Odette’s Restaurant
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Posted
August 6, 2011 by Hanna-May White in
FOOD
Odette’s restaurant is situated on Regents Park Road in the midst’s of Victorian Shops and Cafes, just a stone’s throw away from the park itself. An excellent location to unwind and relax and take in the picturesque surroundings.
The restaurant is family owned by Welsh Chef Bryan Williams, who triumphed in the 2006 ‘Great British Menu’. He took over Odette’s after training in France and has revolutionized the restaurant. To give Odette’s a strong Welsh influence, Bryan has even sourced fresh ingredients from his family owned farm in Denbigh, North Wales.
When I first walked into the restaurant, I have to admit I was captivated by the interior and deco. It resembled a home with personal paintings, bookcases and ornaments placed neatly around the dining area. There was a reaI presence of Bryan Williams and his family’s style. I had already imagined myself sipping cocktails in the restored alcoves, low ceilings and alluring Appliqued banquettes.
The waiter led us to be seated in the garden, which was tucked away passed the dining room. My companion for the evening was my good friend Delly, a popular vlog Beauty Guru, who was already seated before I had the chance to blink . She was getting comfortable on the grey and gold trimmed cushioned banquettes resting on the iron chairs, looking very smugly at the menu. Above us draped a canapé of leaves with pockets of sunlight glaring through.
After being seated and having an intimate chat with the waiter about the restaurant’s history, we were brought our starters; home made bread served with a cold tomato soup. The soup was refreshing with a spicy after taste, perfect in the sunshine as we sat down in our newfound secret garden.
For drinks, I ordered the 2008 Chianti Classico, while Delly ordered the rum, lime juice, fresh mint, & brown sugar soda AKA the classic Havana Mojito. We didn’t have to wait long before our table was cleared and the next dish was gently placed in front of us.
Being a HUGE fan of seafood, the Hand-dived scallops and confit chicken wings with new season garlic was a must-have. A strange combination of poultry & fish that I would never ever have thought would make a good combination, but it turned out to be a perfect match. I took a bite and decided there and then that Odette’s was worth a second, third, fourth visit. I would happily live in the garden.
Delly opted for the crab lasagna & salt and pepper squid all in a shellfish sauce. She kindly allowed me to taste her dish after careful tactical and political negotiations. The crab was divine , and coming from the Nom Nom sounds coming from Delly’s side of the table, she also thought it was delicious. The only bad point was the resident pigeons in the background eyeing our plates from a distance.
For mains I ordered the saddle of rabbit, which came with aubergine, grilled courgette, and confit tomato and Roasted turbot, while Delly beat me to ordering the braised oxtail, cockles & samphire, created by Bryan for Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday in 2006. I have to admit I was a tad disappointed when my dish arrived as I visualized the rabbit to be the same size as lamb cutlets however instead laid in front of me was what looked like a well presented small bunny ribs with hardly any meat on the bone! However putting that aside, the dish was truly exceptional, a classic combination executed and presented like a painting out of White Chapel gallery.
Last but not least for dessert I had the Pistachio cake, calvados cream & apple & my companion went for Strawberry cheesecake topped with meringue and basil. The pistachio cake had a crunchy exterior which was dusted lightly icing and surrounded by a Calvados rich cream which was the perfect choice to end the meal with, I am certain that this is one or not thee best meals I have had so far since moving to London.
The staff are friendly, and have a genuine passion and admiration for the restaurant and Bryan Williams’s vision, which is rare.
The restaurant is well worth a visit for information on bookings and menu visit http://www.odettesprimrosehill.com/
Contact Us
Odette’s
130 Regent’s Park Road
London NW1 8XL
130 Regent’s Park Road
London NW1 8XL
Tel: 020 7586 8569
Fax: 020 7586 8362
E-mail: info@odettesprimrosehill.com
Fax: 020 7586 8362
E-mail: info@odettesprimrosehill.com
For reservations please ring 020 7586 8569 or reserve online with OpenTable.
Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 12 noon to 2.30pm, 6.00pm to 10.30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12 noon to 3.00pm, 6.00pm to 10.30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12 noon to 3.00pm, 6.00pm to 10.30pm
Booking essential at all times.
