Zaman restaurant, named after Head Chef Mahmud Zaman, serves the most delicious Pan Asian/Fusion food I have ever tasted. It’s the healthiest, too.
Though he had studied accountancy for a year and a half, Zaman decided he ultimately preferred a culinary environment, working his way up in the London-based group of restaurants and casinos owned by Caesar’s Palace. He is so popular that he was given his own named restaurant, a sign of Zaman’s high value and pulling power.
In his office in Zaman restaurant occupying the lower floor of the pleasant, calm, comfortable, light and airy Sportsman Casino just by Marble Arch, hangs a certificate of honour from the Chief of the Caesar’s Palace group. It was only going to be a matter of time before Zaman’s recent win of the “Chef of the Year” award in the Pan Asian section of the Asian Curry Awards.
Zaman responded by saying, “I’m delighted to have won this award, especially in the face of competition from some immensely talented chefs. Fusion food is my passion and I am very proud to be able to offer Londoners some of the finest cuisine the capital has to offer. It’s a delight to know that what we serve our customers is appreciated not just by them but by the wider industry too.”
The award is an achievement for The Sportsman and recognition of the casino’s tireless commitment to offering the best dining experience that is both accessible and affordable for customers. I saw a few Indian families among many international guests.
The VIP experience is unsurpassed, with the top managers meeting guests personally as though they are welcoming old, respected friends into their own, rather understated large luxurious home.
Among many outstandingly helpful staff, Darren handles guests in the spacious casino with friendly courtesy. Jillur at the casino bar serves pretty non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic cocktails with interesting names.
We were invited to play Blackjack and Roulette before dinner. The gaming floor atmosphere was relaxed, and the table hosts explained everything so even a beginner like me could have fun and win. Looking around, we could see it was casino play at its finest thanks to the exceptional service and hospitality of the customer relations manager.
This is an establishment where many staff – like long-serving Zaman’s own sous-chefs- have worked for 15 years or more- a loyal tribute to the leadership and testimonial to the company ethos.
With over 30 years’ experience in the restaurant industry, Zaman’s personally designed Halal menu includes delights such as the delicious and tender Wagyu steak- said to be the best beef in the world- at London’s lowest price, served for a fraction of its cost. There is a French- Lebanese influence, Lebanese coffee and camel milk ice cream. Zaman makes all the ice cream himself- how many head chefs do that? He checks every food item bought for the restaurant- and rejects anything not up to par. Once a year he goes to the North Sea to check the fish and to France to check on his fresh vegetable and Halal meat supplier.
All food is cooked fresh on the day and is not used thereafter. Zaman cooks his vegetarian items differently with few spices. The curries are not oily because only olive oil is used in the cooking –even for meat. You won’t find too much sauce or butter.
The menu features international chefs’ specials - such as, lamb kebabs and Farruj Mussahab - as well as more traditional main courses - like grilled meats and fish, lamb cutlets, asparagus and lemon risotto, and aachari paneer tikka.
All palates are covered; vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, gluten intolerant and those avoiding specific foods like wheat or sugar.
Maitre d’hotel Enrique Ceniceros combines elegance, character and solicitousness in Zaman.
Enrique and senior waiter Antonio- cross check each ingredient with Zaman before they allow guests to taste and eat. Tasty alternatives to sauces can always be found, like mushrooms sautéed in olive oil. Even side dishes are a work of art; I had pan fried broccoli with real almond butter-including miniscule almond slices- and a great starter of grilled king prawns with lemon butter.
The delicate and spectacular desserts are not small and are artfully presented at different eye levels, high glassed containers being a speciality. The sticky toffee pudding is legendary, and even my exotic fruit salad was laid out as if on a still life canvas.
After dinner we played again with our winnings.
A celebration is a heart stopping moment with the chief staff members all coming out to sing to the celebrating individual with a most unusually made cake- it may be half sponge, half chocolate layers- with full fanfare and a big sparkly candle. For celebrations or just to celebrate life and feel great, we strongly recommend the Zaman experience at the Sportsman. It is part of a great evening of all round entertainment.
