Luncheon Vulture's Reviews

My second visit to CK but this time, it was not warm enough to sit out on the terrace, which was a shame as I cannot say that I am particularly blown away by the room itself. Yes it is big, grand and elegant, but the regimented table layout means that you are aligned and very close to the neighbouring tables (a particular bug bear of mine) and many diners do tend to take a somewhat haphazard route through the room, meaning that many tables feel like you are sitting in a throughfare to the “facilities”. The noise from their neightbouring bar was also much more noticeable this time and is somewhat at odds with the elegance of the restaurant.

That said, the food is nigh on fautless. A trip to India some years ago has made me somewhat picky when it comes to Indian food, but the menu at CK is simply gorgeous. My starter of venison kebabs created a lovely slow burn on the palate as all the flavours developed whilst my friend's Welsh lamb version had so many layers of flavour it was almost beyond belief. Service was relaxed, unhurried and knowledgable – I couldn't decide between the barramundi or king prawns for main course and was gently swayed to the former by the waiter. A fabulous choice as the fish and seafood curry that arrived was full of flavour and beautifully presented. Portion sizes are pretty good – we didn't have room for dessert.

It is not the cheapest of places but for authentic Indian taste and flavour with a modern twist, it is highly recommended. Just that personally, I'll be saving my next visit for when the conditions allow al fresco eating!

We were a party of 6 for Saturday dinner, booked ages ago but still heavily reminded that our reservation was from 8 until 10pm when they called on the eve to confirm the booking. We actually arrrived somewhat earlier hoping to get a drink at the bar beforehand but only to be greeted somewhat frostily (definitely in keeping with the outside climate) by the receptionist (her tone and manner were such that “greeter” would be way beyond the trade description act) with “bar's fully booked” and then a somewhat reluctant, “but your table's ready so you can have drinks there if you want”. Our coats were then collected somewhat begrudgingly by another sour faced helpmate and we were led into the somewhat narrow room where our table did indeed wait.

Fortunately the evening picked up no end from this low point. Our waiter was an absolute joy – efficient but not hurried, professional but very friendly. The food was nigh on faultless, including the theatre that is their take on bouillbaisse. One of our party is a French native and although she had never seen a DIY version of the dish served in a restaurant before she did agree that it was quite a spectacle although she did get somewhat sniffy about the inclusion of a lone potato – clearly not de rigueur as an ingredient back in France. The absolute triumph however has to be the tarte tartin – my bettter half is trying to perfect his homemade version and now has perfection to aim for, such was the quality of the dish before us. A small quibble – neither of us fancied the creme fraiche that accompanied the dish and asked if we could have ice cream – not a problem, we were assured. The tiny scoop of said ice cream looked somewhat lonely alongside the mound of pudding (a dish for two, but could have easily served four) so perhaps a refusal of our request may have been a kinder option.

We were finally asked to vacate our table at 10:30 which was fine as we had by then just finished coffee. It would have been interesting to see what they… More

Aside from the cardinal sin of cramming far too many diners in over a pre-Christmas lunch service (one side of our table effectively “shared” with a party of 5 shoehorned onto a table designed for 4, whereas the other side had us sitting in the corridor), this was an otherwise wonderful experience. The food has got to be some of the best I have tasted in recent months and I am still torn between which was the better dish – my companion's rabbit ravioli or my parpadelle of wild boar. Either way, both warrant a return in the not too distant future.

Service, aside from the fact that they did not think to move us to a better table for dessert and coffee (tables were available by this time) was otherwise exemplary. I had to mark them down on the ratings just for this apparent “oversight”. We will take away the advice on which tables to ask for on our next visit.

Have been to Luytens twice in recent weeks, once for lunch, once for dinner. My advice would be, if you want to have the entire freedom of the menu, opt for lunch! Although the maitre'd was very charming and amusing with the anouncements of what was not available, it did become a little bit more of a joke when the items no longer available went as far as the rotisserie chicken and even the spinach! That said, it is a lovely room with excellent service. Is on the list for a return, but only during daylight hours…

Didn't even get to second base! I have never encountered such rudeness when trying to make a reservation. After providing my telephone number I was asked for my email address – somewhat excessive I thought, given that this was only in respect of a lunch booking for three people. When I enquired why it was needed, I was told that I had provided an incorrect telephone number and as such, an email was required to confirm the booking. I repeated the telephone number and it turned out that the receptionist had missed off a digit – no apology was forthcoming. I was then asked for my name; I provided my surname. I was then asked for my first name as "it was needed for the booking" – why?? I replied "Ms" which I then had to spell. As the call took place in such bad grace, I simply pulled it as if this is the impression they want to give to the outside, what on earth can it be like when you get there…??

Get real Mint Leaf – there is a recession coming. The paying public is doing you a favour by giving you business, not the other way around…