Six by Nico have unveiled their new tasting menu - ‘From Miami to Ibiza’ - which we were lucky enough to be invited to sample.
The restaurant, which has successful venues across the UK, refresh their menu every six weeks and often base their dishes around a specific theme.
‘From Miami to Ibiza’ is the ideal six course treat to get you in the mood for Summer and a bit of sun.
Upon arrival we were greeted and seated in the traditional warm manner that is typical of the fine dining, yet affordable, eatery.
In order to get the full experience we ordered everything that a customer would expect if they were to get the full shebang - from the snacks and aperitif to the six courses along with matching wines.
There was a proper Summer vibe in the venue, with the music creating the ideal atmosphere to feast on dishes inspired by some of the most infamous party holiday destinations.
The staff at Nico gave us the traditional run down of the menu and told us what to expect during the evening.
First up was the snack which was made up of ‘Pardon Peppers, Smoked Sea Salt, Aioli with Pan Con Tomate and La Barca Olive Oil.
This was accompanied by the ‘Miami Vice’ aperitif created using Strawberry, Lime, Pineapple Liqueur, Coconut Rum and Coconut Mist.
It was the perfect wee set up for what was to come, getting your palette used to fresh flavours that you would expect in the warmer months.
The Pardon Peppers were so salty and came with a garlic dip that was to die for - they’d make a sneaky great bar snack.
The aperitif was the kind of drink you could down like juice but find yourself crawling into a taxi a few hours later after over indulging.
Course one of the tasting menu began with the ‘Ibiza Sunset’: Paella Bombas, Saffron Aioli, Roasted Red Pepper and Crispy Chorizo.
Our waiter, Ryan, said that he would personally eat the Paella Bombas by the bucket if they were not so intricate to make and it was hard to disagree with him.
Next up was the ‘Miami Beach’: Tuna Loin, Bonito Emulsion, Cucumber, Spring Onion and Chilli Ponzu Dressing.
This was accompanied by ‘The Dot Austrian Nut’ a Pinot Blanc from Austria.
The loin was cooked to perfection and was very juicy and flavourful. The little cucumber balls are the cutest little green things since baby Yoda graced Disney+ and the wine was an ideal companion to the dish.
Course three was ‘The Cuban’: Pressed Pork Sandwich, Mustard Emulsion, Gherkin Relish, Choucroute with Pickled Mustard Seed.
This was accompanied by a Campo Nuevo Viura from Spain.
This was my personal favourite as gherkin and mustard combined is always a winner. You may think it sounds like too much mustard but the taste and textures were spot on.
The first of the mains was the ‘Es Vedrå’: Sea Bass, White Grape, Beach Herbs, Celery, Smoked Potato and Ajo Blanco.
This was accompanied by a Gozatu Txakoli from Spain.
Sea bass I find is something that is hard to do well but the cooks at Nico knocked it out the park. Everything just came together on the plate in perfect harmony - it was gorgeous and the wine was one of my favourites of the night.
Course five was the ‘Churrasco’: Beef Rump Cap, Barbecue Rib, Smoked Emulsion, Onion and Chimichurri.
This was accompanied by a Merlot 2015 with the fun to say ‘Irgum Burgum’ name from Hungary.
I’m basically a carnivore so this dish ticked every box for me from the textures to the taste and the presentation. If we did not require water to stay alive then I’d probably only drink Merlot and this glass did not let me down.
Last but not least was the dessert, the ‘Little Havana’: Coconut & Rum Parfait, Marinated Pineapple, Brandy Snap Cigar, Passion Fruit Mousse, White Chocolate Namelaka and Pina Colada.
This was accompanied by a Moscatel de Setübal from Portugal.
It was as good as it sounds. An unbelievable dish to finish off an exceptional tasting menu - I mean who does not like Pina Colada?
It is worth noting that all of the dishes come with vegetarian and vegan options so that diners of all varieties can enjoy the masterpieces that Six by Nico conjure up.
The aperitif is priced at £7.50 and the snack at £6.50. The tasting menu is priced at £37 with the matching wines at £30.
To find out more about Six by Nico on Hanover Street or to book a table, please visit their website by clicking here.
