DUKES LONDON Launches Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham

Named for the number symbolizing good luck in Chinese astrology, the symbol of the magic square of the sun, as well as the hotel's address on Little St. James, the restaurant has also been redesigned in a classic yet contemporary style by leading UK designer Shaun Clarkson.

Chef Mendham draws on vast experience as well as the pick of local produce to create "modern British with a classical twist" cuisine, focusing on a concentration of flavors that showcases rather than overwhelms the best seasonal local ingredients.



Chef Mendham's debut menu runs from daily Starters to set Main Courses and Desserts, with a nine-course tasting menu available with or without sommelier-selected wines by the glass. Guests can settle into first courses such as Scallops with cauliflower, smoked eel and horseradish; Rare breed pork of braised cheek with Waldorf salad; Dry aged beef carpaccio with beetroot and horseradish; and a Quail terrine forestiere with braised leg and quail jus.

Main courses are similarly something to savor, such as Goosnargh duck with savory granola, foie gras and black cherry; Salt marsh lamb of sticky ribs and braised shank with caramelized shallot; Brill rib of beef with watercress and native oysters; Highland venison with butternut fondant, ossobucco and bacon spatzle; and Lemon sole with langoustine tortellini, carrot puree and hazelnut crumb.



The dessert menu focuses on distinct flavors running from Carrot cake with liquid carrot, iced cream cheese and spiced walnut to Dark chocolate delice, crunchy pears and cardamon to Raspberry with vanilla donuts and raspberry semifreddo. A lengthy Cheese Menu is also available, with local cows milk (such as Waterloo and Stichelton), goats milk (Golden Cross, Ticklemore) and sheep milk (Spenwood, Flower Marle) selections available with side condiments.

Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham sets a striking stage for the chef's talents. Redesigned by interior designer Shaun Clarkson, the 36-seat restaurant features a classic style with a contemporary twist. Warm tones of gold, black and orange abound, while silver dress plates and hand-blown orange candle holders dress the table to set the scene for a special dining experience.



All a la carte menu selections are offered prix fixe at Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham: dinner is £49 for two courses and £60 for three courses; and lunch is £26 for two courses and £36 for three courses. The restaurant's nine-course tasting menu - which features several selections from above and includes a Margarita right before the dessert courses - runs £95 or £150 with matching wines.

The new restaurant joins a tantalizing and still-growing selection of dining and drinking possibilities options at DUKES LONDON. In April, the hotel opened PJ Lounge by DUKES LONDON featuring Champagne and Champagne cocktails from partner Perrier Jouet, and in 2010 the Cognac & Cigar Garden debuted, serving excellent cigars and vintage cognacs in a heated courtyard. DUKES LONDON also offers morning coffee, light lunch and Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room and the world's finest martinis at DUKES Bar.

Hotel Profile: Dukes Hotel