Deliciously Delightful Dinner Party

I am so pleased to be writing today after all of our nerves, excitement and anticipation, that our very first London Raw Dinner Party was absolutely brilliant!  Our purpose of hosting this dinner party was to create a real restaurant setting serving first-class raw gourmet food, where great people could at last relax, let their hair down and enjoy themselves knowing that for once they did not have to worry or be concerned about what they were going to be served or any other issue that comes with dining out. What a relief!

In case you weren't there, let me describe the atmosphere to you...  Imagine an intimate, cosy restaurant with bamboo surroundings, rock candles and a relaxing water fountain at the entrance.  As people arrived they sat themselves wherever they wanted and whether they came on their own or with friends, everyone immediately chatted and felt easy about talking to one another. There was an instant buzz that remained throughout the night, the excitement of the taste, smell and appearance of the next dish kept everyone eager and excited as to what our chef Russell James could possibly concoct next!

Russell busily beavered away in the kitchen which, as it just so happened, was in front of people, so everyone could have a little peek into his world of raw gourmet. Karen waitressed and balanced the plates skillfully, with only a few forks flying here and there whilst tottering on 5" high heels, and I generally was a little bit everywhere - washing, drying, tossing a few edible flowers onto plates (delicately of course!), and enjoying looking at the smiles on everyones faces and listening to the 'Mmm' when the first mouthful was eaten.

The theme of the dinner party this time was Italian, and we enjoyed a wonderful 3 courses, with a fantastic linguine starter, lasagna for main (see picture left) and two gorgeous chocolate tortes for dessert. We have a few more themes up our sleeves, and Russell is already planning the menu for the next one in a month's time which will be Mexican Night. 

Read our guests comments...

"Absolutely amazing, excellent flavours and display."

"Food was obviously prepared with lots of care, attention and skill."

"Wonderful! Amazing food! The linguini was inspired!"

"Relaxed atmosphere, no need to rush, great hosts, beautiful food."

"Intimate, relaxed and a good size for creating a good atmosphere. I like that you're seated next to new people - good for meeting new friends."

"It was delicious - really inspiring - I'd like to bring my Mum!"

"A good and low key opportunity to gain confidence and information around and about raw food."

"I really enjoyed the menu, it was a wonderful combination of textures and flavours."

"Wonderful flavours, presentation and ingredients."

"Amazing taste of all dishes - exceeded my expectations - so much to stimulate my increasingly sensitive palate."

"Very impressed - well done for all the hard work put into it ."

"I am so happy about this new initiative as I don't get to eat raw food out as often as I would like so thanks for being the first to make this happen."

As you can see from above - I think they liked it! Even the Radio 4 journalist (who was busy interviewing guests for next Sunday's Food Programme - see Karen's blog for more about this) gave us a glowing report - even saying he would like to come again - and this was completely new to him.

If you would like to experience a wonderful evening of fantastic company, meeting new people, eating sensational food, and the chance to meet some of the Fresh Team, then you are very welcome to join us. You do not need to be a member, you don't even have to be that much into raw food! Just bring yourself, your smile and a hungry tummy!  (NB: You don't want to wait... everyone who completed our after-dinner feedback form said that they would re-book AND bring a guest next time... and we are limited to just 30 people per month/event...) So hurry!

Our Next Dates:

Sunday 21 May 2006 - Mexican Theme

Sunday 25 June 2006 - Indian Theme

Sunday 30 July 2006 - Pizza Theme

Sunday 27 August - Chinese Theme

Sunday 24 September - American Theme

Sunday 19 November - Thai Theme

Sunday 17 December - Christmas Theme

To book, please call us on 0845 833 7017 or email us.

Price is £35 per person (£33.25 for Members claiming their 5% discount) and includes a 3-course meal, unlimited mineral water, exclusive use of the venue from 7pm until 11pm, VAT @ 17.5% and our very unique and personal service ; )