Fortunately, the image of purely vegetarian restaurants has changed significantly in recent years. On the other hand, too many traditional restaurants still have great difficulty in offering interesting dishes without fish and meat. Risotti and pasta often remain the only options.
The Vanilla Black goes its own wonderful way. A way that offers vegetarian food in an ambiance that would certainly pass for posh even in London. Fine dining, then, and recommended by the Michelin.
All the dishes on the menu are vegetarian, but at the same time they are not just focused on vegetables. Risotti and pasta are not to be found, but there are hints of British specialties everywhere. Guests can choose from small menus of two or three courses (£28.00 and £38.00, respectively) and six each of appetizers, main courses and desserts.
First, however, you have to find your way to Tooks Court, because at least by car, the small street in London’s Law Quarter, right next to Chancery Lane, is inaccessible. The search, however, is worthwhile. We felt immediately friendly welcomed and immediately at home in the classic, reduced ambience. Both a credit to the impeccable and very personal service led by Donna Conroy.
After a little greeting from the kitchen of Andrew Dargue, I started with aSlow Cooked Duck Egg with Smoked Cucumber, Dill Brioche, Seed Biscuit and Mustard Paste.
And at this point at the latest, I was sure: Boring culinary performances deprived of the main character will be looked for here in vain. The egg was perfectly cooked, the small salad of smoked cucumber initially hid the mustard paste, once discovered , it turned out to be exactly the binding link between the individual components on the very attractively draped plate. Thanks to brioche and biscuit not quite an easy start.
We continued with the Fried Mushroom Mousse and Rosemary Sauce, Mushy Peas and Horseradish, Fennel and Whipped Lemon. Even less light, but only nuances less delicious. The fried mushrooms were served as a very firm mousse, along with the sautéed fennel, various sauces and foams.
After two sumptuous courses, we almost decided against dessert. Fortunately, experimentation won out over reason, and the Green Pepper Crème Brulée and Lemongrass Chocolate, Ginger Beer Sorbet and Toasted Rice and Coconut were still served on both sides of the table.
After a brief irritation, dessert turned out to be the secret favorite of the evening. Not only delicious, but extremely well thought out and yet not at all put on were here different flavors in very different textures, united by the spiciness which extended in different expressions from the crème brulèe (pepper), over the sorbet (ginger beer) to the mousse (lemongrass). Caught only, by the creamy dabs from the coconut. Exceptional. And exceptionally good.
The Vanilla Black is an absolute recommendation for all London travelers. It doesn’t matter if you are a vegetarian or a carnivore.
