While there is not a whole lot of Latino in Chino Latino’s new set menu, it’s still a lovely and unique dining experience that you will soon not forget.
Chino Latino, nicely nestled on the 1st floor of the Park Plaza Hotel on Albert Embankment, has amazing reviews looking north to Millbank, with the beautiful Thames River on the horizon, Houses of Parliament, and yes, even Big Ben – it’s like looking at a canvas that keeps on evolving while the sun goes down. Absolutely stunning. But how is the food?
Let’s just say that the food is secondary to the view. But that’s not in anyway downgrading the food, it is very very good, and Chino Latino is now introducing a tasting menu to let you sample more of the Chino and less of the Latino. And it gives you an idea of what the kitchen can produce. Categorized in three different sections, the first that comes to the table – Maki Rolls & Salads – was a great introduction of what was to come.
The Tiger Maki, long and slender and sleek, cut up into several pieces, was a burst of flavor in our mouths, with yogurt dressing poured on top, cooked prawn inside with takuwan (picked radish) and sesame beetroot – it was delicious. The Marinated blowtorched salmon was fine, while the Duck and Grapefruit salad was simply divine. The Duck was oh so tender and moist and delicious, with a hint of rasberry dressing which gave it a nice kick, and a portion good enough for two people. The next round was Small dishes – with the Calamari the star dish. The portion was very generous, with the calamari nicely-well cooked and intertwined with red onions and tamarind dressing for an unexpected kick! The Vegetable Gyoza was what is said on the tin, while the Tempora Prawns wrapped in shiso leaf was very very good (also with Latino kick), served with the expected soy (ponzu) sauce. So far so good!
The main dishes that were served were a cut above the rest. While I am not a huge fan of cod, the Black Cod was simply divine! Never did I expect to enjoy cod this much! Served on the well done side, it did not taste fishy at all, was nice and crisp on the edges, and succulent (a word I don’t use too often!). The Casterbridge Sirloin Steak, cut up into 23 slices (yes I counted), was cooked medium by the chef as they informed us, however, we left it cooking a bit more on the black hot rocks it was served on, and presto – cooked medium well to our liking, and absolutely delicious. Sesames sprinkled on top, with a hint of garlic and rice wine (served with a bowl of soy sauce) gave it just that extra oomph to be, dare I say it, perfect! And it could not get any better, and then the dessert platter arrived. A sampling platter of the finest desserts Chino Latino has on offer – we were treated to mini tastings of two flavors of sorbet, Mochi, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, a small miso cheesecake, with various chocolates and slices of fruit, all strategically place on and around a piece of wood. Bravo!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wine that we drank with our dinner. We ordered, at the suggestion of the waiter, the £29.00 white organic Embrujo Verdjo from the Castilla La Mancha regions of Spain. It was light and lively without being too strong, and there were hints of fruit and citrus in its taste that went down very well with all the food we were presented with (we ate everything on our plates).
There is way so much more on their menu, but unfortunately we did not, and could not, eat everything! This also goes to include the drinks menu – which includes, as expected – lots and lots of Chinese and Latin influenced selections.
Have a look at their new ’Taste of Chino’ menu for £24 per person: chinolatino.co.uk
It’s a great taster menu that is delicious and highly affordable!
Easy to get to, Chino Latino offers a delicious menu of pan asian favorites, and after being open for ten years, they really know their food! This, coupled with an amazing and friendly wait staff who are attentive without being too obtrusive, make this a memorable dining experience. I would’ve loved to have had more of the Latino in the Tasting Menu (I am American Mexican), but overall, highly recommended.
Review by Tim Baros
Photos from Rosie Noonan (Kapranos PR)