KAZAN: ELEGENT DECOR AND GREAT FOOD

Kazan Restaurant 93-94 Wilton Street London SW1V 1DW 020 7233 7100 Victoria@kazanrestaurant.com Lunch: 12-3 Dinner: 5.30-10.30 It’s a Sunday night and I’m walking towards my hotel on my own with the temperature dropping by the minute. I’m getting hungry and have an avalanche of work to get through to a deadline so I think food. Surprisingly in downtown Victoria, restaurants are closed, even at 6.30pm. I spot a Brazilian restaurant which is packed, a good sign, but the menu does not excite. What about an up-market Italian? Nobody in and therefore no atmosphere and the menu is a tad fussy. The Spanish restaurant I eyed some weeks ago which looked promising was closed and so was the up-market fish and chip restaurant. Kazan then came into view. The elegant modern decor was eye-catching and the menu was inviting, even if the blurb was a trifle flowery. Kazan describe their food as: “A rich tapestry of tastes and pleasures all perfected in the Sultans' kitchens from the Ottoman era. “This infusion of history and taste has been brought back to life by our traditional Turkish chefs, recreating classic Ottoman dishes and creating new and exciting tastes we like to call Ottoman fusion.” However, first impressions are powerful and, blurb aside, Kazan undoubtedly looked the part. I was in a rush so one course was sufficient and they delivered. The service was slick and the food packed a punch. Within seconds of ordering – yes, there were other diners – I had wonderfully flavoured Turkish bread on the table with a superbly garlic, olive oil-based sauce with a touch of chilli. A brilliant opener. Then came the main. I was not disappointed. Earlier, I had asked for advice and it was given. They even took into account my allergy, lactose intolerance. The waiter consulted the chef and returned with alternatives. I stayed simple and plumped for Adana Kofte, speciality from the south of Turkey, fiery red chillies blended with minced lamb char grilled, served with salad and rice or chunky fries. Presentation was superb and the flavour? It flooded out. Nothing, however, was overpowering, even the chillies, and the mix was memorable. Eating alone is never pleasant however Kazan make every effort to please without going over the top. The atmosphere is just right and the spotless restaurant is one I’ll return to without hesitation.