I’m not sure who could fail to be impressed by the gorgeous exterior of this restaurant. Michelin House has got to be one of London’s most beautiful buildings. It combines features of Art Deco and Art Nouveau into a structure which is, to me, an architectural masterpiece. Originally the British headquarters for the Michelin Tyre Company, it was transformed into the glamorous Bibendum by Sir Terence Conran in 1985. The remnants of it’s history are everywhere and have been seamlessly integrated.
As you walk in, there is a lovely courtyard. If the weather is right, you could linger there for hours and have drinks and snacks, but when you are ready for dinner, you are moved upstairs into the main dining room.
Once seated, you are offered a choice of two breads, a whole grain type of bread and French baguette. I chose the baguette, of course. It was beautifully crispy and crackly on the outside, just like you would get if you were in Paris. If that wasn’t perfectly delightful, it became even more fantastic once slathered with some creamy unsalted butter. I am happy to report that the wait staff keep coming by to offer you more. Being that it would have insulted the fine people at Bibendum by declining such lovingly made baked goods, I ate quite a lot. I am not going to tell you how many pieces I ended up having (because I am a lady ), all I’ll say is that the butter was fully utilised. Speaking of butter, is that butter plate not the cutest thing evaaaa? Mr P thinks it might actually be an ash tray, because of the groove it had in it where the knife sits. Also on the table were some deliciously pungent green and black olives. Hey, so far so good my dears, I think we are off to a great start!
Hubby got the cream of asparagus soup for his starter. Now, I’ve got to be honest, confession time, I don’t like soup. It doesn’t really matter how good it is. The only thing I like about soup are the pieces of bread or croutons that come with it. To me this was just very average, but then again, it would be unusual for me to think otherwise. Hubby says it was pretty good, but we both agree that my starter was better.
For my starter I had the spiced aubergine (eggplant) salad with yogurt dressing. From the description on the menu, I was expecting something with a Middle-Eastern sort of flavour, but actually I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was more like a caponata. The aubergine was tender and delicious, sweet and spicy. I enjoyed every mouthful. Surely it was much better than stinky soup 
. Unfortunately for me, however, my main did not live up to the high standards of my starter. I guess I should have known better than to order fish and chips in a lovely French restaurant, but what can I tell you, it’s a dish that I simply adore. When I see it on a menu, it’s to hard to resist. What is more sublime then the golden crunch of deep fried goodness, pray tell? I can think of nothing. Believe it or not, this was very popular menu choice at Bibendum. Loads of people ordered it. I won’t be ordering it again though. It’s not that it was bad, it just wasn’t great. I didn’t feel that it was as crispy as it should have been, and really, when it comes to fish and chips, it really is all about that thick and crispy batter. If the batter ain’t right, the fish ain’t tight! Ya hear what I’m sayin’ dollies? (Oh my god, how come I’m not a writer for Saturday Night Live??? I am so freaking witty!)
Lately it seems like Mr P has had the Midas touch when it comes to ordering from the menu, and this was no exception. Mr P’s dinner was definitely the best part of the whole dining experiencece. When it came to the table, it had the most amazing aroma. The scent wafted over to me and mocked me in a very condescending French accent, “Madame Housewife” he chided,”you silly, silly woman… tisk, tisk on you for ordering ze fish and cheeps!” Yes, Mr. John Dory and his Jersey Royal potatoes and nicoise relish smelled sooooo good, but I have a feeling that deep down he was probably evil little fish. Nothing that tastes that good could actually BE good. So what did it smell like? It had the faintest whiff of charcoal, like it just came off the barbecue. It smelled of the Mediterranean and of an uber fab picnic on the beach. A beach near a lemon grove… with a barbecue… and a personal chef, and plebs who cross the hot sand to offer you more bread. The taste? It tasted of sunshine.
Alright, no need to cry over the fish that never was. After all, it was desert time. I had a tarte fine aux pommes with vanilla ice cream. It’s a similar incarnation to the tarte tatin, which is a real favourite of mine. I think I almost did a whoop of joy when it was served to me (I hope I didn’t, that would be embarrassing LOL). I just thought it was so pretty. It had a nice crispy and buttery pastry base with thin slivers of sweet caramelised apples and a dusting confectioners sugar. Complete and utter perfection.
