Croydon Park Hotel Launches New Menu
My thanks to the Food and Beverage Manager at the Croydon Park Hotel for showing me the new a la carte menu for Oscar's (the hotel's restaurant), that will be launched next Tuesday (6th April).
The much loved, and very popular, buffet will remain. However, the a la carte menu has been revamped to offer a more "bistro" style choice. The new menu includes; lamb shank, fish and chunky chips, rib eye steak, Thai crab cakes and risotto.
The menu looks good, and (on the assumption that the quality is good) is reasonably priced.
I wish Oscar's well with the launch, and look forward to sampling the new menu when I am next in Croydon.
Showing posts with label Croydon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Croydon. Show all posts
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Friday, July 24, 2009
Croydon Park Hotel
Croydon Park Hotel
Full marks to the Croydon Park Hotel for mixing the best Mojito I have had in long time, and for a most excellent lunch of roast pork carved on the trolley.
Keep it up!
Though, given that it is still July, I do consider that the animated 1 foot high Santa Claus in the entrance lobby to be a tad early!
Full marks to the Croydon Park Hotel for mixing the best Mojito I have had in long time, and for a most excellent lunch of roast pork carved on the trolley.
Keep it up!
Though, given that it is still July, I do consider that the animated 1 foot high Santa Claus in the entrance lobby to be a tad early!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Croydon Food Festival
Croydon Food Festival
Croydon is holding a food festival this October, full details can be seen on the Food Festival website.
The festival promises "a wide range of exciting events and promotions", including a Continental Chocolate Village Market, a Black History Food Fayre and a Team Fantastique Continental Food Market.
Croydon is holding a food festival this October, full details can be seen on the Food Festival website.
The festival promises "a wide range of exciting events and promotions", including a Continental Chocolate Village Market, a Black History Food Fayre and a Team Fantastique Continental Food Market.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Albert's Table
Restaurant
Albert's Table
49B South End
Croydon
CR0 1BF
Phone 0208 680 2010
Website www.albertstable.co.uk
Overview
Eva and I visited the newly opened (so new the smell of paint was still in the air) Albert's Table a fortnight ago, and gave it a "test drive".
Albert's Table opened on the site of a Chinese restaurant on Tuesday 29th July, and serves, to quote their website:
"..dishes created from quality British ingredients chosen when they are in season and at their best. There are so many farmers in the UK producing world class meat, dairy and vegetables and these are the ingredients that we will be using at Albert's table.
The style of food is very much British, but with a slight modern take to include some of the best influences from Europe.
Our fish is all British and delivered daily. We work with the fishmongers very closely to ensure that we get the freshest fish every day and when we use farmed fish it is always organic."
Joby Wells, the head chef, has worked at some top restaurant in London including; The Square and The Orrery.
Ambience
The restaurant is bright, white, spacious and modern. Decoration is minimalist, and the room is well lit. When we went there is was reasonably busy, which gave the place atmosphere.
As with some other restaurants Albert's table suffers from excessively cold air conditioning, I am of the view that less is more.
Menu
The menu offers meals of two and three courses for £25 and £27.50. The dishes offered include; traditional raised Middlewhite pork pie, warm duck salad, short crust tart of Dorset crab, chicken breast with lasagne and pork belly dry marinated in lemon.
Service
The service was very efficient, and extremely attentive. The bizarre issue over the mashed potato (see below) was resolved by our waitress, who persuaded the chef that the customer has a say in what goes on the plate.
That being said, there seemed to be a rather lengthy delay between the first and second course; newly opened teething problems in the kitchen I assume.
Food
I began with the traditional raised Middlewhite pork pie, served with cider jelly & gooseberry compote. The pie was first class, a quality pork lightly seasoned with herbs surrounded by a light pastry. However, the compote that accompanied it was far too strong, and totally overpowered the dish. I believe that good quality dishes such as this do not need their taste destroyed, they are good enough to stand alone on the plate.
My advice would be to either tone down the compote, or present the pie with a small salad, or quail's eggs.
My main course was saddle of lamb which, according to the menu I could not have this with mash (even though mash was available with the beef) which I wanted. I was told that the chef only allocated a certain number of pritons of vegetables per day, and does not like to swap the vegetables between dishes.
Quite ridiculous!
It was highly unlikely that there would be sudden rush of new customers at that time of the evening. Additionally, I am of the view that the chef is there to serve the customer not the other way round.
Our waitress managed to persuade chef to allow me to eat mash with the lamb.
That issue having been resolved, I settled down to enjoy my main course when it arrived. I am pleased to say that the lamb was first class, succulent and tender with just the right amount of fat to add flavour; as was the mash.
Eva began with baby artichokes poached in white wine and olive oil, with shallots, Parmesan and a poached egg. Absolutely delicious!
She chose the organic roast salmon with potato gnocchi, leek hearts & grilot onions with béarnaise sauce for her main course. This was excellent, the salmon was cooked and flaked to perfection and was well complemented by the gnocchi and leeks.
We, rather rarely for us, then chose a dessert (the posset). The posset (a mixture of cream, egg yolks and booze) was a delight, and was accompanied by fresh raspberries.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and some coffees/liqueurs, came to £104 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our view the food is first class, once initial teething troubles (eg air conditioning and mash servings) are addressed, this restaurant is worth visiting.
Albert's Table
49B South End
Croydon
CR0 1BF
Phone 0208 680 2010
Website www.albertstable.co.uk
Overview
Eva and I visited the newly opened (so new the smell of paint was still in the air) Albert's Table a fortnight ago, and gave it a "test drive".
Albert's Table opened on the site of a Chinese restaurant on Tuesday 29th July, and serves, to quote their website:
"..dishes created from quality British ingredients chosen when they are in season and at their best. There are so many farmers in the UK producing world class meat, dairy and vegetables and these are the ingredients that we will be using at Albert's table.
The style of food is very much British, but with a slight modern take to include some of the best influences from Europe.
Our fish is all British and delivered daily. We work with the fishmongers very closely to ensure that we get the freshest fish every day and when we use farmed fish it is always organic."
Joby Wells, the head chef, has worked at some top restaurant in London including; The Square and The Orrery.
Ambience
The restaurant is bright, white, spacious and modern. Decoration is minimalist, and the room is well lit. When we went there is was reasonably busy, which gave the place atmosphere.
As with some other restaurants Albert's table suffers from excessively cold air conditioning, I am of the view that less is more.
Menu
The menu offers meals of two and three courses for £25 and £27.50. The dishes offered include; traditional raised Middlewhite pork pie, warm duck salad, short crust tart of Dorset crab, chicken breast with lasagne and pork belly dry marinated in lemon.
Service
The service was very efficient, and extremely attentive. The bizarre issue over the mashed potato (see below) was resolved by our waitress, who persuaded the chef that the customer has a say in what goes on the plate.
That being said, there seemed to be a rather lengthy delay between the first and second course; newly opened teething problems in the kitchen I assume.
Food
I began with the traditional raised Middlewhite pork pie, served with cider jelly & gooseberry compote. The pie was first class, a quality pork lightly seasoned with herbs surrounded by a light pastry. However, the compote that accompanied it was far too strong, and totally overpowered the dish. I believe that good quality dishes such as this do not need their taste destroyed, they are good enough to stand alone on the plate.
My advice would be to either tone down the compote, or present the pie with a small salad, or quail's eggs.
