Tuesday 22 July 2014

This Fire Is Out of Control

The Chiltern Firehouse is pretty much dinner and drinks combined with entertainment in the form of celebrity safari - watching the rich and famous dodging the paps outside. Saying that, the food is actually quite good and the drinks are too. I popped down on a quiet Sunday evening and had a lovely time but I wouldn't wait out the 6 month waiting list for it now if given the chance. 



You pass through a murder (collective noun?) of papparazzi to get through the gates and into the garden lounge which is lovely on a sunny day. The cocktail bar is small and overlooks the restaurant which could also be described as understated. The way the tables are laid out makes for both a little privacy but also great people watching as you sit in a sort of semi circle shaped booth around your table which faces outwards. Set up for celebrity safari then... 



I started with 'A Happy Marriage' - a lovely violet, bergamot and lemon gin-based aperitif which was as pretty as it was delicious. The bar snacks are a must have - the infamous deep fried chicken and crab doughnuts are incredible and despite tasting as naughty as they sound, they are light and fluffy enough to not spoil your appetite.







For a main course, we shared the red prawns in coconut milk with chilli and grapes and the pork ibirico. The maple sweet potato side is pureed nectar and a great combination with the chilli coconut milk. I've said it before on this blog that the sign of a restaurant that trusts in its own quality is to have some affordable wines and Chiltern did not disappoint for that. The Portugese red that we chose to accompany our feast was ideal and (to give you a bench mark - the cheapest thing on the table at a reasonable £6 per glass). 







I've had better food but this was all very delicious and the serving staff were lovely. Go if you want to get dressed up nice and pretty and point out other people's collagen implants. 

Oh and don't tell everyone but I've heard that the mirror in the ladies toilet is actually more than it seems - give it a little push and see where you end up or indeed who you end up bumping into... 
Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London Flo and Elle Review Elle and Flo Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House Chiltern Fire House where to spot celebrities in London

Thursday 3 July 2014

Paesan in Exmouth Market


Paesan is one of these places I keep not reviewing because I am sure I'll be back soon. It is relatively new but has instantly become a dinnertime staple. It is just so damned delicious, charming, and excellent value. And it  doesn't hurt that it sits on a lovely little corner of Exmouth Market - the perfect pre-Saddler's feast.

Last week I went with two of my lovely colleagues and Paesan had recently launched their summer menu, so here are some of our favourites for the season: 



The burrata with aubergine is divinely creamy and the bruschetta toppings are orginal and well-conceived... 


... The pastas are less good for sharing but simple and delicious - we enjoyed the ragu but a little birdie tells me the orichiette is AMAZINGLY Good



The beef is perfectly rare and flavoursome with just the right level of char...


... And the truffle parmesan chips are the ideal accompaniment


Lastly, the rum baba is a great way to round off the meal - delicious boozy with a moist, syrupy texture

Then if you have any room left, there is a great cocktail bar downstairs with very reasonably priced drinks (and a 2 for one happy hour 6-8)