We’ve previously visited the Park Lane hotel for afternoon tea but never before dined in Citrus. Last week we had the perfect reason to visit with a new Venetian Menu on offer. There is something decadent about dining in a five-star hotel, especially a five-star hotel near to Park Lane.
The menu has been created by Italian chef Daniele Turco from Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice. We started with Scallops and Courgette Flowers and the Venetian Appetisers of Grilled Vegetables & Ricotta Cheese. The food looked too good to eat – full marks for presentation – the three scallops were cooked to perfection, juicy and plump they left us wanting more. The Vegetables and Ricotta was an interesting dish, all served cold with three balls shaped objects one of which was ricotta, not an unpleasant dish just not one for us.
For mains we went for the Fillet of Sea Bass scallop Carpaccio & Asparagus Cipollini Onion Cream Sauce and Red Mullet Fillet, Basilicum Crust Seafood, Filled Calamari, Sundried Tomatoes & Potatoes. Both fish dishes were made using generous slices of fresh fish, the filled calamari was a surprising bonus, a blend of flavours and textures which combined perfectly to create a soft sausage like roll. The potato style roastie with the Red Mullet was a great accompaniment, however the Sea Bass was lacking in vegetables served on top of four asparagus tips it needed something extra to add a bit of stodge.
For dessert the Roast Peach Tiramisu & Flavoured Macaroons went down a treat as did the liquor coffee – definitely the highlight of our meal! For a 5-star hotel restaurant Citrus serves reasonably priced gourmet food and wine. If you fancying trying out the Venetian menu you need to do before September.
The Park Lane Hotel, The Citrus Restaurant, Piccadilly, W1J
www.citrusrestaurant.co.uk