Navigating Complexity, Off the Mark
Entering La Bibliothèque is like stumbling upon a hidden gem of a chef’s table in the heart of East London, Haggerstone. Imagine: after navigating through the dimly lit dining area and unassuming curtain, you’re greeted by a gleaming chef’s counter, complete with a sleek white marble high table. It’s the kind of setup that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience – an invitation to immerse yourself in culinary delight.
But here’s the kicker: while the vibe and service hit all the right notes, my culinary journey at La Bibliothèque left me feeling torn. It’s like when a promising artist is still finding their footing – there’s potential, but they haven’t quite reached the top tier, making everything just confusing.
Ambiance:
La Bibliothèque sure knows how to create an atmosphere. Not over-the-top fancy, but a cozy chic ambiance that hits all the right notes. Made me crave a glass of wine and the chance to simply unwind for hours on end.
Service:
Impeccable. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism, our every need anticipated and attended to with grace.
Drinks:
Their drink selection was impressive, boasting a wide range of sake, cocktails, and wines. But let’s be real, while the options were great, the prices were a bit steep for what I got.
Price: £££
The portion sizes – or should I say, the lack thereof. While I totally get the whole quality-over-quantity vibe, considering the price point, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more bang for my buck. Plus, in an area like East London, the prices just didn’t seem to match up with the experience.
Not worth the trek if you’re coming from afar using overground.
What I Ordered:
Our creative menu features a delicious blend of mediterranean cuisine with Japanese inspiration.
Honestly, I’m not sure they quite hit the mark on delivering both Mediterranean and Japanese vibes. But hey, let’s dive into the dishes and see how they stack up, shall we?
Milk Bread, Butter
The presentation of the Milk Bread and Butter was spot-on. Freshly baked milk bread, boasting a golden crust and pillowy soft interior, served alongside three luxurious varieties of creamy butter.
Now, onto the taste test. While the butter was a dream – rich, creamy, and utterly decadent – the bread didn’t quite hit the mark. It lacked that subtle sweetness I was hoping for, which left me feeling a tad disappointed.
Braised Lamb Shoulder, Onion, Seaweed
I must say, the onion mousse was a pleasant surprise, offering a delicate hint of sweetness that really hit the spot.
However, when it came to the lamb, I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. It lacked that tenderness and the rich flavor I was craving.
The seaweed? Well, let’s just say it was a bit of a no-show. It felt like they slapped it on top of a strong French-based mousse without really integrating it into the dish.
BBQ Monk Fish, Beef Fat, Whisky, Apple
Despite its petite size (we’re talking max zoom-in here), the monkfish stole the show with its tender and succulent texture. But here’s where things get interesting: that glaze! A decadent fusion of beef fat and whisky, it brought a new level of depth and complexity to each bite.
Cod, Jerusalem Artichoke, Ginger
Let me start by saying, I super dislike the presentation here. Burnt cod wrapped in wilted greens? Not exactly a feast for the eyes.
Now, onto the taste test. Despite its less-than-appetizing appearance, I have to admit, the cod was surprisingly delicious. Cooked to perfection, it had a tender, flaky texture that practically melted in my mouth.
Now, onto the Jerusalem artichoke. While I had high hopes for this earthy veggie, I have to say I was a bit let down. It seemed like it could’ve been cooked differently to really bring out its natural flavor.
*Kurobuta Pig, Cime di Rapa, Peanut, Pear
This dish was worth every penny. The Kurobuta pig was an absolute perfection. It was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Seriously, each mouthful was like a flavor explosion, with layers of richness and depth that showcased the chef’s skill and the quality of the ingredients.
Original Bean Chocolate, Miso, Almond
While the presentation was a testament to the chef’s craftsmanship and creativity, I have to admit, the flavor profile missed the mark for me. They went overboard with the miso, overpowering both the chocolate and the miso itself. Instead of a delightful dessert, it ended up tasting overly salty and completely missed the mark.
I applaud their effort, but there’s definitely room for improvement. Maybe a bit more finesse and refinement in their flavor combinations could take their dishes to the next level.
What’s the deal with these popcorn?
Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, Matcha Rice Pudding, Buttermilk
AS the lamb shoulder starter, it seems like they’re playing hide-and-seek with the dish’s presentation.
The rhubarb had a subtle acidity and lingering freshness, adding a delightful contrast to the milky dish. While I enjoyed the texture of the rice pudding, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed by the lack of delicate matcha flavor, leaving me wondering where the green tea essence had disappeared to.
It seems like only the color was reminding me of green tea, and that was about it.
Conclusion:
In the big picture, La Bibliothèque left me feeling like I had stepped into two different worlds. While the ambiance and service were absolutely enchanting, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience, the food left much to be desired.
Considering their less-than-ideal location, La Bibliothèque really needs to think about who they’re trying to appeal to. If they’re committed to staying put, they should think about tweaking their prices or portion sizes to better suit their customer base. Alternatively, they might consider relocating to a hotspot like Soho, where diners are more likely to have refined tastes, but then they need more exceptional dishes.
And here’s a friendly tip – their restaurant name is a bit of a tongue-twister, isn’t it? I couldn’t even begin to guess how to pronounce it correctly. Maybe they should consider something a bit more straightforward and easy to remember.
Check their sample menu: https://www.labibliotheque.co.uk/eat-and-drink
