London: Kitchen Table @ Bubbledogs

Pig

Cod

Chicken

Crispy chicken skin, rosemary mascarpone, bacon jam

Scallop

Crab

Sea Trout

Artichoke

Beef

Duck

Duck

Vacherin

Mango

Blood Orange

Caramel

Chocolate

Kitchen Table is a 19-seat restaurant hidden in the back of Bubbledogs, a bar that serves gourmet hot dogs and champagne. The kitchen counter format resembles Brooklyn Fare in New York minus the aggressive attitude. I didn't have a problem reserving seats as I planned my food itinerary a few months in advance. There are two seatings per night and the menu is written on a chalkboard with a single noun that best represents the main ingredient of the dish. While food allergies are accommodated, this is not a place for individuals who are "picky eaters" or lack worldly palates.

I think it's refreshing to see chefs prepare dishes and explain it while serving it to its guests. Too many times I've experienced the "angry chef" which makes these interactions awkward. Chef James Knappett and sommelier Sandia Chang are a husband-and-wife team who created the Kitchen Table with a comfortable feel while being reasonable priced. Surprisingly, Sandia and Hubs are both Cal Poly Pomona alumnus. Go Broncos!

Overall, I thought the dining experience was pleasant. I liked the fact that Chef Knappett does his best not to make the same dish twice. He also mentioned that he doesn't always know how the dish will come out until it's served. It's gutsy but if you're that good, it doesn't matter. With one Michelin star on his belt, it's upward bounds from here. I hope a cookbook is in the works because I seriously need that recipe for the mango dessert.

Kitchen Table
70 Charlotte Street
London, W1T 4QG, UK
+44 20 7637 7770
http://www.kitchentablelondon.co.uk