Restaurant
Green's Bar
136 Freshfield Road
Brighton
BN2 0BR
Tel: 01273 603473
Website Green's Bar
Overview
Eva and popped into Green's Bar the other week (which is nearby us), to sample the new Italian menu that they have introduced.
Green's is both a bar and restaurant near to Queen's Park, owned and run by Paul Green.
It offers an Italian menu, freshly prepared from locally sourced produce.
Ambience
Green's is a light, bright, airy and cheerful establishment that welcomes both drinkers and diners. It also has a large sunny (in Summer!) south facing garden, that can accommodate up to 70.
Paul offers all of his customers a warm and cheerful welcome.
Menu
The menu offers a decent selection of Italian pastas and pizzas. There are no specific meat (carne) dishes as yet on the menu, which to my view is a shame.
However, the menu includes Lasagne, Bolognese, Carbonara and a variety of pizzas and calzones.
Service
The service (by Paul) was very friendly, cheerful and efficient. We even ended up having a few drinks with him after our meal.
Food
I started with the Lasagne.
This, although not as enormous in portion size as other establishments, was by far the best I have ever tasted when dining out. The dish was rich, smooth and unctuous, it literally melted in my mouth.
I then chose the Bolognese for my main course. This was a decent sized portion of a traditional dish. The beef mince in tomato, mushroom and red wine sauce had body and flavour without being overpowering. The spaghetti was fine, although rather whiter in colour than I am accustomed to seeing.
Eva started with the Tricolore Insalata (beef tomato with mozzarella and avocado). This was a well presented dish, and was by all accounts very pleasant in texture and flavour.
For her main course, Eva chose the Pizza Espanol (tomato, chorizo, mozzarella and peppers). This comes on a thin crust and was, by all accounts excellent; most notably the thin crust actually had flavour, unlike many other places that present pizzas made from a rubber like tasteless substance masquerading as dough.
The bill, which included wine and liqueurs, came to around £60.
Overall Opinion
A very enjoyable meal, and worthwhile visiting (most especially if you live in the Queen's Park/Hanover area, as well run local enterprises should be supported).
We look forward to returning again.
Showing posts with label bar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bar. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar
The Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar
I have been a regular at what was the Harvard Bar in the Thistle Grosvenor Victoria for many years. It provided a welcome sanctuary from the hurly burly of the station, and was a delight to visit.
Sadly, Thistle undertook to redesign the bar and have turned one part into a brasserie and the other part into a small, soulless bar which lacks the space, character and comfort of the Harvard.
Even the toilets have been moved further away and downstairs. Hardly convenient!
I was in the bar on Monday and, I and another regular, had to hunt down a member of staff from elsewhere to come in and serve behind the bar.
Aside from the other regulars (who I have spoken to about the new design) some of the long serving staff are none to happy about the change, and are leaving.
The Harvard Bar, and loyal staff, will be much missed!
I have been a regular at what was the Harvard Bar in the Thistle Grosvenor Victoria for many years. It provided a welcome sanctuary from the hurly burly of the station, and was a delight to visit.
Sadly, Thistle undertook to redesign the bar and have turned one part into a brasserie and the other part into a small, soulless bar which lacks the space, character and comfort of the Harvard.
Even the toilets have been moved further away and downstairs. Hardly convenient!
I was in the bar on Monday and, I and another regular, had to hunt down a member of staff from elsewhere to come in and serve behind the bar.
Aside from the other regulars (who I have spoken to about the new design) some of the long serving staff are none to happy about the change, and are leaving.
The Harvard Bar, and loyal staff, will be much missed!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Cote Brighton
Restaurant
Cote
115-116 Church Street
(Opposite The Dome)
Brighton BN1 1UP
Tel: 01273 687541
Website Cote
Overview
The Cote chain, which offer "simple freshly prepared French food at value for money prices", recently (two weeks ago) opened a new restaurant in Brighton.
Eva and I decided to test it out last Sunday evening.
