A memoir of journeys made

A few months back, I met some amazing ladies who share the same love for food! This love for food led to several dining out sessions, a few cook ins, and even a wine tasting trip to France! In an amazing stroke of coincidence, a multi course dinner that I organised for us happened to fall on International Women’s Day! I thought it perfect that I’m celebrating this one with women from different countries and with various background – it felt truly international! Plus I think they’re pretty kick ass to boot! :D

I’ve booked a table for 6 in Eight Members Club’s Quartier Restaurant, with 2 being vegetarians. The place was tucked in an inconspicuous street off the bustling Liverpool Street. It’s a quick 15minute walk from the station. However, a friend had a really hard time looking for it that she had to get an uber eventhough she wasn’t that far off. I wasn’t even certain I got to the right place but I guess the big 8 sign you see once you go in is a sign that you’re in the right place! You won’t see any concierge here… you’ll have to get on the lift which only has 2 button, the other being “8.” hehe

First course was seared scallop with with cauliflower velouté. Veloute is considered one of France’s five “mother sauces.” It is made from a light stock such as chicken or fish and subsequently thickened with butter. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish and wished there was more of it! Seconds please! :D

Second course was goat cheese, roasted beetroot, and topped with caraway tuile.

Third course salmon gravadlax – a Scandinavian dish where dry cured salmon is marinated in herbs; quail egg, avruga caviar, and créme fraiche.

Fourth course roast quail, celeriac gratin, port jus. This was another dish that tasted really good!

The vegetarian option was risotto with truffle oil. I can’t remember the whole name as it wasn’t mine but my friend was saying that it felt uncooked still. I gave it a bite and I gotta agree -a few more minutes on the fire and it would have been perfect!

Fifth course seared tuna, prawn wonton, wakame, tokiko, wasabi, and soy dressing. Another friend declared this as her favourite dish in the lot so far.

Sixth course wild mushroom linguini, truffle oil. Sweets aside, this was our hands down favourite for the night!

There was an average wait of 10 minutes per course it seemed. Since we started a bit late, 20 past seven, and it was getting to be quite late… we asked for our deserts to be served one after the other (since we were waiting for 15minutes already). And suddenly, 3 plates were in front of us!

Seventh course was fondant choco choux. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Outside is this crunchy, chewy biscuit with chocolate on the inside. Yum!

Eight course was passion fruit loli tart. This, for us, was their most creative dish. Plus the contrast of flavours felt like a refreshing burst and play of flavours in your tongue.

Ninth course, petit fours. We were served small, bite sized confectioneries. 2 kinds of chocolate and third was something akin to a Turkish delight but wayyy sweeter.

The food was good but it didn’t really make me go “wow!” The pace of the meal could have used some picking up. I would recommend going there if you get a good deal like us (via Groupon)! Overall, it was a nice night out spent with good friends.  :D