CORD by Le Cordon Bleu | A Michelin-Style Dining Experience š„©
Living in London just keeps getting better! After ten years, Iām still discovering amazing restaurants that surprise me. Maybe this golden city just suits me perfectlyāitās hard to leave. CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, a French restaurant with over 100 years of history, is located near the financial district. Itās housed in a Grade II-listed building designed by the famous architect Lutyens and is part of the Le Cordon Bleu group. I heard itās also used for exam and teaching purposes. š On a weekday evening, the restaurant wasnāt too busy, and we were seated opposite the open kitchen. Watching the chefs at work while dining was fascinating. The kitchen was spotlessātruly a hallmark of Le Cordon Bleu. š³ We started with three amuse-bouches: beef tartare, fish, and vegetables. Each one was exquisitely crafted and tasted fresh. The sommelier paired them with a delightful RosĆ© that even my non-drinking friend enjoyed. The pre-dinner bread was perfectly baked, classic yet delicious. The first appetizer was marinated, aged tuna that looked like beef and had a slightly sweet flavor. š£ The second course featured mushrooms with a chocolate truffle sauce, served with crispy mushroom crisps. It tasted like sweet foie grasāa fantastic flavor that was equally enjoyable with the pre-dinner bread. The fish dish was grilled monkfish, seasoned a bit strongly. The sommelier broke tradition by pairing it with a South African red wine, which complemented the smoky flavors of the fish perfectly. š½ļø The main course, lamb chops, was beautifully plated and a bit of a revelation. The meat was a lovely pink, likely slow-cooked at a low temperature. It was visually stunning and delicious, with no gamey aftertaste. š The first petit dessert was a Gin & Tonic sorbet, which was perfect for sobering up after the wine pairing. The second dessert was mango-themed, beautifully presented with a slightly tangy flavor. The sommelier paired it with a dessert wine that mirrored the dessertās flavors. The final petit fours included chocolate, madeleines with cream, and lemon curd, ending the meal on a sweet note. š The tasting menu was concise but perfectly portioned. Each dish was crafted with care, not just for show. The wine pairing was only Ā£90. The only downside might be its traditional approach, lacking a bit of innovation. Overall, I highly recommend CORD, especially for those interested in Le Cordon Bleu! You might even end up interning or taking classes here. š» Average cost: Ā£100+ #London
