Last week I caught up with a friend and had a fabulous lunch in Odettes in London. Douglas Blyde who is a former documentary maker now turned culinary scribe. With almost 5000 London food lovers hanging on his every word Douglas has been described recently as ‘one of the most respected (and well-fed) experts on eating out in the capital’ by the Evening Standard. He is a journalist, photographer, consultant, famous for his foodie Blydisms, and tremendous fun to eat out with. The only downside to eating with someone who’s dry wit sometimes makes me laugh out loud is that ‘s not terribly elegant when I have a mouth full of food!
That said, I just love dining out with Douglas. His palette is the most refined I’ve ever encountered and without sounding like I am dissecting a frog in a biology lesson, I get such a thrill from his detailed analysis of the dishes, his wry observations and unparalleled wine knowledge makes him a delight to dine out with. In short he is the perfect lunch partner.
Listen here to Douglas and Bryn chatting after our meal
So I felt that I must share our lunch at Odettes, not least because it was utterly delicious and the truth is, that I can’t recommend eating there enough. Bryn Williams is the owner. Initially becoming famous as a sous chef in 2006 as he won the opportunity to cook the fish course for the Queen's 80th birthday celebrations on the Great British Menu and he is regarded as one of Wales' best chefs and has taken over the long established restaurant in Primrose Hill.
The food is straight forward, simple yet elegant, the menu was, as you would expect is balanced and seasonal but what I found really extraordinary was that the 3 course set menu was just £20. Douglas described it in a word as a steal.
The steak tartar was clever, as Douglas noted that the crunch from the potato weaved over the top was a textural delight. We chatted away whilst being served a friendly Chardonay and agreeing that Bryn has an honest way with food letting the ingredients take centre stage. The brown crab custard was like a savory Crème Brulee, it was smooth and rich with a velvety finish and my steak tartar was wonderfully balanced. Douglas encouraged me to go for Bryn’s signature dish the Pan Fried Turbot with Oxtail and salsify. It certainly lived up the hype (although I must point out this is not on the ser menu.) The beef was sweet. Intense tender melt in the mouth richness against the firm pan-fried turbot on a base of cockles and salsify. There is no doubt that Bryn’s country background has given him a wonderful understanding of combining the best simple ingredients in life.
At the end of the meal I wanted to cook three of the recipes and hoped that Bryn would come out and chat so I could pick his brains about the dishes. To my delight he did pop over to our table and had a chat pointing out that his book Bryn's Kitchen had all three of the recipes in that I wanted.
For me eating out is as much about being inspired in my own kitchen at home, and so I can must say that I’ve so far cooked three of these recipes, which is a true indication of just how much I like a chef’s creations.
So to be invited to Lunch by Bryn William at Odettes or win a a
signed copy of Bryn's Kitchen please tell me
what you would cook for the queen if you had the opportunity to feed her? Bryn will pick the most creative entry to enjoy a three course set lunch menu in January 2012. What a perfect start to the year!
RULES
Please see competition Rules before entering. This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 with a UK mainland address. The winner will be chosen by Bryn Williams. You need to leave your e-mail address in order to comment, I am the only person that can see it. Please do not include your email in the actual comment as well.
This competition on behalf of Odettes and they will be responsible for organizing the prize with the winner. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
There is one main way to enter and there are 3 more chances to win .. . and you must leave a separate comment for each bonus entry otherwise they will not be counted.
For a chance to win please comment and tell me what you would cook for the Queen if you had the opportunity.
For a chance to win a signed copy of Bryn's Kitchen please tweet this post using the button below and you MUST comment with your twitter ID telling me you have done so.
For a 3rd chance to win a
signed copy of Bryn's Kitchen sign up to
the Odettes Newsletter and comment below to tell me you have done so. Each Comment counts and an entrance and you can have a maximum of 1 entry to win this meal and 3 entries on win the recipe book.
Automated Entries are not allowed. There is no cash or product alternative. The invitation must be used on January 2012
