Muse by Tom Aikens

Fine Dining Wizardry: An Intimate Delight!

Muse is a bewildering jewel nestled in Belgravia where Chef Tom Aiken presides over one of the most compelling gastronomic theaters this side of London. As I—a creature both repelled and secretly intrigued by the labyrinthine allure of haute cuisine—walked across its threshold, it was as if expectations were being whisked into an electrified furore by an invisible sous-chef dedicated to the drama of dining. Its elegant décor sets a stage for enchantment, reminiscent more of an ageless drawing room than a conventional dining space, and manages to pull off a tricky balancing act between opulence and approachable charm.

The orchestration of a ten-course menu at Muse need not cause dietary vertigo; quite the contrary, it metamorphoses fear into harmonious delight. Delivered with poise and charisma by a cadre of staff whose professionalism was unlikely born but surely cultivated to near unbearable levels of credibility, each plate is a riddle—a narrative spoken fluently through flavor and detail. The story narrated by the Trout with all its intricate weavings of taste was exemplary, although those navigating for El Dorado shall find their gold tucked within the clouds of broccoli custard, attended by its consorts of jersey royals and caviar. Yet, fear not you Harvester-hearts, for amid sporadic pleasure waves of truffle-adorned quail, one soon finds themselves charmed into a soft reverie, longing for yet another bite within the small folds of this intimate little haven.

If gastronomy near Mendoza's mountainous deities commands high altars of trepidation, Muse assures instead that culinary Revolution Committees of civil nutrition craftsmanship are artfully at work here; an earthly dish sings echoes of time-honored traditions served with verve. Banish monetary qualms, and surrender once more to the celebratory jaunt led tirelessly concerted choirmaster, Tom Aiken. — Penelope Savory