What we’ve been up to… Yamal Alsham Knightsbridge

The Cultural Exposé — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 11:00:59 +0000

There are two kinds of restaurants – the easy, drop-in varieties that serve good food and allow you to rock up without a reservation (and will turn a blind eye to your trainers), then there’s those sophisticated destinations that are reserved for date nights, proposals and any special occasion where the aim is to simply impress. That’s pretty much the vibe of Yamal Alsham, a Syrian/Lebanese restaurants that’s not only set up in one of the classiest areas in town, but is pretty much everything you want with posh nosh, and doesn’t put too much damage on the wallet.

TCé were invited last week to try a selection of mezes such as falafel, cheese sambousek (deep fried pastry parcels filled with herbs and cheese), fatayer (Baked pastry triangles filled with baby spinach, spring onions & sumac) and mana’eesh zaatar (a lebanese pizza), but they had us at the freshly baked bread, which greeted us merely minutes after we sat at our table. It was a great match with the hummus (which the duty manager pointed out takes 10 hours to make!), and later, the selection of shish kebab and kofta meats we effortlessly devoured. The service was good too, which makes Yamal Alsham a good pick if you want to take a break from the on-trend cuisines and feast on some quality eats in a very lovely spot – and the bill will probably come in at around £50, which isn’t half bad for a Friday night for two (Valentine’s Day anyone?)

For more info, visit: www.yamalalsham.co.uk

Are you a fan of Lebanese or Syrian food? Let us know in the comments!

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Somewhere you should eat… Kumo

Laura Thornley — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:00:54 +0000

Down a well hidden staircase on the exclusive Beauchamp Place, is the bar Kumo, a purveyor of japanese bites and classy cocktails. You may have walked that street 10 times and missed it, or mistaken it for a Gentlemen’s Club (there must be something slightly seedy about walking down a red staircase, right?). Once inside, the striking decor, reflective surfaces and mirrors make the small venue look deceptively big. These are intense surroundings and not ones I would not usually eat in, but I take the plump anyway because this isn’t just about the food – as I realise when handed the cocktail menu. I take a signature Apple Martini and my companion, a Mojito – both are not overly sweet – a genuine mix of flavours.

Settling down at our table we opted for a large platter that involved four different Maki rolls, six of each (but only one of which was vegetarian but the staff are probably accommodating enough to change that if required), two miso soups with Tofu and what they call ‘warm mixed Japanese mushroom salad‘ – but I would call stir fried button mushrooms with japanese flavours. The sushi had some reassuring imperfections that spelt made on the premises. A smallish selection of standard fillings are available with slightly more interesting extras such as soft shell crab. Presentation was impeccable, elegant and refined – perfect for a cocktail drinking group to share.

Our large platter was supposed to satisfy 3-4 but just about filled two hungry women so don’t expect to leave bursting (particularly with prices reflecting the neighbourhood – our platter was £40). But that isn’t the nature of Kumo – this is a place to while away the hours, a marriage of cocktails and sushi (in the true way sushi should be eaten – i.e. as a snack not a meal) and the attentive, friendly staff make this all the more easy. (Words: Laura Thornley)

Kumo Knightsbridge, 1 Beauchamp Place

Tube: Knightsbridge

Price: (££££)£

Further info: www.kumoknightsbridge.com

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Knightsbridge – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Yamal Alsham Knightsbridge

Somewhere you should eat… Kumo