My main course was saddle of lamb which, according to the menu I could not have this with mash (even though mash was available with the beef) which I wanted. I was told that the chef only allocated a certain number of pritons of vegetables per day, and does not like to swap the vegetables between dishes.
Quite ridiculous!
It was highly unlikely that there would be sudden rush of new customers at that time of the evening. Additionally, I am of the view that the chef is there to serve the customer not the other way round.
Our waitress managed to persuade chef to allow me to eat mash with the lamb.
That issue having been resolved, I settled down to enjoy my main course when it arrived. I am pleased to say that the lamb was first class, succulent and tender with just the right amount of fat to add flavour; as was the mash.
Eva began with baby artichokes poached in white wine and olive oil, with shallots, Parmesan and a poached egg. Absolutely delicious!
She chose the organic roast salmon with potato gnocchi, leek hearts & grilot onions with béarnaise sauce for her main course. This was excellent, the salmon was cooked and flaked to perfection and was well complemented by the gnocchi and leeks.
We, rather rarely for us, then chose a dessert (the posset). The posset (a mixture of cream, egg yolks and booze) was a delight, and was accompanied by fresh raspberries.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and some coffees/liqueurs, came to £104 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our view the food is first class, once initial teething troubles (eg air conditioning and mash servings) are addressed, this restaurant is worth visiting.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The TreeHouse Revisited
The TreeHouse Revisited
Eva and I dined again in the TreeHouse last Saturday, and had another excellent and thoroughly enjoyable meal. We feasted on cauliflower soup, crab cakes, baked cod and lamb shank shepherd's pie.
Unlike some restaurants, the TreeHouse prepares and cooks fresh ingredients on the premises; it does not reheat or microwave its food.
The TreeHouse produces consistently good quality fresh food, in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
It is well worth visiting.
Eva and I dined again in the TreeHouse last Saturday, and had another excellent and thoroughly enjoyable meal. We feasted on cauliflower soup, crab cakes, baked cod and lamb shank shepherd's pie.
Unlike some restaurants, the TreeHouse prepares and cooks fresh ingredients on the premises; it does not reheat or microwave its food.
The TreeHouse produces consistently good quality fresh food, in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
It is well worth visiting.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Croydon's Dirtiest "Restaurants"
Croydon's Dirtiest "Restaurants"
The Croydon Advertiser names and shames Croyodn's dirtiest restaurants. However, it fails to let the readership in on the secret of Croydon's cleanest.
It also rather misleadingly uses the word "restaurant" in the article's title, given that many in the list are takeaways this description is misleading.
The Croydon Advertiser names and shames Croyodn's dirtiest restaurants. However, it fails to let the readership in on the secret of Croydon's cleanest.
It also rather misleadingly uses the word "restaurant" in the article's title, given that many in the list are takeaways this description is misleading.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Irish Coffees
Irish Coffees
Those of you with a penchant for Irish coffees, as I do, could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Mae Ping a Thai restaurant in Croydon.
The preparation of the coffee is a most enjoyable performance to watch, as the waiter brings a trolley to your table and then begins the show.
-The rim of the glass is dipped in liqueur and then in sugar
-A small stove on the trolley is lit, and the sugar caramelised in the flame
-Whisky is flamed in a ladle and poured, with a flourish, into the glass
-A coffee liqueur is then flamed and poured
-After which the coffee itself is poured
-Finally the cream added
I would hasten to add that the Irish coffee looks, and tastes as good, as the performance leading up to it.
Therefore Mae Ping is worth visiting for the Irish coffees alone. The food, atmosphere and service are also good!
Mae Ping
16-18 South End
Croydon
0208 760 0278
Those of you with a penchant for Irish coffees, as I do, could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Mae Ping a Thai restaurant in Croydon.
The preparation of the coffee is a most enjoyable performance to watch, as the waiter brings a trolley to your table and then begins the show.
-The rim of the glass is dipped in liqueur and then in sugar
-A small stove on the trolley is lit, and the sugar caramelised in the flame
-Whisky is flamed in a ladle and poured, with a flourish, into the glass
-A coffee liqueur is then flamed and poured
-After which the coffee itself is poured
-Finally the cream added
I would hasten to add that the Irish coffee looks, and tastes as good, as the performance leading up to it.
Therefore Mae Ping is worth visiting for the Irish coffees alone. The food, atmosphere and service are also good!
Mae Ping
16-18 South End
Croydon
0208 760 0278
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Surrey Cricketers
The Surrey Cricketers
23 West Street
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1DJ
Phone- 0208 288 1781
We held my father's post funeral drink and buffet in the Surrey Cricketers yesterday. I was more than pleased with the catering and ambiance.
The pub is one of the few traditional pubs that you can still find in central Croydon, the walls and ceilings are adorned with nick nacks and memorabilia.
It is "V" shaped, and has a games area in one part and a very cosy comfortable lounge area (with leather sofas and a fire) in the "V" part.
There is not a hint of "theming" as practiced by other establishments. The atmosphere of the pub is cosy and inviting.
The landlady, Debbie Brooks, prepared a magnificent buffet for the funeral party which included; sausage rolls, Cumberland sausages, ham sandwiches, smoked salmon sandwiches, prawn sandwiches, egg sandwiches, vol au vents, pork pies, scotch eggs, a variety of quiches, chicken legs, dips, cheeses and coffee.
The food was excellent; it was good quality, freshly prepared, tasty, reasonably priced and more than generous.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Surrey Cricketers for a drink, or for catering.
My thanks to Debbie for looking after us so well yesterday.
23 West Street
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1DJ
Phone- 0208 288 1781
We held my father's post funeral drink and buffet in the Surrey Cricketers yesterday. I was more than pleased with the catering and ambiance.
The pub is one of the few traditional pubs that you can still find in central Croydon, the walls and ceilings are adorned with nick nacks and memorabilia.
It is "V" shaped, and has a games area in one part and a very cosy comfortable lounge area (with leather sofas and a fire) in the "V" part.
There is not a hint of "theming" as practiced by other establishments. The atmosphere of the pub is cosy and inviting.
The landlady, Debbie Brooks, prepared a magnificent buffet for the funeral party which included; sausage rolls, Cumberland sausages, ham sandwiches, smoked salmon sandwiches, prawn sandwiches, egg sandwiches, vol au vents, pork pies, scotch eggs, a variety of quiches, chicken legs, dips, cheeses and coffee.
The food was excellent; it was good quality, freshly prepared, tasty, reasonably priced and more than generous.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Surrey Cricketers for a drink, or for catering.
My thanks to Debbie for looking after us so well yesterday.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Oscars - The Croydon Park Hotel
Friday, January 27, 2006
Smollensky's Metro
Restaurant
Smollensky's Metro
48 South End
Croydon
Phone:- 0208 688 6132
Website www.smollenskys.com/metro/
Overview
In the gloomy first week of the new year, Eva and I decided to go out for simple burger, and decided to try the new Smollensky's Metro which has been opened on the site of the Crazy H which we have reveiwed on this site earlier.
Smollensky's Metro is part of the well known, and reputable, Smollensky's chain. The Metro concept, according to the publicity, specialises in quality burgers (eat in, take out). They claim that they use the same "high quality products and perfected techniques" in the preparation of the food.
With such promises, we entered the premises with a sense of anticipation.
Ambience
The restaurant blurb describes the ambience as contemporary, with a naturally warm style.
Quote:
"With wooden surfaces, glowing brick work and the leather seating, attention was paid to deliver and atmosphere as comfortable and welcoming as our staff."
