All reader reviews by Lauren

Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

Never before and probably never again will I have the luxury to spend 5 hours eating lunch. Wow, wow and wow.

Though not the most stellar tasting menu I've had in London (okay, near London) the whole experience was really pleasant in that country-meets-city people sort of way. Eating there was like being outside on a gorgeously sunny early summer's day - for the afternoon, everything is going your way

Though I don't have any, I was glad to see it's child-friendly. If they can behave well (as the kids who were there did), I don't see any reason why kids can't join in on good food.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

Moti Mahal

Had to plan a last minute meal and picked Moti Mahal thanks to the meal deal.

Though we booked for 4 people, we ended up being a group of 7 (oh, students). Felt a little out of place at first (wearing jeans and t-shirts, other diners looked like they had chosen this restaurant for a slightly more special meal), but everything turned out alright and the service accommodated nicely.

Two gripes- first, upon arrival there wasn't any sign with the restaurant name inside the restaurant. Since we weren't dressed up, and we walked into a room with tables chock full of glassware and a hostess asking if she could take our coats, we stood there nervously, wondering if we had walked into the wrong restaurant. Had to check the stack of business cards next to the register to make sure!

Second, the heat lamps in the kitchen go on and off, changing the lighting in the restaurant (especially as we were seated near the kitchen window). Got really annoying after the fifth or sixth time. Bright or dim... decide!

Was a decent night; glad I got the pre-dinner deal otherwise I would've been disappointed.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 5

Maze

If you've ever watched Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, you'll see his formula of simple, well prepared, dishes of seasonal ingredients at work here. Interesting take on what I guess is French tapas - ordering several small dishes, many of which are really tasty! However, don't go trying to sell me a mini BLT by jazzing it up with fancy words. "Bacon and onion cream, chilled lettuce velouté, tomato gelée". Let's be honest: it's bacon, lettuce and tomato. I see right through that.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5

Black & Blue Steakhouse

Decent burger, good chips. Good lunch place if walking around town with a colleague or out of town visitors thanks to comfortable booths and pleasing decor.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

Aubergine

London is a city of many luxuries- spas, shopping, luxury accommodations... but none compare to the luxury of Aubergine's tasting menu and matching wines.

If you're not up for several (read: many) glasses of wine with the pairings, try half-bottles. The (genius) sommelier always recommends stunning wines that are completely unlike anything you've ever tasted before, guaranteed to surprise your taste buds.

Bring a hearty appetite - like any tasting menu, the dishes appear small but catch up to your stomach by the end. Sometimes I wish the dishes arrived in a different order. Though just as delicious, I often feel too stuffed to appreciate the final meatier dishes as much as the first ones.

Basically, though Aubergine is fabulous. Totally the place to take someone you really care about.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

The Chutney

Been to The Chutney several times. Consistently good, though lately it's been extra tasty. The chicken biryani is delicious. Very friendly service, recognize their locals even if you're only stopping in for some takeaway. The only gripe is that I wish they were open for lunch because I'd eat there then, too!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9