From Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares to Hippo's Birthday Dreams

I'd been itching to visit Abstract for a while, jealous of the fact that my husband, who we'll call The Monkey, had been without me ('for work') some years ago now. But wish hard enough and good things happen - and sure enough, this fantastically quirky restaurant was the chosen venue for my birthday dinner this year. With its mirrored columns, black snakeskin-effect tables and bold prints on the wall, the decor could be garish in other rooms but here they somehow get away with it. It's fun. The service is charming, high class without being stiff and obsequious. The 25-page wine list is a hefty tome, but some helpful sommelier's suggestions at the front make selecting a 2007 Pouilly Fume child's play. And the food? Simply delicious. I think the menu speaks for itself, so I'll just copy it here and let your imagination do the rest ...

canapes of gravalax on mini pastry puff and tuna sushi with a tiny hint of wasabi
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amuse bouche of instense artichoke foam with shaved truffle
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Yellow Fin Tuna Sashimi, Wasabi Ice Cream, Pickled Vegetables, shiso Cress & Cucumber Caviar
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Wild Sea Bass, Pan Fried Fillet, Crab Cannelloni, Star Anise, Carrot Juice & Emulsion
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pre-dessert of chocolate & mango tiramisu
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Artisanal Farmhouse Cheeses with Crackers, Grapes, Celery, Chutney and Tawny Port

That Michelin star is surely on its way soon. What a wonderful birthday treat.