Well, the layout was reasonably bright and cheerful; brown brick walls complemented by red painted canvas. However, this being January rather disappointingly the concept of warmth was very much lacking; the restaurant was cold, and Eva told me that the Ladies were freezing.
Additionally, the background music being pumped out was to our view too loud; so as regards ambience, we were not that impressed.
Menu
The menu offers a good range of burgers, and chicken dishes, together with some grills. However, rather surprisingly they do not offer baked potatoes.
Service
Our waiter was rather an oddball, I would almost say he looked a bit spaced out. No sooner as he had offered us the menus, and I mean within 10 seconds, he asked us if we were ready to order.
Oddly enough, we weren't!
We read the menus, at OUR leisure, then placed our orders. I was surprised that, given the fact that Smollensky's claim to offer "quality burgers" of 170g (which therefore should require some decent cooking), we were not asked how we wanted them cooked.
After our meal I mentioned our disappointment with the food to the waiter, and asked why he did not ask us how we wanted them cooked; I was greeted with a blank uncomprehending stare, he muttered something and then went away.
We were then ignored, no offer of coffee or anything else, until we made a move to leave; then, as if by magic, a bill appeared.
Food
I chose the egg burger. This was a rather sad looking specimen, dry and over cooked. I suspect it had been sitting on the hot plate for most of the day. The egg gave the poor old thing some much needed moisture.
Eva chose the cheese bacon burger; this was the same in quality, except that she had no egg.
The meal, which included a screw top bottle of Pinot Grigio, came to just under £31; we paid no service, as none was given.
Recommendations
We lament the demise of the Crazy H.
Smollensky's staff and chef have a lot to learn, and we most certainly do not recommend that you waste your money in this place until they have addressed our recommendations.
Smollensky's Metro
48 South End
Croydon
Phone:- 0208 688 6132
Website www.smollenskys.com/metro/
Overview
In the gloomy first week of the new year, Eva and I decided to go out for simple burger, and decided to try the new Smollensky's Metro which has been opened on the site of the Crazy H which we have reveiwed on this site earlier.
Smollensky's Metro is part of the well known, and reputable, Smollensky's chain. The Metro concept, according to the publicity, specialises in quality burgers (eat in, take out). They claim that they use the same "high quality products and perfected techniques" in the preparation of the food.
With such promises, we entered the premises with a sense of anticipation.
Ambience
The restaurant blurb describes the ambience as contemporary, with a naturally warm style.
Quote:
"With wooden surfaces, glowing brick work and the leather seating, attention was paid to deliver and atmosphere as comfortable and welcoming as our staff."
Well, the layout was reasonably bright and cheerful; brown brick walls complemented by red painted canvas. However, this being January rather disappointingly the concept of warmth was very much lacking; the restaurant was cold, and Eva told me that the Ladies were freezing.
Additionally, the background music being pumped out was to our view too loud; so as regards ambience, we were not that impressed.
Menu
The menu offers a good range of burgers, and chicken dishes, together with some grills. However, rather surprisingly they do not offer baked potatoes.
Service
Our waiter was rather an oddball, I would almost say he looked a bit spaced out. No sooner as he had offered us the menus, and I mean within 10 seconds, he asked us if we were ready to order.
Oddly enough, we weren't!
We read the menus, at OUR leisure, then placed our orders. I was surprised that, given the fact that Smollensky's claim to offer "quality burgers" of 170g (which therefore should require some decent cooking), we were not asked how we wanted them cooked.
After our meal I mentioned our disappointment with the food to the waiter, and asked why he did not ask us how we wanted them cooked; I was greeted with a blank uncomprehending stare, he muttered something and then went away.
We were then ignored, no offer of coffee or anything else, until we made a move to leave; then, as if by magic, a bill appeared.
Food
I chose the egg burger. This was a rather sad looking specimen, dry and over cooked. I suspect it had been sitting on the hot plate for most of the day. The egg gave the poor old thing some much needed moisture.
Eva chose the cheese bacon burger; this was the same in quality, except that she had no egg.
The meal, which included a screw top bottle of Pinot Grigio, came to just under £31; we paid no service, as none was given.
Recommendations
- Offer baked potatoes and potato skins on the menu
- Turn the heating on, especially in the Ladies
- Turn the music down
- Train the waiters to serve in a responsive and customer orientated fashion
- Train the chef to cook burgers to the customer's requirements
- Do not reheat the burgers
We lament the demise of the Crazy H.
Smollensky's staff and chef have a lot to learn, and we most certainly do not recommend that you waste your money in this place until they have addressed our recommendations.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Restaurant
The TreeHouse
78 South End
Croydon
CR0 1DP
Phone:- 0208 688 9837
Website www.treehousepeople.com
Overview
Eva and I were in the TreeHouse bar on Sunday, having a drink, and decided to try out their restaurant.
The Treehouse is a bar and restaurant, serving imaginative dishes far removed from traditional wine bar and pub fayre.
Ambience
The TreeHouse is a quirkily decorated bar and restaurant, occupying the premises of a former pub. The outside of the building is illuminated by a wall of white fairy lights.
Inside, the ceiling is also illuminated by a “net” of the same fairy lights interspersed with tree branches. The emphasis of the décor is wood, wood and wood. The chairs in both the bar and restaurant range from an eclectic mix of traditional wooden four legged affairs to exotic carved tree trunks.
The bar is cosy and positioned at the front of the Treehouse, the restaurant is open to the bar yet secluded and intimate.
We sat by the fireplace, which had been decorated with a mosaic of broken crockery. The intimate ambience of the restaurant was enhanced by the fact that it was illuminated by a bountiful number of candles.
A live Latin band played in the corner of the bar, the music was good and not intrusive.
The bar was quiet, but the restaurant was quite busy; unusual for a Sunday night in Croydon.
Menu
The main menu had a variety of gourmet dishes including; gigot of lamb, scallops, ribs, vegetable shepherds pie, pan fried fillet of sea bass and smoked bacon & stilton salad. There was also a blackboard list of specials.
Service
The staff, in both the bar and restaurant, were very friendly and welcoming. I was particularly pleased that our waitress was honest enough to advise us not to have the lamb, as it was apparently a little tough.
Food
I chose the beetroot and pine nut risotto to start with. This was superb, the risotto was creamy and rich. The taste was a well balanced blend of nuts, rice and cream; topped off with a few shavings of Parmesan.
I decided to try the calves liver for my main course. This was excellent, thick and succulent. The liver had been cooked pink, just as I like it, and was exceptionally tender and flavoursome. It was served on a bed of hazelnut mash, with bacon slices. The mash was delightful.
Eva started with the scallops and peppers. These were lightly poached in white wine, and served with a piquant medley of peppers.
The scallops were excellent, tender and juicy; the portion was just right for a starter.
Eva then opted for the guinea fowl for her main course. This dish consisted of a breast and leg of guinea fowl, stuffed with black pudding; roasted and served on a bed of garlic crushed new potatoes.
The dish was first class, the black pudding complemented the tender and succulent guinea fowl; and the potatoes were a delight.
I will have that myself next time we go there.
We pigged out, and had a side dish of hazelnut mashed potatoes as well; this of course was not really required.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to £83 including service.
Overall Opinion
This is definitely one of Croydon’s better restaurants, and one of the few that does not serve reheated or microwaved food. We heartily endorse The Treehouse, and will definitely be visiting it again.