Ambience
Cote is a lively, buzzing, airy bar and bistro. It has ample space, comfortable unpretentious seating/tables and a welcoming atmosphere. It also has a very pleasant outside decked area.
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of French bistro food including; Seared Scallops, Steak Tartare, Moules Marinieres, Mushroom Crepes, Roast Duck Breast and Breton Chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly, cheerful and efficient.
Food
I started with the steak tartare.
This came with the egg already mixed in (something I personally prefer to do myself). However, it was very good and consisted a decent portion of tender minced steak well balanced with shallots, capers, cornichons, egg yolk and cognac.
Eva opted for the smoked salmon, which she professed to be excellent. The dish consisted of sliced smoked Scottish salmon with dill, shallots, baby capers and creme fraiche dressing.
I chose the half chargrilled "Breton" chicken (corn fed chicken from Languidic in the north of France) for my main, with fries. I eschewed having any sauce with it, as the chicken if well cooked should have enough flavour to stand on its own.
I was not disappointed, the chicken was succulent, not overcooked and had an excellent flavour.
Eva had the steak hache, an excellent tender pan fried steak served with garlic butter and mashed potatoes.
A most excellent meal!
I do have one request, please could you serve Absinthe (I understand you have the bottle behind the bar but do not serve the drink for some reason)?
The bill, including a bottle of Viognier, some cognacs and service, came to £78.
Overall Opinion
Good value, great atmosphere; we will most certainly be coming back!
Cote
115-116 Church Street
(Opposite The Dome)
Brighton BN1 1UP
Tel: 01273 687541
Website Cote
Overview
The Cote chain, which offer "simple freshly prepared French food at value for money prices", recently (two weeks ago) opened a new restaurant in Brighton.
Eva and I decided to test it out last Sunday evening.
Ambience
Cote is a lively, buzzing, airy bar and bistro. It has ample space, comfortable unpretentious seating/tables and a welcoming atmosphere. It also has a very pleasant outside decked area.
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of French bistro food including; Seared Scallops, Steak Tartare, Moules Marinieres, Mushroom Crepes, Roast Duck Breast and Breton Chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly, cheerful and efficient.
Food
I started with the steak tartare.
This came with the egg already mixed in (something I personally prefer to do myself). However, it was very good and consisted a decent portion of tender minced steak well balanced with shallots, capers, cornichons, egg yolk and cognac.
Eva opted for the smoked salmon, which she professed to be excellent. The dish consisted of sliced smoked Scottish salmon with dill, shallots, baby capers and creme fraiche dressing.
I chose the half chargrilled "Breton" chicken (corn fed chicken from Languidic in the north of France) for my main, with fries. I eschewed having any sauce with it, as the chicken if well cooked should have enough flavour to stand on its own.
I was not disappointed, the chicken was succulent, not overcooked and had an excellent flavour.
Eva had the steak hache, an excellent tender pan fried steak served with garlic butter and mashed potatoes.
A most excellent meal!
I do have one request, please could you serve Absinthe (I understand you have the bottle behind the bar but do not serve the drink for some reason)?
The bill, including a bottle of Viognier, some cognacs and service, came to £78.
Overall Opinion
Good value, great atmosphere; we will most certainly be coming back!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The Setting Sun Brighton
The Setting Sun Brighton
1 Windmill Street,
Brighton,
BN2 0GN
0872 148 6119
Eva and I regularly dine in this fine gastro pub, not only because it is a mere two minutes walk from our home, but because the food is excellent.
The Setting Sun is more of a wine bar/bistro rather than "pub" in the strictest sense of the word. It has light wood flooring, large leather sofas, bistro style wooden tables, a conservatory and a patio that affords stunning views of Brighton (if you can find seat there in the summer).
The atmosphere is often lively, yet cosy and intimate (each table has a candle).
