MNKY HSE (no this is not a spelling mistake) is a new Latin American restaurant and nightclub on Dover Street near Green Park Station. It is run by Pablo Penalosa Najera who has previously worked at the Four Seasons in Bogota. The menu is diverse and includes a fusion with British and Asian cuisine. This may sound odd but it really does work.
We visited on Saturday as part of a late 31st Birthday celebration and were given a two hour slot from 7.30-9.30pm. We were not rushed and finished around half an hour late. The venue was spread over two floors, with the upstairs hosting an intimate bar and the restaurant was downstairs. We were informed that the floor was cleared later in the evening for a dance floor, although the DJ started quite early at around 9.00pm. This is probably my only criticism (apart from the steep price of many of the dishes), the fact that due to the loud music I could barely hear anyone speak (perhaps I am getting old). I would also prepare yourself for scantily clad super models which explains why carbohydrate is almost non-existent on the menu.
There are a few nice touches including a small selection of apes/monkeys which are placed on the table when you arrive (and yes you can take them home). This was quite a talking point with us managing to assign them to each other. For some reason I was given the chimp. A visit to the bathroom is a must, something likely to happen anyway after sampling the cocktails and extensive wine list. Here the monkey theme runs throughout with a monkey's (swearing) hand as a coat hook and monkey lampshades. The bill is presented in a small sack rolled up like a map - be careful not to miss the monkey nuts at the bottom.
We visited on Saturday as part of a late 31st Birthday celebration and were given a two hour slot from 7.30-9.30pm. We were not rushed and finished around half an hour late. The venue was spread over two floors, with the upstairs hosting an intimate bar and the restaurant was downstairs. We were informed that the floor was cleared later in the evening for a dance floor, although the DJ started quite early at around 9.00pm. This is probably my only criticism (apart from the steep price of many of the dishes), the fact that due to the loud music I could barely hear anyone speak (perhaps I am getting old). I would also prepare yourself for scantily clad super models which explains why carbohydrate is almost non-existent on the menu.
There are a few nice touches including a small selection of apes/monkeys which are placed on the table when you arrive (and yes you can take them home). This was quite a talking point with us managing to assign them to each other. For some reason I was given the chimp. A visit to the bathroom is a must, something likely to happen anyway after sampling the cocktails and extensive wine list. Here the monkey theme runs throughout with a monkey's (swearing) hand as a coat hook and monkey lampshades. The bill is presented in a small sack rolled up like a map - be careful not to miss the monkey nuts at the bottom.
The menu is made up of a number of sections and so we decided to try something from different ones (unfortunately we couldn't manage them all). We started with a complementary plate of spicy shishito peppers. These were delicious although they could have been a bit lighter on the heavy thick sauce. They offer three guacamoles which come with tortilla chips (be careful, the chips only take up about 1/4 of the green bag with fabric underneath). Given our love of spice we opted for the Ahumado: smoked guacamole with tomato, lime coriander and chili. With this we tried the chu-toro tartar (tuna tartar) which came with crispy (too much) quinoa. Both were moreish but we were careful not to fill up for the other courses.
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| Our next round of orders included: the cochinita pibal (pork belly taco with pickled red onion and habanero), wagu beef style taco and tenderstem broccoli. The wagu beef was one of our particular favorites. The belly was better than expected (I generally do not like really fatty meat), but was a bit heavy on the sauce and squeezing the provided lime over was a mistake - it tasted far too sour. |   |
We then went a bit adventurous ordering the octopus and king crab leg, followed by the less adventurous miso cod and beef tenderloin (when ever these dishes or similar are on a menu we tend to navigate towards them). The crab has got to be my favorite dish and I would have certainly ordered more if it didn't cost £66. Yes, you should be prepared to remortgage your house after visiting. Texture-wise, the beef was one of the best we have ever had. As requested it came medium-rare and was placed on a rack on top of hot coal with a chimiurri sauce. My only criticism would be the lack of flavour which you get at the likes of Hawksmoor. I have never been a fan of octopus although my husband loved it (to me it tasted like over cooked chicken).
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We finished the meal with two desserts (there are only three on the menu): dark chocolate lingot and dulce de leche. Both were lovely and a nice finish to the meal.
Overall, a brilliant experience and excellent food. I would recommend this restaurant, but be warned the bill adds up and expect to pay at least £100 per head.
Overall, a brilliant experience and excellent food. I would recommend this restaurant, but be warned the bill adds up and expect to pay at least £100 per head.
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