10^th June 2011

As our great friend, the owner of The Bates Hotel, Cannes, allowed us to stay free, it was only right that when he came to town we took him to his favourite London restaurant.

I must admit, I had never considered going to this restaurant but then this visit wasn’t about us! So, I did my research on the Internet and the website described it as ‘A theatre for the senses in London’s Covent Garden. The award-winning two Michelin star restaurant offers a choice of counter and table seating. Simplicity, imagination and unrivalled quality top the bill’.

                                                                                                          

As Mr Bates had been here before, he recommended we have a Rose Mojito as we waited on his arrival from the airport, which we did on the terrace. Although I have to admit, despite the cocktail being very fruity and summery, I have a problem with ice that doesn’t melt. It doesn’t seem right and I don’t really want my ice ‘meddled’ with!

We took our seats for dinner and when Mr Bates arrived, I ordered him the Rose Mojito to start his night. Mr A. ordered a bottle of Argentinian Malbec (as usual), rich, dark and full-bodied, which we savoured as we looked at the vast menu.

For starter Mr A. ordered L’Oeuf - Crispy rice battered soft poached egg with Oscietra caviar, Mr Bates had Le Burger - beef and foie gras burger with slightly caramelised bell peppers and I had Le Homard D’Écosse - Scottish lobster salad à la minute. Being very naïve when it comes to lobster, I was taken aback when the waiter brought ‘Larry the Lobster’ out for my approval before cooking. I have to say, I have full faith in a chef in a Michelin Star restaurant therefore I am really happy for him select and cook the lobster on my behalf.

When our starters arrived, we had a little taste them all. My lobster salad not only looked great but also tasted great. It was delicate and light and perfectly seasoned.

Mr A’s L’Oeuf looked amazing but it really isn’t something I would choose, he loved it!

However, Mr Bates Le Burger, was without a doubt the tastiest, richest starter I had ever had. The lean meat of the burger, the rich foie gras, the light bun and the caramelised bell peppers made a fantastic combination. Wow!

For main Mr A. had L’Onglet - Steak tartar with hand cut chips, Mr Bates and I had La Lotte – roasted monkfish served on a brioche toast, leek fondue and red wine sauce. I didn’t try Mr A’s steak tartar, but he was delighted with it. Our monkfish was gorgeous, I didn’t think it work so well on the brioche but it did, a really good choice. The leek fondue was delicious however; the red wine sauce appeared as a red smear across the plate, which was odd. Mr Bates had a cute little Le Creuset pot of mash potato. I love mash but this was a little too creamy for me, it reminded me of baby food unfortunately.

This was a fantastic start to the weekend with great company, great wine and fantastic food. However, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is not a restaurant you visit at a whim or regularly. It is for very special occasions or when someone else is paying, I will never reveal the bill!!!!!

http://www.joelrobuchon.co.uk/