MNKY HSE: Mayfair's South American Sanctuary
- Lasharna Turner
- May 29, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2019
Embodying euphoria-inducing flavour, colour and resplendent vibrancy, MNKY HSE is Mayfair's premiere South American eatery. Supplying the City with ample doses of Latin wonder and spice, here you'll find five-star cuisine, playfulness and a delightfully novel theme.
Upon arrival, I started down a staircase shrouded in darkness, a large monkey motif hanging above my head, muffled disco music blaring from the lively space below. Making my way through tables of groups and couples, I notice that the place is packed with stylistas and city slickers. People are dressed to the nines, chatty and energetic. The entire restaurant is alight with buzzing convos and laughter. Once seated, I notice a little monkey statue accompanying my napkin and a few more motifs dotted around the walls, there is no doubting who's house this is. The vibe is high-energy yet sultry, low lighting and a DJ surrounded by literal flames make me feel like I am in someone's high-budget music video.
New Head Chef, Mark Morrans, joined the restaurant from Senor ceviche bringing with him a creative take on South American cuisine. The revamped menu demonstrates Morran's focus on fine ingredients and authentic flavours. Pumpkin, truffles, lemon, lime and jalapenos are scattered throughout the new menu. Perfected moles turn a standard side into a sumptuous experience. The "Raw & Cured" section produces a selection of excellent ceviches featuring yellowtail, wild mushrooms, seabass and sweet potato. A short rib, accompanied by avocado hummus and slathered in a rich chilmole falls apart when touched by a knife and effortlessly melts in the mouth. A crispy skinned stone bass fillet topped with flying fish roe served on a bed of herb and pearl barley risotto is the star of the Seafood menu and a pumpkin creme brulee both delights and astounds even the harshest of dessert critics.
Morran's experience at some of the City's finest eateries is evident in the beautifully selected and prepared dishes. Having honed his skills at the likes of Kurobuta, Wabi and Nobu, as well as Michelin-starred Nahm, Mark channels his wealth of knowledge into a daring variety of Latin American plates. An honourable mention to his talented sous chef and right hand, Begonya Sanchez who has previously worked at Michelin-starred Barcelona legends Arola and Lasarte. A dream team, fulfilling London's desire for fun, cultural food that utilises excellent ingredients and beautiful delivery.
A place to 'eat, drink and play', the restaurant's Mantra rings true. Giving us "#Foodtainment in the form of live DJ-ing, funky mood lighting and three fire shows a night. If Luther Vandross and flames don't put you in the mood for a party upstairs in their bar, perhaps, the long list of exceptional cocktails will. I'd recommend the fruity Gin based Candy Clover Club. Fresh fruit, a real-life full-sized candy cane and egg whites make for an intoxicating glug. If sugary sweet isn't your vibe then just ask the thoughtful and attentive staff for a suggestion. They know their stuff and can conjure up the stiffest of drinks presented in the most gorgeous of fashions. MNKY HSE is your ideal first date spot should you find yourself dating a Victoria Secret's model you've just gotta impress. It also works perfectly for a Birthday booking if you want a satisfying meal and stylish vibes before you head upstairs for a delectable digestif. The upstairs bar area also makes for a gorgeous private booking space.
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