I knew about Bob Bob Ricard when it opened. I remember reading about it in a magazine. I was ready to go there and then. What happened is what usually happens… all the London foodies got there before me. Damn 
That’s right daaaahlings. I do love my fellow London bloggers, but damn, damn and double-damn! It just isn’t fair. I hate it when that happens. One of my many tantrums ensued after reading another post on of this restaurant. Heavenly Housewife, was missing out. You know I can’t have that, don’t you dears? I was just green with envy. So, there I was on the floor, kicking and screaming in all my Dior couture finery, and then finally after much fussing and flying chiffon, Mr P picked me up, dusted me off, and I too finally got to visit Bob Bob Ricard . What can I say, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. N’est-ce pas?
First of all, I want to say that to me, Bob Bob Ricard is one of the most beautiful place I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating in. I have eaten in some pretty fab places: The Ritz, Claridges, The Wolsey and some other really top of the line venus, but to me Bob Bob Ricard is right up there in terms of wow factor and decor. To me, it’s a mix of American Diner and Art Deco splendour. It is the perfect place to see and be seen if you are a “housewife in the know.” The funny thing is that this Art Deco masterpiece is not original. It was manufactured only a couple of years ago, but despite that, it is in no way contrived looking or overly thematic, as these modern reinterpretations often are. It’s just splendid! I remarked to our waiter that Bob Bob Ricard did actually remind me a bit of the Wolsey, and he informed me that the designer was the same person, David Collins.
As pretty as these pictures are, they don’t do the place justice.
We started our meal off with some bread. We got some nice and crusty pieces of French bread which came with butter that had the Bob Bob Ricard emblem embossed upon it. Nice touch. I’ve had my share of bread baskets in my time, and I couldn’t say it was anything remarkable, but it was good. I think it is a little odd, however, that they charge 50p per person on the bread. My thought is that it should be complimentary. To ask for 50p in a restaurant where you will probably spend about £100 for two seems a bit petty to me, but okay, so be it.
Oh, and did I mention that each table is outfitted with one of these?
Jay Rayner from the Guardian says in his review of the restaruant says that “there’s … lobster and chips for those who are all fur coat and no knickers.” And wouldn’t ya know it my dears, that’s exactly what I had. I guess I’m just that kind of girl ;). I liked it, I liked it a lot… but… it wasn’t actually the best lobster I ever had. It tasted great and was beautifully presented. There was no need for any lobster eating hardware because the chef already did all the hard work. The lobster meat was sitting in a lovely garlic butter sauce. Believe me when I tell you that I did eat the whole thing. Here’s the thing… while I did enjoy it, I didn’t feel it had any wow factor that I believe a £39 dish should have. The chips (fries to my American friends) it came with tasted and looked very much like McDonalds fries. I mean that in a good way. I mean, who doesn’t love those??? They were served piping hot in a silver dish. With my meal I ordered a Valrhona chocolate milkshake. I couldn’t resist. I mean, it just sounded like it would be so decadent. Sadly it wasn’t. It was beautifully presented, but it looked a lot better than it tasted. I was expecting it to taste much more chocolatey.
As for my dear Mr P, he got the macaroni and cheese. I thought it was absolutely sumptuous. It was very creamy and luxurious. It was still bubbling when it reached the table. He got a side of chips with his too (which I helped him eat).
And now, for my favorite part my dears: desert. I had really been looking forward to trying the Striped ‘Strawberries & Cream’ Souffle. I’ve never actually had a proper souffle before. This was kinda cool because the waiter brought it with two little pouring pots: one pot was filled with a kind of sweet strawberry redction/ compote and the other pot was fresh pouring cream. The pink suited waiter (yes, really) poked a hole in my souffle and then theatrically poured the strawberry goodness into the desert. That was so fun! So, what did it taste like? Kind of like a giant strawberry marshmallow. It was yummy and quite fabulous. I did however notice that toward the bottom of my souffle it tasted a bit eggy. I don’t think it was supposed to.
