Mayfair Foodie Newsletter

A warm welcome to newsletter number 5; it's good to have you onboard.

Since our last newsletter, much new content has been added to the website.

Read my thoughts on our restaurant visit to the Gallery restaurant at sketch. For those who don't know, sketch is more than just a restaurant. It's five different venues in one building, all unique with a different vibe. It is a fantastic place, and in my review, I tried my best to give a flavour of each venue & the meal at the Gallery Restaurant. It was a memorable experience.

For the last few weeks, I have been researching for an article about “best cocktails in Mayfair.” It is a tough job, but I have managed through the alcoholic haze to put together my recommendations. A must-read if you are planning to embark on a night out in Mayfair.

Finally, here are two new recipes for you to try: my interpretation of a Prawn Risotto dish with a twist I had recently and chicken wings & roast new potatoes tray bake. This dish has its origins in San Sebastian and has become a favourite.

What’s on

3rd September. Mayfair Gallery Crawl & Social (FREE!). Tickets

11th September.The Barley Mow. Mayfair is holding a Rugby World Cup preview evening with special guests Jason Leonard & John Iverdale. Starts 7 pm Buy Tickets here

Hosted in the upstairs dining room, join the rugby party with Jason Leonard and John Inverdale sharing their rugby stories. You’ll be part of the conversation, too. Dinner kicks off with champagne and canapes on arrival, followed by a 3-course feast including 1/2 bottle of Marsannay or St.Emilion per person, all in our First Floor Restaurant.

11th September. Hedonism Wine School. The tasting Wines of South Australia. 18.30-20.30 Limited availability. Book here

Each month in our Hedonism Wine School series, we invite you to join our events manager, Sherry Rose Stolar, for a deep dive tasting featuring a selection of wines from a particular region, grape variety or style. This month, we are delighted to partner with the Government of South Australia on a journey down under to discover all the diversity that the state of South Australia offers. We'll be tasting wines from across South Australia's many wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and more, accompanied by some culinary delicacies hailing from South Australia, too!

To get a flavour of what Hedonism Wines is all about, read about my experience when I visited a few months ago; you will be surprised by the sheer scale of the business.

Latest News

Hedonism/Mayfair Foodie

I hinted in the last newsletter that I might have some exciting news. I can now confirm that Hedonism Wines (probably the world's best wine store) is collaborating to give us a monthly “Wine of the Month “ article. From September, we will receive exclusive recommendations from Sherry Rose Stolar & the Hedonism team, giving you the inside track to excellent wines & unearthing hidden gems wines from vineyards worldwide, a trademark feature of Hedonism.

Le Gavroche

You may have heard Le Gavroche will close in January next year. For many years this restaurant has become an institution in the restaurant world. It was one of the first UK restaurants to receive a Michelin star. Michel Roux Jnr took charge in 1991.

My thoughts: Firstly, I’m very sad as the Roux family has raised the profile of fine dining restaurants in the UK and done so much to improve the reputation of the UK restaurants as a culinary powerhouse. Le Gavroche will be sadly missed.

However, Michel Roux cited a better work-life balance as the main reason for the closure. I can emphasise with his decision running a business is stressful & time-consuming. I can only imagine the pressure of a 2 Michelin-star restaurant, especially this restaurant. At the age of 63, Michel has made the correct decision. He will focus on his other business interests, including being a regular on our TV screens. I wish him well.

L’Atelier Robuchon

One door closes, and another opens. That’s Mayfair for you. Joel Robuchon’s classic French restaurant is to relaunch in Mayfair. Andrea Cofini will be the head chef. It will open in the Autumn, 6 Clarges Street, Mayfair, W1J 8AE.

Row on 5

Jason’s Athertons Row on 5 is described as a “flagship” restaurant over two floors in a new building on Savile Row in Mayfair – just a short walk from Pollen Street Social, his flagship since it opened to widespread acclaim in 2011. Address 5 Saville Row

Dovetale

The 1 Hotel Mayfair flagship is a masterclass in modern British cookery. Dovetale embraces the zero-waste concept of the hotel, focusing on outstanding produce and a bit of tableside theatre. Executive Head Chef in Tom Sellers.

Coming up

Our review of Japanese restaurant Ginza St James. We were lucky to be taken on a culinary journey through Japan, along with drink pairings for each dish. The review will be published next week.

As mentioned above, our first “wines of the month” feature wines selected by Sherry at Hedonism. Again, this will be out in the next few days.

An interview with Erik Lorincz, owner & founder of award-winning bar Kwant (pronounced quaint), which recently opened in its new home on Stratton Street. Kwant was previously listed in “The Best 50 Bars in the World” at its previous Heddon Street home.

I’m very much looking forward to eating & reviewing Tendril at their new permanent home in Princes Street, W1B 2LQ; fingers crossed, we are planning an interview with Chef & founder Rishim Sachdeva.

That's about it for this time. As always, I have a busy, fun time ahead, including a few days in Maderia. I’ve already planned a few restaurant visits, including a re-visit to a fish restaurant serving the most amazing seafood platter.

Any comments or ideas on features or articles you would like to see? I love to receive your feedback, please feel free to recommend this newsletter to your family & friends. We have room in this restaurant for many more guests😀

Thanks for taking the time to read & have a good long weekend.

Catch up again soon,

Martin, the Mayfair Foodie

www.mayfairfoodie.com

Instagram @themayfairfoodie.com