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2013-05-10
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For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/05/10/the-ascot-british-gastrogrub-the-grandstandThe moniker 'gastrogrub' is not uncommon in England. This portmanteau of gastronomy and grub was after all, first coined in London. The Ascot, opened by owner Sylvester Fedor Thang, was his attempt to recreate the fond pub memories he enjoyed with his mates back when he was studying in the UK.Serving up distinctly British comfort foods of Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, Curries, Shepherd's P
The moniker 'gastrogrub' is not uncommon in England. This portmanteau of gastronomy and grub was after all, first coined in London. The Ascot, opened by owner Sylvester Fedor Thang, was his attempt to recreate the fond pub memories he enjoyed with his mates back when he was studying in the UK.
Serving up distinctly British comfort foods of Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, Curries, Shepherd's Pie and the Sunday Roast (available only on Sundays of course), with a comprehensive alcoholic menu of imported beers and beverages from England and Europe, this place is the next best thing you will get without hopping on a 13 hour plane ride.
A rustic Cold Cut Platter $18 that will be excellent with a guzzle of beer, this one features 3 types of cold cuts with silver onions, gherkins, scotch egg and homemade bread. The highlight of course, has to be that freshly made scotch egg with a gorgeous sunny-yellow yolk still runny despite being deep fried. A nice change to the usual ways eggs are prepared, this one comes wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs for a contrast of textures and bite. It is a little British delicacy done right.
I would not usually condone paying so much for a plate of salad but in the case of this Strawberry Spinach Salad $18 [must try!] which produces a kaleidoscope of flavors that is undeniably compelling, it is probably justified. The first thing that hits you is probably the sweet tang of the raspberry vinaigrette dressing that lends a fruity burst with every bite. Next would be the crumbled blue cheese with its characteristic sharp and and salty flavor which cuts through the sweetness and is surprisingly not as foul-smelling as blue cheeses usually are. My favorite part has to be the generous sprinkle of whole pistachio nuts.
A Bunch of Bangers $20 [must try!], another memorable dish, pays tribute to the quintessentially British dish of Bangers and Mash and put its own twist to it by adding Bubble and Squeak (stir-fried 'leftover' vegetables, The Ascot uses ) instead of regular mashed potatoes. Made up of three types of broiled and coiled sausages (Pork, Veal, Garlic and Thyme) and bathed in onion gravy, this one definitely has my vote because it was just so good and comforting! Can totally imagine a group of friends chilling over some bottles of beer and this plate of Bangers. Oh YUM!
All desserts here are homemade so be patient as the kitchen will take up to 15 min to prepare them! But trust me, the wait will definitely be worth it! Expect the classics of Bread & Butter Pudding $9 [must try!] and Apple Crumble $10 or even go all out and indulge in the Deep-Fried Mars Bars $8 that will leave you with sticky gooey caramel teeth but make you feel so satisfied (probably guilty afterward).The Ascot's Bread & Butter Pudding, made from brioche, was served warm and delivered a delightful end to the meal with those bursts of blueberries and accompanying Vanilla ice-cream. Truly memorable.
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