WITH the promise of a chocolate-themed dinner and cocktails at the fantastically named Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail bar at the Radisson Blu in Leeds, my senses were in overdrive before I’d even arrived at the restaurant. I wasn’t disappointed.
Why a chocolate themed evening?
Well it’s National Chocolate Week, apparently. I wish I’d known that at the beginning of the week.
The in-house restaurant certainly exhibits elegance and style with a skilfully thought out design offering intimate two seater booths for a romantic night out as well as tables for larger parties. Our party sat opposite the open kitchen, a perfect place to see the workings of what goes into the preparation of your meal. Not all restaurants can have an open kitchen but it’s definitely a bonus when you can.
Our evening started with a chocolate themed cocktail of Vanilla Vodka, Creme De Cacao Brown and Chocolate Custard. Yes custard! A splendidly scrumptious beginning to the night.
For my starter I chose the Bloody Sticky ribs. Delicious short neck pork ribs with black fermented garlic and wild garlic chutney. I was all prepared with finger bowl and cloth to attack the ribs by hand, not needed though as the succulent, mouth-wateringly moist meat easily fell from the bone. The chutney was a nice side addition but I didn’t really need it as the ribs were delicious on their own.
The wait staff and bar staff are all incredibly knowledgeable about what they are serving to guests and take great pride in the food and drink in the Grill House and Cocktail Bar.
For my main course I had the Firehouse Steak (350g of fine Porterhouse Steak ) in keeping with the Chocolate Theme, I asked for a side of the chocolate jus that accompanied the North Yorkshire Grouse, one of the chocolate themed mains.
The waiter did say that it wouldn’t go – he was right. The jus was delicious but belonged with the grouse dish for which it was intended. The steak was cooked to perfection, it’s always a relief when it’s perfect the first time. The steak came with comfortably chunky hand cut chips, Bloody Mary tomatoes and I chose a black pepper sauce. Beautifully presented, a feast for the eyes and palate.
The wait staff and bar staff are all incredibly knowledgeable about what they are serving to guests and take great pride in the food and drink in the Grill House and Cocktail Bar. They explained that they have tasting sessions for all the dishes on the menu and the specials so if they recommend something you know that it’s with genuine thought. And if they say that the chocolate jus won’t go with the Porterhouse steak then believe them.
Being on a diet at the moment I was excited although trepidatious about the calories I would inhale in a chocolate themed dinner. I shouldn’t have worried. All of the chocolate themed dishes use chocolate as a nice side, jus or addition rather than being overpowering.
For dessert I chose the chocolate trio from the specials menu, three delectable chocolate desserts. But, for the sheer showmanship – the next time I visit – I will have to try the Baked Alaska, fabulously flambèed at the table .
To top the evening of chocolate delights I finished with another delicious Chocolate Martini, this time with Cointreau, chocolate and orange, a perfect combination to top off a perfect evening spent at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail bar at the Radisson Blu.
National Chocolate week runs from Oct 10th – 16th
Opening Hours
Breakfast
06:30 – 10:30 (Mon – Fri)
06:30 – 11:00 (Sat – Sun)
Lunch
Noon – 17:00 (Daily)
Dinner
17:00 – 22:30 (Daily)
Contact :
RADISSON BLU HOTEL, LEEDS
No 1 The Light Leeds,
LS1 8TL United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 113 236 6000
Fax: +44 (0) 113 236 6100
Email: info.leeds@radissonblu.com
FIRELAKE GRILL HOUSE AND COCKTAIL BAR
Tel: +44 (0)113 236 6254
