Dorian: love at first sight in Notting Hill
Due to the restaurant’s success, we had to be patient and make reservations well in advance. In just a few months, Hurricane Dorian in Notting Hill has swept across social networks thanks to a skilfully orchestrated communication campaign. This undeniable gastronomic fracas aroused our curiosity. Was it worth the trip? Let’s cross the Channel for lunch and discover a restaurant that’s turning heads…
Pampered meats
Half-bistro, half-brasserie, Le Dorian cultivates the art of fine dining with its “French touch” decor, twenty or so tables, all with tablecloths, and a counter seating fifteen or so, for interaction between the kitchen and diners. The cooks are already in full swing. The embers crackle and the flames ignite the barbecue. Each matured T-Bone is tirelessly brushed, flipped and pampered by a chef, sporting tattoos and a bandana, entirely devoted to charcoal cooking.
The prices on the wine list would be enough to make you dizzy, so we set our sights on a selection of small dishes to share as a prelude to our lunch. A nod to Switzerland with the crispy rösti topped with a crab crumble. A hexagonal reference with country bread spread with poultry liver mousse and strawberry marmalade. The last ultra al-dente and intentionally grilled white asparagus is paired with a nettle sauce and a cashew nut sauce.
Uninhibited gastronomy
As the volume of the place intensifies with the pace of consumption, the piece of matured meat passes before our eyes. It’s the climax of the coup de feu; the kitchen is abuzz as order forms line up in onion rows in front of the chef. The “YES CHEFS” resound and the guests have no idea of the intensity of the moment. What luck! The meat arrives… juicy, tasty, grilled, rare as requested. A comforting, gourmet moment.
It’s hard to say whether we’ll be returning to the Dorian, given London’s vast and diverse offering… especially if you’re from French-speaking Switzerland. Beyond the duality between the virtuality of the networks and the reality of the moment, the Dorian experience fulfilled all its promises. We’re still bewildered by the way wine prices are set, but the restaurant nonetheless charms with its varied, seasonal, impeccable, contemporary yet classic cuisine. Love at first sight in Notting Hill!
