Par Margaret Kemp
Mayfair, just near the bucolic Hyde Park (think Bois de Boulogne, English oak tree style) is a very posh district (think 16th arrondissement) dotted with elegant Georgian townhouses, exclusive hotels (The Dorchester, The Grosvenor House etc.) In the area world-famous retailers include the bespoke tailors on Savile Row (Gieves & Hawkes, Henry Poole & Co. etc) and the latest hip and happening designer fashion on Bond Street (think rue Saint Honoré). Shoppers also head to high-end Burlington Arcade and Shepherds Market, discovering a cluster of independent boutiques and traditional English pubs, not forgetting the cool modern art galleries on Cork Street. And, bien sûr, exciting gourmet restaurants.
Just launched
The Caviar Bar UK is a luxurious “dining destination” highlighting the world’s best caviar, seafood, fine wine and champagne. “Before the opening (April 6th 2024) our team spent a long time travelling the globe in search of the most exquisite caviar”, explains Melissa Wittig-Komatsu, Marketing Manager.
“Choosing the right caviar is a fine art and everyone's palate appreciates different qualities, flavours and textures”, explains
Andrea Secchi, Caviar Bar’s Executive Chef. For Secchi, who has worked in top restaurants, caviar is his favourite ingredient, so he was delighted when asked to take part in the launch of this luxury Mayfair project. “Our menu features mostly chilled dishes so that the true flavours shine through”, he explains.
“All our caviar is served with blinis, Jersey Royal potatoes, crème fraiche, gherkins and bread and butter”, observes the charming Restaurant Manager, Renato Costa. Costa suggests taking home “Caviar Bar” delicate Mother of Pearl Spoons (£7.50) Mother of Pearl plates (£80 each) and the Luxury Presentation Box (£30) makes the perfect gift, “if you don’t keep it for yourself”, he smiles.
But which caviar to choose? For the sophisticated chef Secchi advises Oscietra (from £67 for 30g) a favourite with caviar aficionados. For novices he selects Imperial (from £75) “its firm texture and buttery notes are ideal for a first tasting”. For the bold he tips Royal Beluga (from £156) the rarest and most sought-after caviar. And for the romantic it has to be Royal Baeri (“its’ smooth and fruity flavours will set the mood” (from £57) For a change Secchi suggests Keta. “This bright coloured salmon roe is the perfect garnish for a variety of dishes, from sushi rolls to scrambled eggs”. Salmon Roe Keta is sometimes called 'red caviar' - or by its Japanese name 'ikura'.
If you’re dining at the bar, or taking away, there’s a delicious choice of the finest caviar, salmon roe, salmon sashimi etc.
On the menu: Maldon, Colchester, Fine de Claire and Gillardeau Oysters (from £4.50 each) Begin with, say, Yellowfin tuna tartare (£13.50) Caviar on brioche/croissant & herbs (£19.50) Salmon Sashimi (£14.50) Smoked Salmon platter (£14.50) Large plates include perfectly poached hake (merlu) and Keta Caviar sauce (£28.50) Black Cod (la morue) & Miso Dressing £25.50 Poached lobster and herb dressing (£55.50) And don’t ignore “The Caviar Bar” sharing platter with Oscietra Caviar (£210). Superb sides are mixed leaf salad (£4.50) Seaweed salad, sesame dressing (£6.50).
To finish British Cheeses (£12.50) and Pistachio tart with citrus clotted cream (£7.50). Wash down with the White Burgundy (2021) made with 100% Chardonnay grapes - Chassagne Montrachet, Francois Carillon (£275) or champagne Dom Perignon Plenitude P2 (2004) (£800).
See you there! Cheers!
4, Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square, London W1
T: (44) 020 3005 1020
Metro/Underground Station - Bond Street,
Open 7/7 - Sunday Brunch 11hrs-16hrs
https://caviarbaruk.com
Avril 2024
