La Trompette

Smart & sophisticated, La Trompette continues to sound the call for culinary brilliance in Chiswick. Maintaining the high standards set by sister restaurant Chez Bruce in Wandsworth, chef James Bennington follows the Bruce Poole philosophy of treating quality ingredients with respect, the difference being that the menu here has more of a French accent. Familiar-sounding dishes such as foie gras & chicken liver parfait with brioche are reliably good, though there is greater intrigue & reward in a ravioli of rabbit served with an earthy cep purée & a wonderfully perfumed thyme velouté sauce. Puddings, such as the terrific Valrhona chocolate fondant with milk ice-cream, should not be missed, but there’s also an exemplary cheese board. Take time to enjoy sommelier Matthieu Longuere’s terrific wine list & don’t be shy about asking for – or accepting – his unconventional guidance.
Wine Notes: Matthieu Longuere has quietly built one of London’s finest cellars. As at La Trompette’s sister restaurants, there are older vintages of cellared Burgundy, an intriguing collection by the glass & half & great value too be had all round. However it is the choice of producer that impresses; everything has been selected purely on the basis of quality, but devoid of all the usual big names. Discoveries in Georgia, Switzerland, Slovenia & Slovakia all await. Best Buy White 1999 Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy, France, £45. Best Buy Red 2001 René Rostaing ‘Les Lézardes’ Syrah, Northern Rhône, France, £35.