… and as for Mr P (who stole my John Dory)…
Mr P chose the hot chocolate fondant with creme fraiche ice cream. It was warm, fabulously chocolatey, and ultra decadent. Mr P is not normally a chocolate person, so the fact that he really loved this, is saying a lot. The chocolate had almost a coffee-like taste to it. Mr P says that’s because it’s just really good chocolate, and that’s what real chocolate should taste like. Hmmm… I wonder if Mr P is trying to oust me and take over my blog. I noticed that since I became a food blogger, Mr P has become quite the foodie himself (and a very opinionated one at that). Still, I have to keep him around, as he is the one who pays the bill at the end of the meal. N’est-ce pas, daaahlings?
After-dinner truffles and jellies with tea and coffee
To cap off that delicious meal, we ordered tea for me, and coffee for Mr. P. It came with truffles. I took both. I am bad, I know, but it had to be done, surely you understand. They had a delicious crackly outer coating and a fatty melty centre. The chocolate flavour was intense. With the heat from the tea that I was drinking, they practically melted in my mouth like little puddles of happiness. I didn’t care that I left the restaurant with chocolate all over my mouth. Ignorancece is bliss, and I am a deliriously happy simpleton… with a moustache.
Woo, check that out, the Michelin Man is wearing leopard panties! Cheeky bugger!
Ooo loved this so much my darling witty little reviewer. Yes you are a hoot but I don’t say it much…you’ll get a big head…lol
Really loved the venue, gorgeous and the food, especially the sweets….what can I say I love sweets…they look delicious.
He does look cheeky.
xoxo
I adore those fish & chips too. I even love ordering my Fillet-O’Fish Burger with lots of french fries, at McDonald. Other than that your dessert looks absollutely delightful and the truffles & sweets too. Hmmm..mm… Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you’re having a nice day, daaahling!
Cheers, Kristy
p/s always have him or his credit card around, woman! =D
Everything sounds wonderful esp the desserts =)
I enjoyed every part of this post! That building is absolutely gorgeous outside — which is always a good indication of wonderful things to come inside!
The food all looks delicious, especially your eggplant starter. (I love eggplant but I don’t get to have it much at home — hubby hates it — so I love to order it when I see it on a menu! 
) Happy Tuesday, daahling! XO
I would have gone your Mr. P’s way for dessert…no offense to apple tarts ;O)
Many years ago I had missed a chance to visit my brother while studying in London. Hence, the missing out on interesting restos as the ones you keep reviewing. Love how witty and candid you are about them. Will make it easier to choose when I finally do go visit.
Just a side note: My old home telephone number had one digit different from the Michelin office we have in Montreal, Quebec…so guess who had a multitude of Ooops…I’m sorry…but did I dial the wrong number? Very annoying indeed. We finally got that resolved
Nice reading your post. Thank you.
Flavourful wishes, Claudia
Who would have thought that you would ever see butter served in that dish! What a wonderful post, I do wish I could utilize your information staightway. Maybe sometime in the next year or two. Have a great week.
What a neato place! It would have been hard for me to turn down fish and chips too. lol
Your posts are so much fun to read! *Big smile*
I really, really must meet Mr. P. He seems to make some really good menu choices, even the soup! (Do you think he might consider a guest post?) And I was drooling over the food. Let alone the butterdish/ashtray, which was was adorable.
My daughter has moved on to Paris and Lyon for a bit. but will be back in London in a few days so I’m going to tell her about your review.
So pleased you took us along on this one……
Wow, I want Mr. P’s hot chocky fondant!
HH
Bibendum sounds marvelous. From what you said about the former Micelin store, it sounded like it had huge kitsch potential. The butter dish suggests to me that they know that and they gently tease the customer while offering what looks like a stunning and flavorful meal. Wow! I get what you’re writing about fried fish.
Beautiful review as always. Love the butter dish – it is so cute. Your starter and dessert were definitely winners. However, my favourite will definitely have to be the chocolate fondant. I wish I could eat it off the screen. Think I have to book a table asap.
