We are pleased that our latest instalment in this series comes from another guest contributor who is no stranger to fine dining, Jacki Walker from Equipline.
So over to Jacki…
‘I’m currently in love with a few!
I won’t bother including the recently visited Fat Duck, or Le Manoir, because their longstanding Michelin Star reputations truly do speak for themselves.
The Royal Oak at Paley Street always delights – just a few miles from Maidenhead. It has 1 Michelin Star, which it truly deserves and the maître d’ always works hard to fit in an extra 2 even on the day.
Hard on its heels is the Hand and Flowers, Marlow – but since Chef was a contender in the Great British Menu (Duck Fat Chips) tables are rarely available on the day so sadly we haven’t been there for a few months. Must get forward planning under control.
Bar Buloud at the Mandarin Oriental on Knightsbridge has quickly become a firm favourite – again they work really hard to fit diners in on the day so I have held 3 lunch meetings and 1 supper meeting there over the past month or so and been spoiled by the great staff (lucky me).
Following a very indifferent lunch experience on the previous Tuesday when I had concluded they could practice on other people, Barbecoa went a long way to rescuing itself on Sunday (unavoidable second visit as it was my son’s Mother’s Day treat) but everything was greatly improved – food and staff, so we will go again sometime.
Boudin Blanc in Shepherd’s Market is the essence of the haute style French Bistro – without the Berets and Onion Strings: great food, sometimes variable service but more good than bad, and very reasonable prices. You could make an evening of it, but it lends itself superbly to pre-Theatre or early evening dining.
We in the foodservice industry are so very lucky – it’s almost mandatory to research as many restaurants as possible!’
Jacki Walker, Equip Line
Earlier this week Hospitality and Catering News attended ‘Cooking Live at Equipline’ and were treated to some great food courtesy of Sous Vide cooking demonstrations and other catering equipment on display. If you are looking at new equipment for your kitchen and want to see equipment delivering mouth watering food live, attend the next one. For more info just drop us an email through this link.