Monday, 22 July 2013

Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, London


A quick post about our recent lunch at Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley.


With the exception of a disappointingly deflated, doughy square, billed as “our take on a Yorkshire Pudding”, the food was very good indeed. As you’d expect for a restaurant with Two Michelin Stars and a ranking at 69 in the Elite Traveller Top 100 Restaurants in the World (see here), the service and setting were also faultless.


Before the meal got fully underway, we were served delicious Gougères; an amuse bouche of Carrot Soup with a Coriander Foam & Crispy Shallots as well as Sourdough and Potato & Honey Bread, with salted and caramelised brown butters.


Quail Terrine, Foie Gras, Toast – my wife’s ‘dish of the day’.


Salmon, Buttermilk, Mango, Cucumber – my favourite dish: a wonderfully balanced, light summery dish.


Onglet of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Parsley – my wife’s onglet (hanger steak) was beautiful. The top notch jus, bacon lardons and cep purée all adding bags of flavour - the one misnomer being the damp squib “Yorkshire Pudding”.


Welsh Poussin, Nettle, Onion – to attain perfection, the chicken could have had a little more moisture but the quality red wine reduction, sautéed nettles and textural addition of the pine nuts, made the dish.


The ‘pre dessert’ consisted of a Yoghurt Mouse with compressed watermelon, watermelon granita and a black pepper tuile. As it was my birthday weekend, they also sent out a chocolate delice with honeycomb and a candle.


Apple Tarte Tatin, Clotted Cream, Honey (for two) – a well executed classic with the addition of honeycomb.


After booking, I was “warned” from a couple of people on twitter that Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley is not “the best two-starred place in London” – whilst I agree, as I have had more enjoyable meals at two Michelin starred Sketch, The Ledbury and Le Gavroche, for example, overall it was still a very enjoyable lunch and experience. 





1 comment:

  1. i like the look of that meal you had at MW.I always enjoy dining here and what you ate for lunch looks a lot different than what ive eaten on my previous visits....I`m thinking maybe chefs changed recently ? Must go back .
    Service at MW is world class and Sommelier and wine service unbeatable anywhere ive ever eaten. Food needs a little attention in order to establish some sort of solid style but i love the place nevertheless.

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