The Crumb speaks: Foot and mouth what?

Seated at Marylebone establishment Villandry last night over stimulating conversation and tap water, I guess I must have been overexcited to see they served steak tartare and promptly ordered it as my main course. Raw food is a weakness of mine, gross as it sounds. My dish arrived in all its raw glory, delicately spiced with capers, onions and the welcome twang of worcestershire sauce.

While happily stuffing my mouth, my dinner companion and best friend in the UK -we also went to college in the states together- (who leaves London for bloody good tomorrow, hence the treat to mask our despondence.. we're really tesco sandwiches girls) remarked innocently, "I love that you don't care about the foot and mouth outbreak, you know, the culling cows and all that."

Suddenly my tartare didn't look so appetising anymore- let this not scare you. Eating beef during these dangerous times is fine, if, you know, you cook it. But like a valiant soldier, I chowed down the whole slab. If you must know, it was very very tasty. Though at the back of my mind, I half expected to start having fits and foaming at the mouth.

I give it a week (max) to work its way through my system. Then we'll see. It's a bit like waiting to die isn't it? Oh but for the love of food!

Verdict: I still think the Koreans do the best tartare, complete with sweet fresh apple/pear strips and a raw egg in a soy sauce and sesame oil marinade. But for a western palate, Villandry does a mean one.

Other spoils of the night:
- Atlantic prawns served with lemon and aioli
- Fettucine with roasted aubergine in a light sundried tomato sauce
- Sticky toffee pudding with sour cream (a strangely delightful combination)

Villandry also has a great organic market/food store, and a cafe that serves pretty good scones. 170 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QB.