La Gavroche, London. Booked.
Discussion
I've booked Le Gavroche in London.
Has anyone been? What can you recommend? Hoping to ask the Mrs the big question beforehand or in the restaurant. Is it worth telling the restaurant in advance.
Any help appreciated?
EDITED: I can't speak French - muchos gracias Doofus!
Has anyone been? What can you recommend? Hoping to ask the Mrs the big question beforehand or in the restaurant. Is it worth telling the restaurant in advance.
Any help appreciated?
EDITED: I can't speak French - muchos gracias Doofus!
Edited by jinkster on Friday 29th July 17:55
Edited by jinkster on Friday 29th July 17:56
I was mildly disappointed. The wife loved it.
I guess it depends on where you have been before because there was nothing wrong with it. It's quite traditional high end french, the room is a bit old fashioned but as mentioned it's not stuffy. The staff are great.
I'd go for the tasting menu.
I guess it depends on where you have been before because there was nothing wrong with it. It's quite traditional high end french, the room is a bit old fashioned but as mentioned it's not stuffy. The staff are great.
I'd go for the tasting menu.
Unless you're 100% sure you're going to get the answer you want, I wouldn't tell the restaurant beforehand 
(tbh, I wouldn't anyway for a proposal).
I liked it there but haven't been for a long time.
I always do tasting menus at restaurants like this - feels that bit more special, and you get to try a decent variety of food. And if you're having a drink and the extra cost doesn't make you wince, take the wines too. As well as some champagne at the end to celebrate
(tbh, I wouldn't anyway for a proposal).I liked it there but haven't been for a long time.
I always do tasting menus at restaurants like this - feels that bit more special, and you get to try a decent variety of food. And if you're having a drink and the extra cost doesn't make you wince, take the wines too. As well as some champagne at the end to celebrate
jinkster said:
Hoping to ask the Mrs the big question beforehand or in the restaurant. Is it worth telling the restaurant in advance.
Best wishes for the big question!I've not eaten at Le Gavroche, but I did call the Maitre d' at the Stratosphere when I popped the question, and he made sure his team were standing nearby with a bottle of champagne. I recommend letting them know.
It is a great place and yes the tasting menu and matching wines is the way to go BUT why would you want to propose in a restaurant? what if she says no? what if she wants to think about it? what if she feels like she has to say yes because you are making a public show? If it doesn't go 100% your way then somewhere so public is awkward.
Good luck with it and I hope you get the answer you want.
Good luck with it and I hope you get the answer you want.
OP - I'd tell them if I were you.
I proposed to my wife at the Waterside. I told them what I was planning when we checked in (we were also staying the night so it was easy to 'forget' something in the car and nip down to reception to give them the ring). After we'd finished our dinner, we were offered coffee in the summer house by the river and they bought the ring out on silver platter covered with rose petals, shortly followed by a complimentary bottle of champagne.
These places pride themselves on going the extra mile and they'll do everything they can to make it memorable if it's a special occasion.
I proposed to my wife at the Waterside. I told them what I was planning when we checked in (we were also staying the night so it was easy to 'forget' something in the car and nip down to reception to give them the ring). After we'd finished our dinner, we were offered coffee in the summer house by the river and they bought the ring out on silver platter covered with rose petals, shortly followed by a complimentary bottle of champagne.
These places pride themselves on going the extra mile and they'll do everything they can to make it memorable if it's a special occasion.
craigjm said:
It is a great place and yes the tasting menu and matching wines is the way to go BUT why would you want to propose in a restaurant? what if she says no? what if she wants to think about it? what if she feels like she has to say yes because you are making a public show? If it doesn't go 100% your way then somewhere so public is awkward.
Good luck with it and I hope you get the answer you want.
A great many people asking the question are virtually 100% sure of the answer.Good luck with it and I hope you get the answer you want.
I proposed in a restaurant. Our favourite restarant in London, in our favourite seats which were out of the way. After twelve years together, and her remonstrating two days beforehand that I'd never ask her. I had the ring by that stage!
So anyway, yeah - I wasn't exactly bricking it about getting a 'no'!
Edited by iphonedyou on Monday 1st August 14:45
jinkster said:
Fingers crossed. I'll do it on the way to the restaurant. Maybe Berkeley Square if its not raining.....or too busy!
If you're not asking inside just in case she says no, perhaps asking after rather than before would be better? It could be an uncomfortable meal otherwise!iphonedyou said:
...
A great many people asking the question are virtually 100% sure of the answer.
...
I don't imagine anyone proposes expecting a no A great many people asking the question are virtually 100% sure of the answer.
...
Edited to add - OP...in a London street? At least go somewhere special/properly memorable - the palace maybe?
Edited by Murph7355 on Monday 1st August 20:02
matrignano said:
Chefs does that in most Michelin starred places
The only other place I've experienced that was at Ramsay, Hospital Road, and that was only once. Never seen it in any of the other starred restaurants. I guess it depends on whether they are around at the time etc. Edited by matrignano on Monday 1st August 13:26
Alpinestars said:
The only other place I've experienced that was at Ramsay, Hospital Road, and that was only once. Never seen it in any of the other starred restaurants. I guess it depends on whether they are around at the time etc.
Yes maybe my "most places" was a bit exaggerated.I certainly wouldn't expect a celebrity Chef-run place to have said celebrity Chef work there every day, and therefore come out to chat with the guests.
Likewise places like Yauatcha don't really have a Chef per se.
Recently I was at Alyn Williams, Marcus, EssZimmer in Munich, Aimo e Nadia in Milan, and La Rei in Barolo, and the Chefs came out for a chat.
Or you can just go to Barrafina and the Chef is right there in front of you the whole time!
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