The menu, chalked up on a blackboard, changes with the season and currently includes; soup, sausage and mash, fish and chips, burgers, chicken in a cream and mushroom sauce and pumpkin risotto etc.
The staff are friendly and very cheerful, they even manage to put up with me!
The chef is a real find, her food is excellent, and the pub will be lose a real asset if she ever leaves.
All in all an excellent place for a bistro meal, usually (with a bottle of wine) it will not set you back more than £40 for two.
Well worth visiting!
1 Windmill Street,
Brighton,
BN2 0GN
0872 148 6119
Eva and I regularly dine in this fine gastro pub, not only because it is a mere two minutes walk from our home, but because the food is excellent.
The Setting Sun is more of a wine bar/bistro rather than "pub" in the strictest sense of the word. It has light wood flooring, large leather sofas, bistro style wooden tables, a conservatory and a patio that affords stunning views of Brighton (if you can find seat there in the summer).
The atmosphere is often lively, yet cosy and intimate (each table has a candle).
The menu, chalked up on a blackboard, changes with the season and currently includes; soup, sausage and mash, fish and chips, burgers, chicken in a cream and mushroom sauce and pumpkin risotto etc.
The staff are friendly and very cheerful, they even manage to put up with me!
The chef is a real find, her food is excellent, and the pub will be lose a real asset if she ever leaves.
All in all an excellent place for a bistro meal, usually (with a bottle of wine) it will not set you back more than £40 for two.
Well worth visiting!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
The Terraces
Restaurant
The Terraces Bar and Grill
Madeira Drive
Brighton
BN2 1PS
Phone: 01273 545 250
Website www.the-terraces.co.uk
Overview
Eva and I decided to treat ourselves to an alfresco lunch on the seafront last week, and chose The Terraces.
The Terraces is an art deco bar and grill that serves Mediterranean and British food.
Ambience
The Terraces is a glass fronted two storey art deco rotund bar and grill, facing the seafront.
The decoration is modern, minimalist and cheerful, with an open fire inside for the winter, and decking outside for dining and drinking alfresco in the summer months.
We dined outside facing the sea, superb weather and superb views!
Menu
The Terraces offers a selection of Mediterranean and British dishes; eg bruschetta, fishcakes, Chorizo on sweet potato, Mezze, steak, pasta and fish and chips. On Sundays they also offer traditional roasts.
Service
The service was very friendly, cheerful and efficient. Nothing was too much trouble, and the jug of Pimms prepared by the staff was by far the best (wrt generosity of fresh fruit etc) that I have had when dining out.
Food
I opted for the rib eye steak, eschewing the pepper sauce for two fried eggs instead.
The steak was a decent piece of meat (cooked medium rare), and was tender and succulent. Ideally complemented by my two eggs and fries.
Eva opted for the rope grown mussels in white wine sauce. These were superb, and were served in an amusing large earthenware pot that resembled a flower pot.
A great lunch!
The bill (including a jug of Pimms, a pint and two Irish coffees) came to around £60.
Overall Opinion
We really enjoyed the lunch and liked The Terraces very much. I guarantee that we will return.
The Terraces Bar and Grill
Madeira Drive
Brighton
BN2 1PS
Phone: 01273 545 250
Website www.the-terraces.co.uk
Overview
Eva and I decided to treat ourselves to an alfresco lunch on the seafront last week, and chose The Terraces.
The Terraces is an art deco bar and grill that serves Mediterranean and British food.
Ambience
The Terraces is a glass fronted two storey art deco rotund bar and grill, facing the seafront.
The decoration is modern, minimalist and cheerful, with an open fire inside for the winter, and decking outside for dining and drinking alfresco in the summer months.
We dined outside facing the sea, superb weather and superb views!
Menu
The Terraces offers a selection of Mediterranean and British dishes; eg bruschetta, fishcakes, Chorizo on sweet potato, Mezze, steak, pasta and fish and chips. On Sundays they also offer traditional roasts.
