Sunday, April 12, 2009

Gordon Ramsey's Maze

I decided to surprise Stefan with an Easter lunch at one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants. I chose Maze because the menu looked very unique and was supposed to be a mix of French and Asian foods. Another contributing factor was that their head chef Jason Atherton had previously worked at ElBulli - the number one ranked restaurant in the world.

Lunch was extremely delicious. The portions are small, because it's more of a tasting menu, but we still left feeling adequately fed.

Here are the dishes that we had:

One of the things that I really appreciate about a tasting menu is that you can try things that you would probably never consider - for me that would include frog legs. I did end up giving mine to Stefan, simply because I have a mental block against it, but the rest of the dish was good.


This was one of my favorite dishes of the day. I love sorbet of any kind and savory sorbets are so interesting. Avocado and crab infused mayonnaise really made this dish decadent.


I loved the idea of elevating such humble foods. I found myself asking what the chefs cook for themselves when they are at home and how they were able to create such a light and flavorful cheese. You really can't even see it, but it was wonderful - the summer truffles on it didn't hurt either.

Although this fish didn't come with the typical British 'chips' it was perfectly prepared. The prawn butter was really a nice compliment.

I opted out of this dish, because I don't eat lamb, but Stefan really enjoyed it. I love the presentation - it was at least appealing for me to look at.

I think I could have eaten several of these. It was so delicately prepared, but the flavors were really intense and delicious.

This dish was a throw back to the 1980's when it was popular. I don't really know what the cake like exterior was made from, because it tasted slightly like marshmallows.

The last course came when the meal was over, which was a nice touch. I was just telling Stefan that we needed some Easter chocolates - and then there they were.

I would highly recommend getting reservations, if you're able to, when you visit London.

Interestingly it was in Grosvenor Square, where Maze is also located, that the tragic nuclear poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko happened at the Millennium Hotel. It's so eerie to think about.

7 comments:

Jessica {lovely jubbly london} said...

it looks yummy!

siying said...

Hi, I am sorry that my comment is unrelated to your current London post. But I am going to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen and was wondering if you have been there and can recommend me a nice mountain view guesthouse or something?

Thanks, and hope you continue to enjoy London :)

Emily said...

Jessica...
You'll have to try it sometime - we loved it.

Siying...
No worries. When I went down to Garmisch we only stayed for the day. It's too bad you're not going sooner, because they have Iglu-Dorf (http://www.iglu-dorf.com) until the 18th. You'd probably prefer to stay somewhere warmer though.

I suggest checking out tripadvisor.com and their hotel / guest house reviews (there are divided tabs at the top).

I've heard good things about Gastehaus Maria, which is close to the city center. The area is really beautiful and I'm sure you'll have a great time. Make sure you check out the Eibsee!

Let me know if I can help with anything else. You can email me at munichbavaria@gmail dot com.

Caitlin said...

The meal looks amazing! I'm glad you enjoyed it - there is some good food here in England.

On a different note, the font that your wrote the menu in - is that your handwriting? I love it!

Melaina25 said...

Jason Atherton was on a show here called "Great British Menu" where chefs compete against other regional chefs to cook at a banquet.

He was the first chef ever to win and cook 2 ocurses.

I'm jealous :)

Emily said...

Caitlin...
Definitely worth while -you guys should check it out for a special occasion.

It's not my handwriting - it's a font called 'Susie's Hand'. I didn't have the patience to write it out because I knew I would get perfectionistic about it.

Melaina...
I didn't know that. I have to say all of the food was very impressive, even the dishes that I wouldn't typically consider ordering.

JoernandAllison said...

We would love to go to one of his restaurants! That seems like one of those memorable experiences.
Putting it on my list for my next trip to London!!
Oh, do you think a non-fish eater (not me,)would be okay there?
Nice to see another non-lamb eater too!