Fine dining, Champagne to start, a magnificent dining room and even better wines. Just some of my favourite things. I used to work in Marylebone for years until recently and never did I ever expect a restaurant to actually open on Cavendish Square. A place (with the exception of a members bar) which is normally only associated by corporate business’s and John Lewis. Now it’s home a wonderful restaurant named Les 110 de Taillevent.
Les 110 de Taillevent is a sumptuous French brasserie in Marylebone and was born from the success of two Michelin starred Taillevent in Paris. It’s not the same, but it’s similar and has the occasional two starred dish replicated right here in London for a fraction of the price. A reason alone to visit this glitzy London restaurant. We started our journey here with a glass of Champagne and some lovely light choux cheese puffs. The perfect beginning to any meal.
Starters were nothing short of heavenly and far exceeded both of our expectations. Roasted snails were first out and came served in a vividly coloured garlic cream and parsley oil emulsion, topped with a layer of crispy bread. Packed with flavour and every forkful was an explosion in the mouth. Even better still was the duck foie gras mi cuit. Served with a pear confit and jelly, crumbled pistachios and a piece of warm kouglof on the side. The whole dish was practically perfect and if you visit, you must order. Wine lovers can also expect a vast 110 wines by the glass to choose from.
I’m almost certain we managed to work our way through most of the menu, though I’m so glad we did because it meant we had a chance to really fall in love with what is Marylebone’s best restaurant. Another flawless dish was this picture perfect seafood creation. Thinly shaved courgettes were spiralled to encase a Scottish langoustine tartare, dollops of coriander oil, pearls of caviar and an artfully smeared classic cocktail sauce. It tasted just as good as it looked and more.
We were also lucky enough to try one of the signature dishes from Michelin starred Taillevent in Paris. There’s no need to hop across the channel to experience Michelin starred perfection when you can sample it right here in London. It came in the form of a perfectly presented dish of cornish crab, remoulade, dill and fennel. So much freshness and flavour to it, but very refined at the same time. It paired perfectly too with a glass of mineral rich Menetou Salon.
Admittedly our next dish looked a little messy and could do with some rethinking, but flavour wise it was my favourite dish of all. Succulent farm yellow chicken with a mushroom purée, Comté cheese and stuffed morels, the latter having just come into season. If there wasn’t already enough richness and cheese on the plate we ordered a very stringy side of macaroni cheese – made up of jambon de Paris, Emmental and mushrooms. Another must order.
My dining companion enjoyed this beautiful looking roasted rump of lamb with mint, celery purée and lamb jus. I sadly wasn’t even allowed to get my fork anywhere close to it, but I was well assured it was very outstanding. I watched each piece of meat being cut through like butter, could smell the lively mint from the other side of the table and the glistening jus being slowly poured over the dish. It’s on the list for my return.
By this point we had barely any room for dessert, but in true Foodaholic fashion we divulged – in the name of research. A stunning zesty lemon creation made up of passion fruit, meringue, shortbread, tequila and lime sorbet. Not only does it make a great dessert, but a great pre-dessert – if you have the room. Star of the sweet treats was the souffle. A Grand Marnier souffle to be precise. Rich, light and a little boozy. Just the way I like it.
I honestly didn’t quite know what to expect from Les 110 de Taillevent and wondered if this version of its Michelin starred counterpart in Paris would be a little more style over substance – but instead it has style and substance in abundance. The food is creative and full of flavour. The cooking is refined and carefully executed. The service is flawless. The wines list is legendary and the prices are affordable. I can’t think of one single reason why you shouldn’t all be booking a table – because it’s absolutely stunning.