Service
The service was very friendly, cheerful and efficient. Nothing was too much trouble, and the jug of Pimms prepared by the staff was by far the best (wrt generosity of fresh fruit etc) that I have had when dining out.
Food
I opted for the rib eye steak, eschewing the pepper sauce for two fried eggs instead.
The steak was a decent piece of meat (cooked medium rare), and was tender and succulent. Ideally complemented by my two eggs and fries.
Eva opted for the rope grown mussels in white wine sauce. These were superb, and were served in an amusing large earthenware pot that resembled a flower pot.
A great lunch!
The bill (including a jug of Pimms, a pint and two Irish coffees) came to around £60.
Overall Opinion
We really enjoyed the lunch and liked The Terraces very much. I guarantee that we will return.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Nasza
Restaurant
Nasza
22 St James Street
Brighton
BN2 1RF
Phone: 01273 622770
Website Under construction
Overview
Eva and I visited Nasza (pronounced Nasha), the very newly opened (less than a week) Polish restaurant on the site of what used to be the the St James restaurant, last Saturday.
Ambience
Nasza is decorated in the style of a rustic Polish bar/eatery. Diners can sit in the front (cafe style) area, at the bar or in the main part of the restaurant towards the back of the premises. Owing to a large skylight, the main area was a little drafty.
Inexplicably there was no salt on the tables, we had to request some. We also had to ask for our candle to be lit, a small issue but indicative of a lack of attention by staff.
Menu
Nasza serves a selection of traditional Polish dishes including; marinated herring, sausage platter, cabbage parcels, Polish dumplings, Polish stew, beef Goulash and pork knuckles.
Unfortunately, owing to some problems with the wine supplier, there was no wine menu and the only wine on offer was Paul Masson the over hyped Californian paint stripper.
Service
The service was friendly, if a little erratic as the staff were still finding their feet. The main course took a little while to arrive, probably due to the restaurant only being open for less than a week.
Food
I opted for the sausage platter to start with. This consisted of a generous selection of Polish sausages and charcuterie served with two slices of bread and butter. A very good starter.
I chose the Golonka for my main course. This was a slow cooked pork knuckle (similar to the German eisbein) served in a rich vegetable and beer sauce with mashed potatoes.
This was an excellent dish, hearty and tasty. The pork had been properly cooked, and the meat fell off the bone with little effort from my knife.
Eva started with the vegetable and white bean soup. This was tasty and of a decently thick consistency, an ideal comfort food.
She chose the Golabki for her main course. These were cabbage parcels stuffed with meat and rice, accompanied by mashed potatoes and a mushroom sauce.
This was a good quality dish in terms of portion size and taste. The cabbage parcels were delightful, and the sauce provided and excellent accompaniment.
We finished off with a number of chilled vodkas.
Inexplicably, despite having several vodkas available which were properly chilled, Nasza does not advertise the fact by having as vodka list. I regard this as a missed opportunity for building the brand and reputation of what could be a very decent local Polish restaurant. My advice is for Nasza to add to their variety of vodkas, and to publish a vodka menu.
Regarding the truly awful Paul Masson wine, we managed to drink a glass each then gave up as it was quite awful. I opted for a Polish beer instead. I recommend that Nasza ensure that their wine cellars are stocked with wine that is drinkable, and that they provide a wine list.
The meal, which included the undrinkable wine, came to £57 before service. Seemingly Nasza was also having teething problems with the credit card companies, and had not yet installed a system for accepting credit card payments; ie "cash only" was the policy of the restaurant. Clearly this issue needs to be addressed with urgency, as it will deter customers.
As a piece of general advice to all those wanting to open a restaurant, it is essential that issues such as this are addressed before opening (even if that means the opening has to be delayed); a bad impression created in the first few weeks is difficult to erase.
Overall Opinion
Nasza, once it has addressed the teething problems identified in this review, may well be worth visiting in the future. I wish them well, and hope they take on board my recommendations.
Opinion Now updated after another visit.
