Yesterday I dined at Quilon - a south Indian restaurant situated discreetly on Buckingham Gate. As a person who loves interior design and impressive décor, I would have to admit that the restaurant's surroundings didn't have the immediate wow factor, but the interior was warm, relaxed and suitably welcoming.
Personally, I really enjoy Balti Lamb, a Biriyani or some Butter Chicken and I was looking forward to sampling the restaurant's take on these dishes. Perhaps somewhat naively I assumed such dishes were sure to be on the menu. However Quilon features a healthier, modern Indian cuisine, unlike any other Indian restaurant I've visited to date.
According to chef Sriram Aylur "Quilon serves progressive Indian cuisine, not fusion..." So instead of thick, cream laden curries and nans, there were plenty of fresh sea food, roasted meats and light curries with freshly ground chillies and pistachio. However I did recognise a familiar Malabar Lamb Biriyani on the menu, which tasted sumptuous, if not lacking a little more bite.
My husband on the other hand quite liked the idea of exploring new cuisines. But I'm sure you can sympathise, that when you're feeling intensely hungry (as I was), the last thing you want to do is take your taste buds on a journey to the unknown! Yet I was pleasantly surprised that my starter of Pepper Shrimps (tried for the first time) was exceptionally delicious and I enjoyed the Malabar Paratha; a slightly sweet flat bread that accompanied my main - all washed down with a refreshing Apple Mojito.
The price on the other hand had taken us both by surprise, a bill of nearly £100 was delivered to our table at the end of the meal, covering just two courses and without a bottle of wine. Naturally I anticipated the menu at this Michelin star restaurant would be priced at the slighter higher end of the spending bracket, however, I never expected it to reach as close to the double zeros as it had. In my opinion Quilon is a good choice of restaurant to dine on a special occasion where a luxury splurge is in order, but not necessarily a place you visit on a whim.
Quilon
41 Buckingham Gate,
London SW1
Tel: 020 7821 1899
Web:www.thequilonrestaurant.com
Image credits: © eivmain via www.squaremeal.co.uk
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