• Added: 11th of June 2008
• Area: Shadwell
• Category: Restaurants

London E1 6JX
020 7613 1924

Mohock said
Credit where credit is due
I have been trying to summon up the right occasion to eat at Les Trois Garcons. In the end my first visit coincided with my fellow dinner's birthday, as my guest. This well-placed act of generosity did not go unrewarded. I'm still living off the gastronomic credit generated during that evening.

Starting with cocktails in the bar adjacent to the restaurant and in marked contrast to the magical surroundings, our evening got off to a low key start. The decor in this East End ex-boozer could be described as Elle Decoration meets regional auction room, styled by Steptoe and Son. Unlike its eclectic styling, the restaurant's menu is well-balanced, the food is beautifully served and again surprisingly low key.

There are some challenging combinations on the menu, handled successfully. Les Trois Garcons is most definitely a special occasion restaurant, the food is memorable and perfectly complemented by the wine list. I'm going to be making another visit quite soon. Someone else may have to pay though.

• Added: 3rd of April 2008
• Area: St. James's
• Category: Restaurants

London W1J 9EB
020 7499 6996

Mohock said
Better late than never...
This feels like a big expensive restaurant. There is enough biege, black and gold in evidence to send anyone on a budget into a flat spin. However, the food and sleek service is excellent and surprisingly keenly priced.

We had a table with a clear view of the entrance and although my host was extremely good company, I could not help noticing that diners were entering and exiting as if on a catwalk. There was also quite a lot of hanging around tables, being seen. Some of the clientele are swishier than the waiters, who must be issued with special shoes.

I have been meaning to try this restaurant for a long while and thought The Wolseley might have lost its gloss this long after it opened, but I enjoyed the food and the incidental floorshow. We had a very good evening.