Eclectic Tastes

For someone who hates to cook, London is an ideal place to live. There is a food establishment every 10 paces in this city, collectively offering every imaginable type of cuisine, ranging in price from £1 - £500. And in the past week I've been lucky enough to experience the high end of that range.

 The English Bar:

The Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel London is in the heart of Mayfair, likely the most luscious of all London districts. The elegance of one of the world's most highly ranked hotels is toned down just a drop inside this quiet, but vibrant, bar. Named for the photographer Terence Donovan, the Donovan Bar pays homage to the British artist with walls decorated by his black and white photos. The modernity of the art clashes well, however, with the traditional aspects of the room; tall ceilings, delicate woodwork, leather furnishings, and elegant color scheme. A proper but relaxed atmosphere permeates the room with live jazz music casually blanketing the scene. Perfect for a late evening cocktail and refined conversation, I think. But be prepared to pass through the Tea Room where the little old ladies will turn up their refined buttons noses at you, *wink wink*.

Japanese Sushi:

The precision and simplicity of quality sushi dipped in dark rich soy sauce with a tissue-fine blanket of ginger never fails to satisfy. And at Defune, in Marylebone, you will find both impeccable sushi and service. The staff seem to be there for sole purpose of satisfying every need of every guest with the utmost grace and care. While your sushi is prepared to order on the spot they offer hot green tea while you wait for takeaway, and then bow graciously as you exit. 

 

Defune's sushi is a bit of an indulgence in its own right; cool and savory, and rich enough to satisfy even the the most selective, discriminating eaters. Be prepared to dig deep in your wallet, however, for these pieces of silky perfection don't come cheaply. A single morsel is £15 on average.

 

French Michelin:

Joel Robuchon is the king of French cuisine. With 26 Michelin stars to his name he is the only chef to hold this worldwide record. In his 20s he gave up on the seminary and turned to gastronomy instead. It was his professionalism, ambition, and obsession with creative cooking that eventually paved his way to remarkable success as an internationally famed chef. His development of restaurants all over the world finally lead to his idea for L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, a luxurious place that transformed the white and gold of the ritzy French places into a warmer black and red theme with open kitchens where customers feel at ease while they admire their food preparation. It was a unique, innovative concept that eventually came to London in the heart of Covent Garden, near Leicester Square station. It was here, at L'Atelier, that I experienced my first Michelin-star dining experience, a truly gourmet event. 

True to the original principles that made Joel a worldwide success, it is the exceptional choice of products and the ease of execution that makes each course so palpably amazing. The high tables combined with the intimate atmosphere allow easy interaction and discussion with the cooking staff and chefs. All are soft spoken and ready to describe their creations in either English or French. 

What ought to be a busy, noisy atmosphere, seated just at the edge of the kitchen, is actually an entirely relaxing situation, with only an audible hum drifting about from the cooking and food preparations. From that vantage point it's easy to watch the delicacy with with the dishes are assembled, so much like a miniature work of art, with colors and forms flowing together in a seamless creation of culinary beauty. But images can speak louder than words. Take a look:

 

 

 

 

 

 And this was the desert we had at the end. A globe of chocolate that the waiter douses in a hot melt that dissolves the outer shell, exposing the creamy goodness inside, like a magic trick: