EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF THE RIVIERA WITH GIN D’AZUR AT THE RESIDENCY
This October, Gin d’Azur partnered with The Residency for month-long paired menu drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean coast. Gin d’Azur is a sustainable French Gin from the Cognac region which is inspired by the famous beaches of the Côte d’Azur and landscapes of Provence. Gin d’Azur’s main botanicals consist of juniper, thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, mountain savory, star anise, and Menton lemon peel. Each Provencal ingredient is harvested at its optimum ripeness and aromatic peak. The ingredients are then distilled separately in copper pot stills over and open flame and then magnified by a hint of Camargue salt. After a quick sample of the gin during my lunch, its safe to say Onin.London will be featuring a full review soon.
From Tuesday to Sunday, guests were treated to a selection of carefully curated dishes paired with three limited- edition Gin d’Azur cocktails to emulate the sunshine of the Mediterranean and reign in the last of the summer season.
Head Chef Carniel Francis has worked alongside Bar Manager Alex Mansueto to create a sumptuous menu to showcase the region, with an amalgamation of flavours that work in tandem with the Gin d’Azur cocktails.
Upon arrival to the restaurant, I was greeted by the friendly staff and was seated while waiting for my guest. The restaurant itself is lovely and I was looking forward to sampling the menu.
The first course was Avocado, tender stem broccoli, and courgette tempura which is accompanied by the Jasmine – Gin d’Azur, St. Germain Elderflower, Jasmin Syrup, Matcha, Lime and Aquafaba. This cocktail was the perfect start to the meal and I really enjoyed the tempura, it was fresh and a light. Exactly what you want when you start a three course meal.
Next was two larger plates, the first being Trout Ceviche. The dish is made up of wild trout ceviche diced with pomegranate candy beets, Hibiscus pickled shallots and a delicate coconut lime dressing follows, paired with the Provence cocktail – Gin d’Azur, Xante, Juniper Berries, Residency Vanilla and Rhubarb puree top with Fleur organic brut. Now the cocktail for this was delicious and did pair well with the lightness of the dish, however, I did find the dish not as Ceviche like as I would have liked. I like the tang and spice of a typical Ceviche so while absolutely lovely, it didn’t have the same zing to it.
The last course was Grilled chicken thighs served with a creamy mushroom sauce, paired with the Resident Nightfall – Gin d’Azur, Drambuie, Lemon, Agave topped with merlot. Now for someone who doesn’t like mushrooms, this dish was really good. The flavours were well balanced and the accompanying cocktail was a surprise hit. Probably my favourite of the day.
The paired menu is priced at £65, capturing the timeless essence of summer and personality of the Mediterranean region.
I will be back to The Residency in Notting Hill. Staff were extremely kind and were happy to talk about the restaurant and the inspiration behind the menu, which made for an enjoyable quiet Friday Lunch.
Website: https://www.theresidencynottinghill.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theresidencynottinghill
Address: The Residency
50 Westbourne Grove,
London
W2 5SH
Written by Tegan LeBon