Nasza
22 St James Street
Brighton
BN2 1RF
Phone: 01273 622770
Website Under construction
Overview
Eva and I visited Nasza (pronounced Nasha), the very newly opened (less than a week) Polish restaurant on the site of what used to be the the St James restaurant, last Saturday.
Ambience
Nasza is decorated in the style of a rustic Polish bar/eatery. Diners can sit in the front (cafe style) area, at the bar or in the main part of the restaurant towards the back of the premises. Owing to a large skylight, the main area was a little drafty.
Inexplicably there was no salt on the tables, we had to request some. We also had to ask for our candle to be lit, a small issue but indicative of a lack of attention by staff.
Menu
Nasza serves a selection of traditional Polish dishes including; marinated herring, sausage platter, cabbage parcels, Polish dumplings, Polish stew, beef Goulash and pork knuckles.
Unfortunately, owing to some problems with the wine supplier, there was no wine menu and the only wine on offer was Paul Masson the over hyped Californian paint stripper.
Service
The service was friendly, if a little erratic as the staff were still finding their feet. The main course took a little while to arrive, probably due to the restaurant only being open for less than a week.
Food
I opted for the sausage platter to start with. This consisted of a generous selection of Polish sausages and charcuterie served with two slices of bread and butter. A very good starter.
I chose the Golonka for my main course. This was a slow cooked pork knuckle (similar to the German eisbein) served in a rich vegetable and beer sauce with mashed potatoes.
This was an excellent dish, hearty and tasty. The pork had been properly cooked, and the meat fell off the bone with little effort from my knife.
Eva started with the vegetable and white bean soup. This was tasty and of a decently thick consistency, an ideal comfort food.
She chose the Golabki for her main course. These were cabbage parcels stuffed with meat and rice, accompanied by mashed potatoes and a mushroom sauce.
This was a good quality dish in terms of portion size and taste. The cabbage parcels were delightful, and the sauce provided and excellent accompaniment.
We finished off with a number of chilled vodkas.
Inexplicably, despite having several vodkas available which were properly chilled, Nasza does not advertise the fact by having as vodka list. I regard this as a missed opportunity for building the brand and reputation of what could be a very decent local Polish restaurant. My advice is for Nasza to add to their variety of vodkas, and to publish a vodka menu.
Regarding the truly awful Paul Masson wine, we managed to drink a glass each then gave up as it was quite awful. I opted for a Polish beer instead. I recommend that Nasza ensure that their wine cellars are stocked with wine that is drinkable, and that they provide a wine list.
The meal, which included the undrinkable wine, came to £57 before service. Seemingly Nasza was also having teething problems with the credit card companies, and had not yet installed a system for accepting credit card payments; ie "cash only" was the policy of the restaurant. Clearly this issue needs to be addressed with urgency, as it will deter customers.
As a piece of general advice to all those wanting to open a restaurant, it is essential that issues such as this are addressed before opening (even if that means the opening has to be delayed); a bad impression created in the first few weeks is difficult to erase.
Overall Opinion
Nasza, once it has addressed the teething problems identified in this review, may well be worth visiting in the future. I wish them well, and hope they take on board my recommendations.
Opinion Now updated after another visit.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Bodega D Tapa
Restaurant
Bodega D Tapa
111 Church Street
Brighton
Phone 01273 674 116
Overview
Eva, myself and a friend dined at Bodega D Tapa last night, a regular haunt of ours when we have a hankering for some good quality Tapas.
Bodega D Tapa is a small wine-cum-grocery store and Tapas bar, which seats (at a guess) about 15 people inside and another 15 or so outside in the courtyard.
Ambience
Bodega D Tapa is intimate and rustic, small wooden tables and wobbly wooden benches add to its charm.
Given the size of the place you will be hard pressed to find a table on a busy Friday or Saturday. However, an option that we use is to pop in and ask for one to be kept for us in say 30 minutes, whilst we have a drink in the Waggon and Horses next door.
