Guess who came to town

Lunch with Marco Pierre White - Hotel Indigo Liverpool 25/09/13

It was not a typical Wednesday afternoon I must say. Receiving an invite to dine at the fabulous boutique Hotel Indigo  in Liverpool's business quarter was rather exciting. 

Marcos Pierre White - Michelin Award winning chef

After being greeted by Sarah Hubbard, our host for the afternoon, we were treated to a complimentary glass of Prosecco and encouraged to mingle with other diners who were looking forward to the culinary experience.

Punters were able to book in advance at a price of £40 for a 3 course lunch or £70 for a 3 course dinner at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Liverpool. In exchange for a signed apron and a £10 voucher for use on their next visit, the restaurant was guaranteed to be busy and that it was.

The restaurant was bustling with foodies ready to sample the delights on offer by skilled chefs trained by Marco Pierre Whites' very own team.

Once seated we were offered chilled water served by attentive staff. There was a definite buzz about the place as diners waited expectantly for the man himself to make an appearance.

The menu offered three choices per course.

 Hors D'Oeuvres 

• Roasted pumpkin soup, wild mushrooms and Parmesan
• Beetroot cured Salmon Gravadlax, Pickled cucumber, Mustard Frills, Brown Bread
• Ox cheek ravioli, Girolles, Pancetta, Tarragon oil

Main Courses

• 10oz Rump steak , Kale, Fondant potato, Bourguignon sauce
• Pan fried Fillet of Cod, Parsley Pommes Mousseline, Peas a la Francaise
• Sweet potato, spinach, soft poached egg, tomato concasse, spiced lentils

Puddings

• Dark chocolate tart, raspberry sorbet
• Buttermilk Panna cotta, poppy seed tuille
• Selection of local cheeses, quince jelly, house chutney

  

  Pan fried fillet of cod, parsley pommes mousseline, peas a la Francaise

  I chose pumpkin soup for hors d'oeuvres. It was gorgeous, the soup was hot and flavoursome, the Parmesan provided a subtle but necessary compliment to the wild mushrooms which added texture. The pumpkin did not overtake the flavour of the soup and was very enjoyable. I was disappointed when I reached the end of the bowl, wishing there was more. Once the main course arrived though, I concluded that the quantity was just right in view of the richness of what was to follow.
  
  After much deliberation, I opted for the pan fried fillet of cod. Not being a fan of steak but not wanting to go for the vegetarian option, I considered this to be the best option. I was not disappointed. The cod was to die for and melted in the mouth. On first glance, it seemed that the serving was small and inadequate despite being aesthetically pleasing to the eye - the customary nouvelle cuisine sparse offering I initially thought. However upon tasting, the pommes mousseline and peas a la Francaise were exquisite and I was surprisingly very full upon completing the course. Another satisfactory course.
  

  

  Dark chocolate tart accompanied by a refreshing raspberry sorbet

For dessert, there was no doubt in my mind that the chocolate tart would prove to be a winner. It was rich, decadent, the pastry short and buttery and the freshness of the sorbet proved a wonderful contrast to the bitterness of the chocolate.

The menu gets 10/10 from me - locally sourced produce, rich yet contrasting flavours and courses which were not minuscule thus warranting a trip to the local chip shop afterwards. I was thoroughly satisfied.

Diners enjoying the fare at Marco Pierre White's steakhouse

I wasn't sure what to expect when Marcos finally arrived, he looked like a man on a mission as he rushed through the busy restaurant, his assistant in tow. The huge mural's of the chef adorn the restaurant and even the menus bear his face. A little too much perhaps? A little self aggrandising? I thought I would reserve judgement until I met him.

Once diners had completed their meal, they were invited to visit Marco's table for photographs and to get their aprons signed.

I imagined him to be rather brusque and impatient with his fans, however the converse was true as he welcomed them towards him asking their names. He proceeded to doodle elaborate sketches (mainly cartoon like dogs) on their aprons upon presentation. I even caught him smiling a few times. Beneath the harsh exterior is a personable man who clearly makes time for his fans.

Marco Pierre White & me

We even got to have a guided tour of the hotel after the lunch which provided a great insight into the rooms on offer at this lovely chic boutique hotel. All 151 rooms having the cotton theme provide style and luxury. I would definitely recommend eating at this restaurant and would consider staying here at the hotel. Overall, it was a great experience and Wednesday's in the office will struggle to compare.

Typical Room at Hotel Indigo

Even the TV in the bedrooms announced Marco's arrival

Bedroom - Indigo