All reader reviews by seminomadic

Aubaine (Selfridges)

Nestled in the back of the world's largest shoe department, this Aubaine is actually a light and airy place of solace from the often frenzied shoppers in Selfridges. Aubaine are never going to win any awards in terms of value for money, but I have never failed to enjoy the quality of the food, and the service has usually been attentive and unfailingly polite. This particular visit saw us enjoy the attentions of an excellent manager, and the menu couture had some outstanding specials on it. The grilled halibut on a bed of baby spinach and fennel was quite steep in price but done to absolute perfection - and perfection on that level is something you are going to pay for.

The cakes are always a delight as well, and I am happy to pay the extra 50p or pound to have the outstanding desserts from here compared to a more run of the mill chain.

Only come if you are prepared to spend money; and when you do spend, it can be slightly hit and miss. On this occasion, I'd say it was a big hit.

Monday, March 26, 2012
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5

Red Sea

A warm welcome from the kind and friendly staff.

An adventurous menu with options for every type of diet, and explanations of dishes given on request.

New flavour and spice combinations previously unexperienced.

Generous portions of tasty food..

The theatre of the large sharing platters and the utterly fantastic coffee.

A bill that came to a tenner each after stuffing us to completely full!

Unless you are unfailingly miserable or cannot eat without being somewhere fake and pretentious, you have no choice but to fall in love with this place a little.

Monday, January 23, 2012
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10

Aubaine (Brompton Cross)

Excellent atmosphere on a Saturday lunchtime on a sunny January afternoon, with plenty of natural light coming in the huge windows. The flip side of this is that the completely full restaurant meant a few details were overlooked in the dine. However, we didn't find any of the rudeness mentioned in other reviews, the serving staff were unfailingly polite and warm, even if they did fluff a couple of minor details. The food was a mix of outstanding, decent and disappointing and for the price tag attached, you would probably expect better in an environment where there are a dozen other places to eat within a stone's throw.

Monday, January 23, 2012
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 5

Tatra

With a Polish/Ukrainian grandmother, I am quite familiar with hearty goodness of home cooked Slavic food. A group visit to Tatra was a wonderful occasion combining the best of nostalgia for those comforting dishes with the sophistication and execution of fine contemporary dining.

From the starters of Barszcz/Borscht and Blinis to the dumpling family of Pierogi, Leniwe and Pelmeni, we were delighted with the flavours, presentation and portion size.

The main courses took things up a notch, transforming as if by alchemy the traditional stodge of holobchi, potato pancakes, goulash and more dumplings to something refined and with layers of subtle flavours and spices. The meat and fish dishes were likewise seasoned and cooked excellently, and presented with simplicity and elegance.

Service was somewhat slow, despite the place not being very busy. But the waiter/host/bartender was friendly and helpful with any requests we made. Prices were not cheap, but there are set menus and other offers which help significantly.

A wonderful place to bring people to if you are wanting to introduce their palates to high quality Polish and Slavic food.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7