The news about Daniel Boulud bringing his culinary skills to London got my gourmet belly rumbling… 

Those that don’t know of him, Lyon born chef Daniel Boulud, is probably better known on the New York dining circuit where he has five establishments, one of which being the critically acclaimed Daniel – with 3 Michelin Stars…the one I have been DYING to go to the last couple of times I’ve hit this great city. 

Set in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, the restaurant had a very relaxed bistro feel about the place which was (surprisingly) good. After all, if I was to come here to try the infamous “Piggie Burger”, there probably wasn’t going to be any other way to tuck into this bad boy without using my hands, so in this instance, fine china and fancy cutlery wasn’t going to be so important. 

The menu comprises predominantly of charcuterie style dishes – pates, terrines, sausages etc, with some retro French classics and New Yorker style burgers thrown in for good measure, but this was exactly what I was hanging for following a cocktail infused Saturday night out… 

Given we were here for some Engagement celebrations, we upped the ante by ordering the Seafood platter and charcuterie platter to be shared amongst the table for starters. Both of these really hit the spot, but kudos to Gilles Verot the award-winning Parisian charcuterie who has teamed up with Boulud to supply these fine cold meats! The wooden board mounted with 5 different types of terrines, pates, and award-winning hams and chorizo and gherkins was like the perfect picnic…especially as we washed it down with a nice bottle of  celebratory prosecco. 

Now it was time for the mains. Having read about Bar Boulud’s much-anticipated opening, it was a no brainer that I would be ordering the “Piggie Burger” as this dish seemed to feature in just about every review on the restaurant. Not your typical burger, this was a medium cooked beef pattie containing shreds of pulled pork, and coleslaw served on a brioche bun! 

Accompanied with a glass of French red, I will even go as far as saying that this was the best burger I have ever had!! 

The service is excellent with all dishes faultless. And having Daniel Boulud gliding around the restaurant as we dined definitely heightened the experience too. You must totally get there sometime soon, cause I will definitely be going back for more… 

**Update – I went back with the PCPs on Thurs 29th July and the place was absolutely heaving!!! Tried to be more adventurous and ordered the “Frenchie” burger this time which led to food envy on the “Piggie” burger! Shall stick to my Gourmet Belly instincts for the next time 😉

Did You Know: 

• Although not on the menu, Bar Boulud also offers the DB Burger which is made up of a beef pattie (cooked to your desire) with a hunk of foie gras stuffed inside. At £20 a pop, this is definitely no McDonald’s or Hungry Jacks – but definitely worth it with each mouth-watering bite
• Fat Duck chef – Heston Blumenthal will be joining the dining hot spot that is the Mandarin Oriental, by opening Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in November this year. Watch this space!!