Leading food writer and restaurant critic Georgie Bentley-Buckle heads down the recently opened Orange Elephant (351 Fulham Road) in search for the perfect steak and chips.
I don’t know about you but sometimes a restaurant menu is more like a puzzle and is something that I could rather do without. Head chef Jai Parkinson is clearly on the same page with his new venture in Chelsea, Orange Elephant. Straight to the point with their set menu they offer 12oz sirloin steak cooked to perfection served with a special house sauce, a side salad and portion of hand cut chips, all for an impressive £20.
Orange Elephant is more than the gimmick that could be predicted, named after the magnificent breed of South Devonshire cow from which the delicious steaks are sourced; Orange Elephants are the largest of the native British cattle, with their nickname deriving from their wide faces, big ears and rust coloured coats. Orange Elephant’s signature steak is carefully sourced from independent British farms, and created from specially selected cuts of quality beef which has been aged for a minimum of 32 days. Additionally, Jai brings with him his impressive Michelin star experience following his time working with some of the world’s leading chefs over his 18-year career, including Michelin-starred David Burke (who opened La Pont de la Tour amongst others) and Julien Maisonneuve (who headed up Tom Aitkens restaurant).
On arrival and with no need for any menu fuss I chose a favourable gin based cocktail from the simple cocktail list. In addition to our steaks we also chose the highly recommended truffle Mac & Cheese which amply complemented the main steak event which was presented with the hand cut chips and the flavoursome special house sauce. In their mission to serve the finest and only the most succulent and delicious meat the beef is cooked on ‘Green Egg’ barbeques. This technique on a clever a ceramic design uses charcoal fuel and is capable of generating an intense controlled heat, essential to properly searing the meat, while roasting and smoking at the same time.
Having opened just last month Orange Elephant is beginning to make its mark, filtering across west London as the new steak spot on the block. Jai has clearly spotted a gap in the market and understands exactly what steak lovers are looking for; no fuss great steak with even better sides. This clever combination has created a dining concept for all. A great option for either a quick lunch or longer dinners catching up with friends and family, Orange Elephant has conveniently squeezed itself onto the popular Fulham road and is a welcome addition to the buzzing west London neighbourhood.
Address: 351 Fulham Road, London SW10 9TW / 0207 3527 999
