No.37 | Quilon: London , SW1
Even though this was a business lunch a couple of weeks ago, it deserves a mention based on the fact that it is an awesome place to eat.
My dining buddy Alistair was in tow as we entertained two clients. (Their names will remain anonymous to protect the innocent.)
Quilon is a Michelin Star Indian restaurant, specialising in South East Indian inspired food. Housed in a gracious mansion house a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, it is both elegant and contemporary. Whilst we did not see any members of the Royal Family, we would not have been surprised to see the odd crown here or there.
Even though this was a business lunch a couple of weeks ago, it deserves a mention based on the fact that it is an awesome place to eat.
My dining buddy Alistair was in tow as we entertained two clients. (Their names will remain anonymous to protect the innocent.)
Quilon is a Michelin Star Indian restaurant, specialising in South East Indian inspired food. Housed in a gracious mansion house a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, it is both elegant and contemporary. Whilst we did not see any members of the Royal Family, we would not have been surprised to see the odd crown here or there.
The menu was familiar and unusual at the same time, and we were soon to discover that the familiar was not to be as expected.
Most of us enjoy a good curry, and quite rightly so, Quilon takes Indian dining to a completely different level.
Even the chutney's that accompanied the complimentary Mini-Popadums were totally unexpected new flavours.
Even the chutney's that accompanied the complimentary Mini-Popadums were totally unexpected new flavours.
I am pleased to report that we each shared our courses, so we got plenty to taste and savour. Our 'mini-feast' included Pepper Shrimps in a Fiery Masala, Prawn Masala, Coconut Cream Chicken, Malabar Lamb Biryani, Quilon Halibut Fish Curry, Manglorean Chicken, Lemon Rice and Malabar Paratha.
Everything was excellent, but for me, the stand out dish had to be the Halibut Fish Curry, something I had wanted to try for ages.
For sweet we had a type of traditional Indian Pancake Chocolate Layer Cake and some fabulous Baked Yogurts in caramelised orange, mango and lychees flavours, plus of course a few bottles of wine along the way.
Indulging in the Indian experience we had gone for a bottle of Indian White Wine and Indian Red wine before reverting to more familiar wine countries.
Indulging in the Indian experience we had gone for a bottle of Indian White Wine and Indian Red wine before reverting to more familiar wine countries.
We discovered that Quilon has implemented a Division Bell as requested by the House of Commons & the House of Lords. When a Division is imminent, Members are alerted by a division bell that rings throughout Parliamentary buildings & Quilon, summoning Members of Parliament to the Division Lobbies
When presenting our bill the waiter asked if all was OK. We of course said how we had loved it, and just in passing mentioned that the Indian Red Wine was fine, but the Indian White wine was not to our taste.
When presenting our bill the waiter asked if all was OK. We of course said how we had loved it, and just in passing mentioned that the Indian Red Wine was fine, but the Indian White wine was not to our taste.
When the bill arrived, the white wine had not been charged, and no matter how much we protested that we had drunk it and expected to pay, they insisted if we hadn't enjoyed it then they would not charge us. Now, that is quite a special service.
You would expect the meal just described to be expensive, but the 3 Course Set Lunch was £24 including coffee, plus service, and this feels good value for such a quality dining experience. The drinks bill was a bit more!
Next door is Zander Bar, the longest bar in London. This of course had to be tried, as were a few more pubs on the way back to Waterloo. We really should just stop after our meal!
Next door is Zander Bar, the longest bar in London. This of course had to be tried, as were a few more pubs on the way back to Waterloo. We really should just stop after our meal!
Quilon
41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1 6AF
www.quilon.co.uk
Zander Bar
www.51-buckinghamgate.com
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