The TreeHouse
78 South End
Croydon
CR0 1DP
Phone:- 0208 688 9837
Website www.treehousepeople.com
Overview
Eva and I were in the TreeHouse bar on Sunday, having a drink, and decided to try out their restaurant.
The Treehouse is a bar and restaurant, serving imaginative dishes far removed from traditional wine bar and pub fayre.
Ambience
The TreeHouse is a quirkily decorated bar and restaurant, occupying the premises of a former pub. The outside of the building is illuminated by a wall of white fairy lights.
Inside, the ceiling is also illuminated by a “net” of the same fairy lights interspersed with tree branches. The emphasis of the décor is wood, wood and wood. The chairs in both the bar and restaurant range from an eclectic mix of traditional wooden four legged affairs to exotic carved tree trunks.
The bar is cosy and positioned at the front of the Treehouse, the restaurant is open to the bar yet secluded and intimate.
We sat by the fireplace, which had been decorated with a mosaic of broken crockery. The intimate ambience of the restaurant was enhanced by the fact that it was illuminated by a bountiful number of candles.
A live Latin band played in the corner of the bar, the music was good and not intrusive.
The bar was quiet, but the restaurant was quite busy; unusual for a Sunday night in Croydon.
Menu
The main menu had a variety of gourmet dishes including; gigot of lamb, scallops, ribs, vegetable shepherds pie, pan fried fillet of sea bass and smoked bacon & stilton salad. There was also a blackboard list of specials.
Service
The staff, in both the bar and restaurant, were very friendly and welcoming. I was particularly pleased that our waitress was honest enough to advise us not to have the lamb, as it was apparently a little tough.
Food
I chose the beetroot and pine nut risotto to start with. This was superb, the risotto was creamy and rich. The taste was a well balanced blend of nuts, rice and cream; topped off with a few shavings of Parmesan.
I decided to try the calves liver for my main course. This was excellent, thick and succulent. The liver had been cooked pink, just as I like it, and was exceptionally tender and flavoursome. It was served on a bed of hazelnut mash, with bacon slices. The mash was delightful.
Eva started with the scallops and peppers. These were lightly poached in white wine, and served with a piquant medley of peppers.
The scallops were excellent, tender and juicy; the portion was just right for a starter.
Eva then opted for the guinea fowl for her main course. This dish consisted of a breast and leg of guinea fowl, stuffed with black pudding; roasted and served on a bed of garlic crushed new potatoes.
The dish was first class, the black pudding complemented the tender and succulent guinea fowl; and the potatoes were a delight.
I will have that myself next time we go there.
We pigged out, and had a side dish of hazelnut mashed potatoes as well; this of course was not really required.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to £83 including service.
Overall Opinion
This is definitely one of Croydon’s better restaurants, and one of the few that does not serve reheated or microwaved food. We heartily endorse The Treehouse, and will definitely be visiting it again.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Restaurant
Jardin de Provence
40-42 South End
Croydon
Surrey
Phone:- 0208 255 0045
Website www.lebienmanger.com
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out Jardin de Provence, which has been taken over by the owner of what was Le Bien Manger, on Friday.
Jardin de Provence serves their interpretation of French style cuisine.
Ambience
Jardin offers seating for around 250 people, in a modern and stylish setting. There is a bar running down and a main dining area, part of which is elevated; then there is also a private dining area.
We sat in the elevated section, which afforded us a view of the bar and the kitchen; which could be seen through a large glass window.
The tables were laid with linen cloths and a selection of glassware, for wine and water. The atmosphere was busy and lively, as there was a private dinner in the adjacent function room.
There were café prints and glass mirrors on the walls. The off white ceiling was subtly contrasted by the orange pillars.
Our welcome was warm, and the atmosphere comfortable.
Menu
The menu contained a reasonable selection of French style food including; onion soup, oysters, scallops, snails, duck breast and sole. Rather perversely Jardin serves pasta as well, which of course has nothing to do with French cuisine.
There were some specials on a blackboard, as well as the a la carte selection.
I would say, that for a restaurant to describe itself as French, it needs to offer a little more traditional French food than Jardin has on its menu; eg lamb cassoulet, beef bourguignon and chicken chasseur.
Additionally, I would suggest that plain grilled steaks and cutlets are also offered; aside from those on the menu which are covered in sauces.
Service
The staff were very friendly, efficient and prompt.
One member of staff bore a striking resemblance to Oliver Letwin (Tory party Shadow Chancellor), given the Tories ratings in the polls it is entirely possible that he was working there.
Food
I started with the leek soup. This was good, hot and creamy with a good taste of leeks.
I chose one of the specials for my main course, braised lamb shank. This came in a rich red wine sauce. Now whilst there was nothing wrong per se with it; it is fair to say it was not the best lamb shank that I have ever had. To my view it had been cooked at too high a temperature, rather than the low long braising that is required. The result was that it was a little dry, and the meat did not slip gently off the bone as it should do.
Eva started with the scallops, these were sautéed with mushrooms, herbs and cream; they were presented on a bed of mashed potatoes. These were excellent, and she was very pleased with this dish.
Eva chose the chicken breast stuffed with spinach, in a tomato sauce. Whilst it tasted alright, it was not exceptional; Eva felt, and I concur, that the chicken was bland and dry.
The meal came with sauté potatoes and a selection of vegetables.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pouilly Fume and several liqueurs, came to £76 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our opinion, whilst the atmosphere is good, the food needs a little more attention and imagination.
Jardin de Provence
40-42 South End
Croydon
Surrey
Phone:- 0208 255 0045
Website www.lebienmanger.com
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out Jardin de Provence, which has been taken over by the owner of what was Le Bien Manger, on Friday.
Jardin de Provence serves their interpretation of French style cuisine.
Ambience
Jardin offers seating for around 250 people, in a modern and stylish setting. There is a bar running down and a main dining area, part of which is elevated; then there is also a private dining area.
We sat in the elevated section, which afforded us a view of the bar and the kitchen; which could be seen through a large glass window.
The tables were laid with linen cloths and a selection of glassware, for wine and water. The atmosphere was busy and lively, as there was a private dinner in the adjacent function room.
There were café prints and glass mirrors on the walls. The off white ceiling was subtly contrasted by the orange pillars.
Our welcome was warm, and the atmosphere comfortable.
Menu
The menu contained a reasonable selection of French style food including; onion soup, oysters, scallops, snails, duck breast and sole. Rather perversely Jardin serves pasta as well, which of course has nothing to do with French cuisine.
There were some specials on a blackboard, as well as the a la carte selection.
I would say, that for a restaurant to describe itself as French, it needs to offer a little more traditional French food than Jardin has on its menu; eg lamb cassoulet, beef bourguignon and chicken chasseur.
Additionally, I would suggest that plain grilled steaks and cutlets are also offered; aside from those on the menu which are covered in sauces.
Service
The staff were very friendly, efficient and prompt.
One member of staff bore a striking resemblance to Oliver Letwin (Tory party Shadow Chancellor), given the Tories ratings in the polls it is entirely possible that he was working there.
Food
I started with the leek soup. This was good, hot and creamy with a good taste of leeks.
I chose one of the specials for my main course, braised lamb shank. This came in a rich red wine sauce. Now whilst there was nothing wrong per se with it; it is fair to say it was not the best lamb shank that I have ever had. To my view it had been cooked at too high a temperature, rather than the low long braising that is required. The result was that it was a little dry, and the meat did not slip gently off the bone as it should do.
