Alyn Williams at The Westbury: Michelin-starred supper club

Picture it if you will, an aptly low-lit private dining room in London, a distinguished hotel, an esteemed set of guests, the finest wine and one of the greatest chefs of our time. The stage was set for what would unfold effortlessly as the most refined dining experience this year. The hotel in question? The Westbury Mayfair. The fine wine, Nyetimber. The chef, none other than the British powerhouse that is Michelin-starred Alyn Williams.

I was here to preview Alyn Williams at The Westbury and Nyetimber’s exclusive Michelin-starred supper club. As I took my seat at this exquisite table, in the rosewood-panelled private dining room, it was difficult to imagine the evening falling short of perfection. Nyetimber, which pioneered English sparkling wine, expertly paired their signature Classic Cuvee, Blanc de Blancs and Demi-Sec with the menu. A brand ambassador from England’s first premier sparkling wine house was on hand to offer a rare insight into its much celebrated sparkling wine varieties; all of which are crafted from their estate-grown grapes.

The evening began with Chef Alyn Williams himself discussing his inspiration based on the finest British seasonal ingredients. From canapés on arrival to Chef William’s signature dessert the five-course menu was a wonderful celebration of what was possible with fine British food and wine. The bespoke offering was an alternative to the traditional Michelin-starred menu here at Alyn Williams at The Westbury.

Starters of pea mousse with mint and yogurt granita paired with Nyetimber Classic Cuvée was sublime. Poached halibut and roasted pork jowl paired elegantly with Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs and English strawberries with pannacotta was a dream with MV Nyetimber Rosé. Alyn William’s signature walnut whip arrived with the Demi-Sec and it was all I could do to stop myself from silently screaming in awe. Whenever I am fortunate enough to write a review on food and drink I do my best to highlight a favourite to help my readers choose wisely. In this instance however, I apologise that I am unable to do this. The entire affair was a triumph never before equalled. The food, the pairings, the impeccable service added to a meal greater than the sum of its parts; what flawless parts they were too.

With its Michelin star, four AA Rosettes, 15th place in the UK’s 100 Best Restaurants and a National Chef of the Year crown all placed at the foot of Alyn Williams at The Westbury, this is the second triumphant British celebration this year. It’s one that you definitely do not want to miss.

This exclusive Michelin-starred five course supper club takes place on Tuesday 24th July from 6pm – 9pm at Alyn Williams at The Westbury. Tickets are priced at £144. Reserve yours early at: www.alynwilliams.com/events

The Westbury is located at: 37 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2YF. For more information visit: www.alynwilliams.com

A Taste of Puglia: Michelin-starred dining with Chef Felice Sgarra

London was graced with a magnificent event at Sauterelle at Royal Exchange last month to mark the beginning of summer. It’s event A Taste of Puglia brought to an unforgettable evening of fine dining from chef Felice Sgarra. Chef Felice is the Chef Patron of the Umami of Andria, Puglia, a Michelin-starred restaurant. I was invited review this wonderfully special dinner showcasing the sublime quality of artisan produce of Puglia.

 

A langoustine tartare with red lentils, lemon and wild chicory consommé was a fitting introduction to the evening. The combination of citrus flavour and the texture of lentils on the dish prepared the palette for what was an exceptional menu. The main dish of stone bass and black chickpeas from Murgia were as expected a wonderful display of taste and texture. Sautéed cardoncelli mushrooms with courgette flower and orange gel were a firm reminder of Chef Felice’s ability to create palatial dishes from simple ingredients. The subtle hint of citrus on a beautifully balanced dish of flavours was an incredible feat.

If all this was not enough, the dish that won me over, was extra virgin olive oil ice cream served with fresh ricotta, almonds and dark chocolate shavings. Olive oil wouldn’t be my first choice of flavour for ice cream. However, once I tasted it I wondered why it hadn’t been. It was not only utterly sumptuous but felt rich and indulgent; exactly what we must expect from a fine dessert.

The evening was a resounding success in establishing exactly why Puglia has set the bar for Southern Italian cookery. With such delightful produce created from its soil is it any wonder that the region is home to renowned restaurant Umami. We owe much gratitude to Sauterelle’s Executive Head Chef Stefano Leone for this collaboration. I only hope that Sauterelle will treat London to another fine evening with Chef Felice in Autumn.

 

Sauterelle at Royal Exchange is located at: The Royal Exchange, Bank, London, EC3V 3LR. For more information visit: Sauterelle at Royal Exchange