Jackie Danicki

This is going to make me sound like a total a-hole, but yesterday I had lunch at the Ivy and then dinner at Angela Hartnett’s MENU at The Connaught. I know that you go to the Ivy for the celeb-spotting and puddings (can’t go wrong with the rice pudding) and to MENU for the food, but I was stunned all the same at how much better MENU was in every respect.

MENU is also much, much, much better than Cipriani. In fact, I’d say that my meal last night - celeriac soup (brought to the table gratis), chicken with foie gras, duck, a vanilla dessert the name of which I cannot remember (oh yeah, the wine was nice, too), tiramisu (also brought to the table gratis) and chocolates (ditto), plus tastes of my friend Susie’s pumpkin tortelli - was the best I have ever had in any restaurant. At £55 for three courses, it is also ridiculously good value for money. (You can have a three course lunch there for only £30 - and believe me, I will be making the most of that offer.)

The big bonus of the night was when Angela came out to speak to Susie and I as we waited for our coats. She thanked us for the gushing note we’d sent to her about the phenomenal food and superb service. It sounds lame, but Angela is really genuine and pretty and damn, can she cook. I’d say I’d like to marry her, but that really crosses a line of distinct creepiness for a mere restaurant review.

Bottom line: If you’re in London, you need to eat at MENU. Tell them the gobby American (and her Irish friend who actually used the term “knob porridge” in a conversation with one of the world’s finest Michelin-starred chefs) sent you.

Filed under: Life