Goodman vs. The Hawksmoor

[darmstadt]

I go to this place, its in the carpark of an outlet clothing store, the absolute bollocks: http://bison-foodstore.de/

[norrahe]

I've been to Gauchos in the city and it really doesn't compare to Hawksmoor. Hawksmoor is head and shoulders above Gaucho in every respect, I will miss going to that restaurant as there doesn't seem to be anything that compares in cloggers .

I would recommend those who are fans of Hawksmoor to get themselves the cookbook, its a great read and they give a good insight into their recipes and some interesting history, it arrived on Thursday and I spent most of Friday reading it.

[d000hg]

Best I've done for fancy steak is Gordon Ramsay's Maze in Mayfair. I've no idea if that ranks as excellent or just decent in the grand scheme of things, anyone able to compare?

[BillHicksRIP]

Sunday lunch at the Hawksmoor is outstanding.

[cojak]

And the Hawksmoor do some fabulous cocktails.

[DodgyAgent]

KFC if they're lucky right DA?

As long as they bring some vouchers with them then my shout for the bargain bucket

[Ravello]

You wouldn't catch me taking contractors to places like this.

KFC if they're lucky right DA?

[DodgyAgent]

You wouldn't catch me taking contractors to places like this.

[Ticktock]

If we're talking of contractor meals... for a light lunch try Burger & Lobster.

I met people at the one by St Pauls last year. I went for the lobster roll (had heard it recommended) while someone else had the lobster. While the roll was nice, I wish I had gone for the lobster instead.

Actually, I'm not sure if this counts as a contractor meal, since it's only £20 for the lobster with chips and salad.

[Bunk]

Proper contractor thread

[doodab]

I've always found Gaucho's excellent. The one on the river in Richmond is a particularly nice evening out.

I've not tried either of the above though, or Black and Blue, so I can't make a direct comparison.

[Ticktock]

Might try Goucho's next - anyone got any experience of that one?

Yep, been a few times to the Chancery Lane one, and also been to the Piccadilly one. I didn't know where they sat in the pecking order for the foodies on here - thought they weren't mentioned as they were too common nowadays.

I haven't been to Hawksmoor yet, so don't know how they compare, but I've always had a good time at Gaucho.
Good range of starters, with the S. American focus, so plenty of ceviche, empenadas and cured meats.
Decent steaks - they'll bring a board around with the different cuts on offer. I like the churrasco de chorizo.
Wine has been good - I think it's a nice Malbec we often have.

[Ravello]

For those of you who asked:

Went to Goodman in Mayfair on Saturday, previous visit to The Hawksmoor was the Covent Garden (Seven Dials) location.

Service was good in both places, Goodman probably just edged it with some very friendly bar service post-meal.

Winelists were again pretty comparable, both have a decent selection; Hawksmoor probably has slightly more choice at the lower end of the spectrum, but obviously the panel aren't going to be worried about that...

Food: I was pretty unimpressed with the accompaniments at Goodman - less choice, more expensive and far less tasty than the Hawksmoor equivalents. The main attraction though was incredible; the Goodman steak was the best I've eaten, perfectly cooked, exceedingly tender and bags of flavour.

Overall: Obviously they're both great places to go and get a steak, and if it's only the steak you're interested in then Goodman edges it. Overall though I preferred the meal at Hawksmoor - better starters, better sides and still an awesome steak.

Might try Goucho's next - anyone got any experience of that one?