A Yapp Brothers catch up in London after our Summer holidays usually involves visiting a new restaurant, tasting a few wines and sharing a few anecdotes about recent vinous discoveries. We decided to meet for lunch at Clarette, the latest opening on the booming restaurant scene in Marylebone. The owners Alexandra Petit and Natsuko Perromat du Marais have successfully transformed this former pub into an elegant wine bar and restaurant. With close links to Château Margaux, the celebrated first growth estate in the Médoc, they feature an enviable flight of their wines at the core of a well-chosen and carefully-balanced wine list.
After a warm welcome and a tour of the premises with the charming head sommelier Caroline, we sat down and ordered a bottle of Saint-Joseph white “Les Oliviers” 2014 from Pierre Gonon. The wine had a great structure, beautiful fruit and very good length, and made a great match for our starters - a ‘Black Caesar Salad’ and a rustic terrine.
Black Caesar salad with baby gem, marinated prawns & popcorn
While Tom and I opted for the Trofie pasta and their mouth-watering Girolles mushrooms, Jason ordered a Mediterranean plate of lamb cutlets, crushed aubergines, harissa and pomegranate. We partnered those with a delicious red Burgundy – a dark and Autumnal Givry 1er Cru 2011 from François Lumpp that married equally well with both dishes.
Mediterranean lamb cutlets, crushed aubergines, harissa and pomegranate.
The colourful plates were generous and combined brilliantly-fresh seasonal ingredients; classic European cuisine and a twist of modernity. Sated without any room for dessert, we couldn't leave without sampling some wine with Caroline and she was delighted to taste our award-winning Cassis Blanc from Clos Sainte Magdeleine. With such an attractive set lunch and wine list and friendly front of house staff, the Yapp team should be back at Clarette very soon!
