dinner & catch up

On Thursday evening myself, Mel and Sarah reunited over envy-inducing dinner at Sauterelle at The Royal Exchange. It's always so difficult to find a date that works for everyone so we were very excited bunnies- throwing hugs and smothering ourselves in kisses.

Sarah is now studying for her masters to become the greatest physchologist in the world, Mel is increasing here patience even more by staying on for another year at the boarding school whilst I am writing away every day until I can no longer see the screen. It seems all of our dreams are ever so slowly rolling into motion. 

Anyway, enough about us- here's to the food. 

Sauterelle is part of D&D, restaurant giants of London, and recently they have been running a promotion with The Evening Standard for dinner at some of their top restaurants for no less than £30 a head- three courses and wine thrown in- a total bargain. From Quaglino's to Skylon, the choice is fantastic and an opportunity not to be missed. 

   

           

We opted for two courses with petit fours- just the right amount to keep us delightfully happy. We took photos but unfortunately the lighting wasn't the best for food so you'll just have to take my word for it. Mel and I started with tender slices of marinated beef with cheese fondue and spring vegetables whilst Sarah opted for artichoke, quail egg and truffle. I told you it'd make you drool. For mains we had pan seared duck with a currant coulis and red cabbage and sea bass with roasted tomatoes and crushed potatoes- all divine and beautifully presented. 

  

We gossiped and caught up on everyone's news, jobs, boys and family- it was an evening that needs to be repeated at least monthly. Nothing changes with us- the power puff girls! 

  

  

Having dined to our hearts content we decided to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. The Royal Exchange is a huge building with a massive central courtyard, dotted with boutiques. The lighting is wonderful and just crying out for a photoshoot of silly proportions. We snapped away in front of Tiffanys until a very angry security man forced me to delete my photos in front of him- who knew this was sacred ground... Clearly it's a place full of secrets. 

   

We did however, take a couple outside before heading off in separate ways (me to bed- wild, and Sarah and Mel to cocktails and god knows where else in Covent Garden). Next time we fancy sampling Heston Blumenthal's taster menu... My mouth is already watering. 

A perfect evening with the perfect company and all for the price of a bottle of wine- try and beat that one! 

L.