Shortly before Easter we received an email from the Exchange Restaurant and Bar at the Westin Hotel about an Easter Sunday Lunch. It was a three course meal, costing 39 Euro per person (ca. 50 USD). It was a good offer in our opinion, so we emailed them to book a table for two. A confirmation arrived on Sunday morning.
It was after a longer time that we were back at the Exchange. Normally we frequent the Mint Bar or the Atrium Lounge at the Westin. We had reserved for 1 PM and were on time. We were greeted by the restaurant manager and brought to our table. Our jackets were taken from us.
The manager also pulled out the chair for me and handed us the menu when we were seated. She offered us water. It was tap water, something we normally don't drink. It was okay, though.
We were given the wine list as well. We weren't in the mood for wine, so we asked for the cocktail menu instead.
The decision which drinks to take wasn't easy. In the end my better half had the Manuka Espresso Martini, while I had The Last Word - a gin based cocktail from the Prohibition era.
His cocktail was strong flavored, but not too sweet. Mine was refreshing and crisp. The presentation of both was pleasing to the eye.
Soon after our cocktails a bread basket and butter arrived. The basket was a rustic looking metal bucket. The inside was covered with a cloth. The bread was very tasty indeed.
Our starters were Chicken Liver Parfait with Sourdough Bread and chutney and Minestrone. The parfait was very smooth and mild flavored. The chutney was fruity and tangy at the same time and provided a good contrast to the bread and parfait.
My Minestrone contained very small pieces of vegetables and orzo pasta. The dish was light, but warming and satisfying.
While we were waiting for our main courses, we discussed how the restaurant had changed over the years and admired the mural, depicting a phoenix or dragon. We were sitting just below it. We also tried to figure out what the most ordered items were.
There were other guests, but the restaurant wasn't completely full. The fellow diners weren't loud, so we could also hear the piped music, a mix of jazz, opera and swing.
There was a single lady and two families. Later another couple and a group of three (two men and a woman) arrived. Most liked wine - the trio had rose wine, while the single lady had two glasses of white wine.
The prawn cocktail - another appetizer - was a hit as well as the lamb shank.
EW's main course was a Boilie goat’s cheese, shallot and fig tart, while I had salmon, green asparagus, prawns and potatoes. Both were delicious.
Our waiter asked us, if we wanted to have our desserts served now or later. We were quite full and thought waiting a bit would be good. When we were ready, we easily caught the attention of the waiter.
My better half had lemon curd tart, I chose the Pear Tart with pecan nut ice cream and chocolate crème anglaise. Both were outstanding, and it was tempting to lick the plates clean. Of course we know how to behave and didn't anything like that.
The staff was attentive and friendly.
Since we are SPG members we received a 20 % discount on the food, when we presented our card. The bill came in at 85 Euro (ca. 110 USD) including tip.
Overall it was two hours well spent. We enjoyed being together and share a great meal. We plan to visit again soon.
It was after a longer time that we were back at the Exchange. Normally we frequent the Mint Bar or the Atrium Lounge at the Westin. We had reserved for 1 PM and were on time. We were greeted by the restaurant manager and brought to our table. Our jackets were taken from us.
The manager also pulled out the chair for me and handed us the menu when we were seated. She offered us water. It was tap water, something we normally don't drink. It was okay, though.
We were given the wine list as well. We weren't in the mood for wine, so we asked for the cocktail menu instead.
The decision which drinks to take wasn't easy. In the end my better half had the Manuka Espresso Martini, while I had The Last Word - a gin based cocktail from the Prohibition era.
His cocktail was strong flavored, but not too sweet. Mine was refreshing and crisp. The presentation of both was pleasing to the eye.
Soon after our cocktails a bread basket and butter arrived. The basket was a rustic looking metal bucket. The inside was covered with a cloth. The bread was very tasty indeed.
Our starters were Chicken Liver Parfait with Sourdough Bread and chutney and Minestrone. The parfait was very smooth and mild flavored. The chutney was fruity and tangy at the same time and provided a good contrast to the bread and parfait.
My Minestrone contained very small pieces of vegetables and orzo pasta. The dish was light, but warming and satisfying.
While we were waiting for our main courses, we discussed how the restaurant had changed over the years and admired the mural, depicting a phoenix or dragon. We were sitting just below it. We also tried to figure out what the most ordered items were.
There were other guests, but the restaurant wasn't completely full. The fellow diners weren't loud, so we could also hear the piped music, a mix of jazz, opera and swing.
There was a single lady and two families. Later another couple and a group of three (two men and a woman) arrived. Most liked wine - the trio had rose wine, while the single lady had two glasses of white wine.
The prawn cocktail - another appetizer - was a hit as well as the lamb shank.
EW's main course was a Boilie goat’s cheese, shallot and fig tart, while I had salmon, green asparagus, prawns and potatoes. Both were delicious.
Our waiter asked us, if we wanted to have our desserts served now or later. We were quite full and thought waiting a bit would be good. When we were ready, we easily caught the attention of the waiter.
My better half had lemon curd tart, I chose the Pear Tart with pecan nut ice cream and chocolate crème anglaise. Both were outstanding, and it was tempting to lick the plates clean. Of course we know how to behave and didn't anything like that.
The staff was attentive and friendly.
Since we are SPG members we received a 20 % discount on the food, when we presented our card. The bill came in at 85 Euro (ca. 110 USD) including tip.
Overall it was two hours well spent. We enjoyed being together and share a great meal. We plan to visit again soon.
©2013
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