Bubbledogs – Champagne and Hot Dogs?

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Bon Vivant

Bubbledogs will open in July on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, with James Knappett (previously of The Ledbury, Noma and Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, among others) as head chef and Sandia Chang (who has worked at The Berkeley, Noma and Per Se) as General Manager.

Bubbledogs will serve hot dogs and grower Champagne. Yes,that’s right. There will be a menu of ten hot dogs served on traditional steamed buns, including the BLT dog, wrapped in bacon and served with truffle mayo and caramelized lettuce; the Jose dog with guacamole, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos, and a regularly changing guest chef’s special.

The restaurant will also feature a separate ‘Kitchen Table’, which will seat a maximum of 19 guests, with three or five courses at lunch priced from £25, with evening menus priced from £50.

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Ardanaiseig Hotel & Restaurant

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

Built in 1834 and designed by architect William Burn, Ardanaiseg, a boutique country house hotel, is situated on the shores of Loch Awe below Ben Cruachan in North West Scotland.

There are 16 bedrooms with views of the loch, four poster beds and direct access to the beautiful grounds and gardens. The hotel is ideal for the active types, with deer stalking, clay pigeon shooting and fishing available, but if your idea of a holiday is about food, wine and relaxation, then you’ll be right at home here.

Chef Gary Goldie has worked at Ardanaiseig for the past 13 years and has been awarded several accolades including ‘Scottish Chef of the Year 2011’ and 3 AA rosettes. Menu highlights include velouté of Scottish asparagus with smoked trout and caviar Chantilly; pan-roasted John Dory with deep fried scallop ravioli, purple carrot purée, pak choi and Sauternes sauce and terrine of Russet apples with prune and honey cake and vanilla ice-cream.

Ardanaiseig can also be hired for exclusive use for corporate and private events. Bon Vivant’s members can receive one complimentary massage or one complimentary clay pigeon shoot per double room booked. The offer is valid until 31 July 2012 and for a minimum booking of 2 nights – please quote Bon Vivant when making the reservation.

Address: Ardanaiseig Hotel, Kilchrenan by Tainuilt, Argyll, PA35 1HE

Phone: 01866 988 233

Quilon Restaurant Gets a New Look

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

Michelin-starred Quilon, which is based near Victoria, was as famed for its terrible décor as it was for its superb South Indian cuisine.

Having closed at the beginning of January, the restaurant re-launches today (20 March 2012) following an extensive refurbishment. Quilon, which is owned by the Taj Group, commissioned designLSM to oversee the new design, which includes intricately designed, traditionally inspired ‘jaali screens’ and a bespoke feature candle wall.

The restaurant now includes a new bar area (pictured) and a new private dining room with private bar, kitchen and entrance, seating up to 16. With a stylish interior to match the quality of the food, Quilon should be high up on your restaurant hit list – I can’t wait to return.

Address: Quilon, 41 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AF

Phone: +44 20 7821 1899

Novikov: Asian Restaurant

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Frances Cottrell

When it was first announced that international superstar restaurateur Arkady Novikov was opening in London, there was a flutter of anticipation and excitement that the capital was going to get an injection of bling. The Russian entrepreneur has restaurants all over the world, and his website boasts Naomi Campbell and Bill Clinton as regular guests. The London space, on Berkeley Street in Mayfair, contains two distinct eateries in one site – an Italian and an Asian restaurant – and an additional lounge bar.

Dining at the Asian restaurant, we arrived on Sunday evening to impeccable service with the right mix of friendly and informative staff. The restaurant was a gorgeous space, with refined design and perfect ambiance, and diners were the traditional sleek Berkeley Square set. So, not the ‘bling’ I’d perhaps imagined, but in fact far more enjoyable.

The menu is a mix of Chinese and Asian dishes, and guests are advised to order a mixture from a vast selection. We started with Xiao Long Bao with Pork and Crab, and Chilli Rock Shrimp; two dishes which instantly conjured ‘oohs and ahhs’ from our table. The crispy duck salad with green apple and pomegranate was one of the tastiest salads I’ve ever had, and worth a trip back alone. The acidity of the fruit against the richness of the duck, and the cool, crisp greens against the warm meat was utterly delicious.

