Dinner @ Bar Boulud (French)

Location: London, Knightsbridge - Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Website: www.mandarinoriental.com

I have heard through the grapevine that Daniel Boulud serves up one hell of a meal. Well known for his soulful execution of the traditional french cuisine, and located in the heart of Knightsbridge, Daniel Boulud cooks up authentic french food in trendy and rich atmosphere of Mandarin Oriental Hotel. 

There is something about a good burger and fries, in whatever environment and on any occasions.. it will always filled the void, a hungry void that is. Having read so many great reviews on this particular dish, I was determined to dig in to the ultimate Piggie Burger (I love the name!). Inside you are spoiled with grilled beef patty with bbq pulled pork, bibb lettuce, green chili mayonnaise top with a cheddar bun and red cabbage slaw and accompanied by a crunch side of hand cooked chips/fries/frites. The burger was juicey, oh so tender and together it was a huge firework of flavours all rolled in to one. It was quite overwhelming. Note: you may need a few cocktails with this dish, I was kicking up a thirst after just a couple of bites. Mojitos are perfect. 

My boyfriend opted for the Pot Au Feu, which consisted of a very delicate, melted-in-your-mouth, terrine of braised beef, carrots, onion and gribiche sauce. A very delightful dish, again with some distinctive flavours. A little on the small side for me, but a great dish for a light supper. The beef was succulent, packed with flavour and everything literally fell a part, it was so soft. What was great about this dish was that little accompaniments (carrots and onions) balanced out and gave the dish a healthy kick. 

I couldn't help but feel a little out of this place at this establishment, the service was minimal and the atmosphere felt a bit 'cold'. However, putting that to a side, the food was great and we even got to see the chefs producing their magic from a distance, which was a great little incentive (I use that term loosely). Would I go back to Bar Boulud? Maybe in the near future, but not any time soon.

Dinner @ Gauthier Soho By Alexis Gauthier (French)

Location: London, Soho

Website: www.gauthiersoho.com

First things first, just want to say a big happy birthday to my bestie, Annabel. She has turned the sweet age of 24. Happy birthday my lovely, I hope you're reading this!

Annabel and I are huge fans of Alexis Gauthier, we love his style of cooking and we just love him as a person. I had the chance to meet him at the Taste of London Food festival last week (read post here) and he was just the most genuine guy that you can ever meet. You can imagine how excited I was to have found out that Annabel had booked a table at his restaurant for her birthday. It was the highlight of my week.

We had reservations for 7:30pm on friday evening. Even though London presented us with rain and wind, that didn't damped our mood. We arrived a little early and we we were greeted by the Maitre' D and was seated to our table promptly.

The menu that was presented to us was pretty much what I expected. Very elegantly presented both visually and the way it was worded. There was a choice of a 3 course, 4 course or 5 course meal via the A La Cart menu or the 7 course on the Tasting Menu. Both myself, Annabel and another of our close friend Kwok decided to choose the 5 course meal that cost around £55 per person excluding drinks.

This is how the meal went..

001. A Mix Canape - to start ● 002. Calf's Sweet Breads With English Peas and Venison Jus ● 003. Black Truffle Risotto ● 004. Angus Beef with Fennel, Carrots, Black Olives and Lamb Jus ● 005. Strawberry Parfait with Strawberry Ice-cream Cheese Cake

Apologise for missing out on the 4th dish, which was a very tasty Sea Bream and Langoustine.  Everything that was presented to me was so  delicious. Packed with flavours that made my taste bud explode. The black truffle rissorto was my favourite.. it absolutely amazing, I've never had anything like it before. The taste was incomprehensible. Very pricey, but worth every single penny in my opinion.

Presentation was beautiful and the atmosphere of the restaurant was very intimate. It was that sort of environment where you don't want to raise your voice just incase the next table can hear your conversation. Everyone was pretty much seated close together... I really like it as it felt so exclusive.

After our meal, we all opted for the tea menu to cleanse our palette. Myself and Annabel went for the traditional Japanese Sencha Tea, which was very refreshing, and Kwok went for traditional Japanese Green Tea. A great way to end the meal.

Such a cute tea pot! The Japanese Sencha tea was really nice.. perfect after a heavy meal.

All in all, it was a fantastic evening filled with divine food, good company and hilarious conversation. 

Happy birthday bestie! Hope you had a fantastic night :) xxx

Heavenly Treats @ Laudree, Covent Garden (French)

Location: London, Covent Garden

Website: www.laudree.fr

My new addiction! Not a day goes by that I crave for them. Beautiful, sweet, and a delightful treat whatever the occasion. If you have a sweet tooth and happen to be in London (or live in London), I highly recommend popping down to Covent Garden for the yummiest and most gorgeous looking and tasting Macaroons in town.

Laduree is located in the heart of Covent Garden Piazza (opposite the new Apple store), serving the cutest and most freshest Macaroons. Flavours ranging from Pistachio, Rose, Lemon, Chocolate Madagascar, Vanilla, etc, displayed elegantly, and regardless of what flavour you get, you most definitely be lured in by how colourful and tiny they are. I am obsessed with them and over the moon to have stumbled across this store. It is relevantly new in town, so be sure to pop by and treat yourself to some heavily Macaroons! You won't be disappointed.

Maracoon flavours that I chose: Vanilla x2, Pistacio, Chocolate Madagasca, Salted Caramel, Apple Lime, Rose, Cherry.