Authentique - Epicerie & Bar — Restaurant in London

UPDATE MAY 2021 THE ETA JAMES CLASSIC SPRINGS TO MIND....

• At Last *

Their garden was open this Tuesday lunchtime. Braving the unhelpful weather, I reclined in comfort in the covered area. Made all the more relaxing with the assistance of a very nice Mersault and their fabulous charcouterie (with cheese). Thank goodness the duck pate was still a staple addition. Rough, earthy and mouth watering with their warm, crunching baguette and fine, unsalted butter.

Make no mistake, I am absolutely NOT a food expert. But, I know what I like and there is absolute logic in the fact that the most special items invariably cost a little more because of their popularity. Demand begats supply and Prix N'est-ce pas?

BE WARNED - when they are allowed to fully reopen, you will probably find that they will become full quickly. Obviously it's the food and wine. But, it's also the atmosphere, the relaxing courteous, friendly staff who make you think you are always welcome. Because, the truth is.... You are.

March 2019 EXPANDED MENU - OPEN FOR LUNCH

IF you are like me and you "know what you like" but are not an expert when it comes to who the wine's great-great grandfather was or which particular type of soil the grape sidled up to..... then you may appreciate the subtle, accurate and helpful staff here. They listen. You can say "i like this and it tasted like that but with more 'thingy'" and these knowledgeable people will seek to come with an equivalent BUT nicer, tastier, more interesting and delicately delicious. Such that, within a short space of time, you feel welcomed and content. HOWEVER, If you know your Mersault or Gevrey Chambertin....... then they are happy to oblige. They DON'T look down upon you (a common mistake of many an expert) they are in the business of returning, satisfied clientele who will recommend and spread the word.

Good restaurateurs (or business owners - same thing) know that gaining customers trust and rapport makes for a long term happy relationship. "Athentique" has learned this lesson well.

They have opened a garden at the back. They have hot food as well as the fabulous charcuterie and cheese boards.

TODAY I tried the goat. With charred leeks on top and "creme fresh" style goat curd in the side. A wonderful combination of textures and tastes. The goat was tender and full of flavour. So much more tasty than lamb. The curd (just a smear added to each forkful) melted over the meat and blended perfectly. A glass of 2015 Mersault and the desert or rhubarb with bergamot merengue enabled my tastebuds to be interested. The rhubarb was not softened to a syrup (as is often the case). Perhaps it would have been better for me if it had been a little more tart to taste. Each to his/her own. I have visited a number of times.

I like the layout. Les (thursday night) jazz cool.

I feel like a valued customer.

It is very easy to return.

It's getting busy in the evenings. Closed all day Mondays. PS - not just a restaurant/bar - they have many delicious items (jams, wines, cognacs. French pastries, cheeses) available for purchase. Apricot jam on a...

Was very lucky to have a table for head chef Jake’s tasting menu on Tuesday evening. I have eaten in many great restaurants but those restaurants where I have experienced great food are rarer. The menu from the veal tongue starter to the final chocolate desert was brilliant and the tastes superb. The best sauces I have ever eaten accompanied the veal tongue a deeply flavoured and rich beef flavour and the trout with a light and perfectly seasoned veloute with the smokiness of the eel coming through. The wine pairings were inspired and included some personal favourites in the natural wines all a great balance to each dish. The atmosphere was calm and gentle with some great music in the background as it should be. The staff were happy, friendly and attentive when serving and the sommeliers passion and knowledge added to the experience. Whether you’re near or far you need to try this place. I have no doubt you’ll walk out happy and content as I did. Well done...

I decided to give it a belated review because every time friends talk about our experience I feel bad for having organised the wine tasting. We went twice and it was great, the person explaining really knew his wines and was spot on with timing. I then organised a big table for another tasting and went to pay for the deposit - service charged was included as an extra, meaning I had to pay even more than I asked my friends to transfer without even having the service. I mentioned that simply raising the price instead of doing this would be better because it was very inconvenient.

Anyway we all turned up for the tasting, (the guy that usually deliver it wasn’t there) our glass were consistently empty, we couldn’t hear anything, very quick and bland explanation about the wine and not a good experience at all. So we haven’t been back and I am never organising such a...