24 July 2019 (gig)
25 July 2019
Tonight was billed as Celebrating Classic Rock Legends with Kimberley Nichole and on one of London's hottest ever night we descended into the oasis that is Quaglino's, immediately feeling the benefit.
Be sure to give yourself time for an aperitif at the red and gold glittering art deco bar overlooking the main dining space where the extensive array of cocktails will certainly impress.
As the crushed red velvet curtains are drawn back, the band appear with Kimberley Nichole and her impressive band announcing themselves with The Beatles' 'Come Together'. It's immediately clear that everyone is in for a special night, even the waiters are brimming with anticipation for the evenings entertainment. 'Hound Dog' follows and Nichole, all in red, with a leather fru fru skirt, transparent lace top and black DMs, lets loose.
"There would no rock n roll if it wasn't for the blues" says Nichole before launching into Howlin' Wolf's 'Back Door Man'. I thought we'd heard the best that Quaglinos had to offer but once again they have raised the bar with this outstanding singer. As the starters (pork rillette, apple textures, walnut & celery with toasted sourdough /
Isle of Wight heritage tomato, almond & grape gazpacho, compressed watermelon) arrive, I'd almost forgotten where we were. Make no mistake this was no musical accompaniment but full on gig night.
An incredible band behind her, especially Christian on guitar, with every member super proficient The Doors' 'Roadhouse Blues' gets the Nichole treatment, breathing new life into each note.
Audience members tonight included Inglorious frontman Nathan James seated bang in front of Nichole clearly a big fan, letting his vocal range show when passed the microphone to the delight of all the merry dinners. Kimberly Davis of Nile Rodgers' Chic also blasted a little of her magic as she was introduced, Nichole weaving her way through the tables.
'Personal Jesus' of Depeche Mode fame and Radiohead's 'Creep' both showcase Nichole's talent for making these songs her own. 'Hey Joe' by Jimmy Hendrix and Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', both fellow Seattle musicians, see the singer hit her stride with the latter ending in a stunning drum n bass crescendo.
During 'Hotel California' Nichole clearly found it hard to read the words leading to a couple of smiles both in the crowd and band, but also went to prove that Nicole could literally sing the menu and make it sound amazing.
Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love' another highlight with the drummer in the spotlight a version which stuck true to the extended original with a few added extras to delight the crowd, I mean restaurant.
The roast cornfed chicken breast, pomme mousseline, petis pois a la Francaise, jus gras along with the
roast fillet of Loch Duarte salmon, mussels, wild mushrooms, fresh borlotti & broaden ragout, earth & sea froth brought the taste sensation back to the fore.
Rounded off with English strawberry & custard tart, elderflower sorbet and the classic Valrona 70% chocolate fondant, salt caramel centre, malted milk ice cream it was a meal I shall not forget. Quaglino's stepped it up another level tonight.
Quaglino’s Q Icons - A Celebration of Icons in Music, Food, Cocktails and Art - continues through July and August and I strongly urge you to check out the website and book now. A musical & taste sensation awaits.
Ticket prices start at £40 per person.
www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk
For bookings please contact: quaglinos@dandlondon.com or call 0207 930 6767
