I'm going to be controversial and upfront! I'm not a fan of The Townmouse which is Embla's sister restaurant. I haven't enjoyed the food the two times I've been there and I don't find it a comfortable place to eat. I almost gave up on the little stool I had at the bar to eat standing up...
But many people have urged me to give Embla a go and we found ourselves there for a pre theatre feed on Saturday. It was just after 6pm and there were a few seats left. We chose to sit at the kitchen bar, just to the side of the wood fired oven to try and stay a little cooler and it was a great seat. I'm so pleased to say that the stool was comfy and there was a little ledge to support my short legs. Great start Embla and I like you already!
But many people have urged me to give Embla a go and we found ourselves there for a pre theatre feed on Saturday. It was just after 6pm and there were a few seats left. We chose to sit at the kitchen bar, just to the side of the wood fired oven to try and stay a little cooler and it was a great seat. I'm so pleased to say that the stool was comfy and there was a little ledge to support my short legs. Great start Embla and I like you already!
We found the welcome warm and friendly and there was a good pace to the food coming out; leisurely enough to be enjoyable but speedy enough to keep the momentum going. The service is friendly and personable and again, when ordering drinks midway through the meal they arrive promptly which is well received.
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We start off with:
The whipped nduja is much more robust and punchy and with the crispbreads it's a great alternative.
And the cod roe on soft warm flatbread is salty and creamy and again provides another taste dimension. We're a fan of all three dishes and just lapping up the flavours and the feels of this wine bar that offers sensational food.
- Snapper carpaccio, sour peppers
- Whipped nduja (unpictured)
- Whipped cod roe
The whipped nduja is much more robust and punchy and with the crispbreads it's a great alternative.
And the cod roe on soft warm flatbread is salty and creamy and again provides another taste dimension. We're a fan of all three dishes and just lapping up the flavours and the feels of this wine bar that offers sensational food.
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Next up come:
We can't see the anchovy on the stracciatella but there's a distinct saltiness that is offset by the cool creaminess of the cheese and then there's a tangy touch of pickled zucchini.
The duck leg is sliced and on top of a bed of Mediterranean vibrant ratatouille. The meat and the sweetness of the vegetables with a hint of yoghurt is a simple, homely but so satisfying combination. I defy anyone not to enjoy this!
- Stracciatella, anchovy, basil and fermented zucchini
- Duck leg, yoghurt and ratatouille
We can't see the anchovy on the stracciatella but there's a distinct saltiness that is offset by the cool creaminess of the cheese and then there's a tangy touch of pickled zucchini.
The duck leg is sliced and on top of a bed of Mediterranean vibrant ratatouille. The meat and the sweetness of the vegetables with a hint of yoghurt is a simple, homely but so satisfying combination. I defy anyone not to enjoy this!
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And we continue with the journey of enjoyment as our final dishes come out:
Perfectly cooked beef with a flavoursome crust of char and a blushing pink centre. The beef is tender and so flavoursome with such intense 'beefiness' and a delicious richness that lingers in the mouth. The salsa verde is quite strong with the tarragon flavours and I only need a teeny bit. I love the beef so much I don't want to overpower it.
The intensity of the beef goes so well with the fresh tomatoes that are zingy and fruity enhanced and amped up by the addition of the smoked goat's curd.
Undeniably this was a delicious meal. Watching the busy kitchen and seeing that wonderful wood fired oven that just cranks up the flavour notes in the dishes is delightful. In some ways, the cosy, intimate, wine bar feel makes it perfect for couples but the delicious food and generous flavours means the hospitality needs to embrace groups of more than just two! Embla creates a certain magic that just works.
- Black Angus flank steak, tarragon salsa verde
- Tomato salad with smoked goat's curd
Perfectly cooked beef with a flavoursome crust of char and a blushing pink centre. The beef is tender and so flavoursome with such intense 'beefiness' and a delicious richness that lingers in the mouth. The salsa verde is quite strong with the tarragon flavours and I only need a teeny bit. I love the beef so much I don't want to overpower it.
The intensity of the beef goes so well with the fresh tomatoes that are zingy and fruity enhanced and amped up by the addition of the smoked goat's curd.
Undeniably this was a delicious meal. Watching the busy kitchen and seeing that wonderful wood fired oven that just cranks up the flavour notes in the dishes is delightful. In some ways, the cosy, intimate, wine bar feel makes it perfect for couples but the delicious food and generous flavours means the hospitality needs to embrace groups of more than just two! Embla creates a certain magic that just works.
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