FOODIE POST: FOXTROT OSCAR

Having purchased a pair of Time Out vouchers, we went to have lunch at Gordon Ramsey's Foxtrot Oscar, a local neighbourhood bistro in Chelsea. 

It was much smaller inside than I expected, a pretty average looking interior design and lay-out.

The voucher included a complimentary glass of wine each and a 3-course meal from the set menu. 

 

 

We both ordered the asparagus soup as a starter. Nice creamy texture, but maybe a bit too salty for the both of us.

For my main, I ordered the mussels which was served with chips - supposedly triple-cooked chips, but weren't quite as crisp as I thought they would be...

The mussels were also quite small in size. The tomato and chorizo-based sauce was quite light and tasty.

Lili ordered the Dingley Dell pork which was served with some pea puree - the texture was a bit tough and the overall flavour a bit bland for me.

 

And to finish off, I had the sticky toffee pudding with banana ice cream whilst Lili had the panna cotta.  I'd probably say that the dessert was the best out of the 3 courses I had, but I was unfortunately too full to finish it! (shouldn't have had that coffee and carrot cake in the morning - greedy feli! hehe).

In terms of service, the waitress who served us was quite attentive and checked on us in between each course. Standard service as what I would usually expect at a restaurant. 

On the whole, the set menu was quite average and uninspiring in my opinion.

Can't really comment on the a la carte menu - maybe another time if I ever decide to try this place again. Though with the highly competitive choice of restaurants around London I would say that this would be highly unlikely...

Well, that's another one ticked off my Gordon Ramsey to-do list.

Miss foodie signing off x

WEEKEND SUMMARY PART II: BUBBLEDOGS + MAZE BY GORDON RAMSEY

After my unsuccessful first attempt at trying out the much-talked-about Bubbledogs the other day, I am pleased to say that I finally managed to get in for Saturday lunch.

We arrived there pretty early before the long lunch queues started, and were seated after a short 5 minute wait.
It was kind of small but cosy inside, and we got some bench seats by the stairs. Initially a bit of a tight squeeze - probably because the small Asian guy next to us was taking up more space than he needed! - but he left a few minutes after so we could finally spread out and sit more comfortably.
I ordered the Sloppy Joe whilst Mike had the Buffalo. 
We also ordered a portion of Tots and Sweet potato fries to share and two glasses of  Chartogne Taillet.

Now for some foodie snaps...

Tots & Sweet potato fries

Happy tummies = Happy smiles

The queue building up outside as we were on our way out

The meal came to a total of £42.75, including service charge - a bit on the pricy side for lunch considering it was a bit like having fast food. Not a place I'd frequent too often, but I would recommend at least one visit for the experience.

The waiters/waitresses were nice and polite and they also offer to keep your coats for you whilst you dine.

 

Again, it's one of those places with a no-reservation policy except if you are booking for a table of 6 or more. I'd suggest going during lunchtime or turning up earlier before peak times if you intend to go there for dinner.

As for dinner, we had a lovely experience of dining in one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants - Maze in Grosvenor Square. It serves French cuisine with Asian influences in tasting sized dishes - definitely up my alley!

We had the option of the Chef's menu (7 courses £70.00pp or £125.00pp with drink pairings) or ordering from the A la carte menu. We decided on the latter, selecting 3 dishes each as recommended by the waiter, and shared a bottle of Malbec and still water. 

As always I have my handy camera with me (would I consider myself Asian if I didn't?)

I think the table next to us felt more comfortable to take their own camera out after watching me snapping away as I usually do!

Complimentary bread and butter

Wine mmm...

My sexy man x

Food always makes me happy :)

Rabbit, smoked duck and foie gras terrine, flat peaches, sauternes gel, bitter almond

Marinated yellow fin tuna, compressed apple, coriander, horseradish, ponzu

After remembering to turn on the flash on my camera...

Braised feather blade of beef, pomme purée, shimeji mushroom, togarashi spice

Dumpling of lobster, tiger prawn and salmon, aromatic lemon grass broth

Rose veal loin and tongue, coco bean cassoulet, violet mustard

Scottish hand - dived scallops, turnip, cauliflower, basil velouté

And to finish off our lovely meal, some sweet desserts... 

Bitter chocolate délice, ‘black forest’

Bakewell tart

Lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and the food was a-MAZE-ing (pardon the pun)

A bit of confusion with regard to our reservation at the beginning, but other than that, service was excellent - the waiters/waitresses were very attentive and polite. 

I would definitely recommend a visit, it's always good to treat yourselves once in a while! (or every weekend in my case hehe)

Just be prepared to let your beloved credit card/wallet to get a pretty good beating, especially if you have a big appetite -

don't be wary, it will definitely be for a worthy cause x 

One more post coming up! To check out Part I of the weekend summary click HERE