This was a fabulous visit and a good chance to see Richard & Matt again. We first met just over a year ago at his restaurant in Essex where we enjoyed a fantastic lunch but unfortunately that restaurant had to close. During this time we did keep in touch so was therefore delighted to hear that he was taking over the former site of Marianne Restaurant in Notting Hill which is an amazing area for dining with top restaurants all around. He opened a couple of weeks ago and we said we’d love to see him again so on Saturday off we went. On our arrival we was greeted by Matthew and he gave us a complimentary glass of champagne. Also at this time Richard sent us out some Parmesan Sable snacks to enjoy. This gave us a chance to have a chat and a look around. You could that the restaurant had been left in great condition with only a few adjustments in the kitchen to be made which meant they could open quite quickly. The restaurant itself only seats fourteen people and has a window where you can see into the kitchen making this a great place for a nice intimate dining experience.
View from the Kitchen
Parmesan Sable Snacks
It was then time to take our seats and look at the menu or what we thought would be the menu as Matthew then said that if we’d like Richard would create for us a Special Menu. This was a nice surprise and we gladly accepted. After enjoying some amazing bread it was time for our first course a fabulous Scallops , Cauliflower , Apple & Buerre Noisette. This was followed by a fantastic Asparagus , Confit Lemon Zest , Sabayon & Butterfly Sorrel to which I have to say that the addition of the lemon zest was a triumph.
Scallops , Cauliflower , Apple & Buerre Noisette
Asparagus , Lemon , Sabayon & Sorrel
Our next course was a stunning Monkfish with a Champagne Sauce & Ratte Potatoes. These first three courses were perfectly matched with a Petit Chablis Moreau = Naudet 2017.
Monkfish & Champagne Sauce
Petit Chablis 2017
Now it was time for the main course and a fantastic one it was too a Roasted Squab Pigeon , Beetroot , Endive , Blood Orange & Jus Gras. This dish was matched with a glass of Chateau Tour Du Moulin Fronsac 2015
Pigeon , Beetroot , Endive & Blood Orange
Chateau Tour du Moulin Fronsac 2015
After enjoying a Citrus palette cleanser we was asked to try a new dessert dish that Richard was working on consisting of Gariguette Strawberries , Matcha Tea Ice Cream & Buttermilk to which I have to say the flavour combinations were a delight.
Citrus Dessert
Strawberries , Matcha Tea Ice Cream & Buttermilk
Our last dish of the day was a sublime Chocolate Moelleux with a Passion Fruit Sorbet simply dessert heaven. This was enjoyed with a fabulous glass of chilled Maury Tradition 2014 Tuile.
Chocolate Moelleux & Passion Fruit Sorbet
Maury Tradition 2014 Tuile
We finished with a coffee and Petit Fours which brought to an end to a truly fabulous lunch. This is definitely a place I would highly recommend either for couples , small groups or even to hire the whole restaurant. I would just like to say a personal Thanks to Richard & Matthew for a great afternoon and to wish them all the best for the future. Looking forward to visiting again soon.
Petit Fours
A special menu sounds brilliant and what a great opportunity for the chef to get creative too! Sounds like a fabulous evening and the intimate setting sounds so wonderful.
It’s a great little place and they only need a kitchen porter now. It makes a nice change.