You know that restaurant that you always see out of the corner of your eye when you’re heading somewhere else…
The one you’ve walked or driven past countless times….
You always think that looks nice…I’ll go there one day, yet you never do? Well for me Babbo was one of those such places.The restaurant is rather compact and feel quite old-school but in a cute and cosy way, with exposed brick work, a cool antique staircase and old family photos lining the wall
So how come I’d finally made it to the place that I’d passed by so many times? Well, it was owing to an invitation from the lovely Elizabeth from Mayfair Office Girl who I’d met at the last London blogger’s tea. The next tea is actually next weekend and there are still one or two spaces left so contact Melanie from Sunny in London for info. Sadly I can’t make this one but I’ll hopefully be at the next one in January.
And on the subject of bloggers, Elizabeth’s blog focuses on happenings, restaurants, shops and bars in Mayfair, so obviously the venue of choice would be in her local remit.
When she asked if that restaurant suited me, I was very excited…well I’d seen it so many times while shopping or having lunch in Albemarle street and I was keen to finally try the food.
We shared a starter of marinated salmon with hazelnuts, mango, chilli, lemon and black pepper.
I’m sure you’ll agree that the plate was totally beautiful. And I loved the slightly Asian flavour of the dish… a beautifully light and delicious way to start the meal.
Next Chef Carl Scotto sent out a little surprise for us to try; a totally decadent and creamy white truffle risotto.
A fabulous dish and the rice had just the right amount of ‘bite.’ Having worked with Angela Hartnett at Murano and at Galvin La Chapelle, Carl has some great experience under his belt. He even came out to talk us through the menu and tell us some of his favourite dishes which was such a lovely touch.
Elizabeth and I were having a lovely time discussing blogs and blogging and where we thinking of taking our blogs in the future and then the main courses arrived.
I’d chosen rare tuna was aubergine and fregola. I love the delicacy of rare tuna and once again I was reminded of Asian cookery as the tuna tasted as good quality as Japanese sashimi. The vegetable and fregola concoction was also delicious apart from a few rouge raisins. I despise dried fruit and it’s one thing I’ll never like…but that’s just me….
Elizabeth’s lasagne of beef ragout was homely with a crisp topping of melting cheese. I mean anything topped with melted cheese is good isn’t it?
The food at Babbo is incredible, it’s a shame that the place is slightly underrated and despite it’s prime location it could be easily missed. So let’s spread the word about this lovely little family run place that…it may look a little retro but the food is innovative and packed with flavour and the service is excellent.
Babbo Restaurant
39 Albemarle Street
London
W1S 4JQ
0203 205 1009Thank you to the lovely Chef Carlo who gave us our meal complimentary
