Daniel Boulud

Restaurant of the week: Bar Boulud

JUNE 23, 2014|  ARTICLE BY 

KAYE HOLLAND

Celebrated New York chef, Daniel Boulud, opened his London outpost back in 2011. Fast forward three years and its still one of the most in demand dining rooms in the capital.

There may be all sorts of newcomers muscling in – Chiltern Firehouse and Fischer’s anyone? – but it’s Bar Boulud that Haute Time keeps coming back to. This is partly due to the restaurant's superb location (slap bang in the middle of Knightsbridge) and partly down to the sophisticated cuisine.

The kitchen doesn’t put a foot wrong with dishes like Lapin de la garrigue (provencal pulled rabbit with carrot, courgette and herbs) and coq au vin and steak frites. Bar Boulud’s burgers are also a big draw – our favourites are the Frenchie (a beef patty piled with pork confit and morbier cheese) and the Piggie (a beef burger topped with green chilli may and pulled pork).

But if you’re planning on popping into Bar Boulud for a long, leisurely lunch, we recommend trying the new ‘Menu Bouchon’. Created by Daniel Boulud and executive chef Dean Yasharian, Menu Bouchon has been inspired by the authentic Bouchons of Lyon – Daniel Boulud’s home town.

Delicate starters could include a Lentil salad served with warm garlic sausage or Oeufs Mimosa. Mains are spectacular: think Poitrine de Porc (Pork belly), Moules à la Crème(Mussels with crème fraîche), Truite aux amandes (Rainbow trout with almonds) and Poulet rôti (Roasted chicken).

All are complimented by a masterfully assembled list of wines (Bar Boulud was the winner of Best Restaurant Wine List at the 2013 Taste of London restaurant festival and renowned for its impressive selection of wines, many served by the glass from rare, large-format bottles). For summer dining, order the award-winning Chêne Bleu rosé – served by the glass from 6-litre Jeroboam bottles, exclusive to the restaurant.

Service is utterly professional and the low key yet luxe setting in the basement of the buzzy Mandarin Oriental Hotel, can’t be bettered.

All told this is an extraordinary restaurant overseen by a chef at the top of his game, that deserves every continued success.

London's top 5 French restaurants

Can’t make it to the French Open at Roland Garros? Panic not. Haute Time has the low-down on five French restaurants in London that will make you go “oh la la!”

 

Bar Boulud

  • Daniel Boulud’s London outpost is Haute Living’s destination of choice when it comes to French haute cuisine in the capital. The kitchen doesn’t put a foot wrong with dishes like Lapin de la garrigue (provencal pulled rabbit with carrot, courgette and herbs) croquet monsieur, coq au vin and steak frites, all complimented by a masterfully assembled list of wines. Service is utterly professional and the low key yet luxe setting in the basement of the buzzy Mandarin Oriental Hotel, can’t be bettered.
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  • Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1

 

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  • 3. Brasserie Zedel
  • Jeremy King and Chris Corbin – the dynamic duo behind the The Wolseley and The Delaunay - are also responsible for Brasserie Zedel. This grand art deco basement brasserie - previously Oliver Peyton’s Atlantic Bar & Grill - looks the part. Expect 23-carat gold leaf architraving, sparkling brass railings and marble pillars.But Brasserie Zedel isn’t a case of style over substance: Haute Time continues to be impressed by the quality of cooking with the Beef Bourguignon (beef braised in red wine with bacon and mash) a particular standout. Save room for the chocolate profiteroles - they’re worth the indulgence.

 

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  • 4. Coq d’Argent
  • Located in the heart of the city, Coq d’Argent - accessed via a private life - has shown its staying power. Once inside this rooftop restaurant, it’s not hard to see why: it’s an attractive space owing to its ciricular bar, alfresco dining areas and striking views of the London skyline. Food wise, expect some of the finest French fare in the capital including Foie gras. Portions are plentiful and beautifully presented and service is friendly and efficient. All told, this is a fabulous place in which to enjoy first class French food and wine in suitably handsome surroundings and really is too good to leave just to the suits.
  • No.1 Poultry, EC2

 

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  • 5. Galvin at Windows
  • Everything about this Michelin starred French restaurant from Chris and Jeff Galvin – the brothers behind five London restaurants (Galvin Bistrot De Luxe in Marylebone, Galvin La Chapelle and Café à Vin in Spital Square, Galvin Demoiselle at Harrods in Knightsbridge and Galvin at Windows) elates. Once seated, order a glass of champagne and prepare to browse Head Chef Joo Won’s superb menu   -  think seasonally inspired modern French haute cuisine. Haute Time recommends starting with the Marinated Loch Fyne salmon, Dorset crab, orange, beetroot and horseradish cream followed by the Rack of Cornish lamb, pea purée, spring vegetables, lamb Bolognese & mint jus. Service is polished if  a little slow but then in such stunning surroundings - expect to be greeted with a stunning panorama of the capital’s skyline - why would you want to rush? Bottom line: we say “oui.”
  • 22 Park Lane, W1