Bo Drake, London
BO DRAKE: LONDON
18/05/16
By Ellie
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT:
- To dine in the cool and modern interior
- The unusual cocktails which match the Asian style food perfectly
- If you're a meat eater, the succulent bbq meat dishes are for you
- If you're after somewhere cosy then this 60-cover only restaurant is a great choice
The originally Asian-inspired eatery Bo Drake launched their new menu in April and on my visit I was excited to try the unique dish concepts introduced by Italian Head Chef Matteo Frugone, inspired by his European and Italian experiences.
Although aware of the style of the new menu, I was not expecting to be enjoying such unconventional delights as Pesto Noodles with delicately Smoked Eel. For me, this sums up Frugone’s neoclassical style.
Other than small bottles of Siracha donning each table, the decor holds no reference to Asian dining. Instead the simple exposed brick interior is synonymous with typical Soho restaurants.
On arrival, I was greeted by a friendly host, who remained attentive throughout my visit. The 60-cover restaurant has a cosy and inviting feel, which helped maintain a lively atmosphere. I was seated in a snug corner at the back of the restaurant however bar seating is also available for the more casual diner.
The cold, drizzly weather outside on this particular Wednesday evening may have informed my choice of an Old Fashioned to begin the evening. On reflection there may have been more complementary cocktails to enjoy with the food, such as the carefully curated Starman cocktail. Containing Soju and Basil, this Korean and European-inspired cocktail would perhaps have been much more appropriate.
I started with the unusual sounding Kimchi Pancake which resembled a delicate pizza with stringy mozzarella, spicy tomato and a contrasting hint of pickle from the Kimchi.
Next my guest and I tried the Pork Belly Bao, which was not too fatty and deliciously sweet and is a must try. Wrapped in a delectable soft steamed Chinese bun, this was a highlight of the dishes I chose.
With a strong barbecue influence throughout the menu, it is worth choosing one of the mouth-watering meat dishes on offer. The 35-day aged Sirloin Tataki combined delicious thin strips of Rare Beef, Shitake Mushrooms and Tofu, and the delicate texture of the meat was complemented by a sharp Ponzu dressing.
Lastly we tried the Unagi Japche, which was Sweet Potato Noodles heavily dressed in Pesto. This was largely the flavour of the dish but the exquisite flavours of the delicately smoked eel, despite the modest portion, are not to be missed.
Located just off Greek Street, this small but intimate restaurant is definitely worth a try for enthusiasts of sweet, barbecued Asian flavours but with a little something extra.
Dotty Dishes was a guest of Bo Drake.
Bo Drake, 6 Greek St, London W1 4DE
