Review: Pied a Terre

I used to write a lot of restaurant reviews in great depth and detail, and then they started to feel like hard work, and I accumulated piles of menus with scribbled notes, which sat there gathering dust as I pretended that I would eventually find time to write them up. Eventually I accepted that this wouldn't happen, but last night I discovered that this meant I could completely forget having been to a restaurant, until I found that I'd booked it for a second birthday in a row. Fortunately it was one I had liked, but it did inspire a decision to start reviewing again, if only in fairly short form.

The restaurant in question was Pied à Terre. I was pleased to find that they would do the omnivorous tasting menu alongside the veggie one - some places won't, and whilst I don't mind eating veggie much of the time, it does feel like very slightly less of a treat. The food was very good throughout, sometimes edging into excellent. One particular highlight was the scallops and sea bream - I really enjoy raw fish, and this was extremely flavoursome, incredibly fresh, and with a subtly sharp dressing which added layers to the taste, whilst still allowing the fish to dominate. Another excellent course was the duck foie gras with strawberries and balsamic. This was the 2nd time I've had fois gras served with a wine almost sweet enough to be served with pudding, and both times it's worked exceedingly well.

The atmosphere is very classic - decor in muted greys, crisp white tablecloths, and the service is very attentive, although at times bordering on the intrusive. Unlike a few favoured places, I don't find myself desperate to return for a third visit, given vast array of new places out there to try, and the rather hefty price tag, but I certainly wouldn't be unhappy to find myself eating there again.

Ten courses, with eight accompanying wines and glass of Champagne to start came in at around £450 for two