1 Lombard Street

Perhaps it is best that the first official gastronomical entry in this blog is jump-started by a Michelin starred restaurant in London. Might as well start at the top and branch out from there.

Although quite unfortunate that the epicurean exploration is limited by a tight budget, it was most fortunate that London was celebrating Restaurant Week, giving the lightly laden coin purse the space to bulk out. The glory of Restaurant Week allowed for the sampling of high cuisine at an affordable price. Dinner at 1 Lombard Street was served at the elegant Brasserie, which still had available tables opposed to the Restaurant. The Brasserie has a wonderful dome that allows lets in light to soak all corners of the space in a bright yet soft glow until night settles in. Accompanied by three other dining companions, we were seated near the rear of the Brasserie surrounded by enormous flowering bouquets of lilies.

The set menu offered at the Brasserie also displayed a vegetarian-friendly meal plan for the evening. The server informed us that selections from both menus were permitted for the course of the meal. An assortment of bread was served while waiting for the first course.

The first course was a crème endive and apple soup with white truffle oil. Served warm in an espresso cup, it opened up the palate for the rest of the meal.

Salmon was served as the second course. It was served atop roasted cucumbers and encircled in a parsley pesto and Asian-inspired sauce with teriyaki sweetness. The vegetarian option for this course was delicately grilled vegetables, which I was told was the most delicious vegetables the vegetarian diner had ever tasted.

The main course consisted of chicken with mushroom risotto being the vegetarian option. The chicken was set atop mashed potatoes with a creamy sauce and small roasted shallots. Large shavings of parmesan cheese rested upon the mushroom risotto encircled in another herb pesto. The risotto was rich and meaty from the mushroom flavor, yet very light on the palate.

To cleanse the palate, a granizo was served in a shot glass. The granizo had touches of watermelon, ginger, and berries. Quite refreshing!

To conclude the meal, dessert consisted of a small chocolate cake with molten center accompanied by a raspberry sorbet and cocoa powder.

Overall, the experience at the brasserie was quite positive. The meal was a generous 5 courses that were light, but filling. Perhaps one day in the far future a call for a second visit will arise, once the purse can fit the budget.