Riviera

Crab salad; and Steak Tartare Brioche.

Sourced from the shores of Cote d’Azur, the native Lobster Spaghetti with seafood sauce is cooked to perfection; while the Turbot a la Meunière showcases the fish to its ultimate potential.

The meat section offers Glazed Veal chop with honey and Dijon mustard; Grilled Lamb rack; and Black Truffle slowcooked baby chicken.

For dessert, expect a quintessential Tarte Tatin and a decadent Creme Brûlée with lavender shortbread.

As you would expect, Riviera boasts an extensive, carefully curated drinks list, including an array of high-end wines and Champagnes from France and beyond.

There is also a great selection of innovative cocktails from the Coconut Breeze to the Sexy French Popcorn.

Founded by twin entrepreneurs Arian and Alberto Zandi, the Emerald Hospitality Group also owns Zuaya in South Kensington, Como Garden and El Norte. Included in the exclusive Forbes 30 under 30 list, the brothers plan to open two restaurants every year including plans for an international expansion in markets with similar synergies to London, including Dubai, New York, and Miami.

Summer Season Pairings

There’s nothing better than an English summer; a mix of tennis, polo, rowing, cricket and of course, Champagne! With its impressive diversity, Champagne is an incredibly versatile pairing to enhance all your summer favourites. As such, the Bureau du Champagne UK* are here to guide you on how to find the perfect Champagne to make this summer a memorable one.

Strawberries & Cream at the Tennis

Vibrantly coloured and elegant, with lively fruity aromas could be seen to describe both strawberries and Rosé Champagne. As such, the British summer classic of strawberries and cream - originally introduced by Thomas Wolsey (the right-hand man to King Henry VIII) and now a staple of the Wimbledon Championships since its establishment in 1877 - is the perfect Rosé pairing. Rosé Champagne is most often obtained by blending white and red grapes. This gives it a flamboyant joyfulness and aromas around notes of freshness (citrus fruits and wild strawberries) or complex wild berry fruit notes.

Charcuterie Board

Arguably a summer essential - a charcuterie board will match the more powerful flavours and balanced acidity of a Blanc de Noirs (this Champagne style is also excellent at cutting through the fattiness of the meat and cheese). Produced entirely from black grape varieties such as Pinot Noir or Meunier, Blanc de Noirs generally have more body than wines that include white grape varieties in their blend. As such, these Champagnes give the impression of power, density and structure and have what is known as “vinosity” - the sensation of heat on the palate.

Oysters and Umami

Made entirely from white grapes, Blanc de Blancs are bright, refreshing and lively wines that are all about finesse. With notes of white flowers, citrus and exotic fruits, Blanc de Blancs, which are light to taste, do not overpower the delicate flavours of oysters. This much-loved, classic pairing is particularly successful due to the umami flavours that can be found in both oysters and Champagne. The levels of umami in Champagne are not evident on their own, but when consumed with oysters a ‘umami synergy’ occurs - making the pairing particularly enticing.

Barbecue - A Sizzling Match!

Non-vintage brut - a Champagne that contains less than 12 grams of sugar per litre - is characteristically an essential classic that pairs beautifully with any course. As such, a non-vintage Champagne Brut and barbecue pairing is sure to be sizzling match! This style has an endless array of aromas and flavours and each grape variety brings its own touch. From a lively Chardonnay with notes of citrus and white flowers to Meunier’s roundness and fruity notes of apple and pear, whatever grilled meats and seafood you choose to put on your barbecue will be an excellent combination.

*The Champagne Bureau UK is the representation of the Comité Champagne in the UK, a trade association representing Champagne Growers and Houses.

champagne.fr | champagne-mooc.com