If one new Nordic restaurant opening wasn’t enough with the recent launch of Borealis, then Ekte Nordic Kitchen has just opened up in the heart of the city and guess what – its delicious. Brought to you by Danish-born restaurateur Soren Jessen, who owns the successful City restaurant 1 Lombard Street – Ekte Nordic Kitchen is bringing a taste of the north to the city’s Bloomberg Arcade.
As for the decor it’s looking lovely inside and incredibly cosy with a real Scandi feel to it. Light woods, a big open kitchen which spills out into the dining room and a huge stag (maybe moose) head at the end of the room. I didn’t quite get to take all the interior snaps I would have liked to given it was absolutely full minutes after we sat down, but at least I’ve left something for you to discover yourself.
With a bottle of delicious, zesty Austrian Gruner Veltliner in our glasses – we tucked into our chosen starters. A simple plate of perfectly executed Pan fried Cornish squid with smoked sea weed, lemon aioli and a fennel salad. It was a lovely way to start our evening and the perfect match for our wine.
Even better, though it didn’t really look it, was my mini Smørrebrød which is served on Ekte’s house rye bread. Mine was topped with generous helpings of venison meatballs, pickled red cabbage, apple and smoked mayonnaise. Though not technically a starter, it was absolutely delicious and believe it or not – my first time sampling Smørrebrød!
One thing Ekte Nordic Kitchen do very well is cooking meat. I’m not usually a fan of very aged meats, but this rib eye steak aged in-
The beef really was stunning, but I must say the lamb chops here are very special and a reason alone to return. Two large lamb chops, cooked the right shade of pink and with a rich lamb flavour. Sometimes lamb can be so bland these days, but not these. Served with some greens, rich jus and what’s quite possibly my best discovery of the year – Jannson’s temptation. The latter a traditional Swedish casserole made of potatoes, onions, pickled sprats, bread crumbs and cream.
A selection of Nordic cheeses – who could resist! Especially as I don’t think I’ve had any cheeses from the north before. I have no idea what we were eating and I probably will never learn to pronounce them, but the quality, flavour and accompaniments were all excellent – especially that all important sourdough crisp bread.
If that wasn’t already enough, we finished up on two scoops of cinnamon bun ice cream. We first tried this at Borealis and I was so happy to see it again because it’s excellent. So was the shot of apple cider brandy on the side which can either be poured over the ice cream or simply sipped on.
We had a lovely meal at Ekte and it’s clear that restaurateur Soren Jessen really knows what he’s doing when it comes to food and I think he’s got it spot on here. In an area full of suits and city workers, Ekte feels like the perfect place for a business meeting, after work dinner or for those needing their modern Scandi fix. Would we come back? Yes!
If you need any more convincing then you’ll be glad to know that from February 16th 2019, Ekte will host the first in a series of Nordic Masterclasses, led by Swedish-born Head Chef Robin Freeman. Expect to start with coffee and cinnamon buns, followed by a lesson in how to pickle, store and traditionally serve Nordic herring for just £40pp. You’ll also get to take home the herring you prepared, a goodie bag with herring smørrebrød recipes by Robin, 50ml bottle of Schnapps and a loaf of Ekte rye bread! For an additional £15, guests can join Robin after the class for Schnapps and more herring. For more details or to book email: filli@ektelondon.co.uk
NB: My meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.
