I was invited on board The Hispaniola to review the new spring menu when I got distracted by the cocktails.
I do have a fickle mind but usually it doesn't interfere with work but then again, he and I never got a cocktail prepared by Chris Filipek, Barista Extordinaire with stunning and romantic views of London as a background.
My starter of warm wood pigeon salad balsamic berries, celery cress croutons gave me a flavour of things to come. It was going to be luscious principal ingredients accompanied by unlikely pairing. Though when his was brought to our table by our friendly waiter, I mellowed my judgement.
Wild mushrooms, stilton cream, lemon, parsley toasted ciabatta was a little traditional though more often than not there is no mention of Stilton in the cream.
Portions are very generous so we took a break, happily chatting to one of the waitress according to whom the recent success of the restaurant is down to, "A new chefs, the menu is bolder. Diners like it better, word of mouth is the best publicity" she said before adding with a mischievous smile "The views and the waitressing staff play a large role too....."
The Hispaniola spring menu is very popular so book early. It's worth a punt.
Details:
R.S. Hispaniola Bar & Restaurant
Victoria Embankment
London
WC2N 5DJ
Call: +44 (0)20 7839 3011
http://hispaniola.co.uk/
Disclaimer : My thanks to City-cruises head-office for inviting us to try out the spring menu. I was not requested to write a positive review, words and pictures are my own.
I do have a fickle mind but usually it doesn't interfere with work but then again, he and I never got a cocktail prepared by Chris Filipek, Barista Extordinaire with stunning and romantic views of London as a background.
The Hispaniola an old London favourite. She has been bobbing and rocking gently opposite the embankment station since time immemorial. She would have continued to do so if it hadn't been for James Bueno, General Manager – formerly of Café Boheme + Perritt and Perritt – and his team. Together, they create seasonal menus with a range of dishes to suit all palates.
But first, let get back to my favourite string of words: The cocktail list. With name like Ginger Bison or Hurricane Laura, you would be forgiven to think that it's all about frivolity. Far from the truth, this is serious business, the flavours are well balanced and perfectly mixed.
Take Ginger Bison for example, Chris explained that he got his aspiration from the way people drink Żubrówka in his native Poland. Żubrówka which by the way is pronounced 'Zoo-Broov-Ka' is drunk with apple juice and lots of ice. Here the genial extras are crushed fresh ginger, lime and gomme (that's sugar and water for you and me).
Show me the food, I hear you say.
Portions are very generous so we took a break, happily chatting to one of the waitress according to whom the recent success of the restaurant is down to, "A new chefs, the menu is bolder. Diners like it better, word of mouth is the best publicity" she said before adding with a mischievous smile "The views and the waitressing staff play a large role too....."
Starters range between £7 till £11.50. Had we stopped here, this review would have dithyrambic. Our mains Confit Duck Leg, Chorizo, Chickpea cassoulet for him and Roast Halibut, piperade, fingering potatoes for me, reflects the enthusiasm of a youth.
At 23, Head Chef, Barry White, puts together some great flavours which are not obvious companions. My halibut was cooked to perfection but my pigeon earlier had been overcooked, that didn't really matter as the pairing of pigeon and fruits of the forest was surprising, fun and added sharpest to the gamy taste of the meat. The mains were slightly over-spiced were over-spiced. Not by much, certainly not enough to take away the pleasure of all the flavours street dancing on the papillae.
The Spring menu is priced at £28 for 3 courses which is good value for large portions and impeccable ingredients, attentive waitressing and..... these views.
Details:
R.S. Hispaniola Bar & Restaurant
Victoria Embankment
London
WC2N 5DJ
Call: +44 (0)20 7839 3011
http://hispaniola.co.uk/
Disclaimer : My thanks to City-cruises head-office for inviting us to try out the spring menu. I was not requested to write a positive review, words and pictures are my own.
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