I’m not a girly girl – explosions
of pink concern me and high pitched squeaking with hand clapping generally
sends me running for the hills (or alcohol).
I work in finance FFS so while I like to dress nicely, Elle Woods approach
to fashion would raise a few eyebrows and not really help with the ‘being taken
seriously’ part of my role. One benefit
of people realising this is that they are happy meeting me for lunch in
restaurants that they may consider a little too masculine for other.
And I say – bring it on – or rather
I was as I met people for lunch at New
Street Grill – owned by the D&D London Group – this restaurant exudes
masculinity with a hint of English gentleman’s club from its comfy leather
booths to service. While the menu
focuses on steak, there are other options and I am confident that – as a woman
- if pink is not the predominate focus of your wardrobe, you will find lots of
menu options and feel comfortable cosseted as I did.
The wine list is extensive (and
the sommelier is patience personified) so it is worth having a good look before
you choose. South African (naturally)
Chenin Blanc was our choice followed by a rather nice Shiraz.
Trying to be good, I ordered
oysters while my companions went for the gravlax. Personally, I thought I won as not only are
they served in the majestic old style but they were fresh, briny and brought
the essence of the sea to Liverpool Street.
However, this did spark a debate as apparently the gravlax was perfectly
balanced and just the right size for a starter.
For main course, I went with Dry
Aged Hereford Rib Eye (as did the other guest) and a pepper sauce with triple
cooked chips which my other companions chose Suffolk lamb, hand raised pie,
black cabbage, parsnips. Ordering the
steak was a joy – having been patronised and annoyed last time I was at the Hawksmoor – yes, I
could have it medium-rare and no, the waiter didn’t feel the need to explain
the concept of size orders.
Then it arrived and I almost had
to hand back my ‘not a girly girl card’ as I did want to squeak and clap my
hands. Perfectly cooked, tender with a
real depth of taste! Those cows from
Hereford are definitely four counties ahead of those awful creations some –loosely
named – gastro-pubs serve up.
The lamb was very tasty but as there appeared to be parsnips (food of the devil or carrots with a bad home life, I can’t decide) so I steered clear of enquiring more. Thoroughly full, we looked longingly at the desert menu which included chocolate fondant, rice pudding and apple crumble and declined in favour of coffee to stave of the food coma.
Is the New Street Grill good? No, it is exceptional – not cheap by any
means but definitely worth every penny – now off to find someone who fancies
taking me there for lunch.
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