I had an excellent lunch on Thursday @starlingbistro, the newish local restaurant from @beardymanchef. I long respected Nick Beardshaw in his years with @cheftomkerridge, but even that -- and a star this month from @michelinuk -- but even that didn't quite prepare me for just how good @starlingbistro... More
I had an excellent lunch on Thursday @starlingbistro, the newish local restaurant from @beardymanchef. I long respected Nick Beardshaw in his years with @cheftomkerridge, but even that -- and a star this month from @michelinuk -- but even that didn't quite prepare me for just how good @starlingbistro in Esher did. The service is as good at it gets: Warm, engaging and professional, without unnecessary lingering at the table, or lengthy descriptions of the dishes.The room is attractive, the diners a decidedly charming bunch, the menu very tempting, with entirely reasonable prices. Nick was right there at the pass with his team. @markhastings75 and I had snacks of Truffle Cheese Crumpets, 36-months-aged Parmesan (£7.50); Chicken Nugget, honey glaze, house hot sauce (£9); Cornish Lobster Cocktail Hash brown, smoked lettuce (£18). Starters of "A Moon-Shaped Pool" (Great British Menu 2023) Hand-dived Orkney scallop, green Thai curry salty fingers, marinated cucumber (£22); Marinated Datterini Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Lovage Pesto, Cheese Sable (313); Mains of Mushroom "Risotto", deep-fried egg, Roscoff onion, 36-month-aged Parmesan (£26.50); Herb-Crumbed Chicken"Kyiv", braised turnip, parsley, lemon, garlic (£29.50); with a side of triple-cooked chips (£7); Desserts of "Balloon Girl" Great Britis h Menu 2023, Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Torte (£16.50; and a wonderful Brown-Butter Ice Cream, Piedmont hazelnuts, early-harvest olive oil (£11). Starling Bistro shares inspiration with @thecoachmarlow, yet has an original personality and style of its own. I recommend it. #rvinesdines Less
