Ruf and I were at a posh dinner in London’s Covent Garden recently. The restaurant was spectacular, full of floating booths high in the air, sort of hanging there unsupported – like the private boxes in the many nearby theatres.
We were having a lovely evening with family but there was one problem. Although, when the restaurant was booked, the organiser was told that vegans could be catered for, this did not seem to have communicated itself to the waiters.
On being asked what was available on the set menu for vegans, Ruf was pointed to the pasta but, when questioned, it transpired that this contained egg – a no-no as it is an animal-derived product.
All the other options contained either egg, dairy or meat. Instead of heading to the kitchen to consult with the chef, the waiter decided to use his initiative. He asked Ruf if he liked vegetables and garlic. Both of which were answered affirmatively.
We should have known really, but we just didn’t expect it to happen in the heart of cosmopolitan, supposedly vegan-friendly London.
Yup, you guessed it. After serving all the other diners in our party, Ruf’s meal arrived with a flourish from the excited waiter.
A plate of steamed veg. Brocolli, carrots and mangetout in a very very garlic-y liquid.
Bearing in mind that our starters had contained a variety of vegan options – couscous, rice, bean salads, hummus, chickpeas – the kitchen had all the ingredients to produce something interesting and imaginative but, based on the waiter’s interpretation of his needs, all poor Ruf got was a plate of steamed veg.
Very poor!
Well, vegans are difficult ;) But in up-market London? Shocking!
Jo recently posted..in-the-shower Paul McKenna-style positive affirmations
Idiots. It’s not that hard….
Hello Peach! As you say, it really isn’t that hard for a proper chef to come up with something appetising and, as Ruf said, this was probably the worst ever attempt.