ravioli filled with rosemary scented lamb and Ischitana sauce was a delicate dish, exquisite little parcels of tender meat in a traditional tomato-based sauce. The Linguini with lemon scented scorpion and zucchini flowers was an instant reminder of the sea, plump pieces of zesty fish entwined in a pile of fresh pasta.

Il Buco, SorrentoIl Buco, Sorrento

The desserts on offer were classic with bold flavours. I opted for the Amalfi lemon dessert which was served with biscuit crumb and a froth of limoncello, and my dining partner chose the chocolate dish. After a big meal the light and creamy lemon posset-type mousse was the perfect palate-cleansing finale. The chocolate pudding was slightly more refined, an offering of contrasting textures of chocolate served with fresh strawberries and pretty edible flowers. Feeling weary after our Italian feast, we finished the meal with strong macchiatos to get us ready for more city exploring.

More information and book a table at Il Buco here.