Bob Bob Ricard

Bob Bob Ricard, Soho

Address

Tel.:

5 March 2011

 Marg and I are in London to visit our son and his fiance, and we join them and a couple of their friends for dinner at Bob Bob Ricard.

We were ushered to our table towards the rear of the restaurant - all set out in railway-carriage style banquettes. We took quite some time reading the menu - after all, we were also all engaged in conversation - and eventually ordered cocktails; each of us selecting a different one from the list of what I considered oddballs.

I had the basic dry martini. Sampling some of the others was interesting, but confirmed my decision.

I've seen a few reviews of this restaurant which are quite disdainful - especially concerning the decor and uniforms. I don't concur - in fact I didn't even notice. The waiters (and waitresses) were remarkably good. They were attentive without being intrusive, and, given the six of us were probably not devoting one hundred percent of our attention to the ordering process, did not make a single mistake. By this I mean not even a hesitation in correctly divining what each of us wanted.

It had been a long time since I had had caviar, so as I knew the evening wasn't going to be cheap I decided to treat myself and order the small (10g) dish of Russian Method with blinis and sour cream. I have to say that 10g was not really enough to kick-start the old taste-buds, and I was disappointed in the soft texture - the last time I'd had caviar, I remember it as being decidedly more "crunchy" (though I can't remember what type it was). Nevertheless, it was a good start to the evening's dining.

Everyone else was suitably happy with their respective starters, which included Scallops and Black Pudding, and Crab Salad.

For some reason, the party looked to me to select the wine (I think it was because I was the oldest?). The Brouilly (Domaine Cret des Garanches, 2009) turned out to be pretty darn good, so another bottle followed toot sweet. My main course was the Veal Holstein. This is served with Quail's egg, Anchovies and Truffled Mashed Potatoes - with truffled sauce and bacon bits. I loved it. Veal is probably my favourite meat, and this was delicious.

Others had Chicken Kiev, Old Bay Chicken and Beef Onglet. Everyone was pleased with thier dishes.

Desserts: For me, Grand Marnier souffle. Others had Trio Creme Brulee, Lemon Pot, Ice Cream, Cheese.

Finish off with espressos, Mint teas, Filter coffee.

At just over £70 per person (including 12.5% "optional" service charge) the bill seemed "appropriate". As ever, the main part of the enjoyment of such a dinner is the company you're in. Even so, the expertise of the waiting staff, the quality of the food, and the decor, all conspired to make the evening even more memorable.

Verdict:

Scores

Recommended.

Sandro & Marg

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