|
|
|||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
Review by Jack Foley |
 |
IT MAY sound like a popular cliche, but Satisfaction is totally guaranteed when you dine out at Sticky Fingers in Kensington.
Owned by former Rolling Stones guitarist Bill Wyman, the restaurant is - as you would expect - packed with Stones' memorabilia, including framed posters of the band through the years, album covers and obscure artwork featuring cartoon drawings or portraits of the legendary rockers.
Yet anyone thinking this is simply the Rolling Stones' equivalent of Planet Hollywood, in particular, or The Hard Rock Cafe (to a lesser extent) would be mistaken, for the atmosphere and quality of the food is far better than anything the tourist friendly chains can offer, allowing its visitors the time to sit back, enjoy the food, take in the atmosphere and listen to the quality rock and roll anthems played at just the right volume in the background.
And music-wise, it is not just the Stones who are featured - although it would be naive to think they are not heard at all! - for we heard tunes from the likes of INXS, Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen while we were dining recently.
But it is the food we are here to talk about and there is plenty to choose from. Aside from the usual array of burgers, ribs and chicken, there is also a fair selection of international dishes - fajitas, for example - and several mouth-watering specials to pick from on each visit.
For starters, there is the appetiser selection, ranging from the traditional soup of the day (we were offered courgette which, according to our waitress, was amazing!), or Italian Bruschetta (toasted ciabatta, rubbed with garlic and covered with diced fresh tomato, olive oil and fresh basil), crispy aromatic duck (a favourite for any fans of Chinese cuisine), golden calamari (squid), and, of course, ribs and wings.
Fans of pork, can choose from a wide selection of ribs (house BBQ, hickory BBQ, Memphys Dry and Southern Comfort fruity style), while for anyone who has difficulty choosing, there is the recommended 'Too much pork for just one fork' option to share, (for £20.95) which features a selection of all of the aforementioned ribs, along with extra BBQ sauces for dipping, fries and aplle'slaw. Take it from us, you will not be disappointed!
The real test of any food-lover's appetite, however, is the glorious Beggars' Banquet - which is as vast as the band's back catalogue and as varied. For £14.95 per head (minimum of three persons and with an extra £2 for dessert), you can tantalise your taste buds with the following: The appetiser selection (featuring house ribs, wings, duck, and spring rolls); followed by a generous helping of House and Southern Comfort Ribs, Louisiana Chicken (very spicy), cheese fries, a large Caesar salad and Apple'slaw with the option of waffles with ice cream and Maple syrup to follow (for the especially big appetites!!).
It is a true test of anyone's stamina but one worth indulging in for a true taste of what the restaurant can offer. And the price is fair, given that you get at least two courses and will be virtually guaranteed of requesting a doggie bag at the end of it.
If it's booze you're after, then there is also a fine selection of wines, spirits and beers, as well as an extensive, Stones-fuelled cocktails and shots list, essential for getting into the party spirit. Wyman and co clearly had a blast with the names, as options read like a listing of Stones back catalogue favourites, ranging from Brown Sugar (brandy, dark creme de cacao and cream) to the Sympathy for the Devil (featuring El Jimador tequila, creme de cassis and fresh lime juice topped with ginger ale - and not for the faint hearted!).
There are also traditional favourites such as the Bloody Mary, Long Island Ice Tea and the delicious frozen daiquiri (featuring a choice of fresh banana or strawberries blended with fresh lime juice and Bacardi rum). And who can resist the provocatively titled Let's Spend the Night Together, featuring Smirnoff vodka, Chartreuse and cinnamon, which comes flamed.
Sticky Fingers was established by Wyman 12 years ago and was designed to epitomse all that the musician sought in a restaurant - a friendly and welcoming environment, which serves great, well-cooked international-style food in an informal and relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. It does just that and makes for an excellent night out. So pop a quarter in the jukebox and give it a try...
Address:
Sticky Fingers,
Phillimore Gardens,
Kensington
London
W8
Restaurant Tel:
020 7379 4433