Eva started with the scallops, these were sautéed with mushrooms, herbs and cream; they were presented on a bed of mashed potatoes. These were excellent, and she was very pleased with this dish.
Eva chose the chicken breast stuffed with spinach, in a tomato sauce. Whilst it tasted alright, it was not exceptional; Eva felt, and I concur, that the chicken was bland and dry.
The meal came with sauté potatoes and a selection of vegetables.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pouilly Fume and several liqueurs, came to £76 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our opinion, whilst the atmosphere is good, the food needs a little more attention and imagination.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Restaurant
Bistro Mania
28 South End
Croydon
Phone:- 0208 688 3839
Website www.bistromaniacroydon.co.uk
Overview
It was an unseasonably wet August evening in Croydon. Eva and I were in the pub, and did not fancy wandering around too far to find a place to eat; so we dashed to the nearby Bistro Mania.
A continental café and restaurant, with live music.
Ambience
Bistro Mania was a small restaurant; cheerfully decorated with white walls, pine floors and a yellow ceiling with rotating fans.
The green clothed tables were decorated with fresh flowers, and the walls with paintings and a small alcove housing a large plant.
The live music on offer was a robust one-man act, harking back to the 1960’s and 70’s. I suspect that it appealed to a certain generation, who enjoy listening to songs such as “My way” being belted out.
Although the restaurant was not very busy, the atmosphere was jolly.
Menu
The menu was an eclectic mixture of Tapas, Italian and French.
Service
The staff were friendly and efficient. We were offered a bowl of excellent garlic olives to munch on, whilst we perused the menu.
Food
I chose the potato tortilla to start with. This was a good sized omelette, which had been freshly cooked, containing potato and onion. It was very pleasant, and a good start to the meal.
I then opted for the lamb cutlets in rich red wine and herb sauce for my main course. Although the three cutlets were tender, and properly cooked, I felt that they were a somewhat miniscule size. I could have eaten six of that size, easily; that being said, maybe I am just too greedy!
The sauce was full bodied and pleasant, not overpowering.
The dish came with sauté potatoes and vegetables, which were agreeable; but nothing special.
Eva started with tiger prawns in a tomato and garlic sauce. Both the prawns and the sauce had an excellent flavour.
However, the prawns were served in their shells in the hot sauce. This made them very difficult and messy to eat.
Eva then opted for the veal in a white wine and sage sauce for her main course. The veal was cut thin, and served with ham and a very fresh piquant white wine sauce with fresh sage. It was a well made and presented dish.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pinot Grigio and liqueurs, came to £57 before service.
Overall Opinion
If you like live music, then pop along; it’s a laugh.
Bistro Mania
28 South End
Croydon
Phone:- 0208 688 3839
Website www.bistromaniacroydon.co.uk
Overview
It was an unseasonably wet August evening in Croydon. Eva and I were in the pub, and did not fancy wandering around too far to find a place to eat; so we dashed to the nearby Bistro Mania.
A continental café and restaurant, with live music.
Ambience
Bistro Mania was a small restaurant; cheerfully decorated with white walls, pine floors and a yellow ceiling with rotating fans.
The green clothed tables were decorated with fresh flowers, and the walls with paintings and a small alcove housing a large plant.
The live music on offer was a robust one-man act, harking back to the 1960’s and 70’s. I suspect that it appealed to a certain generation, who enjoy listening to songs such as “My way” being belted out.
Although the restaurant was not very busy, the atmosphere was jolly.
Menu
The menu was an eclectic mixture of Tapas, Italian and French.
Service
The staff were friendly and efficient. We were offered a bowl of excellent garlic olives to munch on, whilst we perused the menu.
Food
I chose the potato tortilla to start with. This was a good sized omelette, which had been freshly cooked, containing potato and onion. It was very pleasant, and a good start to the meal.
I then opted for the lamb cutlets in rich red wine and herb sauce for my main course. Although the three cutlets were tender, and properly cooked, I felt that they were a somewhat miniscule size. I could have eaten six of that size, easily; that being said, maybe I am just too greedy!
The sauce was full bodied and pleasant, not overpowering.
The dish came with sauté potatoes and vegetables, which were agreeable; but nothing special.
Eva started with tiger prawns in a tomato and garlic sauce. Both the prawns and the sauce had an excellent flavour.
However, the prawns were served in their shells in the hot sauce. This made them very difficult and messy to eat.
Eva then opted for the veal in a white wine and sage sauce for her main course. The veal was cut thin, and served with ham and a very fresh piquant white wine sauce with fresh sage. It was a well made and presented dish.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pinot Grigio and liqueurs, came to £57 before service.
Overall Opinion
If you like live music, then pop along; it’s a laugh.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Restaurant
The Crazy H
50 South End
Croydon
Phone:- 0208 688 6132
Website www.crazyh.co.uk
Overview
It was the 4th of July, and so Eva and I decided to try out The Crazy H (formerly Rockwell’s) an American diner in Croydon.
Ambience
The Crazy H was a bright and cheerful bar and restaurant, themed to resemble an American diner from the era of Rockwell’s paintings.
The Crazy H had a cosy bar with sofas and chairs, a main dining area and a secluded dining area by the open grill/kitchen.
The main dining area, to the left of the bar, was dominated by a 1950’s style jukebox. This fine piece of equipment was on free play mode, and so I took a trip down memory lane and played some splendid hits from the late 70’s and 80’s. However, don’t be alarmed the volume was not set so high that it was intrusive.
The tables were covered in check cloths, and the walls decorated with American memorabilia. Most notably there was a fine selection of Norman Rockwell prints, harking back to an era that never really existed.
One missed opportunity; Crazy H had forgotten it was July the 4th. Maybe it would be worthwhile thinking ahead to Halloween and Thanksgiving, and coming up with a special theme for those evenings.
Menu
In addition to the main menu, there was also a children’s menu valid until 19:30.
However, moving on to the adults; the main menu offered a good selection of “diner type” dishes. These included; potato skins, ribs, nachos, fajitas, 14 types of homemade burgers, steaks and chicken.
Service
The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The service was quick and efficient.
Food
I chose the potato skins, with cheese and bacon, for my starter. They were very tasty, a good sized portion laden with cheese and bacon; hot and flavoursome.
I opted for the rib eye steak for my main course, served with fries and fried eggs. I was very pleased with my choice; the steak was a good quality piece of meat, and had been cooked medium as requested. The fries were tasty, and sufficient in quantity.
Rather rarely for me, I chose to have a dessert; and opted for the apple pie with cream. This was very good. The slice of pie had a generous amount of apples under the crust; these were not mushy, but chunky with a good texture and flavour. The pie had just the right amount of sweetness, and had a hint of cinnamon.
Eva started with the breaded mushrooms. These had a nice texture and flavour, and were not soggy or greasy. They came with a good quality spicy dip.
Eva chose the “Mexicano” for her main course. This was a home made burger served in a massive sour dough bap. It came with cheese and a jalapeno and salsa topping, together with a large baked potato.
The burger was of good quality, both in terms of texture and taste. It definitely put to shame those mass produced slurry burgers proffered by certain well known chains.
Eva finished off with an ice cream.
The meal, which included and exceptionally good bottle of Pinot Grigio and an Irish coffee, came to just under £54 including service.
Overall Opinion
Great fun, worth a visit if you want a change from more formal dining.
