Reply To: Marriott Gourmet Odyssey reviews and questions

[R2]

R2 wrote:

It’s back! 40k.

https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/18445

Debrief from today’s Marriott Gourmet Odyssey: Six-course lunch with champagne pairings across three different restaurants: Jikoni, Cavita and Apricity.

TLDR: It was VERY GOOD!

A second great and faultless hosted event for 20k Marriott points pp. For those in the green group, it was good meeting you all today, you know who I am :).

Collage pic of the dishes for the green group > https://ibb.co/wZwR37Gs. Breakdown as below.

12:00: Reception at Lanes of London, inside Marriott Park Lane Hotel included Tattinger Champagne/Cocktails/Mocktails and Canapés. Introduction from Chris who runs the Gourmet Odyssey experiences on behalf of Marriott and from the GM of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane.

1pm – Jikoni (first carbon neutral independent restaurant in the UK and has been powered by solar power, wind power, and carbon neutral green energy)
– Extra: Fancy ‘Cheese balls’ before the starters (Didn’t catch the official name and didn’t have myself but other guests informed me they were good) or Tapoica Crackers (if dairy intolerant) + Hot Brioche bread (really nice)
– Charred Purple Spouting Broccoli, Almonds, Lemon Salsa
– Crisp Kale Chaat, Date & Tamarind Chutney, Yoghurt, Sev (Top!)
– Prawn Toast Scotch Egg, Banana Ketchup, Pickled Cucumbers (not included in my my collage pic, nice)
– Served with Champagne Lallier Rosé (Raspberry, Elegant, Fresh)

2pm – Cavita (modern Mexican restaurant deeply committed to sustainable food production, fair trade practices and better food choices)
– Butternut Squash, Tomato, Olives, Almonds, Charred Sourdough
– Sea Bass Zarandeado (Biggest half of [more costly] Sea Bass I have seen because the vendor ran out of Mackerel – I wasn’t complaining!): Grilled Cornish Sea Bass, Herb Marinade, Green Sauce, Tortillas (Flour imported from Mexico)
– Served with Champagne Lallier Reflexion R020 (Floral, Citrus, Mineral, Intense)

3:15pm – Apricity (Recently awarded for the 2nd year running a Green Michelin-star for their sustainable, ultra-low waste ethos)
– Chouxnut, Caramelised Apple, Ivy House Farm Double Cream
– Poached Sussex Rhubarb, Cashew Cream, Pear & Calvados Granita Acacia, Hazelnut, Mineral
– (Both of the above: dairy substitute offered per my collage pic)
– Served with Champagne Lallier Blanc de Blancs (Acacia, Hazelnut, Mineral)
– Coffee/tea offered and gladly accepted to round off a great sociable afternoon.

What I liked from the first Marriott Gourmet Odyssey:
– As it was inclement weather, our host (Caitlin) made sure to bring some Marriott branded umbrellas just in case – very thoughtful.
– Cavita and Apricity: Chef came over, spent some time with us and explained what the dishes were – nice touch. The staff at all of the restaurants were excellent and attentive.
– Before heading off to the next restaurant, our host gave us a 5 minute warning heads up – great communication and organisation to ensure the smooth running of the operation.
– Double espresso (for me :))/coffee/tea etc. was a brilliant way to round off this big lunch.
– The hosts/restaurants really do cater for dietary requirements and I am very grateful for this. I won’t be eating properly till tomorrow afternoon.

More of the same variety and spontaneity please 🙂

Shout out to our host Caitlin, and Chris whose company runs these events.

Thanks once again, and I hope to see you at the next one.

FYI. The company that orchestrates this, is the same one that does the Gourmet Odyssey experiences for AMEX Platinum/Centurion (October’s 2024 events were priced at £140-£160 pp, however Marriott includes welcomes drinks/canapés).