Joie de Vivre
Photo © Andrew Garland
Saint Jacques in London's West End.
This is a holiday treat & I'm with one of my best friends.
It's a restaurant which was newly opened post-lockdown. The people behind it have an impressive pedigree.
On one of the hottest days of the year we opted to stay indoors in the air-conditioned space, but, I would definitely opt for their courtyard on a cooler day. The last duel in England took place there. In one of the busiest parts of central London, it's a haven.
There's a glass of the house fizz to start the proceedings.
To begin, we're both having the Bourguignon Snails (6 each) in garlic butter. And the joy of joys, there are no tools required to extract the blighters from their shells. They come in their own self-contained compartments in one dish & ripe for the plucking. We went double on the bread to act as a sponge for the remaining juices to be enjoyed.
To follow, for me it was poussin with lemon, rosemary & new potatoes plus runner beans. A grilled beauty with crispy skin.
Photo © Andrew Garland
For my chum, steak tartare. And theatre. It was made at our table by the restaurateur & sommelier. A joy to behold including a dash of Rémy Martin, Worcestershire Sauce, (the Entente Cordiale according to our host), plus an egg yolk, dried chillies from France - Espelette & many other spices.
In the heat, what to accompany? We didn't want a white. Not Rosé either.
Photo © Andrew Garland
A chilled red recommended by our main host. Rouge A Siroter hit the spot.
No pudding was planned. It happened anyway. A tarte au citron to share.
A perfect afternoon & the world put to rights plus many, many laughs.
A walk in the sweltering heat followed our long lunch but there was a breeze, of sorts, & there was a chance to revisit some familiar landmarks.
We'll be back to Saint Jacques. Pas de question.
AMM
