March saw us enjoying a smorgasbord of great party food from the launch of Gordon Ramsay's high-rise restaurants to our own Murphia List event. Alongside that we had superior crudo, next-level fried chicken and more.
Chutney Mary (St James) - Venison samosas
A return to Chutney Mary (it's been a decade since our last visit) showed just how it's remained one of London's best Indian restaurants all this time. There were many dishes to love, but this crunchy and beautifully created samosa is the must-have in our eyes.
Michel Roux box (Delivers nationwide) - Mother's Day box
If you're thinking of treating your mum on Mother's Day then this offering from Michel Roux from delivery company Dishpatch by Waitrose is certainly worth considering (although you need to be quick as orders close at 4pm on Thursday 27 March). It's £60 for a selection of French classics including cheesy gougères, smoked salmon rillettes, banquettes, cheese, chocolate profiteroles and palmier biscuits. The best thing is that practically no cooking is required.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High (City of London) - Canapés
Attending the opening party of Gordon Ramsay's high-rise restaurants at 22 Bishopsgate, we managed to sneak into the High chef's table restaurant for a preview of some of the restaurant's canapes. These were sables with French onion cream and caviar and very impressive for party food.
Corrigan's (Mayfair) - Sausage Rolls (and Guinness at 9am!)
It's always one of the best parties of the year (our own Murphia List bash notwithstanding) and this year's St Patrick's Day party at Richard Corrigan's eponymous restaurant in Mayfair didn't disappoint with perfectly poured pints and black pudding sausage rolls on the menu.
Paul Rothe (Marylebone) - Egg Mayo sandwich
Sometimes we love an old-school sarnie and in London there's no better place to get that than at Paul Rothe & Son in the heart of Marylebone. This egg and chives sandwich on thick-cut white bloomer was a perfect example of why there's always a queue outside this longstanding sandwich shop.
Himi (Carnaby) - Fried Chicken (two ways)
The torikara or karaage dish at new Carnaby neo-izakaya Himi immediately entered our list of best fried chicken dishes we've ever eaten, at Number One. At the back is a boned-out thigh nugget and the front is a chicken wing lollipop, dusted with mouth-numbing sansho pepper and served with konbu mayo.
Victor Garvey at The Midland Grand (King's Cross) - Tart of cervennes onions, olive praline and miso
Part of a series of exquisite canapes served at the start of an epic dinner at chef Victor Garvey's new King's Cross restaurants, this teeny tart was so packed with flavour we're honestly considering going back just to have more of them.
Wild Honey (St James) - Isle of Orkney hand-dived scallop, white Vermouth & XO sauce, sea herbs
We also made a return visit to Anthony Demetre's Wild Honey this month for a special dinner highlighting some of the best dishes on the menu. This enormous scallop was a lovely sauce-covered delight and don't leave without trying his Cheesecake 2.0 - a new version of the dish he created for Great British menu.
Nina (Marylebone) - Bluefin tuna e melone
Who knew that melon and chutoro would be such a compelling combo? The addition of the housemade Italian ponzu completed this dish which was the best thing we ate at hot new opening Nina in Marylebone.
Murphia Party (Marylebone) - Baby Guinnesses
We have Five Fields to thank for their trays of Baby Guinness shots which did the rounds at our Murphia List party this month. And what better way to toast the cream of Irish talent working in London's hospitality scene than with one of these cheeky little drinks?
Market Halls (Paddington) - Grilled picanha steak by From the Ashes
A roam around this new food hall at Paddington had us trying everything from tacos and bao buns to syrup-drenched pancakes. But the best thing we ate was this tray of perfectly grilled picanha steak with chilli pickles, chimichurri sauce and exceptionally good skin-on fries.
Nonna Mama (TBC) - Burrata ravioli
Italian-born Giuseppe Ferace is behind the arrival of this new fresh pasta spot in Selfridges. We got to try some of their take-home pasta kits and this burrata ravioli with fresh tomato sauce won us over completely.
Rex Deli (Mayfair) - Pecan cupcakes
If we're in the area we always nip into Rex Deli just off Berkeley Square for some baked goods. Run by the same kitchen team behind nearby Cocochine this sticky, caramelly cupcake was an absolute delight.
Silva (Mayfair) - Duck breast, coco beans & orange jus
A modern riff on Duck a l'Orange was the standout dish from a dinner at new Mayfair restaurant Silva. You'll find it tucked down Bruton Place off the top of Berkeley Square, with an ex-Eric Chavot chef in the kitchen serving up a series of excellent dishes including this.
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