Any progress on lemon cake?
x
Looks and sounds amazing!
what a great place to dine….beautiful setting….and all those dishes look really amazing
I thought the fish and chips looked good!
i want that butter dish.
Oh! I want to have a small bite of everything…the pictures are gorgeous…
Good job polishing off those truffles! It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it
Fabulous, from the bread and butter (which I could survive on) to the delightful desserts. What a great meal, in spite of the fish n chips failure. Love reading about your restaurant excursions!
Aww gorgeous just gorgeous! You have a knack for finding the best places. So what’s your secret dear HH? xxx
I love your restaurant reviews and images…sounds and looks so fabulous! Do you have any plans to come to NY? Would love to meet you!
A lovely meal! Your eggplant appetizer looked really delicious and the chocolate fondant is super!
I’ll go to this place next time I’m in London…that is if the Eurostar fares become more reasonable!) Now, for the first time, my dear Heavenly Friend, I must tell you off…(LOL) How can you possibly order fish and chips in a place like that ???!!!! Oh là là….Mr P was right !!!!
Great post…I love your style…
The only one seafood dish my man eats is Fish and Chips.
I would order the dory too! Looks so tender, and juicy.
Question: Do they have Macaroon ladies in Europe like they have pie ladies in the South?
I too, love that butter dish! I love your reviews. I am going to buy some olives today….big fat green ones!
What a beautiful meal, HH! Add me to the list of those coveting that adorable butter dish … and the yummy looking bread as well!
xoxoxo
It looks like a great building and the food looks delicious! Love that eggplant! Guess I will just have to go to London!
I ordered fish and chips the other day and out came some frozen fish patties! EWW! I would say you got the better end of the deal – at least it looks fresh. I wouldn’t have been able to resist either. Both desserts look divine! I wish my tarte tatins looked as neat. xo
I love that butter dish or ashtray. It’s the cutest! Too bad the fish and chips didn’t exceed expectations. I too find it hard to resist when I see that on menus.
How cute is that Michelin butter /cigarette dish?! Next time, please sneak it into your prada bag for me, daahling
Sorry your entree wasn’t up to par, but I would have probably ordered the same thing (I can never resist the lure of fish n chips). And your apple tart looks amazing!
What a gorgeous building! I have never seen it before, despite having lived in London for 9 months at one stage. I want the chocolate fondant!
I don’t know where to start because everything looks so delicious! I think the aubergine would be what I’d eat first, followed by the chocolate fondant, followed by a trip to the gym.
Well, could i trade in the French fries for more jellies?
I have always wanted to go to Bibendum as I love oysters lucky you!
A grand & stylish meal in this beautiful setting!!
I also love the last picture a lot,..hahahahahaha!!!!!
HH – this is definitely one of your best pieces of writing to date. I was grinning sideways throughout the entire piece.( I loved the “I am a Lady” video, too!) We did see this building while there in March and what a lovely peek inside with you and Mr. P today.
Use this piece in your portfolio and get publishing with some of your foodie mags over there. This is over the top hilarious.
XO
Valerie
Oh my, what a lovely dining experience – next time I’m in London, I’ll make sure to stop by…. even just for the desserts – they look AMAZING!
Hi Heavenly Housewife…saw you over at Clarity’s…Your blog is a hoot…and I love how you love to eat…one of life’s great pleasures…That Chocolate Fondant looks pretty good♥x
I look like Mr Michelin´s twin Darling after reading yr review- my waistband just expands gorging on all those pics!
Sorry so late – lot of assignments, computer breakdowns (am getting another one) and just super busy ugh!
Will check out the Versace frock that rocks!
XOXO LOLA:)
Oh my word, this looks exactly like my kind of place….from the bread to the truffles, I would have ordered it all the same! xx
Ha ha ha, I loved the review and your description of the michelin man in leapord print panties! I too would have eaten both the truffles. It all looks so tasty, even the soup (I like soup).
What a gorgeous meal! Who knew Michelin had such a sophisticated palate.