Foodie B’s Reviews

Alan Yau just keeps getting it right!

Cha Cha moon has become a Carnaby St staple! It’s perfect for the W1 workers on a budget looking for a hot meal in a buzzing place as well as the boutique shoppers on the weekend sauntering through Kingly Court. I recommend everything on the menu, we are slowly but surely making our rounds and so far we haven’t found anything we don’t like…well actually the Salty 7up is a bit strange and so are a few of the juices, but to each his own! They only thing it really needs to work on is the service…it may be an Alan Yau institution but the service fails to always reflect that.

With most things on the menu for £3.50, its the perfect value-for-money eatery!

My absolutely favourite dish…and it transcends all the Japanese restaurants(only this dish not everything!) I have been to, from Nobu to Umu…is the Iseebi Maki Sushi Roll, the dish offers the top end of 2 of the most important components in fine dining for me- which is texture and flavour. I am usually not a fan of sushi, but if I was asked for my final meal(see profile for confirmation) I would request the Iseebi Maki. If you are in the mood for seafood then definitely try the San TenMori, which isn’t like you conventional Mori, but still it manages to delight the taste buds.

Drinks

Bar
If I am going for date and we are going drinks, and I fancy a cocktail, I love the Martini’s they are tropical and inventive i.e. Passion Fruit Martini or perhaps the Vodka based Asian Breeze infused with raspberries and pomegranate.

If I went for dinner with a group of 4 plus, I would order the Billecort-Salmon Rose Champagne which goes fabulously with the seafood especially lobster.

When/Why would I go?

I probably wouldn’t have a date their as its quite buzzy and the seated areas in the Blue Room are a bit close together, not offering too much privacy, perhaps in the white room I might take a date. Otherwise I think it’s a perfect place for those who want to see and been seen, they most certainly have not ‘skimped’ on opulence or décor… from the extensive fish tanks to the state-of-the-art kitchen with perfect views from the chef’s table.

All together- The classic foodie might not be drawn to the venue thinking its not the place for fine dining but actually the menu truly can hold it’s own…the fusion of fine French cuisine with a Japanese twist truly does work.

The Dorchester bar is one of the oldest establishments to date in London, and its longevity is down to the fabulous service and attention to detail.

I have become a regular patron of the Fashion Afternoon Teas, which allows for a great Afternoon Tea experience along with the option to view 'up close and personal' some of you favourite UK designers.

In the evening the Bar turns into the perfect location for a Pre/Post Dinner drink, with a Pianist playing elegant background music. The only downside to the bar is it size, for a hotel Bar you would expect a bit more space…the cocktails are lovely and you might have an opportunity to see A-list guest having dinner in the surrounding restaurants.