Hibiscus not Le Gavroche on Monday

[TeeRev]

I kept phoning Le Gavroche right up until Monday lunchtime in the hope of a cancellation for the evening but no joy so an alternative had to be found. In the end I could have got a table at 34, Maze, Pollen St Social or Hibiscus which was the one I chose and would now fully recommend to anyone.

I really liked their concept of listing the main ingredients they are offering and then you telling them which ones you do and don't like so that they can create a menu just for you. I just said that I like a fish starter and meat main, my wife said veg starter and fish main and so what turned up would be interesting surprises. I also took the theme a little further and asked the Sommelier to choose wines based on what the kitchen was preparing for us.

Everything that was put in front of us was excellent, a couple of amuse bouche followed by starters of crab for me and asparagus for my wife then a palate cleanser made with tomato and apple leading to mains of barbecued kid with garlic for me and cod with celeriac for my wife which was the star dish, there was a pre dessert then proper desserts so loads of food and Claude Bosi stopped by for a chat as well.

Not cheap but quality never is, I would happily go there again but Le Gavroche is still a definite target for my next trip to the smoke, it'll be interesting to see how they compare.

Thanks to pointedstarman for the recommendation in my Le Gavroche thread.

[pointedstarman]

Really pleased you enjoyed it

Claud Bosi who's the chef / owner of the place is a real chef's chef. He works his nuts off n the kitchen every night and on the night before his day off, once he's finished service, gets on his bike and rides back to Ludlow where his familiy is for R&R. Got to take hat off to him for putting the work in.

If you liked Hibiscus, and fancy a day out, try Midsummer house in Cambridge. Similar levels of cooking and a chef who puts the effort in to create great, interesting, food.