72 replies to this topic

[Carolyn Tillie]

I know on the Meat Poll, there was a lot of votes for grouse. I have only tasted it once and that was years ago. Being a tremendous game fan, can anyone tell me if I am in London during the first week of October, is there a chance I can find some? Should I go to Rules or is there a better restaurant for such things? When *is* grouse season?


Thanks!

[Gavin]

Shouldn't be a problem finding grouse in October. Here's Rule's guide to the game seasons: When you can shoot'em

Can recommend a few places in London that will (probably) have grouse at this time but you probably know most of the usual suspects.

[Carolyn Tillie]

Thanks, Gavin! Honestly, outside of Rules, I'm not that familiar with which London restaurants specialize in game. A list of the usual suspects would be appreciated!

[Gavin]

I'll shove a list together Carolyn, it'll be a week before the first reports from the shoots give some idea of this year's yields (and therefore prices).

[Carolyn Tillie]

Thanks again! I won't be going for a while...

[balex]

There is a slightly random element to getting grouse, as they are wild birds so there is some variation.

All time best grouse ever was at Wilton's in Jermyn St. but it is very expensive and very snobby. Superb oysters as well.

Last year the best one I had, rather surprisingly, was at Racine on Brompton Road, which is
a French style brasserie, but it was superb. But I also had one that was bitter and undercooked there.

Rules I think of as for tourists, though the last meal I had there was good. I have not eaten their grouse.

You could try the grill at the Dorchester which has a newish chef, and would serve it in season. I have not had it in the last couple of years, though it was competent, and the ancillary bits and pieces -- gravy, bread sauce, bread crumbs, game chips etc were good.

(oh and the Harwood arms probably does good grouse)

[Gavin]

Can't argue with any of balex's recommendations, just to add that Rule's now has a rather spiffing cocktail bar. Spot on about the natural variability of grouse, good excuse to go and have another one.

Couple of other places come to mind that usually feature grouse. St John, Smithfield and Patterson's in Mayfair.

Spotted it on the menu at Langan's Brasserie last year but I haven't been in the place since a rather embarrassing incident following a very long lunch about 25 years ago.

I'll post if any others come to mind.

[Wilfrid1]

If Beoty's on St Martin's Lane is still open, that's an option, less expensive than Wilton's certainly, and probably than Rules.

Although it shouldn't be a problem at Rules, it's actually worth telling other places to reserve you a grouse when you make the reservation. More than once I've been disappointed because I missed the last bird - that even happened at Wilton's.

Finally, and very much the point of the trip in my view, I caught up with some grouse. There are no cheap places to eat good grouse in London (except, arguably, at home), but a reasonable bargain could be made at Beoty's, a restaurant of Greek-Cypriot origins which almost uniquely maintained the style and graces of the London West End restaurants of my youth. Drinks in the bar, with the menu, before dinner. Formal service; waiters standing quietly at attention in corners of the room between manoeuvres. Dishes like whitebait and steak Diane. Waiters at Beoty's were never happier than when setting fire to things tableside. There was always a menu of Greek standards too, but the attraction was the little sign in the window listing lobsters and game when available.

No frills when it comes to a grouse dinner. Champagne to Bordeaux or Burgundy. Strong cheese to follow. Lobster bisque was sipped with the bubbly. A bottle of Margaux came with the grouse, a whole roast bird per punter of course. Game chip,s bread sauce, fried breadcrumbs - attendant carbs, essentially.

Beoty's would still present a whole Stilton with a spoon, and let you dig a portion out of the center. And as a final treat, the governor would perform his trick of pouring, with great informality, a complimentary brandy: he'd then rest the snifter on its side, showing that his measure came to the very brim of the reclining glass without spilling. He'd probably done it five thousand times.

An old-fashioned pleasure whenever grouse was in season (much cheaper and less ritualistic than Wilton's; less tourist-ridden than Rules).

Pink Pig

[Andy Lynes]

This has got to be one of the best grouse bargains in London. Need a table of 6 or more however:

Harwood Arms http://www.harwoodarms.com/

Grouse Menu

(Selection of starters for sharing)

Harwood Arms Scotch Egg

Game Tea

Venison and Walnut Terrine with Pickled Prunes, Radishes, Dandelion and Toast

***

Whole North Yorkshire Grouse with Roast Pumpkin, Wild Blackberries and

Smoked Bacon

***

Tunworth with English Truffle and Oatcakes

***

Buttermilk Pudding with Victoria Plums and Toasted Cobnuts

or

Bramley Apple Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar and Whipped Cream

Price: £35.50 per person (£55.50 per person with matching wines)

[Carolyn Tillie]

Damn, Andy, that *does* sound mighty fine and right up my Anglophile alley! I can easily talk my biz partner into going -- do you know of four others that might join me?

[Andy Lynes]

I'd come along - be very nice to catch up. However, that might put others off!

[Peter Creasey]

Can anyone recommend a good source in the U.S. for buying grouse to be shipped?

Thanks!

[Carolyn Tillie]

I'd come along - be very nice to catch up. However, that might put others off!

Well, if we are three we are half-way there. This seems like something to work on!

[Andy Lynes]

I'm up for it, lets see what happens.

[balex]

Me too, if we can find a good date.