We were off to an engagement party in Notting Hill on Saturday night and as I had got back from the football in good time there was time to grab a bite to eat out. Our friends Zoe & Nick had recommended the Notting Hill Brasserie to us so feeling lucky we rocked up at 7PM to see if they had a table. Fortune smilled on us and they had room for us. We were led through to the rear room and given a nice window seat. The restaurant was nicely decorated with perfectly subdued lighting. It's one of these places that makes you feel you are on holiday. It reminded me a bit of Julie's. it was quiet when we first arrived but soon filled up. The presence of a jazz pianist gave it a really nice buzz.
We skipped starters and I went for the slow cooked beef. My lovely wife chose the wild duck, the maitre D was really good here and let her know straight off they could cook it well done for her. The beef was seriously good, melt in the mouth tender and perfectly cooked medium. It was accompanied by a hearty portion of triple cooked chips and spinach. My wife's duck was excellent despite it being well done, it had lost none of it's flavour or texture. It came with a great savoury pear tatin. the wine waiter had chosen a very nice glass of bordeaux to go with my main.
After such a stellar main course we felt we had to try the deserts. My wife had a lovely cheese cake made with a savarin cheese which gave it a nice sweet/savoury feel. I went for the apple tarte tatin served with milk ice cream. It was lovely, nice texture plenty of caramelisation. It was up there with the mains. We had coffee to follow and were given some amazing chocolates that were so well glazed you could almost see your face in them.
This was a seriously good meal and up there with a couple of michelin starred places we had been to. However this was reflected in the price which was £120 for two which I thought was going some for two courses. My main alone was £30 which explains it. However the cooking was excellent and the service really charming. It is a place with real style and charm. A good place for a romantic treat though next time I will probably try the weekend lunch.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
A real shame this shut as it was lovely inside, easily the best place near us for an upscale meal. The place that replaced it lasted all of 5 minutes and the superb site is now empty!