I spent last weekend in London, for the first time in months. Actually, it felt like I had spent a lot of time on trains recently[1]. Catching up with the gang is always good, although this time we’re missing a few, but we made it up with the addition of one who got on with everyone swimmingly. The meeting point on Saturday was the much talked about The Meat & Wine Co. at Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush.

I would’ve thought that we needed to book with it being Saturday lunchtime, but it was an absolute breeze to get a table. The restaurant was massive to say the least. We told the maître d’ that we wanted the halal option following which we were ushered upstairs[2]. The choices were vast and the types were divided into New Yorker, rib-eye, fillet and rump, all from a selection of meat from either the UK or North America (no rump for the Yank cow). There was also the connoisseur range which included wagyu and the famous Chateaubriand.

I have tried wagyu before but of the thin sliced version meant for shabu-shabu 「しゃぶしゃぶ」. So, I chose the wagyu to see what it was like as a steak, accompanied with Béarnaise sauce[3]. The price for the wagyu unlike the others were dependent on market price and for today it was 50 squids for 300g. The others opted for a myriad of steaks, mostly from the super-aged[4] option. I was right excited when the steak arrived, resplendently placed on a rectangular plate dressed with a solitary leaf of chive.

Sad to say, I was disappointed as parts of my steak was somewhat stringy! I thought to myself, perhaps this is what the marbling does to the meat. I think I surreptitiously Googled to check but all remarks on the wagyu that it was one of the most tender steaks ever (hence, the price!)[5]. Because of my first time, I didn’t complain, and especially when I removed the sinewy bits, the meat was otherwise absolutely gorgeous. But I have had fillet steaks half the price with nary a fragment is left behind on my plate, unlike today.

As for my friends, they enjoyed their choices with no complains. For dessert, the peanut butter cheesecake, crème brûlée and affogato graced the table ensuring that we’d not have any dinner later in the evening[6].

The Meat & Wine Co. (the halal menu had just The Meat Co. on it!) is a lovely place. I found the waiting staff was attentive and very friendly. Just don’t get too much of a shock with the unisex toilet[7]. I would still return despite my less than satisfactory experience with my wagyu, although I’d probably try the Chateaubriand or any of the super-aged varieties!

Unit 1026, Westfield London
Ariel Way
London W12 7GA

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[1]Two day-trips to London and a day trip to Cheltenham, all in the span of four weeks. Anything for the quest of knowledge. *koffkoff*
[2]They have a halal section with a halal-specific menu.
[3]Tried making Béarnaise once – a right bastard to make!
[4]Aged for 30-35+ days. Why do we age the meat? Read this.
[5]Wagyu is pricier than prime.
[6]Err… I had Noodle Oodle later at 8PM.
[7]Well, I did – not that I was a prude but I just don’t be labelled a perv. Heh.