Daquise
MENTION POLISH FOOD to the average Brit and you’re likely to incur either a furrowed brow or a moue of distaste. What could it possibly comprise? And is it actually any good? Allow me to set you straight. Polish food isn’t just good. It’s very good. What’s more, you’re not obliged to venture far out of your way to sample it at its unpretentious best. From its base in the heart of South Kensington, Daquise has been bringing Polish cuisine to Poles and non-Poles alike since 1947. The banquettes of this warmly welcoming institution are invariably lined with parties of international students taking advantage of outrageously affordable prices to gorge themselves on flavoured vodka and pierogi. For a more discreet dining experience, make sure you ask for one of the smaller tables at the rear. Should you be at all uncertain what to order first time round, I recommend thick slices of marinated salmon served with potato pancakes, followed by venison medallions flambéed with Zubrowka (that’s bison grass vodka to you and me). After all that, a light pudding is probably called for. The raspberry jelly terrine laced with – you’ve guessed it – more vodka should fit the bill nicely.
Not grand, not expensive and absolutely impossible not to love, dinner at Daquise is the closest thing to babcia’s home-cooking you can enjoy this side of Warsaw.
See also: Fischer’s, The Guinea Grill, Ognisko
