Big Easy

The Kings Road in Chelsea probably isn't the first place that springs to mind for most people when it comes to choosing where to go for a relaxed dinner. It falls under the stereotype of being overpriced and pretentious with many members-only clubs in the vicinity which close their doors in the faces of the lowly public. If you agree with that statement then you need to get yourself down to Big Easy; a place which couldn't be further from the description above (and I mean that in a good way!). I guarantee this place will change your perception of the area and, you never know, you'll probably realise there's more to the Kings Road than you originally thought!

Big Easy has it all. Great food, great atmosphere, great drinks, great music...yep, there's a live band playing in and amongst the tables downstairs every night from 8pm. The frontage of the restaurant doesn't give anything away but as soon as you step over the threshold, the place is absolutely buzzing. It's chaotic, it's loud, it's full on and, personally, it's everything I love for a good night out.

The theme here is a BBQ and crabshack; basically messy food and big portions! The larger steaks and items such as surf 'n turf are quite pricey but everything else is reasonable. If you're going to stay and drink there for a while, like we did, then the bill is also going to add up but the good thing about Big Easy is you can make it what you want. If you want a cheap, laid back dinner before moving on somewhere else then you can do that. If you want to make more of a night of it and stay in the restaurant then you can do that too!

On to the food...having two alpha males at the table trying to outdo each other, could only mean that they were bound to order the biggest meal possible (brace yourselves for this): a 750g bone-in sirloin steak with half a 1.5lb lobster, complete with fries and a side salad (on top of the starters we shared, this is A LOT of food).

Ridiculous. There was a round of fajitas ordered whilst I opted for a somewhat lighter version of jumbo tiger shrimp, which have to be the meatiest, juiciest shrimp I have ever tasted (not very filling though). Topped off by a pitcher of frozen margaritas along with a jolly good singalong with the band and you're laughing.

Apart from a minor delay in being seated when we arrived (although we turned this into a positive by hitting the well-stocked bar), Big Easy did not fail to deliver. I'm just glad I don't work in the area as the lunchtime deals they have are a bargain! The good news is Big Easy have recently opened up a second branch in Covent Garden. Once I've burnt off the excesses of this visit, I will be there with bells on.

Nic
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