There’s never a bad excuse to go to a good restaurant, right? Under the pretext of celebrating my wife’s birthday early, I booked a table at Alain Ducasse’s signature London restaurant at the Dorchester Hotel. A look back at this disappointing experience.
The concept
This is a gourmet French restaurant, with a menu featuring some of Chef Ducasse’s signature dishes.
The restaurant is crowned with 3 macaroons in the Michelin Guide, the highest distinction.
The setting
The setting is obviously elegant, in one of the most prestigious hotels in the British capital. Nonetheless, the premium experience is somewhat degraded due to the extensive renovations that were taking place in the hotel at the time of our visit in early March 2022.
The menu
The menu is quite simple since a single tasting menu is proposed.
The meal and the dishes
With various appetizers and entremets, the list is quite long.
Sesame, avocado and almond toast: super fresh, refreshing
Lobster rolls : too small but succulent, perfect citrus flavour
Artichoke: excellent free water taste, caviar does not take over
Comté cheese soufflé with artichoke shape, cauliflower sauce, black truffle: difficult to do more creamy and succulent
Cauliflower cooked in brioche, black truffle, raw cauliflower: excellent, balanced with the acidity of the sauce
“Sauté gourmand”: a balanced masterpiece, Chef Ducasse’s signature dish
Turbot: served in two courses. The main part was excellent with this black garlic powder – the second part I did not like so much
Beef: excellent, perfectly cooked and perfect leek
Second service with marrow bone a little disappointing
Delicious cheese
Pre-dessert: pear sorbet and marmalade
Dessert : interesting but not very satisfying combination of tastes
Overall, a feeling of disgust appears in the middle of the meal, making the following bites difficult.
The service
This is where the problem lies. If things seemed rather well orchestrated at the beginning of the meal, the machine broke down towards the end. How can you mistake someone’s identity for a birthday? Such a service error is just unacceptable in a property of this standing.
And then I spend 20 minutes waiting for the bill and the feeling of being totally ignored, frankly unpleasant.
The atmosphere
Cosy, warm and offering privacy.
Bottom line
A mixed experience despite a price paid for perfection. We will not return.
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