Salmon sashimi was a generous helping of firm and beautifully cut fish, the freshness of which was impressive, but it was the main course which was the highlight. The waiting team left the perfect amount of time in between courses to ensure that the arrival of ‘Chilli Ginger Garlic Spicy Beef Fillet’ was met with the right amount of lip licking and excitement. The dish arrived prettily presented, which is quite a feat for a fillet of beef, but this is no ordinary fillet of beef. Moist, flavoursome, and rested so it was soft and oozing tasty juices, but with a sweet and caramelised seared edge for contrast.

Staff elevated the experience further, and both the floor team and Sommelier were a great addition to the experience, guiding, educating and attentive at every stage.

Quite simply this is an excellent addition to the restaurant scene in London, particularly in Mayfair, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for groups, celebrations, client entertaining and intimate dinners in equal measure.

Address: 50a Berkeley Street Mayfair, W1J 8HA

Phone: +44 207 399 4330

La Bodega Negra – New Mexican Restaurant in Soho

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Bon Vivant

La Bodega Negra is a new Mexican restaurant in Soho from New Yorker Serge Becker, London restaurateur Will Ricker and entrepreneur Ed Spencer Churchill.

La Bodega Negra features a 100-seater restaurant and bar, a road side taqueria, and all-day Mexican café. The menu offers ceviches, tacos and tostados, as well as rotisserie dishes and specialties from a wood burning grill.

Serge Becker is behind some of New York’s best loved restaurants, bars and clubs, including La Esquina, The Box and The Mercer Hotel. Will Ricker has a portfolio of Pan Asian restaurants in London including Eight Over Eight, E&O and Great Eastern Dining Room.

The downstairs dining room is cool, dark and stylish with exposed bricks and low lighting – our advice would be to work your way through the cocktails (pisco sours and mojitos are favourites) and sample a few of the tacos and tostados.

Address: Old Compton Street / Moor Street, Soho

Phone: 0207 758 4100

Kimchee: Korean Restaurant in Holborn

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Vilma Darling

You do have great hopes for a restaurant when you see crowds of people not very patiently queuing at dinner time – we had to almost elbow our way into KIMCHEE on our visit one Thursday night!

Kimchee, a Korean restaurant, named after one of the country’s most famous national dishes (fermented vegetables with a variety of seasonings), opened last year at 71 High Holborn in London. It’s the brainchild of Korean entrepreneur and Wasabi restaurant owner Dong Hyun Kim.

Kimchee’s interior features dark wood panelling, beautiful lampshades and an open kitchen. The Wagamama type seating offers not very intimate, but buzzing and canteen-esque dining experience.

Korean food is much less popular in the UK than Chinese or Thai and being not that familiar with its dishes, I always get a bit confused about what to order. Koreans traditionally share an array of dishes, so my friend Beata and I decided to try as many different plates as our appetite would allow us. Kimchee’s manager was of great help and simply said: “I’ll send a few dishes, shall I?”

So here is the list of what we ate and drank, and… our verdict!

Kimchee

Pickled cabbage with chilly & garlic. I find it hard to get excited about fermented cabbage, and you have to be a lover of very sour flavours, similar to sauerkraut to really enjoy it. Good, but, it’s still a cabbage… (£2.50)

Yuk Hwae

Thinly sliced raw beef, sliced pear & egg yolk. Similar to beef tartare and absolutely amazing! Beata and I were slightly put off by the sight of raw beef and raw egg, but after the first bite, we both quickly got over the hesitation. Excellent dish that we both highly recommend. (£4.90)

Pa Jeon

Traditional Korean pancake with spring onions and mixed seafood, served with soy & chilly sauce. The filling and very good. I really loved the bits of seafood, especially the baby octopus. (£5.90)

Seafood Dolsot Bibimbap

Rice, vegetables, raw egg, red chilly paste, scallops, calamari, mussel and prawns. My least favourite dish. I found it a bit dry and neither of us wanted the only mussel… The dish is served sizzling in earthenware pot and before the rice is placed in the pot, the bottom of the bowl is coated with sesame oil, making the rice touching the pot crispy and golden brown. Not my ideal choice. (£8.40)

Spicy Chicken Bulgogi

Chicken marinated in hot & spicy chilly pepper sauce, onions and garlic and served with crispy lettuce leaves. Very enjoyable. We both loved wrapping the chicken in lettuce. Tasted filling and healthy (we hope!) (£6.90)

