Japanese Tapas at Kirazu | London

Kirazu has very discreetly tucked itself on Rupert Street, still remains almost a secret even on a street that can be rather busy. As you enter, you will be greeted with a counter packed with all sorts of interesting Japanese tapas but for some reason, none of us noticed it when we entered. We just somehow walked pass it. I do recommend you having a browse at these selections as they do look pretty tempting.

Right in front of the counter are two long wooden tables where we sat next to strangers who seemed repose even on a mid week night. Maybe it is the vibe of the small and cosy space that exudes calm.

What I like most about this little restaurant is its almost east end décor of bare hanging light bulbs and old wooden crates on the wall sat on steel hooks.  

Agedashi tofu

We ordered quite a few little plates but did not order rice or anything substantial to go with them so I would advice ordering some ramen or rice to go with your tapas as a filler. The agedashi tofu had crispy skin and very soft wobbly inside. It was tasty with its umami sauce. The takoyaki too was really good with tender pieces of octopus and gooey filling.

Takoyaki

Salmon sashimi; Grilled eel and cucumber with Japanese vinaigrette 

I love unagi so this grilled eel and cucumber salad with seaweed was something I appreciated. It was more refreshing than the usual unagi as they have added cucumber and vinaigrette to it. As for the sashimi, it was nice and fresh.

Grille aubergine with sweet miso paste; Choi-yaki mentaiko (speared spicy cod roe)

The seared spicy cod roe was rather salty and spicy, almost like little caviars. I can see how some people might not like it but I find it interesting especially eaten with something else like rice or congee so it does not taste as strong. The grilled aubergine on the other had was nice but was not fantastic.

Overall, it is a lovely little intimate restaurant serving decent food but not one that will blow your mind away. It is worth visiting though, if you would like to have some sake with light food to go with it.

Smile..

Enjoyed the intimate setting.

Frown..

Portions are really small.

Will I return?

Yes, if I would like something light to eat and not too filling.

Kirazu

47 Rupert Street

W1D 7PD United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7729 0246

Closest station: Piccadilly Circus / Leicester Square

  

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Heaton, Butler & Bayne | London

Tucked in a quiet street behind the busy Long Acre street at Covent Garden lies a former stained-glass factory, now a restaurant named after it. The restaurant seems rather spacious with the dining area on the right and a bar section on the left where people can have after work drinks and bar snacks. For a friday evening, I thought it was quiet but yet again, the restaurant was full later into the evening when the sky got darker and the space felt more intimate with the lit candles.

The service was brilliant from start till the end. A very friendly guy came over and recommended a very smooth Cote du Rhone red wine while I waited for my friend who was running late because of delayed trains. He then, came back after a while to make sure I liked it. Even the other girl who was looking after our table for food service was so sweet and patient, she did not rush for us to order as us girls could not stop talking. We eventually ordered as hunger strikes soon after.

Warm duck eggs, artichoke and baby asparagus

As there was warm duck eggs, artichoke and baby asparagus on the menu, we ordered it to share since it's asparagus season and have not tried baby asparagus. It was a good time to try it. It was a nice salad, although not packed full of flavour but the components were cooked well; eggs were well cooked with gooey yolk and baby asparagus has a milder flavour from its grown up version.

Dingley Dell pork loin, date puree, mange tout

The pork loin was moist and perfectly cooked, and the sweet date purée matched the pork very well. It would have been a good dish if the mange tout was cooked a little less for the added crunch the plate needed.

Roasted hake, warm fennel salad, lime & gin sauce

The hake again, was very well cooked, still juicy but the skin was not crisp enough. This plate of food could have been amazing, only to disappoint with some parts of overly salted fennel but the sauce was beautiful.

Elderflower mousse and almond crumble

Elderflower dessert is what I always look forward to, in summer. I find it very fragrant and refreshing, perfect for the summer season. So naturally, I ordered the elderflower mousse expecting it to be light and fresh. But I was deflated when presented with a blob of mousse in a bowl with crumble on the side. It looked like canteen dessert and tasted like one too. I was well disappointed. The mousse was only mildly flavoured with elderflower and we thought the almond crumble which had big chunks of peanut in it was overpowering the elderflower flavour. I would prefer it to have a fresher finish to the already very delicate and fragrant elderflower.

The gariguette strawberry pavlova was simple and straightforward dessert with good meringue, freshly whipped cream and some strawberries.

Overall, the food was decent but not memorable. Although, I had a brilliant time cause the service was fantastic and of course, good company makes all the difference.

PROMOTION: There is 50% off food with a minimum order of two courses each. This promotion is on daily (even on weekends) until 1st August 2013.

Smile..

Fantastic service and a good deal with the 50% off food bill.

Frown..

I hope this is an off day for the chef as there is potential for good food but food this visit was decent and can definitely be improved.

Will I return?

Only if there is 50% off food again.

Heaton, Butler and Bayne

27c Floral Street (corner of Garrick Street)
WC2E 9BJ London, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7379 1432

Closest station: Covent Garden, Leicester Square (piccadilly)

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