The Crazy H
50 South End
Croydon
Phone:- 0208 688 6132
Website www.crazyh.co.uk
Overview
It was the 4th of July, and so Eva and I decided to try out The Crazy H (formerly Rockwell’s) an American diner in Croydon.
Ambience
The Crazy H was a bright and cheerful bar and restaurant, themed to resemble an American diner from the era of Rockwell’s paintings.
The Crazy H had a cosy bar with sofas and chairs, a main dining area and a secluded dining area by the open grill/kitchen.
The main dining area, to the left of the bar, was dominated by a 1950’s style jukebox. This fine piece of equipment was on free play mode, and so I took a trip down memory lane and played some splendid hits from the late 70’s and 80’s. However, don’t be alarmed the volume was not set so high that it was intrusive.
The tables were covered in check cloths, and the walls decorated with American memorabilia. Most notably there was a fine selection of Norman Rockwell prints, harking back to an era that never really existed.
One missed opportunity; Crazy H had forgotten it was July the 4th. Maybe it would be worthwhile thinking ahead to Halloween and Thanksgiving, and coming up with a special theme for those evenings.
Menu
In addition to the main menu, there was also a children’s menu valid until 19:30.
However, moving on to the adults; the main menu offered a good selection of “diner type” dishes. These included; potato skins, ribs, nachos, fajitas, 14 types of homemade burgers, steaks and chicken.
Service
The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The service was quick and efficient.
Food
I chose the potato skins, with cheese and bacon, for my starter. They were very tasty, a good sized portion laden with cheese and bacon; hot and flavoursome.
I opted for the rib eye steak for my main course, served with fries and fried eggs. I was very pleased with my choice; the steak was a good quality piece of meat, and had been cooked medium as requested. The fries were tasty, and sufficient in quantity.
Rather rarely for me, I chose to have a dessert; and opted for the apple pie with cream. This was very good. The slice of pie had a generous amount of apples under the crust; these were not mushy, but chunky with a good texture and flavour. The pie had just the right amount of sweetness, and had a hint of cinnamon.
Eva started with the breaded mushrooms. These had a nice texture and flavour, and were not soggy or greasy. They came with a good quality spicy dip.
Eva chose the “Mexicano” for her main course. This was a home made burger served in a massive sour dough bap. It came with cheese and a jalapeno and salsa topping, together with a large baked potato.
The burger was of good quality, both in terms of texture and taste. It definitely put to shame those mass produced slurry burgers proffered by certain well known chains.
Eva finished off with an ice cream.
The meal, which included and exceptionally good bottle of Pinot Grigio and an Irish coffee, came to just under £54 including service.
Overall Opinion
Great fun, worth a visit if you want a change from more formal dining.
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Restaurant
Beulah Spa
41 Beulah Hill
London
Phone:- 0208 6532051
Overview
Eva and I went to the Beulah Spa, part of the Harvester chain, on Sunday evening.
The Beulah Spa is a family restaurant which serves steaks, chicken and burgers. The Beulah Spa does not accept bookings, so you have to take a chance and hope that they can fit you in.
Ambience
The Beulah Spa is a converted pub, and houses a restaurant and adjoining bar. The Harvester chain is themed rural.
We started off with a drink in the bar area, which was very busy, more resembling an airport departure lounge than a cosy bar.
I would like to make a number of observations concerning the housekeeping, and general ambience:
We finished our drinks and went to our table, which provided a nice view of an overflowing waste bucket (this of course should have been emptied, or moved from our line of sight).
Menu
A reasonable selection of steaks and chicken dishes were on offer. However, I would point out that at other steak houses you are given the choice of 8oz, 12oz and 16oz cuts, the Beulah Spa only offered 8oz.
My menu card still had the remains of the previous diner’s meal splattered across it, it should have been wiped clean first.
Service
Our waitress was polite and efficient.
There was an excessive delay between the starter and main course. I assume that this was due to a backlog in the kitchen.
Food
I started with the potato skins, these were not too bad. They were covered in a very large dollop of sour cream, cheese and a tangy barbecue type sauce (the latter was in my view excessive for the size of the portion).
I chose the sirloin, medium, with fried eggs for my main course. The steak was overcooked, and although not impossible to cut was not as tender as it should have been. I would not give it high marks for flavour either.
The fries, peas and onion rings that accompanied the meal were ok.
As part of the Harvester experience you are invited to help yourself to the salad cart. This provided a good choice of tomatoes, cucumber, potato salad and other items that were fresh and of good quality.
Eva started with the deep fried prawns in breadcrumbs. These were fine, cooked golden brown and not greasy.
She chose the chicken stack for her main course. This consisted of two grilled breasts of chicken sandwiching a gammon steak. The dish was garnished with melted Emental cheese and barbecue sauce. This was accompanied by a large baked potato with sour cream and peas.
Eva felt that the dish was quite nice, although the cheese was bland and the potato only luke warm.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay, came to £43 before service.
Overall Opinion
In my view you can find better value bistros with better quality food, and a far more attractive atmosphere, in central Croydon and the suburbs.
I recommend that the Harvester chain revamp their menu, and improve the selection and quality of the meat.
The Beulah Spa needs to pay close attention to their housekeeping. This is, in my opinion, not worth visiting unless the points raised are addressed.
Beulah Spa
41 Beulah Hill
London
Phone:- 0208 6532051
Overview
Eva and I went to the Beulah Spa, part of the Harvester chain, on Sunday evening.
The Beulah Spa is a family restaurant which serves steaks, chicken and burgers. The Beulah Spa does not accept bookings, so you have to take a chance and hope that they can fit you in.
Ambience
The Beulah Spa is a converted pub, and houses a restaurant and adjoining bar. The Harvester chain is themed rural.
We started off with a drink in the bar area, which was very busy, more resembling an airport departure lounge than a cosy bar.
I would like to make a number of observations concerning the housekeeping, and general ambience:
- The bar was awash with spilt drinks, and needed to be wiped down.
- The same was true for some of the tables in the bar, including ours.
- The Beulah Spa allows children, and therefore has a collection of crayons and puzzles for children to doodle on at each table. Unfortunately, no one had bothered to tidy up at our table. The crayons, and half completed puzzles, were scattered over the table and floor.
- The background music, which invaded both the bar and restaurant, was targeted at the under 20’s; despite the fact that the customers were from all age groups. The music was loud and intrusive.
- On two separate occasions, each lasting five minutes, an alarm went off behind the bar. The extremely irritating high-pitched beeps were finally stopped when several people went to the bar to complain.
- Eva tells me that the floor of the ladies was awash with paper.
We finished our drinks and went to our table, which provided a nice view of an overflowing waste bucket (this of course should have been emptied, or moved from our line of sight).
Menu
A reasonable selection of steaks and chicken dishes were on offer. However, I would point out that at other steak houses you are given the choice of 8oz, 12oz and 16oz cuts, the Beulah Spa only offered 8oz.
My menu card still had the remains of the previous diner’s meal splattered across it, it should have been wiped clean first.
Service
Our waitress was polite and efficient.
There was an excessive delay between the starter and main course. I assume that this was due to a backlog in the kitchen.
Food
I started with the potato skins, these were not too bad. They were covered in a very large dollop of sour cream, cheese and a tangy barbecue type sauce (the latter was in my view excessive for the size of the portion).
I chose the sirloin, medium, with fried eggs for my main course. The steak was overcooked, and although not impossible to cut was not as tender as it should have been. I would not give it high marks for flavour either.
The fries, peas and onion rings that accompanied the meal were ok.
