Typically it’s a set menu, with limited options, at double the usual a-la-carte price, cooked en-masse given the limited options and the masses of people in the dining area. Oh, and did I mention the glass of champagne?
Tune tartar; the Scallop in the background |
Instead, Mr T has taken a pre-emptive strike. And what a
strike it was. The night before a certain roman saint died on Via Flaminia in
the north of Rome is a very strange night indeed. The restaurants are not full,
the prices are normal (read as printed on the menus), and you can choose your
own dish from the full menu. Strange indeed.
Mr T booked a table for two at the Kaspar's Seafood Bar and
Grill - at The Savoy, on Valentine’s eve. And boy what an inspired call that
was.
The décor is 1920 heyday. Glamorous, sophisticated, angular geometries.
Mirrors everywhere, large and dramatic chandeliers, with chrome, glass and more
mirrors. Not light, but chic. Shouting, look at me.
We sat by the window overlooking the river. You can watch
the world go by: the Ferraris of the city boys as they drive back home to
Chelsea on the Embankment, the brightly lit Southbank buildings and the occasional
river boats.
The food. It was sublime.
We started with the yellow fin tuna tartar and the scallop.
The former was perfect, smooth and gentle, with a slice of avocado which added
the right amount of smoothness. The scallop was perfect, juicy, succulent, and
raw enough to feel the ocean.
Goats Cheese Ravioli |
The main course was even better. The pumpkin risotto was
deep and round, almost like a good red wine. The cep mushrooms felt like
natural resident in that neighbourhood. The other main was even better. The Sweet
potato and goat’s cheese ravioli combined flavours and textures that can make a
grown man cry. The flavours were simultaneously light, yet pronounced; wide,
yet laser sharp; The large ravioli were just casually lying there in a herbs
based dressing, that was gently caressing the large round raviolis.
The desert didn’t disappoint either. We shared a plum baked cheesecake.
Not too sweet, so not to attack your pallets. The thickness and textures were
just perfect, and the chucks of European plums added some focal point.
Thank god for Valentine’s eve.
http://www.kaspars.co.uk/