Kellie Erm digs into delights courtesy of Michelin star-studded chef Thomas Bühner at The Peninsula
The Peninsula restaurant, situated a stones throw from the O2 arena at InterContinental London – The O2, was graced with an exciting collaboration for three days. Three Michelin starred chef, Thomas Bühner, Head Chef at La Vie, Germany, has come together with The Peninsula Head Chef Tomas Lidakevicius to create an exciting 7 course-tasting menu.
The Venue
With already a handful of restaurants residing in the Intercontinental Hotel, The Peninsula certainly stands out. Crisp white linens cover the tables, and with full covering windows, the restaurant has a 180° view of Canary Wharf.
We sit overlooking the Thames River, which glistens from the sun, creating a perfect summer light at our table. The tables are spaciously separated, giving the perfect amount of intimacy for diners. Fresh cut flowers in large white vases adorn the restaurant, giving a pleasant summer aroma.
The Food & Drink
The tasting menu is comprised of five dishes by visiting chef, Thomas Bühner, and two by The Peninsula Head Chef, Tomas Lidakevicius . The menu starts with a refreshing tipple of pineapple juice, cognac and sparkling wine to whet your appetite, with a warm multigrain bread and stunning roast onion butter with fennel seeds and Maldon salt. Foie Gras with a layer of scallop Carpaccio gives an earthy marriage of flavours, with a sea salad and hazelnut cream.
The Pike perch, the winner for both me and my guest, is tender slices of fish with sea vegetables and a subtle verbena sauce that is elegantly poured over by the lovely team. Tender prawns with a stunning prawn coulis and lemongrass and ginger sauce with young almonds and fresh peaches, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavours.
The dish we are most excited for, both white asparagus lovers, is a squid and white asparagus dish with chorizo and squid broth. Unfortunately the chorizo and squid broth was a little overpowering for the subtle richness of the white asparagus.
Next is a John Dory dish, with a beautiful green pea and mint sauce, and the showstopper – trout caviar covered in pea powder. The little pearls pop in your mouth creating a blend of salt and sweet from the peas.
The marine theme continues with Gillardeu oyster and sweetbread, which melts in your mouth, accompanied by purslane sauce to be followed by the only meat dish, a tender medallion of roe buck with three purees: green cabbage, cauliflower vanilla, and celeriac hay.
Of course to finish, a mango mousse covered in a soft shell of vanilla, meringues, fresh strawberries and a fluffy piece of strawberry sponge and shiso ice cream. A dessert that might be a little too busy, but refreshing all the same.
The Verdict
The stunning view was worth the trip alone for Thomas’ pop-up, and for £145 per person, the one-off occasion was a splurge worth savouring.
If you want to treat yourself or a loved one to a romantic escape with excellent service, The Peninsula is perfect anytime, especially when paired with a digestif in the hotel’s rooftop bar.
Words by Kellie Erm
