Gourmands in London will be happy to hear that Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham, the new signature restaurant at Dukes London, has opened with Michelin-starred Executive Chef Nigel Mendham at the helm for "modern British with a classical twist" cuisine. Named for the number symbolizing good luck in Chinese astrology, the symbol of the magic square of the sun, as well as the hotel's address on Little St. James, the restaurant has also been redesigned in a classic yet contemporary style by leading UK designer Shaun Clarkson.
Chef Mendham's debut menu includes a nine-course tasting menu available with or without sommelier-selected wines by the glass. Among the first courses, we're eager to try the Scallops with cauliflower, smoked eel and horseradish; rare breed pork of braised cheek with Waldorf salad; dry-aged beef carpaccio with beetroot and horseradish; and a quail terrine forestiere with braised leg and quail jus.
Main courses include Goosnargh duck with savory granola, foie gras and black cherry; Salt marsh lamb of sticky ribs and braised shank with caramelized shallot; Brill rib of beef with watercress and native oysters; Highland venison with butternut fondant, ossobucco and bacon spatzle; and Lemon sole with langoustine tortellini, carrot puree and hazelnut crumb.
And, of course, there's desert—think carrot cake with liquid carrot, iced cream cheese and spiced walnut, dark chocolate delice, crunchy pears and cardamon to Raspberry with vanilla donuts and raspberry semifreddo. There is also an extensive with local cows milk (such as Waterloo and Stichelton), goats milk (Golden Cross, Ticklemore) and sheep milk (Spenwood, Flower Marle) selections available with side condiments.
For more information, visit www.dukeshotel.com.