insideKENT Magazine Issue 65 - August 2017 | Page 34

FOOD & DRINK PERFECTION at The Savoy
LONDON

FOOD & DRINK PERFECTION at The Savoy

Photos © Rob Lawson
THE SAVOY HOTEL IN LONDON IS A PLACE THAT OOZES OPULENCE AND CHARM . IT ’ S ALL ABOUT ENJOYING SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT SPECIAL , WHETHER THAT BE THE HOTEL ITSELF , THE BARS , OR THE RESTAURANTS . NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE , AND NO MATTER WHETHER YOU ’ RE SIPPING A COCKTAIL , OR FEASTING ON A THREE-COURSE MEAL , YOU WILL BE TREATED LIKE A STAR AT THE SAVOY . BY SARAH GREENE
It ’ s great to indulge every now and then , so although my guest and I were already excited to experience the lively atmosphere and fabulous food at Kaspar ’ s ( The Savoy ’ s innovative fish restaurant ), we stopped off at the American Bar first . What makes it American ? It serves American drinks – or as we know them : cocktails . The epitome of 1920 ’ s elegance , it ’ s one of the oldest American bars still in existence in London , having opened when transatlantic flight first became possible so that American movie stars would choose The Savoy as a home away from home – back then it worked and it still works now . With a huge range of exciting tipples to try , there was only one that I wanted to sip : the Hanky Panky . Made famous by the American Bar ’ s first celebrity bartender , a woman named Ada ‘ Coley ’ Coleman , the Hanky Panky is a gin-and-vermouth-based drink that really packs a punch .
Dinner was calling , so we made our way from the exquisite décor of the American Bar into Kaspar ’ s where the interior sings with masterfully done Art Deco all the way ; flashes of light in the many mirrors and on the prominent brass railing bouncing off the silver leaf of the light fittings – it ’ s a truly dazzling place to be .
And so it was no surprise when the menu turned out to be dazzling too . Choices had to be made , however , no matter how much fun it was to read and reread the delicious sounding dishes . I opted for the Cornish crab and wild salmon cake , which was smooth on the inside , crispy on the outside , and delicately seasoned with a hint of citrus to it . My guest had the French onion soup , always a favourite , and the addition of the Gruyère crouton brought a balancing hit of salt to the deliciously sweet dish . Judging by the entrees , we knew the main courses would be impressive indeed .
My lobster BLT ( a twist on the classic bacon , lettuce , tomato sandwich ) with sweet potato fries was a revelation . I have neither had lobster served like this before , nor cooked so carefully and with such skill . My guest chose the smoked haddock and salmon omelette , which was light and fluffy , seasoned perfectly , and which did not lose the fragrant taste of the fish within it . Making a good omelette is brushed off as an ‘ easy ’ skill that many think they have , but not many actually possess . The chef at Kaspar ’ s has it in spades , which is just one of the reasons ( among so many ) that you should try the food here . Whether for a specific reason , or just because , dining at Kaspar ’ s should be on everyone ’ s to-do list .
And finally , let me explain what ’ s in the name . For over 90 years , The Savoy has offered any party of 13 , Kaspar the cat , a beautiful sculpture created by architect , Basil lonides in 1926 , as an additional diner to round off the numbers . This restaurant is named as a dedication to him and his unique job .
Kaspar ’ s Seafood Bar & Grill The Savoy London WC2R 0EU 020 7420 2111 www . kaspars . co . uk
TheSavoyLondon KasparsUK
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