Marco, Fulham

Marco Stamford Bridge Fulham Road London SW6 1HS Tel: 02079152929 Web: www.marcorestaurant.org/  Cuisine: Modern European The latest stop on my food odyssey took me to another Marco Pierre White restaurant, Marco. Set just off West London's trendy Fulham Broadway within Chelsea Football Club stadium grounds, we allowed our excitement to grow as we entered what was a stunning looking eatery. High ceiling with lower lighting, large windows allowing a set back view of the Broadway, I really enjoyed the decor and sequencing of the tables, including leather seated booths allowing you to face the whole of the restaurant. The modern setting with mainly black and white features makes the large golden pillar really stand out through the middle, as do the pictures of stars mounted on the wall. As we walked in we were greeted and sat very efficiently. The staff were excellent, napkins placed on our laps instantly with the menu's dispatched orderly. I was certainly very impressed to the start of this meal. On this occasion we opted not drink however the wine list appeared short but respectable. The menu is of a typical MPW style but the food is a little further removed from the 'British Classics' served up in the 'Wheeler's' locations. We opted for two 10oz steaks, one sirloin and one rib-eye. Both served with triple cooked chips and a side sauce, bearnaise being the choice on this occasion. For sides we chose the seasonal special which was Broccoli and also ordered some Spinach to share. After a short wait for the food we were presented with our choices and our excitement quickly evaporated as we discovered our steaks were pan fried. The sirloin was edging on medium rather than as ordered medium rare with both seeming to lack seasoning. Take nothing away from the rest of the meal as the triple cooked chips were served to perfection, crispy and golden exterior while the inside was fluffy. The vegetables on the side were also very tasty and fresh. With regards to the side of bearnaise, it looked as though it had been pre made and sat in the fridge covered with cling film, the fact the top was discoloured from the remainder was the give away. Whilst the steak disappointed, our puddings excelled. The caramelised apple pie, was really top notch, served with vanilla ice cream it went along way toward repairing our opinion of the restaurant. We also tried the chocolate box surprise, a chocolate mousse encased by a rich dark chocolate. The mousse was so smooth and delicious and was served with three raspberries which added an edge to the dish. Unfortunately the dark chocolate was to rich to finish but for those with a keenness for such flavour should definitely go for this.  Overall, despite the restaurant having many good qualities I felt like the below average steak ruined the meal somewhat. If I was to return I would probably go with a fish choice as the steaks just can not compete with the very best, especially if you pay the marked up price of £25, luckily we had a deal from Groupon making it more reasonable. Tastecard holders can also use their cards here. Without these discounts look to spend c£80 - £100 including a bottle of wine.  Gastrogreglarr rating: 5/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: excellent service that deserved better food Gastrogreglarr dislikes: disappointing steak

Queens British Grill

Queens British Grill 63 New Wanstead London E11 2SA Tel - 02085308861 www.queensbritishgrill.co.uk Twitter - @queensbritgrill Cuisine - British/Grill This was my third visit to Queen's and never let's me down. On this occasion is was for a birthday so we made full use of the Taste card deal of 2 for 1 (other deals available, visit website). I love the decor in here with its open kitchen, wooden beams and partial brick walls sorted around the restaurant. From the outside the building is Tudor in look but on the inside decorated with modern features, comfortable seating and nice cutlery to eat with, especially the steak knives. It may not have the gaucho ambience or the wood oven goodman's flavour but this is good local food giving simplicity an excellent name along with its own character.  The staff were very knowledgable and went in to great detail regarding any ingredients, service was also always with a smile. There are a good variety of dishes available including fish but as all the steaks are dry aged cattle and hung for at least 35 days we both went with food from the grill. Mine was the 18oz Porterhouse which was served on a lovely wooden board which came with rocket and some baby plumb tomatoes. The other dish was a 14oz sirloin, both were medium rare as ordered and were excellent cuts of meat. We shared some mash potato which was creamy and seasoned as well as the steak and also had cream of spinach which also has some nutmeg and all the food together gave some great combinations of flavour. Before the mains we decided to have some starters, I went for the soup of the day which was a superb cream of mushroom soup, it was creamy, garlicky and was served with a nice hot roll. The soup had excellent consistency also. The other dish was scallops with bacon, a bit of garlic and was served on a hot plate, beautifully presented and bursting with salty flavour. After our super sized steaks there was no room for dessert, which was a shame as the dessert selections sound really good. We left extremely happy after paying the bill of only £50 which included a few soft drinks. Gastrogreglarr rating 7.5/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: flavour and presentation of the dishes Gastrogreglarr dislikes: not much to dislike here, perhaps a little pricey if you don't go with the set menu or taste card deals