Boisdale of Canary Wharf

We dined at Boisdales a few days ago. We asked to send our steaks back as they were both overcooked. The waiter was polite and said he would have to get his manager. This lady took some time arguing with us before finally agreeing that “medium rare” should mean that the steak is not cooked through and that indeed our steaks were overcooked! Overall, the food was tasty (once we received better-cooked steaks) but substantially over-priced (£35 per head for a seafood platter served as a starter). Also, adding £12.50 a head to a table over by the window because one of us had a partial view of the stage occupied by the jazz band after 9pm is very cheeky. Fair enough if you have a full view…
Would not go back.

I was really shocked! How beautiful can a new restaurant be? the place is only a few days old and feels so warm and welcoming.
I went last Friday night to see the ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ night! We had a lovely meal and the show was amazing.

So I thought I would try the place out for a working lunch. Well it still felt cosy and welcoming in the daytime. lots of natural daylight through the large floor to ceiling curved expanse of window.

There were 4 of us and we got seated straight away. We were presented with an A la carte menu and 2 smaller menus. Rather too much choice at lunchtime and could be confusing.

There was an express ‘Flying Scotsman’ menu, a ‘Jacobite’ Menu and the normal menu.

The service was friendly and quick and not to formal, although they forgot bread until the starter arrived.

We went for the Jacobite Menu. 2 course for £19.50. Simple dishes but a good choice to please everyone at the table.
I had a warm leek and poached egg tart to start with which was light and very tasty I thought the portion was small but it ended up being just right for a starter portion. For my main course I had cod and haddock fish cake. 1 large cake very filling and tasty and not full of potato.

My fellow guests all seemed to enjoy the food too. We only had a glass of wine each and a bottle of water.

A good and comfortable place for lunch. I will try the 1st floor terrace next time the sun is out.
(Female friendly and nice toilets) A good new addition to the area.

I was due to meet 3 others the day before good Friday – the venue having only opened the Monday before.
I was stood up. This has not happened for over 10 years. I was saddened and shocked – but rather than shrink apologetic into the corner – I decided to press ahead and dine “a la carte” this Thursday lunchtime.
I am SO glad I did.
Food:
I can genuinely only criticise one element – the crackling served “atop” the pork belly. And I accept that the compromise between crispy and chewey is very much a personally matter, in no small way dictated by dental predicament. For me too chewey. So giving my age away there.
In summary – crab tien – pricey – but intensely flavoured crab meat. Enhanced by the spicey avocado mouse/paste beautifully. The slices of cuccumber made everything look prettier, but ultimately served no other purpose.
Belly of pork – near perfect. And if my wife reads this she will be shocked. I HATE mash. But this snuck under the radar and before I knew it it was infront of me,. And guess what it was delicious.
Dont know what made me do it but the roasted field mushrooms garlic and shallots were an inspired panic-order side dish. hats off.
I guy I had chatted with earlier had told me that a colleague and some clients had been in to level 2 the night befoe and had described the food as “stunning”.
I put them spot on.
I was now coasting to the finish – the Chilean Sauvignon blanc (large) recommended by one wiatress and the Stellenbosch Welmoed 2009 (large) recommended by another working true magic.
I dont do deserts. the lady from Chile (or was it Brazil) recommended the paoched pear desert – probably one of only 3 deserts i would have fallen for in the entire world. Guess what. perfect.
Although should the vanilla custard/creme Anglais enhance more if warm? Not sure – was a warm day and i loved it.
well done to all. In summary:

Plateau meets Pizza Express meets Gaucho meets the 100 club

By which i mean, in turn, accessible, quality ingredients, exquisite service and intimate experience.

Well done to all – 10 years overdue – please stay for the next 10.

p.s. I am so gob smacked by how good it was (although the above was £60) that i am going back next Tuesday, Wednesday AND Thursday to ensure a more balance review. And i will offer up a second composite of those next 3 dining experiences for all those that are interested. Happy Easter.