Flesh & Buns - a tasty combination

The Eatery: Flesh & Buns, 41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX
The Site: www.fleshandbuns.com
The Companion: Dinner with a SMALL group of friends or a casual dinner date (this is no place for a DMC or a romantic meal)
The Dolla: Meal for two including 2 cocktails, one small plate, two flesh and a dessert to share was £77 including service - not too shabby

You're not too sure what to expect when you descend the steep stairs into the basement of 41 Earlham Street, but with the music blaring and with the knowledge that this eatery comes from the same team as Bone Daddies around the corner you can't help but be just a LITTLE bit excited.

I have to admit I wasn't too crazy about the layout, the whole room is dissected in half by one long, communal table, you hop onto a tall chair (always a challenge for me) and find yourself getting rather cosy with the people either side of you. But after a little bit of maneuvering and the acceptance that at several points during your meal you may be elbowed by the nervous guy on your right trying to salvage his Tinder date, you're ready to get stuck in.

Watermelon & Kaffir Lime Collins and Lychee & Pomegranate Martini

The drinks menu is definitely something to get excited about; with  a huge selection of both cold and warm sakes served by the masu (cup) or by the carafe, or if sake isn't your tipple of choice then there are a variety of cocktails that won't disappoint. This time we went for the sweeter options served ice cold with fresh fruit; the Lychee and Pomegranate Martini (vodka, lychee juice, pomegranate syrup & orange extract) and the Watermelon and Kaffir Lime Collins (vodka, watermelon, kaffir lime syrup, soda). If you're a fan of tequila be sure to try the Frozen Yuzu Margarita (tequila, yuzu & lime juice, agave syrup, orange liqueur) - delicious.

Softshell Crab  - Jalapeno Mayo

Now onto the small dishes, you can go for the cold dishes such as the sushi rolls, sashimi or tataki or opt for one of the hot options, for me the crispy, juicy, softshell crab served with a spicy, tangy jalapeno mayo wins every time. I was also really surprised by how much I enjoyed the grilled corn - served on the cob with delicious lime spice butter.

Crispy Piglet Belly - Mustard Miso and Pickled Apple

At this point you probably will have realised that Flesh & Buns isn't the most authentic of Japanese restaurants, there's a bit of a fusion going on and they're definitely catering to customers who are drawn in by the latest ‘food trends'. However, I happen to be a sucker for a gimmick and in this case their gimmick has definitely payed off. For your main course, F&B serve homemade, soft and fluffy Hirata buns filled with your choice of 'flesh'. Each dish is served with lettuce, cucumber, pickle and two buns per person but you can always order more if you feel the need. Definitely, pick different fillings amongst you so you can try as much as possible!

Crispy Duck Leg - sour plum soy (beetroot pickle)

 The crispy piglet belly is their signature dish, incredibly tasty and perfectly paired with a spicy miso and tart pickled apple. Another popular dish is the crispy duck leg with sour plum soy and beetroot pickle - for me this wasn't too different from the crispy duck you would get at a fairly decent Chinese restaurant - nice but nothing special.

 Grilled Seabass - coriander, miso (kimchi pickle)

My absolute favourite 'flesh' is the grilled seabass, I've had it a few times and it's always cooked perfectly with the skin salty and crispy and the fish tender and tasty. I also love the little bowl of kimchee you get on the side.

Kinako Doughnuts - black sugar custard

Final bit of advice, this is a place where you should always leave room for dessert because F&B offers up a few which are pretty unique. I'm yet to try the S'more which I must say really intrigues me (marshmallow, chocolate and green tea in a biscuit) but I have absolutely devoured the Kinako (soybean flour) doughnuts which are oozing with warm black sugar custard; light and delicious. The sorbets (these tend to change depending on the day) are also a great option. I got three scoops of mango and kiwi, lychee and raspberry and tangerine - incredible.

Sorbet - 1.Raspberry and Tangerine, 2. Lychee 3. Mango and Kiwi

So the verdict? Yes, it is a bit gimmicky and yes, the noisy, busy basement venue might not be everyone's cup of tea but Flesh & Buns is always a lot of fun and boy are those buns TASTY! Jump on the band wagon....