FOLIAGE AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK LONDON

Tuesday 19th 2008f August 2008

Nestled in the heart of stylish and sophisticated Knightsbridge and overlooking the Royal Park, Foliage at the Mandarin Oriental, a hotel with classical standards of excellence dating back to an era of gracious living and attention to detail, provides the guests with a memorable dining experience.

The main restaurant has certainly earned its reputation for producing creative dishes, elegant yet unpretentious ambience, consistently good cuisine and exceptional service. Head Chef Chris Staines exquisitely designed menus make every meal a culinary delight offering unique style and irresistible flavours.

On arrival, my dining partner and I were welcomed by friendliness and professionalism and were shown to our table. If it was not for the rain, we would have had a clear and unspoilt view of the stunning Royal Park opposite. Bringing the park to the restaurant, literally, I noticed the hand picked leaf from Hyde Park under my bespoke glass plate.

My dining partner and I, opted for the tasting menu at £75, certainly deemed worth-it. The Tasting Menu is designed so that diners can experience several different tastes and textures over the course of the meal and is intended to be taken over a period of time to allow appropriate digestion of the meal and to allow each course to stand out on its own. A wine tasting supplement is available at £56.

Although not kosher, one of the restaurants unique points is that all meat and chicken dishes can be substituted with vegetarian choices. The dinner tasting menu boasts 5 smaller portioned dishes. Highlights of the menu are the Sea Bass served with pumpkin and ruby endive as well as the beef served with smoked potato, red wine and watercress. And then the end. Sacher Torte with a bitter chocolate sauce. This dessert was irresistible.

And to compliment the cuisine, an extensive wine list which comprises the very best of selected international wines from Australia, France, South Africa.

At Foliage you will find it all: tantalizing foods, interesting wines, great cocktails and aperitifs, fine ports and the warmest welcome. It's a great dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Every day, Staines and his team roll up their sleeves to source the finest and freshest ingredients to create a menu that reflects a dedication to dishes that are prepared with care and attention to detail.

Foliage

66 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7LA

0207 201 3723
molon-dine@mohg.com
MandarinOriental.com