The Dumbwaiter’s best bites of the week: 21 October 2019

From Soho to Seven Dials

Zelman Meats 

With pescetarian friend in tow (she was warned!), The Dumbwaiter headed to Soho on Tuesday evening to try the new menu at Zelman Meats. The steak was, of course, first-rate, but the starters were just as good, in particular the prawn tempura with ‘Holy F**k Mayo’. The miso black cod (for the non-meat eaters) wasn’t at all a second rate option, especially alongside the stellar truffle and parmesan fries that, despite their best efforts, The Dumbwaiter & Co were sadly defeated by. Although too full for pud, the tiramisu that was being wheeled round on an old-school dessert trolley looked pretty tempting.

Seven Dials Market

KERB have taken their first step indoors in the form of Seven Dials Market, and with their diverse food and drink offering the Dumbwaiter couldn’t resist a trip this week. The only negative about this market is that it’s practically impossible to try it all in one night, but that didn’t stop the Dumbwaiter from trying. The packed table included a crab roll from CLAW, tasty vegan tacos from Club Mexicana, truffle fries and croquettes from Truffle, chicken wings from El Pollote, and because there is always room for dessert, a selection of donuts from Big Shot. The Dumbwaiter’s top tip is to go with an empty stomach and be prepared to eat everything in sight! 

Josh Niland Dinner at Fortnums 

The Dumbwaiter has become a bit of a fan boy of Josh Niland, the chef restaurateur behind Saint Peter in Sydney. Fish butchery is Josh’s game and after launching his book at Fortnum’s it was upstairs to the boardroom for a special dinner cooked by Josh. 

Decimo

It’s hard to draw attention away from the view of London’s skyline when your restaurant is high up, but Decimo (the newest part of the Standard’s offering) manages it. Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’ menu is full of show-stoppers – including a caviar-topped tortilla that’s destined to become an Instagram star. However for flavour, gambas blancas de Huelva with crab and jalapeno is the winner. Pro-tip: save gazing at the horizon for when you visit the loo – there’s a floor-to-celing window.

Le Manoir 

It was a memorable night when Raymond Blanc invited his ‘protégés’ back to Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – among them Michael Caines, Robin Gill, Ollie Dabbous and Agnar Sverrisson – to cook a special dinner for the hotel’s 35^th birthday. Hard to pick a standout from the stellar menu, but Gill’s crispy chicken skin, poached chicken oyster, leek terrine and Perigord truffle was addictively delicious.