Bob Bob Ricard Restaurant

Score: 8/10 

Are you looking for somewhere a bit different? Old fashioned American glamour meets Russian extravagance. This is the kind of restaurant you go to where you feel you've gone back in time to a different era and a different location. Even the staff are suited and booted in 1920's style outfits adding to the ambience and standing out from your average restaurant. Unfortunately, when I visited this place the bar was being re-done so I didn't get the pleasure of experiencing it but the restaurant itself is a must visit for its uniqueness and atmosphere. You feel scheduled and intimate with your guests and there are added touches such as the"press for champagne" button to add interest to the meal and really impress during a date. 

The menu is a mix of Russian classics and European influences. You can have traditional "Zukuski"(Russian canapés) with cold Vodka shots, or  opt as we did for Oysters. There is also a list with a variety of both fish and meat starters, we also chose the Seabass Ceviche to start.  If you are really pushing the boat out and looking for the Russian experience, they offer the choice of Caviar, "Petrossian" which is only available in the UK at Bob Bob Ricard helping explain the rather heavy price tag for this delicacy. 

Overall the food was good - however the beef mains were not to the quality of a high class steak restaurant. The seared Fois Gras was delicious but I feel with the meat and Fois Gras Crouton is was a bit too heavy/fatty as a meal. Fois Gras in my opinion is better eaten separately, spread on toasts for example, rather than eaten with red meat. 

 Seabass Cerviche with Avocado: made with cucumber, tomato, coriander, jalapeño pepper and lime.

 6 Oysters Mitterland - grilled with parsley and garlic

 Beef Onglet: 28 Day aged Scotch Beef, with caramelised onions and green peppercorn sauce 

Fillet Medallions Rossini: 28 Day Aged Scotch Beef with seared Fois Gras, Fois Gras crouton & Truffle Gravy.

Overall, this restaurant is a little gem in the centre of London which can be easily missed if you aren't searching for it. The atmosphere, decor and added extravagance all make it an experience not to be missed. If you are a fan of Russian cuisine or enjoy good fish and meat dish you will definitely find something you like on the menu. It is a great place to come on a date, to impress or to bring those interested in trying an opulent Russian dining experience.

http://bobbobricard.com/food.html

"The Bread Street Kitchen" Restaurant Review

               Overall :  4.5/5

 The Bread Street Kitchen   ......................all I can say is Gordan you've done well here!  

                                                                                

I stumbled upon this place as it happened to be in the St Pauls area of London (on Bread Street) where I was staying. However, I am very glad I did. I was lucky enough to be taken here, as yes, I will admit it is not the cheapest restaurant, however it is similar pricing to restaurants on the same level. It is also very worth it, I may have to be bold and say it was one of the best meals I have had out. 

I would describe the design of the restaurant as sexy.... yes you read it sexy... with an open plan layout and warehouse feel. It is very rugged but with some romantic booths and desk lamps surrounding the tables for added light. It has a good atmosphere and the staff were great, yes I made sure to test them and ask for their opinion on what dishes to pick and I have to say they were spot on! The menu is original as there is a choice from the raw bar, wood stone or hot kitchen- giving you good variety.  
                                                                                                        


For drinks, we started with two cocktails and I have to say my lycée martini was perfect, sweet but with a good kick! We also had a bottle of wine however, although it was also nice I won't dwell on it as we committed a wine snobs big sin; choosing red when we were having fish.... but at the end of the day, you get what you fancy right??

For starters I sampled:

Salmon ceviche, ruby grapefruit, jalapeño, lime, coriander

£10.50

This was good, although slightly too acidic maybe a tad too much lime, however it is a good light starter, especially if you like salmon.

 I chose:

Baked scallops, salsify, treacle bacon, bittercress

£12.00 / £19.00

 These were to die for, I fully recommend them. They cut through like butter and the bacon and apple slices gave the dish great flavour.

For Mains I sampled:

Seared loin of yellow fin tuna with a sesame, soya and shallot	£19.00
dressing, fennel, coriander salad

This was extremely good, the tuna still pink with great flavours and texture. I chose:

Devon cuttlefish, chorizo, avocado and pepper salsa     £16.50

I was excited to see cuttlefish on the menu, especially teamed with chorizo and salsa. I wasn't too sure if I would find the flavours complementary, but I am happy to say they were! The chorizo used was also the best I have had, it was in the form of small sausages which were a lot softer and less fatty/chewy then the slices of large chorizo sausage. The cuttlefish was also cooked to perfection. Overall, this restaurant provides a great atmosphere with a funky sexy design and fantastic food. The staff are very professional and know the food being served. It is innovative with different cooking styles to choose from and a good variety of dishes. I highly recommend paying a visit to The Bread Street Kitchen!