Everyone’s Talking About Monica Galetti’s Mere
“With a name as well-known, well-liked and well-respected as [New Zealander] Monica Galetti, it’s no surprise Mere (the name of Monica’s mother) has people talking for all the right reasons,” Alicia Grimshaw writes in a review of the restaurant for digital newspaper, The London Economic.
“The restaurant, located on Charlotte Street, is a split-level operation. Concealed behind a large wooden door lies a ground level bar; decked out in navy velvet sofas, dark marble tables and striking pieces of art,” Grimshaw writes. “The plush interiors were designed by leading architecture and design company, Softroom. It’s unstated yet elegant, and while the bar is a lively spot, the subterranean restaurant operates at a gentler pace.
“The space is filled with an abundance of natural light thanks to a large glass atrium, while a traditional Samoan siapo or tapa cloth dominates the main dining room wall, designed and made especially for Mere by the artist and cousin of Monica, Solomon Daniel, in New Zealand. Much like the food, the decor follows suit: refined, modern and stylish. Service is attentive, without the general stuffiness and over exuberance which always seems to be the order of the day in other high-end establishments. The menu positions itself as French (a nod to Galetti’s husband David’s childhood), with dishes peppered with flavours from exotic South Pacific and New Zealand, paying homage to Samoan-born Monica.
“For mains, the pan roasted Rose veal was beautifully presented. A mélange of perfectly pink veal, glossy sweetbreads with a satisfying crispy outer, brown butter mash and charred hispi all came together on the plate. This is what smart and precise cooking tastes like. The pigeon dish (pictured), a Monica staple, was a joyous, happiness-inducing plate of food.
“Mere is a wonderful restaurant that puts its best foot forward when it comes to both dining and service. The cleverly crafted and well put together flavour combinations prove that both Monica and David are London’s restaurant powerhouse duo. Long may it continue.”
Original article by Alicia Grimshaw, The London Economic, March 18, 2019.
