Number 10 Downing street has long been the residence of the Prime Minister of the UK, the all important political head ... so clearly it wasn't that No.10 that I actually meant then was it!!!
I went to another No. 10 - and it was 10 Greek street .. a restaurant that has attracted plaudits from all who have dined there in the three years they have been open. It is a resolutely fresh, low key, friendly place, that serves up staggeringly good value fabulous food and drinks.I had a prime seat at the counter which featured a zinc (I think) bar, my own personal all round carer, and a full on view of all of the kitchen … what I observed showed me exactly why this place is so great. The small team all worked in total unison, kitchen, and front of house. Everything ticked with an underlying and unspoken buzz of “let’s make the people happy”. The head chef Todd was even able to answer some of my inane questions mid service without burning himself .. admit it that is good!
Will, the manager sat down and talked to me about his eclectic wine list. Trust me, embrace his super list, throw away your old "I always drink blah" habits, and try something you haven't had before ... "it's really good and a great food match" will be the outcome!!So to food .. would I start with Dorset crab, blood orange and fennel, or beetroot, burrata, walnuts and scurvy grass, or chicken brodo … a quick I can’t decide so time for the trademarked Ted selection process “eyes closed and point finger at the menu” gave me veal carpaccio, tuna mayonnaise, rocket and fried capers. A repeat of this clever selection method and I had the most delicious plate of Gloucester Old Spot pork, raisin puree, romanesco and pinenuts before me. Then I came up with a cunning new plan for desert … I chose a desert wine and asked the kitchen to select the desert to match it … welcome welcome welcome gorgeous Seville orange & poppy seed marmalade cake with mascarpone … bliss ...
10 Greek street is a "no booking" restaurant, and despite the bad publicity which this often engenders, I do get it for a place like this. Their survival depends on such small mark-ups and that means people walking in the door, and not cancelling even small bookings at the last minute. Will told me that the worst time for him, and the one that most tests his resolve of their policy, is when truly absolutely desperate men (young and old) ring the day before Valentine’s day and plead for a table …
3 comments:
The next time I'm in London, I wonder if I could talk Ted into taking me along for one of these food adventures. This sounds fantastic. I'd love to try my hand at making that cake. It sounds scrumptious.
The cake looks tasty!
This place looks absolutely wonderful! I prefer places that let me in at the last minute but require everyone else to get reservations.
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