The Gentleman Magazine Issue 14 | April 2019 | Page 50

Mere
A blend of classical French and South Pacific influences from Monica & David Galetti
Nestled behind crisp white exteriors and the hustle and bustle
of Charlotte Street is the peace and tranquility of Mere - the
first restaurant from husband and wife team, Monica and
David Galetti.
Mere, the name of Monica’s mother and pronounced Mary, is a
melting pot of cultural influences; mixing the classical French
of David’s childhood with the exotic South Pacific and New
Zealand from Samoan-born Monica.
The clean and concise menu is the work of chef proprietor,
Monica who is now a familiar face and household name thanks
to her work on MasterChef: The Professionals. Monica joined
the BBC cooking competition as a judge in 2008 alongside
Michel Roux Jnr. who at that point, was her chef proprietor at
Le Gavroche. She spent 12 years in the two Michelin-starred
kitchen, rising to senior sous chef, then Head chef at Le
Gavroche des tropiques in Mauritius before setting up Mere
in 2017.
The seasonal a la carte menu is constructed of six options
per course and whilst her classical training is evident, there
are nods throughout to Monica’s Samoan heritage and wider
travels. Starters include: Octopus a la Plancha, Caper & Raisin
Dressing, Potato and Piperade; Smoked Duck, Confit Gizzard,
Almond Praline and Kumquats and the house favourite
– Pumpkin Agnolotti, Mixed Mushrooms in a Marmite
Emulsion. Main courses include: Cornish Cod, Black Curry,
Pickled Celery, Hazelnut Dukka and Lovage Sauce; Pan
Roasted Rose Veal, Glazed Sweetbread, Brown Butter Mash
and Charred Hispi and Chestnut Puff, Caramalised Root
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