Wodka, W8 London
Had a great meal at this Polish place close to Wholefoods, High St Kensington on Saturday night.
We were a party of 8, three were vegetarians (myself included) so I can't comment personally on the meat dishes.
For starters there was quite a substantial menu broken down along four themes
1. Soups (borscht and sauerkraut): unfortunately both were cooked with a meat stock
2. Salads: a roast artichoke and goat's cheese salad looked great and the marinaded sweet potato salad with honey also looked excellent. The serves were huge
3. Meat/seafood hot starters: highlights were the mussels and the black sausage with apple latke and sauerkraut.
4. Pierogi and blinis: the pierogi were nicely fried and fat. Full of potato and cheese. The pastry was thick and a little doughy - but that's how Pierogi are served rather than using the delicate dumpling casings found in Asian found. Surprisingly the pierogi were not too heavy - a really good dish and a great way to start the meal. I also tried the aubergine blini. The blini itself was fine, but the aubergine was lacking flavour. Combined with a mushroom blend and sour cream this was a heavy but bland dish. Of course the caviar or smoked salmon is a different proposition - pity I'm not eating seafood
A few flavoured vodkas later and it was time for the mains.
I had the vegetarian moussaka. I know, I know. It was the only veg main on the menu. I did manage to negotiate on behalf of my girlfriend and got her a plate of latke with a side of cabbage. Piping hot latke, quite small but perfectly fried and heaving on everything that makes a latke such a great dish. Just like my grandma used to make! The moussaka was also delicious. Lentils and squash, and not too heavy at all.
Around the table the goulash was the highlight. Served in a large black pot with much ceremony it came with cream and apparently the meat was melt in the mouth. The pork trotter was cooked to perfection. The only query was the pheasant which was a little dry.
Given the night was for a friend's party, dessert was a cheesecake made by the kitchen.
Words fail me - it was awesome!
Wodka
www.wodka.co.uk
12 Saint Alban's Grove
London, W8 5PN
020 7937 6513
