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

Burger and Lobster, Mayfair

Burger & Lobster 29 Clarges Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7EF Web - www.burgerandlobster.com Twitter - @londonlobster Tel: 02074091699 Cuisine - North American We made our way over to swanky Mayfair to attempt to get in to this popular eatery for the first time on our second attempt. To define this place as busy would be an understatement. The restaurant has been mentioned in Time Out magazine a couple of times and you can see why. Our previous attempt saw us arrive at 8.10pm on a Saturday night and we were told that there were to many people on the list already and we should find somewhere else to eat. This time to avoid disappointment we arrived  at 5.10pm on the Saturday. Finally, we were in and on the list and were advised that our waiting time would be no longer than an hour. Great, we will stand at the small and bustling bar and have a drink while we wait we thought!  After getting through 3 rounds of drinks, an hour and 50 minutes and £35 later we were finally seated. It looks like there are two lists and it is very confusing as people were turning up and seated way before us but had arrived at the same time as us. We asked the manager, or the person who loss in charge for the seating a couple of times and he tried to explain helpfully I am sure but he came across as quite arrogant advising they try and seat everyone as quickly as possible but they do do 700 covers a day and that we should understand the situation. Despite the wait the drinks were very enjoyable, I started with an Argentinian Lager called Quilmes, priced at £4 a bottle it was cold and crisp, similar to many other imported premium lagers. My partner had a Summer of Love cocktail priced at £9 and this was fresh, sweet and delicious, a very imaginative cocktail containing a Finlandia vodka, mango, ruby grapes, passion fruit and a South African Sauvignon Blanc finished with very thinly sliced green apple. As the frustration grew on the await to be seated we decided to have one last round of drinks or we were to leave and find somewhere else to leave. After a couple of the beers I was starting to feel a little bloated so I decided to change to a cocktail, I went for the Gin based 10cc. Tanqueray 10 as the base, with lemon, cucumber, chamomile syrup and soda, this was a superb cocktail and very pleasing for the taste buds. We were finally seated, hurrah! As we were taken over it occurred to me how tight the tables were together, this place really has been designed to make the most of its product and in turn is a money making machine, the Goodmans group has really tapped in to a great market here. Pricey drinks at the bar and either a lobster priced per weight or a burger or lobster roll both priced at £20 each. It is quick and you can see how they get through the 700 or so covers the front of house mentioned. Our food arrived, I had the lobster roll, the roll was airy and buttery and it was perfect with the lobster, it came with fries and a side salad of mixed green leaves with balsamic vinegar, red onion, spring onion and topped with Parmesan cheese. I also shared my partners 2lb lobster priced at £30, grilled rather than steamed it was incredible, served with a garlic butter sauce in its own 'gravy boat', it was meaty and it just worked, the lobster is already cracked for you to which saves a lot of hassle. The restaurant provide bibs which were good fun to wear, the food turned up quickly and we shared a bottle of red wine with the meal, we chose the Fico Grande 2011, a Sangiovese grape from Emilia Romagna in Italy priced at £22 was good value and accompanied the meaty lobster very well. As we tucked in the frustrations of the wait to be seated evaporated, it's exceptional food in a really cool restaurant. I really liked the decor despite the tightness of the tables. Really modern interior with silver ventilation on show above the kitchen and quirky art on the walls throughout. Superb ambience to, it really is a fine restaurant, just such a shame you can not book and therefore have to wait so long to be seated. We will be going back but next time we will head west for lunch rather than dinner and I'll get to try the tasty looking burger too!! Well done to the Goodman's chain. Gastrogreglarr rating 8/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: the lobster roll, superb and a great find, I could eat that everyday Gastrogreglarr dislikes: the waiting time, I have marked down for this