Seductive Setting, Palate Puzzles
Maene London, situated on Fashion Street in Spitalfields, which I am 75% confident my fashionista friend chose because it’s London Fashion Week, enchants with its charming ambiance. However, not every dish here is ready for its close-up in this enchanting tale.
Interestingly, ‘Maene’ means ‘community’ in Old English. If their goal is to bring foodies together, well, let’s just say there’s some room for culinary improvement. Or perhaps, as they seem to suggest, they’re secretly cooking up a storm for the laid-back yogis who just happen to enjoy their cocktails shaken.
Mission, wanted maene to be a place for people to come together, be it for dinner with friends, breakfast with work colleagues or a drink on the terrace after a yoga class.
Ambiance:
Feeling the East London vibe, I stumbled upon the hidden entrance to Maene. They had transformed a warehouse into a softly lit, charming dining room, creating an ideal setting for an intimate evening or a refined gathering with friends. The thematic use of the color blue also resonated with me.
Service:
The staff was attentive, well-informed, and dedicated to enhancing my dining experience.
But they dropped the cake on this one. Charging a whopping £27 just for serving a birthday cake that was chilling in its cardboard fortress? Why did we have to pay an extra service charge for “Here you go this is your cake self-service”?
Price: ££
Decent, except for the perplexing service charge. They claimed it was because we didn’t order dessert but had our own cake instead. However, I believe many customers don’t necessarily order dessert. But I do know they’re not the only place that charges such fees.
What I Ordered:
Roasted courgettes, zuni pickles and pine nut
The roasted courgettes, tender yet retaining a slight bite, were a testament to the kitchen’s mastery of roasting techniques. Each slice carried the essence of the Mediterranean sun, offering a subtly sweet and earthy flavor heightened by a delicate smokiness.
The zuni pickles and pine nuts provided a delightful crunch that elevated the overall experience, although the zuni pickles did bring a bit too much tanginess to the dish.
Fried allotment vegetables, redgage chutney and house raita
The batter on the fried vegetables was impeccably crispy, providing a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, farm-fresh produce within.
The redgage chutney, with its balanced blend of sweet and tangy notes, elevated the dish to another level. However, the house raita was lacking in freshness, and it left me wondering if they were familiar with the authentic raita.
Cornish pollack crudo, sea buckthorn and fig leaf
Well, this dish put on quite the show with its fancy presentation and a color that practically yelled, ‘Look at me!’
But that first bite was like a surprise plot twist in a sitcom. The pollack seemed to have been on a bulking-up regimen, sliced way too thick for its own good. And the sauce? Well, let’s just say it had a quirky tang that made my taste buds do a double take.
*Scottish mussels, smoked cider and butter sauce
The Scottish mussels were plump and tender. The buttery sauce was incredibly tasty, adding richness and a velvety texture that enveloped the palate.
Additionally, you’ll find bread in the middle of this delicious soup, and I must say, it was seriously top-notch. It soaked up all the delicious flavors of the buttery soup, and I felt like I was in seafood heaven
Chicken supreme, grilled gem Caeser, Berkswell
Well, the chicken was moist, but honestly, I’ve got this feeling that my kitchen might just be plotting to replace the chef.
Conclusion:
Maene London certainly entices with its captivating ambiance, making it an appealing choice for a special dining experience shared on social media platforms. However, the inconsistency in the culinary offerings stands out as a notable drawback. Most dishes seemed to have a somewhat sour flavor profile, and unfortunately, some fell short of the enchantment promised by the overall experience.
While it may not be a culinary haven, for those seeking a chill-out spot for brunch or drinks in London, Maene London may still work its magic.
Tips from Hanako: They have a yoga studio downstairs. Enjoy yoga and go for a post-yoga brunch or drink to enjoy the terrace vibe.
Website: https://www.maenerestaurant.co.uk/