As part of the Harvester experience you are invited to help yourself to the salad cart. This provided a good choice of tomatoes, cucumber, potato salad and other items that were fresh and of good quality.
Eva started with the deep fried prawns in breadcrumbs. These were fine, cooked golden brown and not greasy.
She chose the chicken stack for her main course. This consisted of two grilled breasts of chicken sandwiching a gammon steak. The dish was garnished with melted Emental cheese and barbecue sauce. This was accompanied by a large baked potato with sour cream and peas.
Eva felt that the dish was quite nice, although the cheese was bland and the potato only luke warm.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay, came to £43 before service.
Overall Opinion
In my view you can find better value bistros with better quality food, and a far more attractive atmosphere, in central Croydon and the suburbs.
I recommend that the Harvester chain revamp their menu, and improve the selection and quality of the meat.
The Beulah Spa needs to pay close attention to their housekeeping. This is, in my opinion, not worth visiting unless the points raised are addressed.
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Restaurant
Darios Ristorante
248 Brighton Road
South Croydon
CR2 6AH
Phone:- 0208 686 2680
Overview
Eva had some root canal work done on her teeth last week. When we were coming back from her dentist in South Croydon we spotted Darios, an inviting looking Italian restaurant, and decided to book a table there for Friday night.
Ambience
Darios is a cosy, inviting Italian restaurant (run by Dario and Susan); conveniently situated opposite the Red Deer pub.
Although it was Friday night the restaurant was completely empty when we arrived, only one other couple turned up during the evening. This, I think, is not a reflection on the quality of the food or restaurant; but rather a result of the competition and variety of choice offered to people dining out in Croydon. Our waiter was keen to assure us that Saturday night was fully booked.
The walls of the restaurant are part wood and part chalk effect. There are also bright murals depicting Venice painted on one side of the room. The bright blue ceiling is decorated with fishing nets, and the tables laid with linen cloths and napkins.
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of Italian dishes; the usual varieties of pasta, fish, chicken and meat are available.
Service
Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Even though we stayed late, beyond closing time, he did not attempt to rush us out the door.
Food
I started with the lasagne. This was rich and creamy, the taste mellow and not overpowering.
I chose the sirloin steak in red wine for my main course. This was cooked, as I had ordered, rare; it was succulent and tender. The sauce, a dark red cream and wine sauce with mushrooms and shallots, complemented the meat without dominating it. The dish came with sauté potatoes broccoli and green beans. I was not disappointed with my choice.
Eva started with tiger prawns in a lemon and orange sauce. These were excellent, the prawns were split down the middle to create a butterfly effect. The sauce, piquant and refreshing, was delicious and enhanced the flavour of the prawns.
Eva chose veal with ham and cheese in a wine, mushroom and sage sauce for her main course. This came with sauté potatoes, broccoli and green beans. The sauce was excellent and the veal tender. She was delighted with her choice of main course.
Our meal, which included a good bottle of Barolo, pre dinner cocktails and post dinner liqueurs, came to £80 before service.
Overall Opinion
We had an excellent evening and meal, and would be happy to return on another evening.
Darios Ristorante
248 Brighton Road
South Croydon
CR2 6AH
Phone:- 0208 686 2680
Overview
Eva had some root canal work done on her teeth last week. When we were coming back from her dentist in South Croydon we spotted Darios, an inviting looking Italian restaurant, and decided to book a table there for Friday night.
Ambience
Darios is a cosy, inviting Italian restaurant (run by Dario and Susan); conveniently situated opposite the Red Deer pub.
Although it was Friday night the restaurant was completely empty when we arrived, only one other couple turned up during the evening. This, I think, is not a reflection on the quality of the food or restaurant; but rather a result of the competition and variety of choice offered to people dining out in Croydon. Our waiter was keen to assure us that Saturday night was fully booked.
The walls of the restaurant are part wood and part chalk effect. There are also bright murals depicting Venice painted on one side of the room. The bright blue ceiling is decorated with fishing nets, and the tables laid with linen cloths and napkins.
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of Italian dishes; the usual varieties of pasta, fish, chicken and meat are available.
Service
Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Even though we stayed late, beyond closing time, he did not attempt to rush us out the door.
Food
I started with the lasagne. This was rich and creamy, the taste mellow and not overpowering.
I chose the sirloin steak in red wine for my main course. This was cooked, as I had ordered, rare; it was succulent and tender. The sauce, a dark red cream and wine sauce with mushrooms and shallots, complemented the meat without dominating it. The dish came with sauté potatoes broccoli and green beans. I was not disappointed with my choice.
Eva started with tiger prawns in a lemon and orange sauce. These were excellent, the prawns were split down the middle to create a butterfly effect. The sauce, piquant and refreshing, was delicious and enhanced the flavour of the prawns.
Eva chose veal with ham and cheese in a wine, mushroom and sage sauce for her main course. This came with sauté potatoes, broccoli and green beans. The sauce was excellent and the veal tender. She was delighted with her choice of main course.
Our meal, which included a good bottle of Barolo, pre dinner cocktails and post dinner liqueurs, came to £80 before service.
Overall Opinion
We had an excellent evening and meal, and would be happy to return on another evening.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Restaurant
The Royal Garden
Shirley Hills Road
Shirley Hills
Croydon
CR0 5HQ
Phone:- 0208 654 6491
Website www.law-lin.com
Overview
Eva and I went to The Royal Garden Chinese restaurant, set in the beautiful wooded area of Shirley Hills, last Friday.
Ambience
This is a welcoming restaurant; tucked away in a secluded drive on the edge of the wooded area of Shirley Hills. The restaurant was very busy and pleasantly lively.
The restaurant consists of a bar, with a good sized seating area, and a main dining area that can accommodate a large number of people. I would recommend that you make a reservation, as the place was packed.
The décor, in some respects, is reminiscent of the less garish aspects of the eighties TV series Miami Vice. The bar area, is functional and bright; and is a good place to peruse the variety of dishes offered on the menu.
The restaurant is light, bright and warm; the floor is white marble and there are a few gigantic Chinese vases placed at various corners of the room. The tables are laid with yellow linen cloths and napkins.
The restaurant, as it has very large windows, affords exceptional views of the surrounding woodland.
Menu
The menu offers an excellent selection of Peking, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine; in my view there is something for everyone.
Service
There was a large number of staff, all of whom were friendly and courteous. They were very accommodating when I asked if we could buy the teapot and cups at the end of the meal, and kindly wrapped them up for us.
Food
Since this was a Chinese restaurant, we decided to share; and selected an array of dishes to sample and enjoy. Our feast included:
● Peking duck, which was crisp and succulent served with piping hot steamed pancakes and a rich sweet plum sauce. This came with a large carved carrot decoration, more phallic than carrot!
● Spring rolls, which were not greasy; but light, crispy and held a well proportioned balance of meat and vegetables.
● Pork dumplings, these were delicate and succulent; not at all stodgy.
● Deep fried scallops, a generous portion of scallops coated in a light crispy batter and deep fried. Salty and tasty!
● Deep fried chicken with water chestnuts, a delicate flavoursome dish.
● Chicken in a black bean sauce. This was fried chicken in black beans, with chilli and green peppers; a piquant and tender dish, that complimented the other chicken dish.
● Egg fried rice and plain boiled rice accompanied our meal.
We finished with tea and liqueurs. The toothpicks, that we used for contemplative chewing, had decorative carvings at one end; a nice touch.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, pre dinner cocktails and post dinner liqueurs, came to £108 before service. The teapot and cups were an extra £12.
