Address: Granary Square, London, N1C 4AB
WWW: http://www.grainstore.com/
Summary: Takes time to grow on you
This was not my first time in Grain Store - the first attempt failed due to not having reservation, and the only availability being at 9 o'clock. Simply too late for dinner, we are not in Spain, after all. The second time, we had a reservation, and had a good meal and did not quite understand why we need to book so much in advance for some dinner that fails to impress. The third time was the charm; again, we had no reservation but accepted to wait for 30 minutes, which passed fairly quickly in the bar area, as we progressed with a bottle of Chianti.
Then, we were seated fairly close to the kitchen area, to observe the madness there, as dishes were being prepared. We surprised our waitress as we ordered a crazy list of things, ranging from appetizers, to side dishes, and main course - all to be shared and so, all needed to come around the same time.
The kitchen managed this beautifully, and in no time, we were served a main course of lamb confit, cooked beautifully melt-in-the-mouth, paired with some cucumbers and sauteed onions. The onions were sweet and accompanied the lamb well. I liked the cucumbers but did not see why they are called pickled, when they did not really taste so.
The appetizer of cauliflower & pickled cucumber salad, seaweed & squid ink wafer, smoked cod roe was a joy. We had never something like that - the seaweed wafer was very interesting, and had that strong sea flavor I love about the seaweed. The smoked roe mashed very well with the cauliflower. The dish was somewhat sour for Steve, but I simply loved it.
The squash ravioli, chips, and dahl lentils also did not fail to please and were enjoyed well by us and our friend.
Overall we paid 80.21 pounds for three (32 for the wine, includes the service charge). Though the prices are reasonable in the Grain Store, I must warn the portions are small. One would need to order an appetizer, and a main course for sure, and there would be still some place for dessert. Though the sizes are small, the taste is very rich - and experimental in a good sort of way.
We would definitely come here again - but it seems it is always better to book in advance here if you cannot support the wait.
WWW: http://www.grainstore.com/
Summary: Takes time to grow on you
This was not my first time in Grain Store - the first attempt failed due to not having reservation, and the only availability being at 9 o'clock. Simply too late for dinner, we are not in Spain, after all. The second time, we had a reservation, and had a good meal and did not quite understand why we need to book so much in advance for some dinner that fails to impress. The third time was the charm; again, we had no reservation but accepted to wait for 30 minutes, which passed fairly quickly in the bar area, as we progressed with a bottle of Chianti.
Then, we were seated fairly close to the kitchen area, to observe the madness there, as dishes were being prepared. We surprised our waitress as we ordered a crazy list of things, ranging from appetizers, to side dishes, and main course - all to be shared and so, all needed to come around the same time.
The kitchen managed this beautifully, and in no time, we were served a main course of lamb confit, cooked beautifully melt-in-the-mouth, paired with some cucumbers and sauteed onions. The onions were sweet and accompanied the lamb well. I liked the cucumbers but did not see why they are called pickled, when they did not really taste so.
The appetizer of cauliflower & pickled cucumber salad, seaweed & squid ink wafer, smoked cod roe was a joy. We had never something like that - the seaweed wafer was very interesting, and had that strong sea flavor I love about the seaweed. The smoked roe mashed very well with the cauliflower. The dish was somewhat sour for Steve, but I simply loved it.
The squash ravioli, chips, and dahl lentils also did not fail to please and were enjoyed well by us and our friend.
Overall we paid 80.21 pounds for three (32 for the wine, includes the service charge). Though the prices are reasonable in the Grain Store, I must warn the portions are small. One would need to order an appetizer, and a main course for sure, and there would be still some place for dessert. Though the sizes are small, the taste is very rich - and experimental in a good sort of way.
We would definitely come here again - but it seems it is always better to book in advance here if you cannot support the wait.
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