#54 Notting Hill, Hambledon, Melbourne
Where's for dinner, this week?
Thursday was my birthday, so of course it’s been a good eating week.
Started the week strong, with home-style Persian plates at Berenjak, who featured on WFD back in December.
By some fluke, we managed to grab a walk in table for two at their Borough Market location. Tip is to get there early on a Monday. By the early evening the upstairs even started to thin out. So not too impossible to get a table after all.
The atmosphere, service and food was exceptional, and gluten free was very easy. We went for the sharing menu (£45pp), and we rolled ourselves home.
On Thursday, kept it simple with a favourite and classic - Voodoo Rays - and by the weekend it will be more deliciousness at Elephant and Castle’s Latin American spot, Paladar. More on that next week.
And before we move onto the wish list, the Bank Holiday brought us a trip to Tilllingham Wines for the night. Full review and highlights on my Instagram here.
1. Dove, Notting Hill
I’ve got reader Em to thank for this one, who included Dove of her megalist of spots she sent over for our reader special. Let’s dive into one of them - Dove.
Firstly, don’t browse i.feel.dove, aka Dove’s Instagram handle if you’re hungry. THE most incredible food photography, where every lashing of oil glistens, and every fried crisp punches out from the screen. This is pure art in action.
From the brains (and let’s face it, stomach) of Jackson Boxer, this isn’t Jackson’s first rodeo. From a family who is serious about food, he’s also the mastermind behind London favourites Brunswick House and Orasay.
In terms of what we’re ordering, I’ll be starting with a Honey Margarita. Then asparagus is in season, so it’s English Asparagus, Brixham Crab, Peas & Mushroom Hollandaise, please.
Then for main I’m super intrigued by the Steamed Hake, Romana Courgette, Champagne Broth - because Champagne Broth needs trying, with a side of Duck Fat Fries. Not sure that goes, but they sound very good.
To finish, my hope is that Flourless Chocolate Cake, Coffee Molasses, Crème Fraiche is gluten free. And that sounds right up my alley.
Book a table here or hold yourself a walk in spot on the wait list. Currently, midweek evening, it’s at 105 mins. It’s a popular one.
2. Hambledon Wine Estate , Hambledon
Not too far from Portsmouth, in the county of Hampshire you’ll find Hambledon Vineyard and Wine Estate, which as luck would have it, I will be dining at soon.
One of my best friends has booked us a wine tour for my birthday, so we’ve decided to make a day of it, go one weekend, and book in at their restaurant too.
Known for their English sparkling wine, Hambledon Vineyard is England's oldest commercial vineyard.
At their on site restaurant, you can eat whilst taking in the rolling hills of South Downs National Park. Book in for a lunchtime set menu for the best value across multiple courses.
After our wine tour, or before if we plan to line the stomachs, naturally I have already decided what I’ll be having.
For starter, the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Mousse, with Fennel, Orange and Dill, followed by the Sea Bream and Herb Risotto. Then for dessert, I quite like the sound of the Cheeseboard, as it just feels fitting when we’re all about wine.
Enjoy two courses for just £38.50 or three for £50.
Book a table or tour here.
3. Poodle, Fitzroy, Melbourne
I got really excited for a second that this place was in Fitzrovia. A friend sent them across on Instagram, and as the owner of a grey mini poodle - the name, the branding, the menu design, the merch - all makes it an essential visit.
And that’s before I’ve even looked at the food.
Unluckily for me, Poodle Bar and Bistro is in Fitzroy, Victoria. But I am very happy for the people of Australia. But the nature of this newsletter is that if I want to go, it goes on the list. So here we are.
I am instantly drawn to the ‘chef’s selection’, whereby you leave it to the chefs to rustle you up a selection of fave dishes, both on and off menu. At 90 Aussie dollars per person, that doesn’t seem to bad. Although I would like to know how many dishes that actually is.
If you really want to push the boat out, you can go for most expensive dish on the menu - 1kg Vintage rib eye, pepperberry gremolata at a beautiful 200$. And obviously we’re going for the ‘Café de Poodle butter’ on the side - because you can’t go to a restaurant called Poodle and not order the Café de Poodle butter.
They also serve from a ‘raw bar’ including Rock Oysters, and Orange Cured Swordfish, and if you don’t fancy food at all, it’s all about the liquid dessert section.
I like the sound of the Wet Poodle – a Tanqueray gin cocktail, with house blended vermouth and pickled onion. I wonder if it’s called this because after drinking one you resemble a feral rat. That’s what my poodle resembles when wet.
Book a table here.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.