I had become well acquainted with Mr.R, an accountant who I had worked with some while ago, and as it turns out, he loves my blog! Our conversations are often based around food, and he is as critical, if not more than I am about his food. We decided to meet after work to explore possible work opportunities and tuck into some good grub.

I have to admit I was so nervous that Mr.R would not enjoy the restaurant I had booked that I decided to personally inspect it on my lunch hour. The restaurant in question was Dehesa, sister of Salt Yard (see my previous blog). Dehesa is actually a unique woodland area in Spain which is home to the black-footed Ibérico pigs – said to produce the best ham in the world. The place has a real warm but suitably dark feel to it, and after seeing the lovely little booth that was reserved for us, panic was over.

From the moment we started talking, it felt as though we had been friends for years. He was as friendly and easy going as I had imagined. I think the highlight of the night was when he told me he met his wife when he was 7 years old and played “My Heart Will Go On” on the piano to her. Yes, the girl actually married him 20 years later believe it or not! I tried so hard not to burst into a fit of laughter but I just couldn’t conceal it. Luckily he didn’t take himself too seriously and joined in to laugh at himself too!

Here is where I have to be completely honest: I really can’t remember every single dish we ate! I know, I know, how did I let this happen? Well, chucking the receipt away probably wasn’t a great idea and secondly, we ended up talking so much that in between that and eating, I just forgot to take many photos! I took a grand total of two photos.

We definitely had the chargrilled free range chicken with smoked almonds romesco, spiced cauliflower and sautéed purple broccoli. For someone who rarely touches broccoli or cauliflower, I have say that this was a beautiful dish. The chargrilled octopus with frigol negro (black beans), tomato & green bean salad and mojo verde was delicious, the octopus was cooked really well. One of my absolute favourites was the spinach and basil risotto with cornish crab and pickled Jerusalem artichokes, but then again I do have a serious soft spot for risotto. I think Mr.R particularly enjoyed the potato gnocchi with manchego cream, English asparagus, roasted garlic migas and egg yolk.

We were chatting away, and suddenly I notice this bearded Asian man with a hat on speedwalking past the restaurant. The man in question was my guilty crush and Bollywood actor and director, Farhan Akhtar. I think he was going for that ‘undercover scruffy celeb’ look. Have I ever mentioned my love for Bollywood? Probably not, but I have a slight obsession. Most corporate lawyers should be reading The Financial Times, but not me, oh no, I’m all about Bollywood Life. You just have to look at global icons like Priyanka Chopra (she has Quantico and Baywatch under her belt already) to see that Bollywood is making a serious mark on the western world. Preach over.

The evening ended really well and I have to say the staff were attentive without being overbearing. Dehesa has recently introduced weekend brunches. The menu definitely has something for everyone so I am sure it will not disappoint, go try!

Food: 8.5/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Value: 8/10

If this restaurant were a fictional character, it would be…..Elle Woods, Legally Blonde- friendly, popular and creative, but not one to underestimate.