In a case of mistaken identity (well actually I recall signing up for something to do with them...) I received an email addressed to Stuart offering me the opportunity to try their new tasting menu at 50% off. After reading the divine menu, I couldn't help but make an appointment. I used my real name and there was no issue so I feel less of a charlatan. Additionally a few days before the night, I saw that they were offering the same deal to the public for the 2 weeks after this VIP special.
I barely venture to Mayfair and the last time was actually very near in the form of the unrivalled pie pub The Windmill.
However this more refined venue had chefs at the window with some seafood on display. The Spicy Tommy's (ocho blanco tequila, san cosme mezcal, yuzu, spiced agave) £11.5 was an incredible drink with sweet, sour and smokey all on full display.
- The New, Improved "Black Roe" Poke - tuna, salmon and a whitefish I can't recall were expertly combined with Spanish onion, spring onion, nori, avocado, coriander and black roe. It was light, refreshing and tangy citrus;
- Confit Duck Leg Salad (rocket, pine nuts, pomegranate, diced pineapple) - a light salad of reasonably tender mildly flavoured duck with sweet, nutty and bitter elements;
- Katakuriko Crispy Squid (tossed in an oyster dressing) - the squid itself with crisply coated and flavoursome. I didn't think the oyster sauce worked that well with it;
- Steamed Mussels (in a fragrant coconut broth) - sweet mussels with chilli served in a broth reminiscent of an excellent tom kar;
- Waimea'n Sticky Lamb Ribs (barbecued with the flavours of Hawaii) - there were only 2 ribs each and they were a bit fatty but still had a good amount of meat browned and glazed and sweet;
- Sauteed Broccoli - so simple a dish was strongly seasoned;
- Steamed Whole Lobster (in a ginger scented broth) - the masterpiece arrived with its firm meat already separated for ease. It was delicious and could only be improved by egg noodles to mop up the ginger broth;
- Dessert - semifreddo with some kind of fruit (possibly plums?). Average but a nice sweet cool finish.
£40 for this menu is a bargain. £80 would require a bit more consideration but at least you know it will be good.