Restaurant of the month
Not so long ago, London's City workers would generally opt to travel outside of the Square Mile to find a wide selection of gourmet eateries. But now they're literally spoilt for choice - particularly thanks to the recent arrival of the oh-so-decadent Pacific Oriental on Threadneedle Street.
This elegant establishment boasts a fine dining menu inspired by the Pacific Rim, a unique Thai brasserie and a sumptuous Oriental cocktail bar. Split over two levels, the restaurant sits on the upper mezzanine with its own lavish balcony overlooking the bar and brasserie, making it the perfect spot for people-watching.
And contrary to what you may think, there are plenty of people to watch: it's not just wall-to-wall office workers. Since word of the new opening spread, more and more food lovers and tourists are making a dedicated trip into the City to sample what the Pacific Oriental has to offer.
So what makes it so special? Head chef Gerrard Mitchell uses only the very finest, freshest ingredients to create aromatic delights. 'The menu has been lovingly created to showcase the very best of Pacific Rim cuisine, with a particular Japanese influence,' he explains. 'It's full of taste sensations offering our guests a truly diverse dining experience.'
Some sample dishes? Aromatic appetisers include: temaki, a hand-rolled, cone-shaped maki with a scallop, tobiko or soft shell crab filling; and tempura, a light crispy batter made with rice flour, served with fillings such as yuzu, soy prawn or lotus stalk.
First courses range from the indulgent raspberry grape-marinated wild salmon served with star anise and champagne jelly, to the light-but-satisfying pan-fried diver-caught scallops and soutzsouki sauce on a bed of celeriac remoulade.
And for main course? Gerrard's favourite dish is the roasted saddle of Welsh lamb with ginger, miso-braised mouli and pea tips. But vegetarians will love the roast butternut squash congee, served with black truffle and crisp garlic.
However, as ever, we'd highly recommend leaving room for dessert. Delicious delights include steamed chocolate pudding with stem ginger ice cream and lavender-infused crème brulée.
To find out more or to book a table, call the Pacific Oriental on 020 7621 9988.
