So on to the meal. Vineet changes his menus whenever he feels creatively compelled to do so (around 8-10 weeks). He steers away from the clichéd practice of seasonally-changing menus and isn’t a fan of the term.
The presentation is a big thing at VBL, which serves as a complement to the vast array of textures and flavours on your plate. During the meal, you’ll go on a culinary journey, with courses that evoke nostalgia and ones that surprise you too.
It’s about satisfying you with those Indian flavours you know and love, while challenging you with techniques you thought not a part of that cuisine.
A few of our favourite dishes from the night included the Beet Foie Gras (the one that’s served on the smashed half plate), with a chewy beetroot macaroon contrasting against smooth Foie Gras.
The Pan-fried Chili Cod was no less than exquisite. It looked like a mini masterpiece placed on a swirl of red cabbage with a squid ink rice cracker balanced on top.
The most traditional dish (traditional in the British sense, that is) was the Duck Korma. The meat was beautifully tender, lovingly cooked in a dreamy cashew curry sauce. Its rich flavours were amplified by a red wine side sauce and a scattering of black onion powder.
Vineet is passionate about sweets and trust me, you won’t be leaving hungry.
One of the chef’s signatures is the Chocolate Cure. Turmeric, known for its healing properties, is used to make a chocolate nest and tiny eggs. It’s a complex dessert, which also includes a white chocolate feather and a sticky Indian sweet.
The selection of petit fours ends the experience on a high note. It includes little rose chocolates, samosas filled with gooey white and dark chocolate and chai tea fudge.
On the subject of chai tea, VBL is famed for theirs, which is made in a traditionally West Indian way. Slow-cooked aromatic spices are mixed with condensed milk to create a cup of pure heaven. According to our waiter, the locals sometimes pop in just to get a cup. Vineet makes his with a small twist but we’ll leave that for you to discover.
For a little extra, like us, you can add a wine flight to your meal which will really heighten the experience, thanks to the restaurant’s expert sommeliers.
Vineet’s latest venture is once again paving the way for a new direction when it comes to Indian cooking. It’s a unique and unforgettable dining experience, and a re-imagining of Indian cuisine that you’ll want to be a part of.
Vineet Bhatia London – Where and How?
Vineet Bhatia London is located at 10 Lincoln Street, Chelsea SW3 2TS. The experience menu is £105 per person or £175 including a wine flight (service not included). To make a booking, call 020 7225 1881, email [email protected] or visit www.vineetbhatia.london.
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