on the basis of a recommendation made by a couple at Café Constant in Paris, my girlfriend and i made the journey out to Petersham Nurseries in Richmond today. the restaurant is really a converted greenhouse, very much a part of the nursery itself: dirt floors, a sloped glass roof, with mismatched junk furniture in various wood tones and beaten aluminium.
i ordered clams for my starter - it arrived with a hearty mix of courgettes, fennel and cherry tomatoes. the chewiness of the courgettes lent the dish just enough texture to be satisfying.
the main course was grilled mackerel accompanied by chickpeas and a salsa verde. the slightly charred taste of the mackerel worked well against the basil oil and lemon zest in the sauce, to such an extent that the lemon slice they provided did not have to be utilised much. the chickpeas grounded the tastes, and as the meal went on, became a tasty mash with shreds of mackerel mixed with the salsa verde.
the general impression of the dishes i ordered was one of balance - the dressing neither overpowering the seafood nor subdued by it.
the vegetarian dishes my girlfriend ordered were surprisingly both served cold, with an interesting concept. the main today, roasted pumpkin with beetroot, tomatoes and sour cream, was particularly well conceived, but personally i would still plump for the seafood over the vegetables.
the menu at Petersham is changed weekly, usually remaining the same through the week, except for variations in herbs and garnishes depending on the produce available.
Petersham Nurseries
Off Petersham Road
Richmond TW10 7AG
Very nice blog! enjoyed reading :)
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