Marriott Gourmet Champagne Odyssey 15/02/25

Marriott Gourmet Champagne Odyssey 15/02/25 -12:00: Reception at Lanes of London, inside Marriott Park Lane Hotel included Tattinger Champagne/Cocktails/Mocktails and Canapés. Introduction from Chris who runs the experiences on behalf of Marriott and from the GM of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane.

1pm - Jikoni (first carbon neutral independent restaurant in the UK and has been powered by solar power, wind power, and carbon neutral green energy)
- Extra: Fancy ‘Cheese balls’ before the starters (Didn’t catch the official name and didn’t have myself but other guests informed me they were good) or Tapoica Crackers (if dairy intolerant) + Hot Brioche bread (really nice)
- Charred Purple Spouting Broccoli, Almonds, Lemon Salsa
- Crisp Kale Chaat, Date & Tamarind Chutney, Yoghurt, Sev (Top!)
- Prawn Toast Scotch Egg, Banana Ketchup, Pickled Cucumbers (not included in my my collage pic)
- Served with Champagne Lallier Rosé (Raspberry, Elegant, Fresh)

2pm - Cavita (modern Mexican restaurant deeply committed to sustainable food production, fair trade practices and better food choices)
- Butternut Squash, Tomato, Olives, Almonds, Charred Sourdough
- Mackerel Sea Bass Zarandeado (Biggest half of [more costly] Sea Bass I have seen because the vendor ran out of Mackerel - I wasn’t complaining!): Grilled Cornish Mackerel Sea Bass, Herb Marinade, Green Sauce, Tortillas (Flour from Mexico)
- Served with Champagne Lallier Reflexion R.020 (Floral, Citrus, Mineral, Intense)

3:15pm - Apricity (Recently awarded for the 2nd year running a Green Michelin-star for their sustainable, ultra-low waste ethos)
- Chouxnut, Caramelised Apple, Ivy House Farm Double Cream
- Poached Sussex Rhubarb, Cashew Cream, Pear & Calvados Granita Acacia, Hazelnut, Mineral
- (Both of the above: dairy substitute offered per collage pic)
- Served with Champagne Lallier Blanc de Blancs
- Coffee/tea offered and accepted to round off a great sociable afternoon.

What I liked from the first one:
- As it was inclement weather, our host (Caitlin) made sure to bring umbrellas just in case - very thoughtful.
- Cavita and Apricity: Chef came over, spent some time with us and explained what the dishes were - brilliant. The staff at all of the restaurants were excellent and attentive.
- Before heading off to the next restaurant our host gave us a 5 minute warning heads up - great communication and organisation to ensure the smooth running of the operation.
- Double espresso (for me :)) was a brilliant way to round off this big lunch.
- The hosts/restaurants really do cater for dietary requirements and I am very grateful for this. I won’t be eating properly till tomorrow afternoon.