Ruben's Reubens, Liverpool Street

"Jesus, why is this place so dark?!" I muttered to myself while trying to read the menu using the small burning candle that was provided on the table.

I was waiting for Sumit at the Firestarter, the live grill restaurant space inside the Star and Garter pub in Liverpool Street, where Ruben Reubens is (was) having their three-month residency showcasing his famous meat trays of smoked meat, homemade sausages and small plates such as his brisket croquettes, grilled flatbreads and his various innovative dips.

But back to the story: unfortunately, the candlelight was no good either, and, like the table neighbours around me, we all used our phone lights to read the menu because, seriously, why is it so dark?!

Although I one-upped them...I used the light I use for photos and video, so you can imagine the glare and the stares I got from the other patrons around me, especially when I accidentally shone it in their direction.

And that's when Sumit finally turned up, although he was somewhat on time, but I am just, most times, a bit too early.

'You always make me feel bad when you turn up early!" Sumit joked as he set his work bag aside and sat down beside me. We sat in a corner booth where the seat backs were a bit too high if you needed a waiter's attention, yet intimate if you were on a date.

(Sumit is happily married, and I am just his food buddy whenever he is in London!)

Using my light, we read the menu and talk it through, due to stomach space and not to overorder, because we are absolute pigs where our eyes are bigger than our stomachs.

We started with the brisket croquettes, served with pickled onions and candied jalapeños. A good start to the meal, but we found it a bit dry and think it needed some kind of sauce; however, the pickled onions and jalapeno were a nice touch.

We somewhat debated over this because I am a huge dippy person, but luckily, so was my food partner in crime, and these two dips came on top -

I love Labneh, especially the one I've had at Sohalia. The labneh, green olives and pickled radish were so creamy and surprisingly not too tart. It was very enjoyable.

Pit-roasted aubergine, smoked almond, and goat's curd were my favourites. Smokey, slightly sweet and a bit of funk from the goat's curds. I was very tempted to ask for the recipe so I could make my own, but I don't think it would ever be allowed.

The fire-grilled flatbread was to die for. It was so deliciously moreish that we ordered another plate, with Sumit finishing the labneh while I was hogging the aubergine plate. Food buddies for life, we are.

Then our meat platter came - and it was such a beautiful sight. We ordered a great spread of Aurox picanha steak, half poussin, pork shoulder steak, lamb merguez sausage, grilled mushroom skewers with a side of grilled potatoes and skillet cornbread.

Aurox picanha steak - perfectly grilled medium rare and tender. My first favourite.

Half Poussin - the young chicken was tender, but I did find it a bit overcooked, and I wasn't sure about the marinade or the glaze.

Lamb Merguez sausage - I love a sausage; however, I haven't had many lamb sausages, and maybe a handful of lamb merguez, so I can't compare. Not bad; the seasoning did taste interesting. Some might find it gamey, but I like the snap when bitten into.

Pork shoulder steak - The texture was decent; however, it was quite salty for my liking, and, like the lamb merguez, it had a slight gaminess. Not terrible, could be better.

Grilled mushroom skewer - These mushrooms surprised me. It was grilled, juicy and full of flavour. No lie, I disapproved of the price point, but after trying it and licking my fork clean, I would get them again.

I did think, 'Why do grilled potatoes cost more than fries?' They're just grilled potatoes, generously topped with chives, but no, this was more. Buttery, starchy fingers with crackling charred skin, they were delectable. It was surprisingly rich to the point that the browned butter had a cheesy undertone. I would happily order just that with an iced cold drink.

I can't really judge cornbread as I've only eaten it maybe 2 - 3 times, but I can say these were rather lovely. They were savoury, cheesy, quite herbaceous, and I liked the caramelised edges. I would also eat them again, given a chance.

We thought it was some sort of Sundae when we first saw it, and honestly, we weren't planning to get any desserts because we were so full. However, the team kindly offered us dessert on the house, and it turned out to be a rhubarb cheesecake! Even though we were bursting at the seams, we couldn't say no, and my goodness, it was very good. Creamy, surprisingly light and not too sweet with a hint of tart from the rhubarb. A really great end to the meal.

It was a lovely evening catching up with Sumit, during which we talked about life, our goals, our dreams, and what we would like to achieve before we officially 'retire' (if we can in this economy!).

And I see why Ruben is popular, and he's doing something rather unique yet pleasing for the carnivore community because a BBQ meat tray with sides is always a good choice.

I'm glad I got to try it, as it was a very good meal overall. There's something special about two friends catching up and enjoying our time over good conversations about shared interests, and, to top it off, with delicious food. And that is an evening worth remembering.