Nomad Chef Secret Restaurant

NOMAD CHEF
SECRET RESTAURANT

QuirkDescription
Ding dong!
That´s you at the door, then someone answers, the waitress infact, "good evening, come on through", as you´re escorted through the corridor to the cloakroom. Yes indeed there is a cloakroom, but before you´ve had the chance to digest the attention to detail, you find yourself in an open plan, living, kitchen and dining room extension. Greeted with "would you like to try a glass of Kauffman vodka?", and a rather curious looking 'hush-hush' guest chef owning the kitchen in the background, it´s hard not to mentally prepare yourself for what delightful culinary delights await ahead.

As the wave of home pop-up restaurants (underground dining) continues, so do the wave of diners seeking them. Each one trying to do something distinctly different from the other. More ´dinner party´ than ´sit-down dinner´, we were quietly surprised when one of the guests was actually a musician and our entertainment for the evening. Our taste buds were teased and served with Tom Waits and Nina Simone melodic renditions. But no night is ever the same here. Suitably transient, there's a different theme and chef for each dinner.

QuirkFood
As well as an ever changing set of diners, so too is the menu. Travelling? A union between the Nomad Chef's favourite Indian, Thai, Mexican and European ingredients are combined to create vestige and will certainly keep your tongue waggling.

Our St Patrick's Day menu began with an aperitif of guacamole and authentic Mexican Tortilla chips daringly complimented with Kauffman vodka. This was followed by a Mexican haddock ceviche (citrus-marinated fish/seafood) and hara paneer tikka (paneer cheese in a marinade of coriander, mint, green chilli and yoghurt).

Mains consisted of well seasoned jerk chicken kebabs, veggie dolmas (rice and pine nut stuffed grape leaves) and mini corn bread muffins. Our journey ended with a pleasing sticky toffee pudding topped with toffee sauce and whipped cream.

Portions are on the small side but are beautifully presented and vegetarian options are also available.

QuirkService
Service is delightfully well paced. You're made to feel at home throughout the evening as the waitress' approachable manner gives the impression that she is another friendly guest. The evening lends itself to true dinner party theatrics; it's varied with intertwining bouts of conversation, there's entertainment and a word or two from the Nomad Chef (host). At times you'll feel like you're part of an audience and once the wine kicks in, you become part of the act.

QuirkAmbience
With red sofas and dim lighting it's an idyllic setting for couples. Though amorous it isn't as conversation with other diners is encouraged by the Nomad Chef, who on occasions throughout the evening joyfully waxes lyrical on food, wine and music. And in true nomadic fashion once you've finished your first course, you have the option to move table, giving you a chance to wander on and mingle with others. A great place for single chi-chi diners and those that expect the unexpected and want to meet new people, as an evening here certainly provides the lubricant to social interaction. It´s more than just dining, it´s a ´secret´ evening out... Shh!

QuirkInformation
Holland Park, London
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and some Sundays (check website for details), Dinner-19:30-23:00
Website

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NOMAD CHEF SECRET RESTAURANT

NOMAD CHEF
SECRET RESTAURANT