Menu
The menu offers a variety of Tapas including; pate, Spanish omelette, anchovies on bread, chorizo, chorizo casserole, a selection of Iberian meats (served on a wooden paddle) and fabada.
Service
The service is always enthusiastic and friendly. One person looks after the entire operation wrt service of food and drink, in a relaxed yet professional manner.
Food
We took a large number of dishes to share, which were all delightful. My particular favourites being the omelette and the fabada.
The meal, which included two bottles of wine and brandy coffees came in at well under £40.
Overall Opinion
A splendid establishment, which we are happy to frequent on a regular basis.
Bodega D Tapa
111 Church Street
Brighton
Phone 01273 674 116
Overview
Eva, myself and a friend dined at Bodega D Tapa last night, a regular haunt of ours when we have a hankering for some good quality Tapas.
Bodega D Tapa is a small wine-cum-grocery store and Tapas bar, which seats (at a guess) about 15 people inside and another 15 or so outside in the courtyard.
Ambience
Bodega D Tapa is intimate and rustic, small wooden tables and wobbly wooden benches add to its charm.
Given the size of the place you will be hard pressed to find a table on a busy Friday or Saturday. However, an option that we use is to pop in and ask for one to be kept for us in say 30 minutes, whilst we have a drink in the Waggon and Horses next door.
Menu
The menu offers a variety of Tapas including; pate, Spanish omelette, anchovies on bread, chorizo, chorizo casserole, a selection of Iberian meats (served on a wooden paddle) and fabada.
Service
The service is always enthusiastic and friendly. One person looks after the entire operation wrt service of food and drink, in a relaxed yet professional manner.
Food
We took a large number of dishes to share, which were all delightful. My particular favourites being the omelette and the fabada.
The meal, which included two bottles of wine and brandy coffees came in at well under £40.
Overall Opinion
A splendid establishment, which we are happy to frequent on a regular basis.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Idiots
Idiots
Congratulations to the De Vere Oulton Hall hotel in Yorkshire for coming up with the most insulting and hair brained scheme I have ever seen a restaurant attempt.
They had plans to charge children's Sunday lunches according to the weight of youngsters. The intention was to weigh under-fifteens, and charge £1 per stone for their meal.
Completely daft, and completely insulting.
Needless to say having suffered a barrage of criticism Nigel Massey, a spokesman for De Vere, said that the plan would be reconsidered.
Idiots!
Congratulations to the De Vere Oulton Hall hotel in Yorkshire for coming up with the most insulting and hair brained scheme I have ever seen a restaurant attempt.
They had plans to charge children's Sunday lunches according to the weight of youngsters. The intention was to weigh under-fifteens, and charge £1 per stone for their meal.
Completely daft, and completely insulting.
Needless to say having suffered a barrage of criticism Nigel Massey, a spokesman for De Vere, said that the plan would be reconsidered.
Idiots!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Trans Fats
Trans Fats
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that:
"California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent to the governor.
The measure, passed with a bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position, a spokesman said."
All very well, but since when does the state have the right to dictate what people may or may not eat?
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that:
"California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent to the governor.
The measure, passed with a bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position, a spokesman said."
All very well, but since when does the state have the right to dictate what people may or may not eat?
Monday, June 02, 2008
La Barca Revisited
La Barca Revisited
Top marks again to one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London, La Barca, for presenting another excellent meal, hospitality and evening.
I went there last Friday with my mother and uncle, and we had a splendid evening; my poussin was superb as was the rest of our meal.
I am very happy to continue to recommend La Barca.
Top marks again to one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London, La Barca, for presenting another excellent meal, hospitality and evening.
I went there last Friday with my mother and uncle, and we had a splendid evening; my poussin was superb as was the rest of our meal.
I am very happy to continue to recommend La Barca.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Taylors and Jones
Taylors and Jones
Those of you who live in Stockholm and hanker after English sausages, pork pies and good cuts of beef should pay a visit to Taylors and Jones at Hantverkargatan 12 in Kungsholmen (www.taylors.se).
