Galvin at Windows

Food - I love it, as many a post here proves. As the years pass I have become less fussy, and no longer turn my nose up at swede or pizza. I'm still rather proud of the fact that I have yet to buy a kebab when drunk, although it's only I've yet to overcome my fear of a full English from a greasy spoon.

I have however been less adverse to trying something a bit more up market. Last night was such an experience, when I had the opportunity to dine at Galvin at Windows, on the 28 floor of the Hilton on Park Lane. Im trying to save money , so probably not the most sensible of choices, but it was well worth it and a few months of baked beans on toast will see me back on an even keel.

We were fortunate that by the time we arrived the weather was clement, and the sky had hints of blue, as for much of the day it had been grey and wet, and it would have been a shame to have spoiled such a fantastic view over London.

But what we were really there for was the food and the drink. A lovely bottle of Champagnes started us off, before we were shown to our table, and some good quality bread to choose from as we decided on what to eat.

I decided on some seared foie gras, with a duck pastilla lemon confit in a date consommé , lamb for main with white asparagus, a green smear and a side dish of shepherd's pie. Whilst waiting for this the wine arrived a love Resisling, - I finally realized the value of a sommelier. We were given an amuse bouche - a white asparagus mouse topped with what I think was hollandaise and ham hock shavings. To be honest I could have just finished there and raved about that for the rest of the week.

But more was to come. The starter was delicious, the seared foie gras tender, the pastilla delicate and spicy, the confit smooth, and the date consomme had a subtle depth to it.

Next up a main, the lamb was served the recommended pink and it was sweet and tender, the best part of it however was the shepherd's pie which came in a side dish. The potato topping was perfect, the lamb mince beneath rich and thick one of those eating out occasions where you wold love to do an Oliver twist and ask for more.

Deserts are often a hit and miss affair, but this was not an issue last night. I plumped for the coffee creme brule, and the recommended desert wine. a dense aromatic Muscat. The fumes of which would probably set off a sensitive breathalyzer . It was well matched with teh pudding whihc had a crisp hard shell over a dense creamy centre.

The obligatory coffees , some petit fours, and a jar of lime and strawberry marshmallows - which I scoffed a lot of, then time to leave.

The two hours had slipped by quickly, and I was quite dad to be going. The service was wonderful, and Massi our dedicated waiter was lovely in all manner of ways. It may have been my first visit but I certainly hope it won't be the last.