Overall Opinion
We had an excellent evening and meal, we will definitely be returning.
The Royal Garden
Shirley Hills Road
Shirley Hills
Croydon
CR0 5HQ
Phone:- 0208 654 6491
Website www.law-lin.com
Overview
Eva and I went to The Royal Garden Chinese restaurant, set in the beautiful wooded area of Shirley Hills, last Friday.
Ambience
This is a welcoming restaurant; tucked away in a secluded drive on the edge of the wooded area of Shirley Hills. The restaurant was very busy and pleasantly lively.
The restaurant consists of a bar, with a good sized seating area, and a main dining area that can accommodate a large number of people. I would recommend that you make a reservation, as the place was packed.
The décor, in some respects, is reminiscent of the less garish aspects of the eighties TV series Miami Vice. The bar area, is functional and bright; and is a good place to peruse the variety of dishes offered on the menu.
The restaurant is light, bright and warm; the floor is white marble and there are a few gigantic Chinese vases placed at various corners of the room. The tables are laid with yellow linen cloths and napkins.
The restaurant, as it has very large windows, affords exceptional views of the surrounding woodland.
Menu
The menu offers an excellent selection of Peking, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine; in my view there is something for everyone.
Service
There was a large number of staff, all of whom were friendly and courteous. They were very accommodating when I asked if we could buy the teapot and cups at the end of the meal, and kindly wrapped them up for us.
Food
Since this was a Chinese restaurant, we decided to share; and selected an array of dishes to sample and enjoy. Our feast included:
● Peking duck, which was crisp and succulent served with piping hot steamed pancakes and a rich sweet plum sauce. This came with a large carved carrot decoration, more phallic than carrot!
● Spring rolls, which were not greasy; but light, crispy and held a well proportioned balance of meat and vegetables.
● Pork dumplings, these were delicate and succulent; not at all stodgy.
● Deep fried scallops, a generous portion of scallops coated in a light crispy batter and deep fried. Salty and tasty!
● Deep fried chicken with water chestnuts, a delicate flavoursome dish.
● Chicken in a black bean sauce. This was fried chicken in black beans, with chilli and green peppers; a piquant and tender dish, that complimented the other chicken dish.
● Egg fried rice and plain boiled rice accompanied our meal.
We finished with tea and liqueurs. The toothpicks, that we used for contemplative chewing, had decorative carvings at one end; a nice touch.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, pre dinner cocktails and post dinner liqueurs, came to £108 before service. The teapot and cups were an extra £12.
Overall Opinion
We had an excellent evening and meal, we will definitely be returning.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Restaurant
Mamma Angela
90 High Street
Croydon
CR0 1ND
Phone:- 0208 781 0540
Overview
Mama Angela is a cosy family friendly Italian restaurant owned, and run, by Nicky and his wife.
Eva and I braved the bad weather, and visited it last Saturday; here is a précis of our evening.
Ambience
The restaurant is cosy, intimate and welcoming. All guests are warmly welcomed by Nicky, who also makes sure he says goodbye to them at the end of the evening.
The main part of the restaurant is situated on the ground floor. However, there is also a function suite and bar downstairs which is suitable for parties and larger private gatherings.
Placed in the front window of the restaurant is a large refrigerated display; where you can select your desserts from the tempting array of cream cakes, chocolate and fruit soaked in liqueur. At the other end of the restaurant is a small bar.
The tables are decently spaced, and are laid with pink linen tablecloths and white linen napkins.
Menu
The menu offers a very good selection of Tuscan food including; meatballs, pizza, veal, fish, poultry and a wide selection of pasta dishes. In addition to the a la carte menu there is a specials menu posted on the wall, which is changed daily.
Service
The service is very friendly, fast and efficient. As soon as we were seated we were offered our menus, and a couple of bruschetta.
Food
I started with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce. The meatballs were veal based and were firm and tasty. The sauce was rich and well flavoured with basil.
I chose the braised lamb shank for my main course. This was an excellent choice. The shank had been braised to perfection, and the meat literally fell off the bone. The lamb was served in a dark, rich wine and mint sauce which added an excellent flavour. The lamb shank comes with boiled potatoes; feeling hungry I also ordered some sauté potatoes as well. Both the boiled and sauté potatoes were well cooked and flavoursome.
Eva started with smoked salmon served with a side salad. This was generous in portion and of a decent quality.
She chose Veal Milanese as a main course. This consisted of a flattened escalope of veal coated in bread crumbs and fried in butter; served with spaghetti in a tomato sauce. The veal was tender and moist; it was well complemented by the generous portion of spaghetti which was served in a rich, but not overpowering, tomato sauce.
We finished with liqueurs, and I indulged in a nibble of the Stilton. However, the Stilton was too cold and had not as much flavour as I would have wished for; Nicky did not charge me for this.
The total bill, which included a good bottle of Chianti Reserva and several liqueurs, came to £80 before service.
Overall Opinion
Good quality food, served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I am happy to recommend Mama Angela, we will go again.
Mamma Angela
90 High Street
Croydon
CR0 1ND
Phone:- 0208 781 0540
Overview
Mama Angela is a cosy family friendly Italian restaurant owned, and run, by Nicky and his wife.
Eva and I braved the bad weather, and visited it last Saturday; here is a précis of our evening.
Ambience
The restaurant is cosy, intimate and welcoming. All guests are warmly welcomed by Nicky, who also makes sure he says goodbye to them at the end of the evening.
The main part of the restaurant is situated on the ground floor. However, there is also a function suite and bar downstairs which is suitable for parties and larger private gatherings.
Placed in the front window of the restaurant is a large refrigerated display; where you can select your desserts from the tempting array of cream cakes, chocolate and fruit soaked in liqueur. At the other end of the restaurant is a small bar.
The tables are decently spaced, and are laid with pink linen tablecloths and white linen napkins.
Menu
The menu offers a very good selection of Tuscan food including; meatballs, pizza, veal, fish, poultry and a wide selection of pasta dishes. In addition to the a la carte menu there is a specials menu posted on the wall, which is changed daily.
Service
The service is very friendly, fast and efficient. As soon as we were seated we were offered our menus, and a couple of bruschetta.
Food
I started with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce. The meatballs were veal based and were firm and tasty. The sauce was rich and well flavoured with basil.
I chose the braised lamb shank for my main course. This was an excellent choice. The shank had been braised to perfection, and the meat literally fell off the bone. The lamb was served in a dark, rich wine and mint sauce which added an excellent flavour. The lamb shank comes with boiled potatoes; feeling hungry I also ordered some sauté potatoes as well. Both the boiled and sauté potatoes were well cooked and flavoursome.
Eva started with smoked salmon served with a side salad. This was generous in portion and of a decent quality.
She chose Veal Milanese as a main course. This consisted of a flattened escalope of veal coated in bread crumbs and fried in butter; served with spaghetti in a tomato sauce. The veal was tender and moist; it was well complemented by the generous portion of spaghetti which was served in a rich, but not overpowering, tomato sauce.
We finished with liqueurs, and I indulged in a nibble of the Stilton. However, the Stilton was too cold and had not as much flavour as I would have wished for; Nicky did not charge me for this.
The total bill, which included a good bottle of Chianti Reserva and several liqueurs, came to £80 before service.
Overall Opinion
Good quality food, served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I am happy to recommend Mama Angela, we will go again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)