Maze: Gordon Ramsay– The London
Date Visited: 2nd August 2008
Time: 2:45pmAddress
151 West 54th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) New York NY 10019 T: 212 468 8889 F: 212 698 8138
www.gordonramsay.com/gratthelondonAmbience 8Service 6Food 9Value 8Overall 31/40
High expectations are expectations in themselves and can sometimes disappoint and distract from the dining experience – and I must say that I certainly entered a dining experience.
The famed Gordon Ramsay’s Maze – the more accessible, of the two at the London, was sophisticated, casually elegant, with a twist on contemporary.
We deliberately entered during the restaurants downtime, and therefore encountered a far less manic environment than one had envisaged. Service was obviously compromised as a result, fortunately present company allowed me to almost ignore their lack of knowledge and inexperience. Empty chairs, a few relaxed diners, sipping cool concoctions – the perfect atmosphere for a couple to unwind.
The dining room’s cool-toned colors accented with its many mirrors and low-set tables created an inviting, yet crisp and fresh atmosphere. The long bar along the back wall overlooked the restaurant, and with more mirrors, made us realize that we were, in fact, in New York and on any given night this would be a place patrons might frequent to ‘see and be seen.’
The menu was set for lunch, no problem when the selection oozed originality. We decided to go with Entrée, Main and Dessert – A Wise decision.
To compliment the Hand dived sea scallops roasted with spices, golden raisin purée and cauliflower beignets, we thought it best to begin with a Cocktail; a Pear Martini really hit the spot nicely.
We found ourselves overwhelmed by colour, flavours and freshness of each dish, swapping intermittently between Carnaroli risotto of Maine lobster and Smoked pork belly, braised white cabbage, sautéed fingerlings and caramelized apple – just delightful.
Dessert, equally prized – ensured we did not leave hungry, however quietly satisfied.