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Joel Kissin returns to London with the launch of Boulestin

Published:  12 September, 2013

Famed restaurateur Joel Kissin marked his return to London's restaurant scene last night with the official launch party of Boulestin on St James Street in London.

Famed restaurateur Joel Kissin marked his return to London's restaurant scene last night with the official launch party of Boulestinon St James Street in London.

Kissin worked alongside Sir Terence Conran in the 1980s building up a restaurant empire that included landmarkrestaurants such as Bibendum, Le Pont de la Tour, Cantina del Ponte, Quaglino's and Bulter's Wharf Chop House.

After opening 11 restaurants in Britain and abroad in the early 2000s, Kissin left the restaurant business and moved into real estate development in New York. His return to the London restaurant scene has been greatly anticipated.

Boulestin, which is named after X Marcel Boulestin, the renowned restaurateur, cookbook author and TV presenter, is located in a 17th century building in St James's. It has 60 covers and offers a predominantly French menu. The restaurant includes a private courtyard, surrounded by period buildings, for al fresco dining.

Andrew Woodford, previously of Colbert and The Wolseley, heads up the kitchens. Woodford spent several months prior to launch working with Joel Kissin to create an extensive menu for both the restaurant and the café, including dishes inspired by Marcel Boulestin's original recipes.

Starters will cost between £7- £20 and main dishes will cost between £11- £37. Highlights include starters such as Oeuf en gelée - poached eggs in jellied consommé - and Jambon persillé, alongside mains that include Cassoulet and Roast pigeon with ceps, bacon and cabbage. The food is complemented by a list of some 160 wines and Champagnes of which 60% are French. 18 wines are available by the glass.

At the front there is a 30-seat Café Marcel, offering lighter, faster all-day dining and a no reservations policy. Boulestin's also has a mostly private dining room that seats up to 44 for private and corporate events.

Boulestin serves lunch Monday-Friday from 12 pm- 2.45 pm and Saturday until 3 pm. There is a Sunday Brunch between 11 am- 4 pm. Dinner Sunday through Wednesday runs from 5.30 pm- 11 pm and it is open until midnight Thursday through Saturday.The Café will be open early mornings starting at 7 am or 8 am depending on the day of the week.

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