Hubby’s desert was really superb. Mr P got the warm chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream and toasted pistachios. Ooooh, that was heavenly. I could only wish that the portion size was a bit bigger. As you can see in the photo, the desert is dwarfed by the large Wedgwood plate.
If I was going to rate Bob Bob Ricard as a whole, I’d say I would give it an 8. Ten for the decor. Ten for the service. Seven for the food. Would I go back again? Definitely. I did end up having a lovely evening, and sitting in that atmosphere, you cant help but feel special. I want to try out their afternoon tea next time, as well as a couple of other things on their menu. I’ll be back, designer bag in tow, but I think I would make some different menu choices next time. Hope to see you there!
P.S. The winner of the lastminue.com £25 gift voucher which I hosted in conjunction with Discountcoder.com is Kavey, of Kavey Eats. Congrats daaaaaaahling, I’ll be in contact with you about getting your voucher!
Oh so wishing I could meet you there. I love the decor and the food looked delish. I thought that a little cheeky charging for bread! Wished we had great food places near us….oh well I’ll live through you in that dept darling.
lots of hugs DJ
Thank you thank you thank you!
And so glad you finally got to Bob Bob Ricard. I went for dinner again this week, on Wednesday, with my cousin. Lovely meal! Had the potted shrimp (so creamy and delicious), the pig cheeks in port (had them before but love them) and then shared the chocolate fondant dessert Mr H had, though it was a much larger but flatter cake than the above. Very tasty!
I had the valhrona milkshake last time I was in and I really loved it, I had the opposite reaction, it was way better and more chocolatey than I had expected! Weird huh?
THANKS AGAIN for the lastminute thing, soooo excited!
BOUNCE
PS Added a link to your lovely review here: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2010/04/shortbread-secrets-at-bob-bob-ricard.html
Oh, that looks superb! I love the crushed velvet banquettes. The food looks delicious.
They shd have that similar magic like a “press for food” button in blogs
Sounds like a fun place, especially with that little champagne button–that’s brilliant! Sounds like the food wasn’t quite as fab as it should have been, and what’s up with charging for bread? That kind of small detail always bugs me. But it looks like a fun date nevertheless!
Nothing works better than a good tanty
What a faaabulous place darling. I think it deserves 10 for the name as well, oh and another 10 for the champagne button – seriously, how cute is that? Pity about the “breadage” and the not-quite-there mains, but the desserts sound yum.
I love when you take pictures of the places you go to! I make a mental list of where to go if I ever get to London. (Well, I’ve been in Heathrow once…)
Oh, and feel free to stay with me in NYC….if you don’t mind sharing a small studio with a messy chef! (Oh, the joys of living in NYC!)
Tell tell about this place… not too many things are worthy of tantrums… now I want to know!!
Love the champagne button, darling HH – anything to make life easier! Sounds yummy & totally moreish!
Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO LOLA:)
Ok, I need to have one of those “Press for Champagne” buttons installed by my bedside … immediately!
Also, I am coveting Mr. P.’s meal entirely. Mac ‘n cheese and a chocolate dessert? He’s my kind of guy!
Have a wonderful weekend, HH!!
xoxoxoxo
What a beautiful restaurant, the champagne button is so neat!
I love the lobster! Press for Champagne button is fun.
Have a nice weekend!
Angie
I love the champagne button. hehehe… I like the decor of the place, too. But what’s calling my name is that souffle!!!!
Happy weekend!!
I’m sorry it wasn’t what you were expecting, after you pitched a fit to go!
The champagne button is darling! I could use one of those next to my bathtub. Such mouth-watering food. Especially the fancy desserts. Have a happy weekend! XOXO
What a beautiful restaurant, love the blue seats…they seem so plus! Yes I agree that charging for bread in a restaurant of that caliber seems petty. And kind of sad. But I’ll still be there in a flash for that dessert alone.
I have always loved the Art Deco movement in design and I believe you when you say this place is amazing decor-wise too! The food and the whole ritual sounds so much fun. Love that dessert!
