Last Updated on May 24, 2016 by hungryoungwoman

We visited The Cavendish, located in JLT, for their Social Dining night a couple of weeks ago. Offering British and Irish cuisines, the event is held every Thursday with an open buffet and a set menu.

The atmosphere indoors is hush and all fine dining like. Glass windows from ceiling to floor and elegant table pieces, while the outdoors was a more fun vibe. Speakers playing good music and chit chat, we knew this is where we’d be settling in that night.

The buffet featured some cold cuts and salads, out of which some were good enough for a second helping. Also displayed was a live shawarma and barbecue counter. We ordered a Shawarma and Beef Burger, of which the latter had too much Tahini sauce for my liking. The burger buns were found quite dry too. Thankfully, we had a couple of mojitos to wash these down.

They serve sharing platters on the table with Pork or non Pork options as well. A Vegetarian platter can also be prepared upon request. We decided to order from their normal menu too,  of which the Trio Pumpkin Tortellini and Crispy Confit Duck Leg looked promising. Recommended by our lovely server Jesse, who really took care of us by the way, was the Jumbo Prawn and Hanger Steak.

After a short wait, we were presented with a neatly arranged Pumpkin Tortellini. Sadly, the pumpkin purée was a little too bland for me. Although the feta sauce provided a nice taste to go with the tortellini.

The chef at The Cavendish has the ability to make people drool just looking at a dish. And this happened when our mains arrived. The duck leg was placed on sweet potato mash and roast garlic Jus, with slices of beetroot underneath it too. Trying duck for the first time, it took some time to get used to its flavour. Being lovers of duck, my parents loved the dish.

The Hanger Steak and Jumbo Prawn is rightly named the popular dish. The medium well done meat was juicy and complemented a huge grilled jumbo prawn. These were accompanied with veggies and crispy potato puffs.

To finish the hearty meal, we ordered a De-constructed Carrot Cake, Hot Chocolate Fondant and Eton Mess (From the Social Dining Menu)

My love for fondant cakes and all things de-constructed led me to these options. Unfortunately, after setting quite a benchmark with the main course, The Cavendish failed to provide a similar experience with desserts.

Our carrot cake was a few small slices on a smear of cream cheese frosting and carrot tuile. The Eton Mess came in a tall glass and stayed true to its name. It was definitely a mess.

Pleased to say, the fondant cake fared much better. It could do with more of the chocolate filling (Ah! at least I’m not gaining more calories), but was soft and warm and mushy. Just the way I like it.

While the taste of most dishes might be delicious, there are a few things that can be notched up. The servers seem quite knowledgeable about the menu, so if you’re going with a guest it would be better to get the recommended options.

Till then, happy eating! xx

Disclaimer: Though I was invited to The Cavendish to sample their Social Dining dinner and a la carte menu, my personal opinions remain honest and unbiased. This is also to inform that all pictures posted are owned by Hungryoungwoman unless stated otherwise.