FOOD & DRINK PERFECTION at The Savoy
LONDON
FOOD & DRINK PERFECTION at The Savoy
Photos © Rob Lawson
THE SAVOY HOTEL IN LONDON IS A PLACE THAT OOZES OPULENCE AND CHARM. IT’ S ALL ABOUT ENJOYING SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT SPECIAL, WHETHER THAT BE THE HOTEL ITSELF, THE BARS, OR THE RESTAURANTS. NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, AND NO MATTER WHETHER YOU’ RE SIPPING A COCKTAIL, OR FEASTING ON A THREE-COURSE MEAL, YOU WILL BE TREATED LIKE A STAR AT THE SAVOY. BY SARAH GREENE
It’ s great to indulge every now and then, so although my guest and I were already excited to experience the lively atmosphere and fabulous food at Kaspar’ s( The Savoy’ s innovative fish restaurant), we stopped off at the American Bar first. What makes it American? It serves American drinks – or as we know them: cocktails. The epitome of 1920’ s elegance, it’ s one of the oldest American bars still in existence in London, having opened when transatlantic flight first became possible so that American movie stars would choose The Savoy as a home away from home – back then it worked and it still works now. With a huge range of exciting tipples to try, there was only one that I wanted to sip: the Hanky Panky. Made famous by the American Bar’ s first celebrity bartender, a woman named Ada‘ Coley’ Coleman, the Hanky Panky is a gin-and-vermouth-based drink that really packs a punch.
Dinner was calling, so we made our way from the exquisite décor of the American Bar into Kaspar’ s where the interior sings with masterfully done Art Deco all the way; flashes of light in the many mirrors and on the prominent brass railing bouncing off the silver leaf of the light fittings – it’ s a truly dazzling place to be.
And so it was no surprise when the menu turned out to be dazzling too. Choices had to be made, however, no matter how much fun it was to read and reread the delicious sounding dishes. I opted for the Cornish crab and wild salmon cake, which was smooth on the inside, crispy on the outside, and delicately seasoned with a hint of citrus to it. My guest had the French onion soup, always a favourite, and the addition of the Gruyère crouton brought a balancing hit of salt to the deliciously sweet dish. Judging by the entrees, we knew the main courses would be impressive indeed.
My lobster BLT( a twist on the classic bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwich) with sweet potato fries was a revelation. I have neither had lobster served like this before, nor cooked so carefully and with such skill. My guest chose the smoked haddock and salmon omelette, which was light and fluffy, seasoned perfectly, and which did not lose the fragrant taste of the fish within it. Making a good omelette is brushed off as an‘ easy’ skill that many think they have, but not many actually possess. The chef at Kaspar’ s has it in spades, which is just one of the reasons( among so many) that you should try the food here. Whether for a specific reason, or just because, dining at Kaspar’ s should be on everyone’ s to-do list.
And finally, let me explain what’ s in the name. For over 90 years, The Savoy has offered any party of 13, Kaspar the cat, a beautiful sculpture created by architect, Basil lonides in 1926, as an additional diner to round off the numbers. This restaurant is named as a dedication to him and his unique job.
Kaspar’ s Seafood Bar & Grill The Savoy London WC2R 0EU 020 7420 2111 www. kaspars. co. uk
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