Pork Bulgogi

Thinly sliced pork, marinated in fruity sauce, with onions & garlic. Very similar to the chicken dish above, but less spicy. Very good! (£7.20)

Hot Pot Bulgogi

Thinly sliced beef in soy marinade, cooked with vegetables and glass noodles in a steaming broth. The most flavoursome and exotic dish. I really loved the broth with dates. Sweet, but not too much. (£7.60)

Kimberry cocktail

Makgeolli mixed with raspberry liqueur, shaken with crushed ice and raspberries. Sweet and milky Makgeolli is the traditional Korean alcohol made of fermented rice and wheat. The raspberry cocktail was sweet and delicious and best enjoyed after the meal. (£5.40)

Mae Wha Soo – fantastic Korean plum wine. Almost too good. (£11/300ml)

Verdict: Kimchee is a place for a quick, delicious, reasonably priced, but not very relaxing, meal. The waiters were running around looking a bit stressed, the plates took time to be cleared away and the flow of people didn’t stop throughout our dinner. But Korean food is definitely on my ‘get-to-know-better’ list and I’d certainly go back to Kimchee, but would ideally try to get there at a less busy time.

Address: 71 High Holborn, London

Phone: 020 7430 0956

Morgan M’s French Flair

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Frances Cottrell

The new site of Islington’s famous French eaterie, Morgan M, has recently arrived in The City. Although tucked away opposite Smithfields Market it isn’t at risk of being ‘happened upon’ but if the reviews of the Islington site are to be believed, it is certainly worth seeking out.

The restaurant is divided into a more formal space upstairs whilst downstairs is much more relaxed and serves a selection of small plates such as Foie Gras, Snails, Cheeses etc.

My guest and I ate in the main restaurant, and although it was a chilly Tuesday evening early in the year, it was an exceptionally quiet dining room and would benefit from an injection of atmosphere. Additionally the service was a little on the formal side, but still very good, but it’s the food you go to Morgan M’s for.

Morgan Meunier delivers fine, modern French cuisine and has already built up a following in London for his creativity and consistency. So, it is with great anticipation that we lay our eyes on the menu, which delivers a fantastic selection including two six-course tasting menus (Winter and Garden) and an a la carte selection rich in gutsy, warming dishes each with an element of flair. We both selected the Winter Menu with matching wines (there’s a great selection, from the French biased list) at a very reasonable £80.

To start the Cream of Mojette Beans, Lemon Confit and Pesto was light, smooth and just enough to start proceedings. It was followed by one of the stars of the menu, the Crayfish and lobster Cannelloni. The dish was an absolute triumph. Perfectly balanced seafood flavours held their own against the pasta, and the result was an unctuous plate of food, as pretty as it was delicious.

Other highlights were perfectly cooked Seabass with a crunchy skin and flaky, moist meat. Mains were a choice of Pheasant or Venison and both delivered pretty incredible plates. The Pheasant was served with pear, a liver crouton and bread sauce and was a wonderfully inventive take on a traditional winter dish (although I have a criticism that Foie Gras was present in the dish, without being listed on the menu).

The Venison with quince puree and Sauce Grand Veneur presented a silky, robust dish with the game moist and perfectly cooked. Both seemed to epitomise Morgan M’s style of wonderfully treated ingredients presented beautifully and with a lightness of touch which elevates them above many of the capital’s French restaurants.

Desserts included a passion fruit soufflé and a dark chocolate Moelleux served with magnificent dessert wines (Moscato d’Asti 2010, Bera Canelli and Maury, Domaine Mas Amiel) and punctuated the meal on a pretty impressive note.

It’s clear to see that Meunier is a very talented chef, and the theatre and artistry which went into each dish was gladly received. The dining room would undeniably benefit from some warmth and a bit more atmosphere, but for a midweek supper or business meeting this is certainly one of the area’s best finds.

Address: 50 Long Lane, London EC1A 9EJ

Phone: 020 7609 3560

Ceviche Brings Peruvian Cusine to London

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Bon Vivant

Peruvian cuisine is set to take the limelight with the opening of Ceviche Restaurant in Soho with Europe’s first dedicated Pisco Bar.

