Being away from home and your family at Christmas can be trying at the best of times - depending on your family. My Christmases have always been filled with home cooked hams, turkeys and prawns and Auntie Joys delicious trifle, none of which I would sample this year as I now live in New York. That's why myself and my little circle of orphaned friends decided the only way to curb our home sickness and lack of all things familial was to go all out and visit Gordon Ramsay's Maze restaurant at The London Hotel. When you think about it he is basically the embarrassing Uncle that nit picks at everything, swears constantly and offends almost everybody at one point in time.
Located amid the theatre district Maze is the less formal and more relaxed way to enjoy the culinary experts of the famous TV chef and his elite team, meaning the price is much less astounding than the fine dining experience also offered. As it was Christmas Day a unique 5 course set menu was available to delight the taste buds at a very reasonable price.
The starter of Jerusalem Artichoke Veloute, Caramelized Chestnuts and Perigord Truffles had an amazing and intense flavor while being full-bodied, velvety and smooth, and the truffle was by no means overpowering. A Carnaroli Risotto of Safran, Parmesan, Braised Osso Bucco and Gremolata followed with creamy rich flavors and textures including a small but complimentary piece of veal that melted in your mouth. Next was my favorite, Sauteed Sea Scallops with Golden Raisin Puree, Cauliflower Beignets, Crispy Capers and Sturgeon Caviar - all of which worked so well together. The scallops were soft yet outwardly crispy, the purees were sweet and creamy and the caviar just the right amount of salty.
After the three amazing starters we were almost already at our limit, but the choice of 2 mains - Slow-roasted Turkey, Fricassee of root vegetables, confit leg a creme with roasting juices, or Braised Lamb Shoulder, red peppers, cardamon and preserved cauliflower florets - meant a difficult choice had to be made. Being Christmas the majority of us went with the turkey which was tender, juicy, heart warming and delicious. Luckily one of us opted for the Lamb as it was also a tasty triumph - cooked to pink perfection with a myriad of Middle Eastern spices and vegetables as the perfect accompaniment.
After the aforementioned feast, a cocktail each and 2 bottles of wine it seemed we'd met our match. But for some reason known to only the restaurant God's we were then approached by the Maitre De and asked if we would like to move to the Chef's Table for our dessert course. None of us had to think twice as we followed the waitstaff on our own personal tour of the fine dining area, wall of wines and kitchen area (which contained some of the most amicable Chef's and the largest truffle I have ever seen - the size of my fist, no exaggeration). We then took our places at the 8 seater marble table which costs a cool $1900 per sitting and enjoyed our Sticky Toffee Puddings and Vanilla Custards. The perfect end to a perfect Christmas dinner that may almost rival my Mother's. Almost.
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