A perfect celebration at La Trompette
For quite some time, La Trompette had been recommended to me as a wonderful neighbourhood restaurant for a special occasion. So, when laboriously trying to find somewhere that was open for my inconvenient late-December birthday, it seemed like a perfect coincidence to find that La Trompette was. Since opening back in 2011, it has earned one Michelin Star as well as an unwaveringly great reputation. With a kitchen led by Greg Wellman, formerly of Elystan Street and The Glasshouse, Kew to name a few, I was excited to try it out.
Tucked away along a side street in Chiswick, La Trompette’s exterior looked inviting in a traditional and homely sense. Stepping inside, we were greeted warmly and shown to our table in a way that exuded a real neighbourhood-focused feel. Sitting comfortably in a dining room buzzing with the sounds of chit chat and cutlery clinking, sourdough and olives arrived while our waiter – who was excellent and great fun – guided us through the menu, highlighting the most exciting dishes for us to try out.
To start, salmon sashimi came with a pickled rhubarb dressing, dainty dollops of crème fraiche, white soy and pistachios. Although light and delicate in texture, this dish packed a punch with all components working excellently together – from the tang of the rhubarb to the crunch of the pistachio. I tried a little of the roasted and shaved cauliflower starter too, which was served with soused king oyster mushrooms, almonds, cashews and truffle. This was a heavier starter, but again, brilliantly balanced and very good. My main course was crisp stone bass in a deliciously rich potted shrimp butter, together with some even crispier potato galettes. Pickled cucumber and dill were on hand to balance what was a really wonderful dish.
When it came to desserts, all of them sounded appealing, so it was just as well I got to try three. I was drawn to the chocolate, salted caramel and peanut delice with milk ice cream the most. I’d describe it as a grown up ode to one of my favourite childhood treats, the Snickers bar. I also negotiated a few spoonfuls of the pineapple tart tartine with lime ice cream. Refreshing with the right amount of richness, but I was smug to return to my deluxe Snickers. Last but definitely not least, the malt custard with toasted almond ice cream and coco nib bricelet arrived with birthday well wishes written in chocolate sauce. Much better than a card, if only everyone could take note for next year…
Leaving La Trompette, I felt wholly satisified in a way that I rarely feel when leaving a restaurant. More often than not, there’s at least one thing I would’ve changed or would’ve wanted differently, but not here. Surely that says it all.
