An invitation to try a seasonal truffle menu at Coq d’Argent led to me discovering what a crème brûlée is really supposed to taste like and where to recommend for an impeccable wine and dine in the City.
My recent and first time visit to City restaurant, Coq d’Argent, was one of my most exquisite dining experiences of the year. And as 2013 winds down and I think back to some of the finer meals I’ve had since January, that’s really saying a lot!
I was there to have a taste of a limited run seasonal dish of creamy mushroom tagliatelle with a selection of white and black truffles. When booked ahead, the dish is to be served tableside by Head Chef Mickael Weiss himself shaving copious amounts of your preferred truffle over the top of your pasta. In my case, the opportunity to try the dish came by way of a very accommodating last minute booking, and Weiss was not on hand to preside over my plate (I’m not even sure the dish was officially available yet). Nonetheless, my truffled-up plate of umph was gorgeous, yielding long-lasting depth of marvelous flavour.
A starter course of cochon (braised pork cheek, truffle mash, £9.75) set a moreish tone while phenomenal wines (as suggested by sommelier Romero Fernandez – or at least I believe that was this enthusiastic and friendly expert’s name) were superbly paired with my and my dining partners dishes. La Syrah à Papa Stéphane Montez 2010 (£49.00 for a bottle) went down a dream with the pasta. A glass of luxuriantly rich NV Barbadillo Pedro Ximenez sherry (£9.00 for 100ml) was an outstanding accompaniment to dessert.
And let me tell you, dessert was no joke! I’m usually not so impressed with afters on offer at most restaurants. But the crème brûlée I had here was amazing and actually changed my perception of what this dish should taste like. I’ll be less likely to order it at other establishment while keen to return to Coq d’Argent for another go at this fabulous treat.
Beyond the exceptionally fine food and drink, service was to a high standard, and the dining room was lovely and comfortable with nice cityscape views from its fourth storey perch.
Interested in having Coq d’Argent’s seasonal truffle dish? Best call ahead to enquire about availability and when you can get in to try it. I’ve been told you need to give the kitchen up to ten days to order the precious truffles. If you’re a truffle fantastic like me, I can assure you it’s worth the wait!
A fun time to visit Coq d’Argent might be after the launch of its Lodge d’Argent. “Bringing a touch of the Alps après-ski atmosphere” to the Coq’s famed roof garden “with snug blankets, antlers adorning the walls and ski jacket-clad waiters” offering special menu features like fondue and tartiflette as well as drinks such as hot toddies and mulled wine.
Coq d’Argent is located at 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ near the London Underground station at Bank. For more information and to book, visit coqdargent.co.uk.