This looks and sounds amazing. Love your review… I want to try that lobster now! I agree with you on charging 50p for the bread – definitely petty. Have a lovely bank holiday weekend
I love the Press For Champagne button! I’m going to install one on my headboard. I love it! Love the review. You are making me veeery hungry!! Have a fantastic weekend….
I need one of those champagne buzzers for my house!!
Did you try pressing for champagne? The souffle looks fabulous, and the strawberry sauce must have been delicious!
What a great place! Your description is absolutely perfect — American diner meets art deco. All the food looks delicious and I love that champagne button! Have a fabulous weekend!
What a fun review and fun night out. Anything with butter is better, but lobster? Incredible. YUMMMMM. Don’t you make Mr. P mac ‘n cheese at home? Poor deprived fella! The desserts were my favourite part. The idea of the giant strawberry marshmellow definitely appeals to me… as does the drama accompanying it. I know I will never get there – but I love how you describe the specialness you felt there. That really does elevate a dining experience for me.
Great read!
Valerie
Interesting review, my dear. Decor-wise it looked like an elegant British diner. All that brass perhaps dressing it up a bit. Hmmmm.
Food wise, it doesn’t sound like you were thrilled beyond words, which you should have been at that price. Agree about the bread. And I do love the “press for champagne” trick.
The souffle should never have tasted eggy. And McDonald’s fries? When you have such marvelous chips in GB? Mr. P’s dessert looks delish, but the plate should perhaps have been a tad smaller? I also don’t understand the current rave for mac and cheese at all the best restaurants (here too), but there you are; men love it.
How did Mr. P rate the restaurant??
lol, I would be kicking and screaming to go to this place, too. Too bad the food wasn’t all THAT splendid, but it’s not just about the taste, ambience and mood counts a lot, too. Oh, and the bragging rights that you went to THE place, of course!
I am glad that you enjoyed the lobster dinner. It would have been even better if it had lived up to your expectations, though.
I enjoyed this post. Thanks.
I do absolutely hate it when I don’t get to be the first to a beautiful new restaurant – but am still glad you made it anyway – and if it’s any consolation – your review is the best!
I want a champagne button! must. have. this.
I must go there!!!!! I’m coming to London in 2 weeks time and I already know I just have to touch that button “press for champagne”
What a gorgeous restaurant! You have such a good eye for a design, daaahling. Love the champagne button and that striped strawberry souffle sounds like so much fun. Totally digging Mr. P’s ordering style… mac n cheese with a side fries, fatty carbs on top of more fatty carbs – stuff of my dreams
Yum! Wonderful! I am going to set up a champagne button here – in my room. Or eggnog button, that would be even better. Now I have one more dream.
Cheers!
Petra
I would love to have this “press for champagne” button in my house!!!!!
Gorgeous review darling! Could I have one of those buttons everywhere that I go please?
How on earth did I miss this yummy post?? This looks like another gorgeous place to eat. I love the “press for champagne” button ;-D
Everything looks delicious, but it’s the strawberry souffle that I would love to try.
Thanks for sharing!
I hope you had a great weekend!
Hello HH, The decor looks fabulous I can imagine you and your Mr. P sitting together so elegantly among that divine decor. And a Champagne button, oh my I would be pressing that all evening long…I must go there for that alone. I need to get one of those in my home. The food still sounds enjoyable and you certainly have me dying to go.
xoxo
I’m so glad Mr P picked you up and calmed you down! We all need it from time to time
LOVE the champagne button on the table: I’d be tipsy to say the least.
mmmmm – that souffle looks amazing
I love the decor grand and stylish!
Love that strawberry souffle , look like a red heart is peeping out!
It does looks beautiful there, and while it may not be your best lobster, it’s making my mouth water
Sounds like a fun night out!
Did you actually press the champagne button? Did the bubbly then fountain out of the wall directly into your flutes? It sounds like a lot of fun though maybe a little pretentious for “comfort food.” I can totally see why you enjoyed the place!