There is a 6 part culinary series on NETFLIX right now entitled 5 STAR CHEF. It is well worth watching if you are into cooking shows, but what makes this particularly fun is that the original 7 young chefs are vying for the opportunity to be head chef at the Palm Court Restaurant in the prestigious 5-star London Hotel – The Langham. (Spoiler alert: this article will reveal the name of the winner.)
In the spring of 2023, we were enjoying this series with all of its mouth-watering show-boating. When the winner was crowned, or perhaps “toqued”, I had a crazy thought. . . we are heading to London in late October, why don’t I see if I can book a table at this gastronomical haven and sample the wares of the winner? What were the chances that I could score a table for two at this now internationally renowned restaurant?
As it turns out, pretty good. Maybe because I was booking about 6 months in advance, but no matter – nailed it!
On our last evening in London, we walked through the “refreshing” evening rain from our hotel in Regent’s Park to the Langham Hotel – about 20 minutes of light activity to build up our appetites. The hotel was typically opulent with marble floors and columns, cathedral ceilings, grand chandeliers and lavish furnishings. Apparently the Langham has been an institution in West London since 1865. Very posh. I felt a little bit like the poor country mouse who was coming to visit the rich city mouse – a little bit out of my league!
But, even a poor, humble mouse has an appetite.
The dining room was even more decadent than the entrance with plush furniture, art deco finishings, grand floral arrangements and vibrant art on the walls. Apparently, the amazing art changes along with the menu and features pieces by Nigerian born Caroline Chinakwe, a London artist who works with mixed media. Her works are described as merging “pop culture images and bold vibrant colours, with a touch of Afrofuturism, to create a unique and futuristic depiction of contemporary black art.”
The menu we were offered was the same menu that won the competition on “5 Star Chef” and our mouths started to water at the descriptions of the Jamaican-influenced haute cuisine. Chef Dominic Taylor has created “The Good Front Room” a place where he can ignite his love for Caribbean gastronomy.
And ignite, he did. We had a 3 course meal that was the highlight of our London (and Spain) trip. In fact, this particular vacation we dined in 2 different Michelin Star restaurants that were not as good as the meal we had here. There were ample choices on the menu and we selected marinated boneless jerk chicken thigh with plantain jam, plantain crisp and blackened sweetcorn dressing and king prawns with coconut sambal to start with.
Our mains included a banana leaf baked sea bream done with lemongrass, pimento and ginger marinade as well as a dark rum and raisin slow-cooked pork belly with all-spice braised red cabbage and thyme salted crackling. According to Colin, the fish was one of the best he has ever eaten (and he’s eaten a LOT of fish!)
Just like on the NETFLIX show, the meals came with 5 different side dishes – a perfect accompaniment to the meal. What were these famous “sides”?
Green Banana Gratin | Garlic | Nutmeg Cream |
Herb Crumb Rice and Peas | Black Eye Beans | Coconut Basmati Rice
Maple, Coriander and Lime Glazed Plantain | Fresh Chillies |
Smoked Salt Brussel Sprouts | Shallots | Plant Based Bacon
Okra and Fennel Slaw | Dairy Free Yoghurt | Lemon
We savoured a dessert of dark chocolate layered mousse cake with hints of coffee, cocoa bean, and ginger. You had to crack into the chocolate coating that the mousse was encased in. Very satisfying!
To top off the evening, Chef Dominic Taylor came out to greet the diners and accept the well-deserved accolades. We told him we came all the way from the West Coast of BC to sample his creations. He was flattered and very humble.
I don’t know what the food was like at the Palm Court before Chef Dominic took the helm, but it’s hard to imagine it being better than it is now! I anticipate a Michelin Star for this talented chef very shortly!
So, if you happen to get to London between now and April 2024 – The Palm Court at the Langham will continue to feature this very talented chef and his delicious food. It comes with our highest recommendation!
*2024 update: The Palm Court at the Langham has now changed the Good Front Room to Chez Roux and there is a wonderful new menu to sample. It’s pretty much guaranteed to be another mouth-watering culinary adventure, so be sure to check out the dining room at the Langham when in London. And if you can fine where Chef Dominic Taylor is working, you are very lucky, indeed.
Other culinary experiences we would love to share with you:
Published on Main – Vancouver, BC
St. Lawrence (Vancouver, Canada)
Le Petit Chef – various cities
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