Friday night my wonderful mum and I headed to Michelin starred Kitchen W8 in Kensington for dinner. Kitchen W8 is co-owned by Philip Howard of The Square, and Rebecca Mascarenhas from Sonny's, and despite holding a michelin star, Kitchen W8 is actually pretty decently priced!
With a contemporary interior and the food to die for, we had such a lovely night! It was nice to have a relaxing dinner with my mum, as we're both so busy we don't really see each other that often (despite living in the same house!). The staff were friendly and helpful, yet knew when to stop bothering you, and you didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed by their presence. We started with Champagne, while eyeing up the menu!
So, onto the food! We had a tough time choosing everything, as it all looked so delicious! So to start with my Mum had the daily special, which was Scallops, and I had the Quail. I absolutely adore Quail, but I can't bring myself to look at photos of them because they're oh so cute when not on your plate!
Caramelised Orkney Scallop with Beurre Noisette Pear, Swiss Chard, Hazelnut and Roast Chicken Skin.
Barbecue glazed breast of Quail with Yorkshire Rhubarb, Seared Fois Gras, Spiced Bread, Pickled Turnip and Toasted Sunflower Seeds.
The Quail was perfect - tender and light, it just fell apart from the bone and melted in my mouth. Everything in the dish complimented the Quail perfectly, especially the picked turnip! I was surprised by the Fois Gras, I've always promised myself I would never eat it as I really don't agree with the way it is produced, but as it came with the dish I was intrigued to try it just the once. It was actually very tasty, however I won't be eating it again purely because I don't think the taste is worth what the animals have to go through to produce it.
Next up were the mains!
Sirloin of Ayrshire Beef with Oxtail Boulangere Potatoes, Horesradish Carrots, Smoked Beetroot and Bone Marrow.
Apparently the best thing about this dish was the smoked beetroot! Mum loves beetroot and said it was absolutely delicious. The beef was also tasty, and cooked exactly how she likes it. She didn't eat the bone marrow as she isn't the biggest fan of it.
Caramelised feather blade of Pata Negra Pork with Glazed Cheek, Sage Polenta, Celeriac Choucroute, Sweet and Sour Prunes.
Aghh! Amazing! Before tasting I was unsure about the prunes, but actually, they went really well with the Pork! The two rich flavours really complimented one another, especially with the Sage Polenta as well. I wasn't so keen on the Celeriac or Glazed Cheek, the glazed cheek was far too tough and tasted as if it had been rolled in salt a few times.
I think dessert was my favourite dish of all...
Roasted Hazlenut Parfait with Salt Caramel Ice Cream, Chocolate Soaked Brioche,
Praline and Lime.
The Hazlenut Parfait melted in your mouth, and the Chocolate Soaked Brioche was super rich and moist (ugh, I hate that word...but it's so true). The Salt Caramel Ice Cream was really scrummy!
Warm Ginger Financier with Medjool Date Ice Cream, Whipped White Chocolate Rice Pudding.
The Ginger Financier itself was also incredible, it was just so moreish and with the White Chocolate Rice Pudding and Date Ice Cream I could easily have eaten this dish a few more times, despite being already full up! We also had a dessert wine with this course, but I can't for the life of me remember which one it was! It was definitely a Muscat, and it was absolutely beautiful - very sweet and not too bitter, and a very drinkable wine.
Overall I was really impressed with Kitchen W8, and I really can't fault them on anything! They've achieved the 'neighbourhood' dining feel whilst serving fine food at reasonable prices. I wouldn't say this is the place to go for a special occasion, as it doesn't really feel 'special' enough. It has a really relaxed, local atmosphere. The buzz was a nice buzz, not too noisy but not too quiet or 'awkward'. The staff were brilliant; attentive yet they knew when to hold back. If you're looking for fine dining and excellent food at much more affordable prices, try Kitchen W8! I promise you won't be disappointed.
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*I was invited to review Kitchen W8, and therefore our meal was complimentary.
