The Square.

[Verbena-NZ]

What can you tell me about "The Square"

Whats the food like, has it got a web-site and has anyone worked there??

Tell me what you can!

[chopper]

The Square

[Andy Lynes]

If you search for The Square on egullet you'll come up with quite a few references, but here's on to start you off: click.

I've eaten at The Square 3 times, twice for dinner (both times as a guest of the house) and once for lunch (which I paid for). Both dinners were multi- course affairs and the kitchen was really showing off, so my view of the place could well be distorted. There is a report of the first of those dinners here. The lunch was far more simple, but no less enjoyable.

All I would say is that the memory of the food, wine and service I experienced at The Square has grown such that very few places manage to live up to it. Philip Howard is one of the few British chefs whose food is individual, intelligent and confident enough to make him an absolute must try in London.

His pasta dishes (anything with hand rolled macaroni, gnocchi and especially the crab lasagne), foie gras, lamb and hare signature dishes are all superb, as is the yoghurt and donuts pre-dessert. Sweet souffles and tatins are also outstanding. Thinking about all this makes me want to rush back very soon.

[MobyP]

Right - I've cleared my diary.

You've talked me into it.

When do we go?

[Jonathan Day]

I haven't been to the Square in awhile and would be keen for a return match. Perhaps we could contact Philip Howard and challenge him to do his best for a group of eGulleteers. They have a very pleasant private room, but it's large and I am guessing they would need at least ten diners to book it.

Edited November 10, 2003 by Jonathan Day (log)

[vengroff]

I've only been once, but it was four hours of bliss. I'll add to the above that no trip to the Square could be complete without sampling the extensive cheese trolley.

[MobyP]

I can't possibly raise my hand high enough to answer that call.

How about Mr. Tseng?

[Scott]

I'm so in for that.

in fact, I wonder if I shall ever extricate myself!

[Jonathan Day]

Sounds bizarre to worry about this in mid-November -- but it's really only a few weeks until holiday madness hits, restaurants fill up, and the last thing many of us want is another big dinner, no matter how well executed.

Shall we try to visit the Square before the year is out, or wait until January? What say you?

[MobyP]

I think if we go for ten, we'll probably have to wait until mid-late Jan. Time to gather the troups, make arrangements, etc.

But a smaller group could always do a commando raid.

I'm on for either.

[Andy Lynes]

I think a late January do might be a good call. Once we have assessed interest, I could certainly contact Philip Howard and see what he could do for us in terms of a special menu.

[MobyP]

Friday 23rd Jan, 2004?

[Andy Lynes]

That sounds like as good a date as any.

The private room holds up to 15 people but it will accomodate as few as 8. There is a table for 8 in the main dining room which I think would be preferable if we are that few in number as its a really nice, buzzy space. And I agree with Vengroff that the cheese trolley is an absolute must. We would also want to make best possible use of the wine list which has got to be one of the best in the city.

[balex]

I'd be very interested in coming too.

I've never been there, but heard many good things.

[Jon Tseng]

I'd be up for Jan. The Square has been on my mean-to-visit-but-can't-be-arsed-to-arrange it places for a while.

Note than Jan is a good time to book - as I am forever saying Jan and Aug are the slow months for restaurants where you can get reservations at unbookable restaurants with remarkable ease.

23rd looks reasonable

J

[Jonathan Day]

23rd would be fine for me and Melissa.

I would continue to advocate the private room, especially if we get at least 10 people. The main dining room is buzzy but it can get noisy.

[Andy Lynes]

If we get 10 people it will have to be the private room! The Chez Bruce do with 14 of us was terrific, but there was enough of us to create our own buzz. With 8, I'm a little concerned that a private room may lack atmosphere. However, I am easily persauded! And we have 6 people already expressing an interest.

[tony h]

I'm game

[Andy Lynes]

Great, thats seven already.

[MobyP]

Andy

Balex

John T

BLHiggins

Jonathan Day

Melissa

Moby

Kate (Mrs P)

8?

Edited November 11, 2003 by MobyP (log)

[Suzi Edwards]

jack and i are in :-)

[MobyP]

Andy

Balex

John T

BLHiggins

Jonathan Day

Melissa

Moby

Kate (Mrs P)

Circeplum

tarka

Jack

= 11

Andy - what say you as to total numbers?

[Andy Lynes]

Well, the private room caters for up to 16, but the picture on the website of the table set for 15 looks quite cramped. I think we ought to put a lid on it at 14. But have a look and see what you think.

We need to decide lunch or dinner, a la carte or tasting menu and what sort of budget we want to set. I will then do my best to liaise with the restaurant and Phil Howard to see if we can get something a bit special, but although I have met the chef on several occasions, I do not have a strong connection with the Square so we will have to see how it goes.

[Scott]

I'm so in for that.

in fact, I wonder if I shall ever extricate myself!

how did I get left off the list?

[Andy Lynes]

I've no idea, but your back on. So thats 12.