Now, the menu. It’s French-British fusion, which sounds terrifyingly posh, but trust me, it works. The chef, Adam Handling, is a bit of a wizard. He takes things like scallops and turns them into tiny, edible works of art that look too good to eat. But eat them you will. You absolutely will.
Start with the “Chicken Wing” appetizer. Yes, it’s a chicken wing, but it’s deboned, stuffed, and served like a little golden pillow of joy. I nearly cried. Then there’s the truffle polenta chips—which are exactly as addictive as they sound. You’ll be scraping the plate with your finger, forgetting you’re in a Michelin-star environment. Oops.
For mains, the Lobster & Artichoke is a showstopper. It’s served with this unbelievably velvety sauce that makes you want to lick the bowl. (Don’t. You’re in a Mandarin Oriental. But I saw someone’s eyes linger.) The Beef Wellington is also iconic—perfectly pink inside, flaky pastry outside. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and go “Mmmm” like a cartoon character.
The Cocktails: Sip, Smile, Repeat
Before you dive into the food, you must grab a drink from the bar. Their signature cocktail, the “Atrium Spritz”, is a zesty, floral affair that’s dangerously easy to drink. It’s like a hug for your taste buds. Or try the “Bee’s Knees”—honey, gin, and lemon. It’s so good you’ll forget you’re an adult with responsibilities.
Also, the bar staff are incredibly nice. I asked for a mocktail, and they made one so tasty I didn’t feel left out. They even garnished it with a tiny orchid. Honestly, I felt like a gas station rose from Beauty and the Beast. Magical.
