Sake no hana (SW1A 1HA)
Sake no hana
23 St James's St
London SW1A 1HA
020 7925 8988
23 St James's St
London SW1A 1HA
020 7925 8988
I stood in front of the doors to Alan Yau's new restaurant. The sign was barely visible. Is this it? Then slight panic. So why aren't the doors opening? Finally they did, and three minutes later, my less-observant dining companions arrived. Oh, so this is it! they said.
Once transported to the first floor restaurant, we were struck by the extremes. A restaurant as austere as can be (although one could say the puzzled wood ceiling warms it up a bit) with a friendly staff. Not cozy or romantic by any means - more a place to get down to business.
Despite being friendly, our Matrix-clothed waiter did not offer help with the menu, which from a portion perspective, was something we could have used. As it was, we were just able to finish our food, but not even entertain dessert. But what food it was. We loved it all, including the king crab in jelly with salmon roe, which appeared and intimidated us all. It was like a tiny, little jewel box, placed upon ice. Who knew such a strange looking thing would taste so good?
We also loved the small portion of miso swordfish (which had a firm texture as opposed to the slightly mushy one that sometimes accompanies this style), the black leg chicken (which would more happily have served six than three), the basic but perfect spinach with sesame (which we had to order again), the tempura (which could be ordered individually), and the small selection of sushi (which reminded us this could be done well in London). We tried to order the braised beef, but it was out, and thank goodness.
We didn't love the drink selection, which featured no wine, two very expensive champagnes, and lots of sake and cocktails. What if you don't love sake? Or should we have expected that, given the name of the restaurant?
Either way, the limited beverages on offer kept us from going too crazy, a good thing since our bill still came to £50/head.
And perhaps that was just as well, since you have to take a (slow) elevator to the toilets, which are in the basement level.
But then if everyone is drinking sake at 32 proof, are fewer trips to the loo required?
Despite being friendly, our Matrix-clothed waiter did not offer help with the menu, which from a portion perspective, was something we could have used. As it was, we were just able to finish our food, but not even entertain dessert. But what food it was. We loved it all, including the king crab in jelly with salmon roe, which appeared and intimidated us all. It was like a tiny, little jewel box, placed upon ice. Who knew such a strange looking thing would taste so good?
We also loved the small portion of miso swordfish (which had a firm texture as opposed to the slightly mushy one that sometimes accompanies this style), the black leg chicken (which would more happily have served six than three), the basic but perfect spinach with sesame (which we had to order again), the tempura (which could be ordered individually), and the small selection of sushi (which reminded us this could be done well in London). We tried to order the braised beef, but it was out, and thank goodness.
We didn't love the drink selection, which featured no wine, two very expensive champagnes, and lots of sake and cocktails. What if you don't love sake? Or should we have expected that, given the name of the restaurant?
Either way, the limited beverages on offer kept us from going too crazy, a good thing since our bill still came to £50/head.
And perhaps that was just as well, since you have to take a (slow) elevator to the toilets, which are in the basement level.
But then if everyone is drinking sake at 32 proof, are fewer trips to the loo required?
Here Is The Writer : Sarah Western Balzer
Sarah Western Balzer is the managing director of HITC Life and is always on the hunt for reader-writers, so if you're one, make yourself known (sarah.western@hereisthecity.com). Sarah's other job is running a business that helps expats with lifestyle relocation, and is always on the hunt for clients, so - you guessed it: www.arrivalslimited.com. Sarah moved to London five years ago from New York but is originally from Florida, and still suntans like it's 1989. She is so grateful to the banker who introduced her to Here Is The City that she married him, and they live in Wapping with their son.
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