M By Montcalm Shoreditch Tech City Hotel - Plate Restaurant & Bar.
M By Montcalm Shoreditch Tech City Hotel
Firstly, I have to say this is a favourite of mine for after work drinks with a glass bottom bar looking out to the hustle and bustle of Old Street. Situated in the "tech" district it is prominent building in comparison to the rest of the architect around this area, with its triangle sky scrapper appearance. It's within a 5-minute walk to Old street tube station and walking distance to Shoreditch. It is also a 2-minute walk from my office and makes it a perfect stop off for a chilled lunch and drinks.
I was lucky enough to stay here a few months ago and let me tell you the rooms did not disappoint. The Hotel on a whole is spacious, luxurious, with Spa facilities and close to lots of bars and restaurants.
My review today is mostly on the food and bar area, I would recommend the hotel as a great place to stay if you're looking in the area.
The hotel give's that bit of "city glam" to the ever growing hip area in East London.
Previously when I have stayed or had detoured on the route home it was mostly for a sociable drink, never to actually eat. I had the opportunity today to try out some plates from the menu in the bar/restaurant called Plate and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
It describes its self as " dining destination of choice for discerning City foodies" and it does not fall short.
From the small plates, we had the avocado, chilli, lime on sough-dough toast.
Yum, Yum, Yum!!! Perhaps, not my finest use of vocabulary, but I'm writing on an empty stomach filled with black coffee this morning and the image of yesterdays lunch is not helping!
I really enjoyed this dish, and it's such a simple but classic one (when done right). I could actually happily eat this for breakfast, right now! Added to it was a touch of olive oil which really bound the flavours, this was mixed with the lime, against the creamy avocado and then that subtle hit of chilly. This was not your average "avocado on toast". Generous portion size and this came in at £7.
Also from the snack menu, we had the Octopus. Octopus, Piperade, Cornish potato, smoked paprika. I could have had this for a main it was that good. Octopus cooked to perfection and every piece on this dish married one another in perfect harmony. Five-star dish. The Piperade added the smoky flavour along with the paprika and I'm actually contemplating going back and asking for a bowl of this alone. Now, I like my food but sometimes the "correct" names of dishes can be lost on me and this actually was one of them. So for those of us who have not heard of Piperade, it is entrée or side dish. Originally from France and Spain as a Basque dish prepared with onion, green peppers, and tomatoes sautéd and flavoured with red peppers (you can find this hiding under the Octopus).
From the large plates, we had the Lamb breast, Madras yoghurt, beetroot hummus, shoulder samosas. I can not fault this dish, lamb melted in my mouth and the samosas were just as tasty, crumbled into the Madras yoghurt and minty aroma of the mint leafs. It gave off a Moroccan / Indian inspired feel. Cost, £15.
The other dish from the large plates was the roasted Cotswold's chicken breast, green olive sauce, hispi cabbage, allium.
I preferred this to the lamb as it was a lot lighter. The chicken was moist and tender, the sauce I was a bit apprehensive about, as although I like olives I'm more of a fan of them when they are solo on my table. In fact, the sauce was not over powering and worked really well and incredibly light and that mixed with the roast chicken and charred hispi cabbage packed a lot of flavours. Cost, £18.50.
All the food was well presented and was a lovely mouth watering treat for a boring Tuesday lunch.
If you're around the Old Street area and looking for a quiet drink in an elegant surrounding this is the place, with a selection of well-priced and beautiful presented food to match. Perfect for a quick lunch, after work drinks, business meetings and romantic night in town.
