For the very first time, Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze and her team are offering signature dishes from her eponymous restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught to be enjoyed and delivered “à la Maison”. I was invited this spring for an exquisite lunch at the Chef’s table hosted by Hélène Darroze and it was one of the most memorable meals I have experienced.
“...foie gras with celeriac, apple and pear chutney, XXL hand harvested scallops from Scotland served in their shells and Hélène’s Vol au Vent ‘A la Francaise’ with lobster and ragout”
This five-course gastronomically-designed menu, for two, has been created to give the experience of the esteemed Mayfair restaurant at home from now until January 2021. Whilst the menu will change post-festivities, it debuts with the following plates - foie gras with celeriac, apple and pear chutney, XXL hand harvested scallops from Scotland served in their shells and Hélène’s Vol au Vent ‘A la Francaise’ with lobster and ragout.
The cheese course features an exquisite Ossau Iraty, complimented with pâte de coing maison, nuts, sesame seeds and herb crackers. A decadent chocolate dessert follows with an end-of-meal canelé cake – one of the restaurant’s most famous finishing touches. The final flourish is the delicate origami lotus-style boxes in which the food arrives, so beautiful that plates may not be required.
For true luxury, and avid gourmands, additional showstoppers are available to order. Caviar sits alongside sea urchin and cauliflower with a pearl spoon, whilst potato gnocchi and egg yolk is delivered with white truffle and its very own truffle shaver. Finally, Hélène’s signature Baba is served with lemongrass Chantilly. Wine pairings recommended by the restaurant’s Sommelier and Krug champagne are also available.
You can find out more by visiting the Connaught Hotel, Mayfair or at https://www.the-connaught.co.uk/restaurants-bars/helene-darroze-at-the-connaught/
Photography courtesy of The Maybourne Group
