I’ve been going out more and more in London. Watching my beloved city slowly coming back to life makes me happy. And I’m loving the new alfresco restaurant lifestyle that’s unfolded. In Soho the streets that radiate out from Old Compton Street have all been closed to traffic and bars and restaurants have filled them with their tables. There’s a real party atmosphere and such a joy to have no cars!
Today we headed for Chotto Matte in Frith Street to sample their new Saturday Harajuku brunch. The stylish restaurant, opened out to the street serves an inventive Nikkei menu – a mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
To start with a vibrant cocktail called the Harajuka Girl – deliciously zesty with a mix of tangy hibiscus and vodka. And time to peruse what’s on offer.
What’s on the menu
Four tasty small plates to share get the juices going. I adore this kind of food, it looks so beautiful and tastes som agical with its range of exotic ingredients all artfully presented.
Like the yellowtail Nikkei sashimi with cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, coriander and yuzu truffle soy. So delicate and flavoursome. Love the blue plate too.
Always an edamame fan! A delightful bowl of lightly charred, salty beans.
This picture-perfect plate is called spicy tuna crispy rice. The luscious tuna tartar with a crispy rice topping, Peruvian chilli and the prettiest of garnishes.
Next up, warm beef fillet tataki topped with zingy passion fruit salsa. I love a tataki and could have eaten a plateful of this delectable dish. The smoky berry-like flavours of the aji panca sauce – made from Peruvian chilli peppers – complemented the beef perfectly.
Time for some big plates
. We had to choose a big plate and a side each for the next round. First up, Asadi de tira – slow cooked, melt-in-the-mouth barbecue beef with a buttery purple potato puree and teriyaki jus and topped with chives.
Juicy and plump gambas a la Parilla (which basically means grilled prawns) with a zesty lime salsa adding a wonderful depth and freshness.
And some bits on the side
We sneaked in an extra side as we both have a passion for padron peppers. Today coated with miso before frying which adds a beautifully sweet taste and extra slightly sticky texture. Best padrons ever.
And here’s something you really must try if you’re eating Peruvian – Yuca frita. Crispy, piping hot wedges made from the cassava plant, they’re sort of like a cross between polenta and potato chips. And they’re simply delicious, especially dipped into the smoked panca dip.
And finally, some rice to dream about. The Arroz Chaufa is a Peruvian dish with a Chinese influence.Fried rice with egg and a mix of vegetables – in this case including some crunchy corn. Rice in a different league.
For dessert, it’s the chef’s choice served up in this glorious purple platter. I don’t eat a lot of dessert but am partial to a bit of panna cotta and have been known to demolish a sorbet or two. The creamiest of panna cotta topped with strawberry flavours and a mango sorbet kept me very happy. There were also chocolate offerings included – what joy.
I have to admit to being unsettled living in these times of Corona. Not knowing what’s around the corner and not being able to plan too far ahead because who knows what’s going to happen next. And of course the worry about what kind of long-term effect Lockdown is going to have on the world. So it was so lovely to spend a time in a buzzy, sunny Soho where everything felt right in the world again. If only for a few hours.
Today’s price point
Brunch for two which includes four small plates to share, two big plates and two sides with unlimited sparkling, wine and beer is £65.
Brunch is available on Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.
Chotto Matte is at 11-13 Frith Street, Soho W1
