l'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

To celebrate my other half's birthday this year, I took him for a cosy lunch 

at l'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Covent Garden.

I have always heard good reviews about this gem in London with 

2 Michelin Stars and finally I'm going to experience it myself.

Feedback:  AMAZING!

As we arrived at the restaurant, it was clear that it was a different world. 

Our welcome was warm and polite and we were quickly seated to our lovely table 

where we could see where the perfectionist chefs were at work. 

I loved it! So much care and attention to every single dish. 

Let the images speak for themselves as it will be hard to make justice to the wonderful meal we had!

Amuse-bouche : Layered shot of Fois Gras, Prunes coulis and Parmesan Foam

A complimentary amuse-bouche to start the experience. 

Sea bass Carpaccio served with Tobiko Eggs and Espelette chilli

Soft boiled egg with Japanese Aubergine mousseline flavoured with cumin

Our starters were very delicately prepared and the flavours were just so perfect. 

I had the Carpaccio of Seabass which was already yummy, but when I tried the other starter...

 Oh My! The oozing egg yolk mixing with the aubergine mousse was simply Fabulosio!! 

Now to the mains... 

Lamb saddle stuffed with fresh herbs, confit potatoes with lemon and garnished with a croustillant

Braised beef chuck in Red wine served with Canelloni of Carrots with aged Comte cheese

Side of Mixed coloured cauliflower with a light vinaigrette

Apologies for the blurry picture of the Braised Beef main! (-.-)  

But hey, pictures can't say it all ...  Everything tasted heaven!

Some may say the portions are small but I thought ( and even hubby agrees ) that 

the amounts were just enough to enjoy and feel satisfied...  

and most importantly, leaving room for dessert! 

For our desserts, we were moved to the Roof Top Lounge area

which also had a little open terrace where we could get some fresh air if needed. 

We chose to sit by the fire place to keep warm and then came our desserts ... 

Yuzu Tart with passion fruit and lime jelly and Banana Toffee sorbet

La Religieuse: Choux pastry filled with toffee ice cream, a 'croustillant' touch with vanilla ice-cream

What a treat! Absolutely fabulous gourmet food and a very well-fed happy couple! 

A very thoughtful touch for the Birthday Boi! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND! 

l'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

13-15 West Street, London WC2H 9NE

New Ladurée branch in Covent Garden

Recently opened on a prime corner of the Covent Garden Market, 

Ladurée is making an important début with a proper sit -in Café.  

Really excited about this new opening, a visit was imminent to happen.

One sunny day was all we needed! 

The little café was already quite busy when my foodie friends and I arrived 

AND we were happy that we did not have to wait too long. 

We were lucky ...  the waiter readily seated us on the first floor on the balcony 

to make the most of the beautiful day!

We like Ladurée. We do. But after the good first impression of the well decorated premises, 

all was let down by the service we received that day.  

Not only did the waiter failed to set the covers again even after we were seated 

but the whole service was a tragedy: our waiter had difficulty taking our orders - drinks and food took ages to come ( which they blamed on the service lift being down) 

with some items we believe were forgotten until we reminded them...

For the prices charged here, I think impeccable service should be a given and not optional ... 

It was very unfortunate that our experience was not as we expected ...  

( and I swear , we are not difficult customers!). 

All we wanted were : two sets of afternoon tea, a Club Sandwich and lovely delicious Ladurée Cakes.

On a positive note though, the food (when it arrived) was lovely and this kept us happy.  ^.^

First to arrive, the Club Sandwich. I couldn't even have a decent picture without a quick bite being taken from the sandwich! Still looked yummy though!! :)

Chicken Club Sandwich served with Chunky Chips

Then the Afternon Tea set for Two arrived ...
On top tier, the selection of sandwiches : we selected the smoked salmon and the ham option.

Afternoon Tea Set for two

On the middle tier, our pastry all soft and golden. We had the pain au chocolat which hardly had any chocolat in it and the walnut croissant which was very nice.

Finally on the bottom tier, deux Ispahan, a Carré Chocolat and a Plaisir Sucré.

The Traditional Tea Set 

Not that the Afternoon Tea Set wasn't enough ... but we also ordered : 

Millefeuilles Pralines

A Close Up picture of a Beauty of a Cake - The Ispahan 

A Favourite of many : The Ispahan with raspberry and lychee

A very disappointing first visit we all concluded {especially after paying the bill}  but the 

Cakes and Patisserie @ Ladurée never lets anyone down, so we all left still content. 

We will not be running back very quickly but for the Love of Cake ... 

we might decide to give it another try.

Ladurée 

1 Market Place

Covent Garden 

( Impossible to miss)

WC2 E 8RA

    

Bougie Macaron & Tea in Covent Garden

Recently opened patisserie in Covent Garden : Bougie Macaron & Tea

I have not visited Bougie yet but I have been walking by many times now, 

always stopping for a few seconds in front of its display to 

enjoy the lovely view of its colourful macarons and patisserie.