I recently had the pleasure of holding a dinner table at Daquise, and this place was fantastic.
Nestled just a hop, skip, and one jump away from South Kensington station, Daquise is a secret hideout in the heart of London. You will be transported on a whirlwind journey through the rich tapestry of Polish culture and cuisine.
It was 1947, and a pair of Polish immigrants, seeking solace from the chaos of World War II, decided to open the doors to what would soon become the talk of the town – Daquise.
As I was contacted by the son of Tomasz Dakowski, the founder of Daquise, I would like to share how the name of Daquise came about with you. The name comes from a conflation of his father’s surname and his mother’s maiden name: Vera Key. They put the Dak and the Key together, but they wanted it to sound more ‘continental’, hence the softening; and the name stuck; indeed the name has endured.
In the sixties, during the height of the Profumo affair, we played host to Christine Keeler and Yevgeni Ivanov, the naval attaché of the Soviet Embassy and KGB spy.
Wow, KGB spy? That’s actually one of the reasons I picked this spot for my monthly covert gathering. I wanted to channel my inner spy.
So, if you’re also in the mood for an adventure that promises a blend of flavor and historical intrigue, Daquise is the perfect choice. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t be able to shake off anytime soon.
Ambiance:
A living museum. Adorned with captivating photographs from yesteryears, it’s a nostalgia-inducing time machine. When you sit at the table here, you can’t help but feel like you’re becoming a part of the storied legacy of this legendary spot.
Service:
I felt like being welcomed into a tight-knit family-run establishment. There was a sense of professionalism among the team, and the smooth operation of the restaurant truly impressed me. Maybe, just maybe, they’re undercover agents from the KGB? Now, wouldn’t that be an exciting twist?
Price: ££
Offers fantastic value for money considering the quality of the food and the generous portion sizes. Plus, its central location in South Kensington makes it a convenient choice for diners looking for a satisfying meal.
What I Ordered:
*Dumpling
With my first bite, I was hooked. The soft, pillowy dough gave way to a creamy, velvety filling infused with the subtle tang of cheese. The contrast between the smoothness of the filling and the slight chewiness of the dough was simply divine.
Needless to say, I’m now a proud member of the Polish food fan club!
Marinated salmon with potato pancakes
The salmon had a great flavor– tangy, herbaceous, and utterly satisfying.
Then what really stole the show for me were the potato pancakes. Crisp on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside, they were the perfect accompaniment to the succulent fish.
Russian vegetable salad
This dish exemplifies the beauty of simplicity.
The tomatoes were juicy and sweet, the eggs perfectly cooked with a plump texture, and the potatoes tender and creamy. A delicate drizzle of creamy dressing brought everything together, adding a subtle tanginess that enhanced the flavors without overshadowing them.
*Veal schnitzel
I was blown away by the Crispy Elegance of this dish. It was hands down the best schnitzel I’ve ever tasted.
The breading was light and crispy, creating a perfect contrast to the succulent meat inside. With each bite, I experienced a delightful crunch followed by tender, flavorful meat. And that buttery flavor from the brown crispy outside? It brought me pure joy.
To top it off, the side of creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked egg added depth to the dish, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Apple cake
I was welcomed by the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. The cake itself was moist with a delicate crumb. Then juicy apple chunks were generously scattered throughout, delivering bursts of both sweetness and tartness.
This dessert was the epitome of comfort, offering a heavenly combination of apple goodness and warm spices from the cinnamon.
Cheesecake
A true delight, offering an experience that was both rich in flavor and steeped in tradition.
The cream cheese filling was incredibly rich and tangy, striking the perfect balance of sweetness. It was an indulgence I savored to the last bite.
Conclusion:
You will be in for a thrilling experience at Daquise. Every visitor, whether they’re a renowned figure or just a regular Joe from the neighborhood, adds to the intricate web of stories that make Daquise a top destination in South Kensington.
It’s like challenging on a covert mission through the amazing world of Polish cuisine, led by a masterful chef and served with a generous helping of hospitality.
If you’re craving a taste of tradition right in the heart of South Kensington, Daquise is the place to be. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Tips from Hanako:
- Opening Hours: They keep their doors unlocked until the wee hours, all the way until 11 pm.
- No reservations necessary, just drop by whenever you please. Their dining area is both spacious and charming.
- Check their sample menu here
2 comments
As the son of Tomasz Dakowski, the founder of Daquise, I thank you for your fine appraisal. I do just need to put the record straight once and for all, as so many have wrongly reported: how the name of Daquise came about. My father never had a French wife; nor was my mother’s name Louise. The name comes indeed from a conflation of his surname and that of his wife’s — my mother — her surname. It was her maiden name that they used; that was Key; her name was Vera Key. They put the Dak and the Key together, but they wanted it to sound more ‘continental’, hence the softening; and the name stuck; indeed the name has endured. Sadly, the current Sword of Damocle’s seems ready to fall. I have just been in touch with the current major shareholder, a Mr. Jash Lozinski who says they have yet to hear when they will be given Notice to Quit. No, sadly he doesn’t have any ideas or future plans for a temporary move or eventual return. Very sad really. Not just for me but for many many people and the cultural history of London as well. I have written to many; Polish Ambassador, Jeremy Clarkson, Sunday Times. To the Times to put right the false and fancyful story of how Daquise got it’s name. Thank you for your ‘blog’ and interest. Happy to keep in touch if you wish. Sincerely, Julian. 8th Oct 2024
Hi Julian,
Thank you so much for your comment here. I updated my blog that when people read mine, they understand the history of your restaurant name.