Monday, 9 July 2012

The Lawn Bistro-The @14TheFrog review.

My first experience of anything "Lawn" was when one of the staff brought a load of scones (pronounced to rhyme with stone by the way) down from its sister "Lawn bakery" a few weeks back. They were fantastic, just as good as my nan used to make and we had them with real butter and that jam with the checkered lid and the French name. I gave some out to the punters in the pub and they were all over em like a coat of paint.

Clearly something was happening to the green buildings in Wimbledon village. Not only had Lydons been bought out and revamped (no more specials on a tray "we serve the fish on the bone, off the bone, grilled, fried or in  a butter sauce") but the old bright green bakery which was awful to be fair,  had been made over too. By all accounts the people involved had big reputations and something to prove, so it was with some anticipation that we booked up a table of three at "The Lawn Bistro".

We went during the Wimbledon fortnight, on the second Thursday and the place was predictably busy when we arrived. They recognised the booking which is always a good start (it always amazes me how many places don't) and we were seated in a nice comfy little spot down the middle. We didn't mess about as I was starving, and I ordered up some butter bean houmous with carrot sticks and some mini chorizos while the girls (@NZSezGB & @Chaymondo) dug into the wine list. The little nibbler/starter things arrived straight away, and were fantastic. The carrot sticks weren't poncily cut into the same size and shape, they were big chunks of veg while the dip was really top notch. The little chorizo thingies were lovely too, but stick the whole thing in your mouth at once or you'll do as I did and get it all over your shirt, little @14TheFrog tip there. For the wine we had this English one which @Chaymondo had visited the winery of recently. It was bloody lovely, smelled like Wimbledon Common when it's just finished raining and the nettles are wet.

For starters my wife Sarah had this goats curd salad dish which she loved, Angie had melon and ham (it was a posh version but essentially that's what it was) while I had garlic prawns. Mine came with a kind of tomatoey coriandery sauce and it was really tasty. I'd have whacked a bit of chilli in myself but maybe that's just me. After the starters we got a little taster of the chicken liver parfait which was an unexpected treat. I cannot praise this enough, it was absolutely sensational. @Chaymondo commented at the time that it was like an "orgasm on toast", and although I had to kind of take her word for it I must confess it was stupendously good.

On the mains, Sarah had Sea Bream fillet which was truly a wonderful piece of fish. Angie had a stuffed chicken dish with peas which I instantly wished I'd ordered in truth. I had a Lamb rump dish with couscous which was very good, it's just that I love that French chicken and peas in broth number. I must learn to read the menu properly. In truth I rarely do, merely flicking through it and invariably having little idea what I want when the waiter gives it the old "are we ready to order" and the eyebrows.

We had desserts, the best in my view was my chocolate and caramel tart thingy with creme fraiche ice cream. This was another orgasm by all accounts, this time on a board though and even I couldn't argue. Everyone else's desserts were lovely too although I must confess I can't remember what they were, by now we had had two bottles of the fabulous nettle smelling wine and were onto "pinot des charentes," which whatever it is was most agreeable.

All the servers were smashing, especially a Hungarian lad who looked and sounded as French as Jaques Cousteau and we had a great night all round. Service charge WAS included at 12.5% which is a bit of a gripe, but that said you could hardly grumble given the quality of it and the food. It's not very often these days (or indeed ever) that I've been near someone who has had multi orgasms, and any place which facilitates that has got to be a "must visit".There are now three new places in Wimbledon to be excited about. The Lawn is deservedly receiving rave reviews in the national press and is massively worth some visits. We love Sticks n Sushi too for the family, and the new Australian chef at The Fire Stables in the village is creating a bit of a splash with his traditional food too.

Once an oasis, Wimbledon is finally getting some places to be proud of.  The Lawn Bistro 100% deserves it's place at the forefront of those, we absolutely loved it. It's great, go, then go again. 

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