Quilon

I have had my head in books the last few weeks (even more so than usual), doing more exams. At my age! Thankfully they are now over and I can look once more beyond the revision and computer screen. As interesting as my studies were (and are), it’s so nice to have some time to catch up on everything else that has been put on hold. Like re-doing the plumbing under the sink where it was leaking, mending the bed frame that had broken and now thinking of tackling the overgrown garden. Yes my life is that exciting.

Still, to celebrate Susen took me out to lunch at Quilon near St James’s Park. The place is very much in Indian territory being in the Taj Group owned Crowne Plaza and presumably meant to appeal to the many Indian businessmen and women who stay at the hotel. The outside was suitably understated (just my style), although once inside I did feel slightly under-dressed in my jeans compared to most of the other be-suited lunchtime diners. The receptionist did look us up and down as if to ask, "Are you sure you're in the right place?", but once we were through that hurdle the service was high quality. As a complete aside, I do envy the modern Indian woman who has the choice of Western jeans and T-shirt / top, salwar kameez, kurta top and jeans / leggings or, if you really push the boat out, a sari. No such choice for us UK women.

Quilon is a cut (or three) above your average up-market Indian restaurant. It serves South West Indian cuisine and is Michelin starred. The head chef Sriram Aylur apparently gave up his law studies to pursue his ‘first love’ of food (boy, how I can relate!). He was ranked one of the top five Chefs in India in 1997.

We had the set lunch menu (£24.00 for 3 courses and coffee – which actually felt like quite a bargain). For starters, I had the lotus stem and colocasia chop with mango and mint sauce. Susen had the coconut cream chicken. Asked if we wanted to share them – which we did – they arrived half and half on each of our plates, a first for us. Both starters were delicious, although possibly the chop was slightly lacking in flavour. Mini popadums and five different types of home-made chutney were complimentary, making a welcome change from the standard sized popadums and bought pickles usually served.

We then were given another complimentary ‘amuse bouche’ of a spicy tomato and lentil broth, served hot in a glass. For the main course, Susen had the Quilon fish curry made with beautifully cooked and spiced halibut. I had the vegetarian sampler – four different types of vegetables with lemon rice and paratha. Dishes on mine included crispy fried okra, a mildly spiced chick pea curry, mango curry and lightly spiced yoghurt dish which I think was like a pachadi.

For dessert Susen had the caramelised banana pudding with rum and raisin ice cream. I had bibinca with vanilla ice cream – a Goan speciality a bit like pancakes piled on top of each other with dark chocolate sauce, accompanied by South Indian coffee.
All dishes were excellent, service was attentive but discrete. Highly recommended.



Quilon, 41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF.

Tel: 020 7821 1899

http://www.quilon.co.uk