Cotidie Restaurant, Marylbone High Street, London

A friend recommended the Cotidie Restaurant in London. The chic interior and the staff is very London like and I was looking forward to the tasting menu.

After the amuse a very simple, yet stunning dish sporting culatello ham with a bit of piadina flat bread got my senses tingling. The following spinach flan was accompanied by some pomegranate seeds, which contrasted too sharply and weren’t a particular wise choice.

The cauliflower veloute with gorgonzola and hazelnut, felt more french than italian, but the dish showcased different levels of umami, which was a clever idea. Two pasta dishes followed, one ravioli dish (not on the menu, sent as an extra) and some maltagliati with seafood. The ravioli were too fussy for my choosing, but the maltagliati were excellent, for once I really enjoyed the breading as a textural contrast. Main course was okay, no complaints on the sea bass which was convincing in terms of texture and taste. The dessert showcased some perfectly ripened raspberries, a nice end to a meal.

This seems to be one of the cases where I was identified as someone who not only likes to eat, but is also in the business of critiquing. Not only did they send me an extra course, but at the end of the meal the maitre d’ came over with a flourish, asked wether he was allowed to present himself, handed me a business card and wished me a nice evening. Not sure if this is part of the regular dining experience, but I did feel extra special.

There was only one thing which was very offputting in the dining room and those were the flowers. Don’t worry I haven’t taken a newly found interest in floral decorations or am in the process on getting fussy on interior decorating, but the flowers were lilies. They emit a rather intense smell and when you’re sitting in a room with them, that detracts from the dining experience. The prices are very good, 65 GBP for a full tasting menu is excellent value for money. If they tone down the olfactorial impact of the botanic elements, I’ll certainly be back for more.