The menu includes the Peruvian favourite Ceviche, salads with quinoa, hot Peruvian giant corn choclos, octopus BBQ anticuchos, beef saltados and a host of pisco based cocktails.

Address: 17 Frith Street, London, W1D 4RG
Phone: +44 207 292 2040

Italian Chef Bruno Barbieri to Open Restaurant in Marylebone

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Bon Vivant

Cotidie, a modern Italian restaurant opening in Marylebone Village in March, will be the first UK restaurant from Michelin-starred chef, Bruno Barbieri.

Bruno Barbieri is one of Italy’s most celebrated and recognised chefs following his regular appearances on Italian MasterChef.

Meaning “everyday” in Latin, Cotidie will showcase a menu of daily changing dishes in a stylish, yet informal dining room. The restaurant will seat 75 diners, with a counter bar, named BARbieri, seating up to ten guests with its own cicchetti menu.

Dishes will include Saddle of crispy suckling pig, caramelised Sicilian blood orange jus, Tropea red onion; Roasted woodcock and corned veal tongue tortelli, celery jus, salted ricotta cheese; and Hazelnut cannoli, warm apple and Nocino liqueur soup, ‘stracciatella’ ice-cream, star anise.

Address: 50 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5HN
Website: www.cotidierestaurant.com

Phone: 020 7258 9878

Colchis: Georgian Restaurant in London

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Vilma Darling

If you ever get a chance to visit the Republic of Georgia, you HAVE to get yourself invited to the traditional feast called supra. Georgians are the most welcoming people I have ever met and their food-fests are beyond imagination. A good supra lasts for hours, and unbelievable amounts of food are placed on the table. When more and more delicious dishes arrive, the plates are piled on top of the other, and such towers often reach several levels.

Georgia is sandwiched between the Black Sea, Turkey, Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and all those countries have had their influences on the region’s cuisine. Georgian food is probably the most flavoursome of all former Soviet Republics with walnuts, garlic, pomegranate, lots of unique spices and herbs adding their distinctive flavour to meat and vegetarian dishes. I fell in love with Georgian cuisine when travelling in the country and had an opportunity to experience their famous hospitality first-hand.

So I was more than overjoyed when I heard that a Georgian food and wine restaurant, Colchis, had opened in my neighbourhood in London and we were invited to sample their new weekend brunch menu.

The restaurant is named after the ancient Kingdom of Colchis by the Black Sea coast that is now Georgia. Jason and the Argonauts stole the Golden Fleece from the distant lands of Colchis, and Prometheus was chained to a mountain there for giving humans fire.

We were welcomed by the cheerful manager Maurizio Bianchi (not a Georgian name for sure) and ordered some “Wake up drinks” for an aperitif. My friend Viktoria definitely perked up after an extra spicy Bloody Mary mixed with Chipotle vodka. I was refreshed by the Georgian Martini (pear, brandy, Georgian spices, lime and Triple sec), both for £8.

We decided to sample as many dishes as possible and started our own Georgian supra with Adjaruli Khachapuri – a huge portion of boat-shaped bread with cheese, egg and butter (£8.50). It does sound like an extremely heavy dish, but Khachapuri was soft, warm and delicious.

We liked the Georgian meat dumplings, Khinkali, so much that after the fist bite ordered another portion and wanted one more after that… The only downside is that a portion of four average size dumplings costs £8.50. Blini with cheese and mint served with honey (£8.50) were equally great, but less exotic.

No Georgian feast is complete without wine, and during supra people drink buckets of locally produced gvino. Georgians believe the English word wine and French vin originated from their Georgian gvino. Archaeological findings such as 8,000-year-old ceramic storage jugs have been discovered in the country, suggesting that people in the region had begun to make wine earlier than nations in Western Europe. We tasted some much younger wine at Colchis… 2007 Orovela White from the Kakheti region was perfect for my taste, but not acidic enough for my friend (£15.50/500ml).

We ate and drank without the famous Georgian toasts, which is an unimaginable thing for Georgians. But if you do get a chance to experience supra properly, a word of warning – you have to wait until the toastmaster finishes the speech, and each toast lasts longer and longer when more and more wine is involved!

Gaumarjos Sakartvelos (Long Live Georgia)!

Address: 39 Chepstow Place, London, London, W2 4TS

Phone: 020 7221 7620

Website: www.colchisrestaurant.co.uk