Heliot Steak House @ The Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square - I wish I could see it as a compliment when I have to battle with someone over my age to buy alcohol, gamble or in this case, enter a casino. I went not to gamble but to dine in Heliot Steak House restaurant which happens to be embedded inside the Hippodrome Casino. We were advised to bring an ID but it was not necessary. I did not because I did not think of it - clearly shows that I do not frequent casinos. So, I had a hard time convincing the bouncer that I was well over the legal age limit, even with my wrinkles! Flattered? No, because I am a grumpy sort before my morning coffee. Fifteen minutes later and a friend to the rescue, I was allowed in.
Inside, the place was quite eye catching. There were lots of bling, bling lighting. I do not mean that the money from the winnings on the casino table but the neon lights, chandelier, bar, and even the toilet mirrors had frames with light bulbs. I dread to think what they electricity consumption is, but from the customer's point of view, I was impressed with the deco. Showy, that's it and I do like it.
Once seated, on the first floor, I'd never have thought for one moment I was in a casino. It does not look like it could, but Heliot can cater for 150 diners. At Heliot, they are known for the great value of USDA prime steak. Or if you are not a big fan of steak there are other dishes from England's favourite, fish and chips, Italian style ravioli and American style dishes. If you still have to wait for a table in the restaurant, there are six bars in The Hippodrome serving American beer and unique cocktails.
For this event, we have gathered to sample Heliot's new American brunch menu. On to the food...
country fried steak £7.00 - this was something completely new to me. It is essentially breaded fried steak. There were many who were unsure of this dish but I did like it because it was well cooked, fried properly with the crunch and not too oily. The steak was so well done that it could be any red meat, hence many felt like it was a waste of a good cut. It was not tough but just nice. I didn't like the sausage gravy though.
chilli fried egg, and bacon bioche roll £7.00 - the favourite of the group. It was simple but appealing. Even the burnt brioche bun was forgivable.
eggs benedict £7.00 - a very rich hollandaise sauce, generous amount of smoked salmon but the muffin was a little soggy.
side of sausages, bacon and hash browns - the sausages and hash browns were surprisingly good but the bacon was not great. It was meant to be a side dish, but I'd much rather just have this with toast and butter.
pancake stack £7.00 - we purposefully left this dish towards the end because firstly it was a sweet dish so it felt more appropriate to end it like a dessert brunch. Secondly, it was my diner's favourite brunch dish and she wanted to save it till the last and end it with a sweet note. But by then it was cold (that was probably our fault for leaving it till the end) and a very soggy bread. It was not as enticing as it looks and was quite a carb loaded dish with sugar. While I felt it was ok, my diner did not approve at all.
We enjoyed the event but being in a group of 60, food came out a little slow.
I am not sure that Heliot Steak House is going to be my choice of a brunch venue, although very strategically located by Leicester Square tube station. I tend to associate brunch with having more natural daylight, being in tune with the weather and a view of people strolling up and down the high street. I've heard some superb reviews - from discerning fellow foodies - about their steaks at Heliot Steak House, and hopefully I will be back soon to try them. read more