Eva and I pooped into their shop last week, where they sell sausages to restaurants, pubs and individuals. They also sell Christmas turkeys, many varieties of meat and British specialities such as sausage rolls, meat pies, haggis and black & white pudding.
The meat is of good quality, the beef is hung for 30 days, and the Lincolnshire and Cumberland sausages that we bought and barbecued were excellent (as was the sausage roll that we munched on the way home).
It is not cheap, but certainly worth a visit if you want to treat yourself.
Those of you who live in Stockholm and hanker after English sausages, pork pies and good cuts of beef should pay a visit to Taylors and Jones at Hantverkargatan 12 in Kungsholmen (www.taylors.se).
Eva and I pooped into their shop last week, where they sell sausages to restaurants, pubs and individuals. They also sell Christmas turkeys, many varieties of meat and British specialities such as sausage rolls, meat pies, haggis and black & white pudding.
The meat is of good quality, the beef is hung for 30 days, and the Lincolnshire and Cumberland sausages that we bought and barbecued were excellent (as was the sausage roll that we munched on the way home).
It is not cheap, but certainly worth a visit if you want to treat yourself.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Festival of English Food
Festival of English Food
Wednesday 23rd April is St George's Day.
To celebrate the day Borough Market will temporarily set up shop in Trafalgar Square, together with food inspired street theatre and cabaret performances, in a Festival of English Food.
Stalls from Borough Market include:
-Wrights Oysters oysters and shellfish from Cornwall
-Shell Seekers Dorset diver caught scallops and shellfish
-Furness Fish & Poultry Morecombe Bay shrimp
-Farmer Sharp Herwick lamb
-Mrs King Melton Mowbray pies and Cornish pasties
-The Ginger Pig sausage rolls
-Northfield Farm, Beef
-Sillfield Farm Westmorland wild boar and pork
-Chegworth Valley Apple juice
-Flour Power City bread and scones
-Neal’s Yard Dairy Cheese
-England Preserves London’s best jam and pickles
-The Veggie Table vegetarian food, ginger beer and lemonade
-Flour Station Chelsea buns and Eccles cakes
-Burnt Sugar traditional cakes and bakes
-Secretts Direct Surrey vegetables
-Ceylon 1 London’s finest Tea
-Booth’s Flower Stall red rose and oakleaf
Wednesday 23rd April is St George's Day.
To celebrate the day Borough Market will temporarily set up shop in Trafalgar Square, together with food inspired street theatre and cabaret performances, in a Festival of English Food.
Stalls from Borough Market include:
-Wrights Oysters oysters and shellfish from Cornwall
-Shell Seekers Dorset diver caught scallops and shellfish
-Furness Fish & Poultry Morecombe Bay shrimp
-Farmer Sharp Herwick lamb
-Mrs King Melton Mowbray pies and Cornish pasties
-The Ginger Pig sausage rolls
-Northfield Farm, Beef
-Sillfield Farm Westmorland wild boar and pork
-Chegworth Valley Apple juice
-Flour Power City bread and scones
-Neal’s Yard Dairy Cheese
-England Preserves London’s best jam and pickles
-The Veggie Table vegetarian food, ginger beer and lemonade
-Flour Station Chelsea buns and Eccles cakes
-Burnt Sugar traditional cakes and bakes
-Secretts Direct Surrey vegetables
-Ceylon 1 London’s finest Tea
-Booth’s Flower Stall red rose and oakleaf
Friday, April 11, 2008
Myung Ga
Restaurant
Myung Ga
1 Kingly Street
London
Phone 0207 734 8220
Website www.myungga.co.uk
Overview
I had the good fortune to be invited out for dinner by a Korean friend of mine in London the other week. We dined at Myung Ga, an authentic traditional Korean restaurant near Piccadilly. It specialises in BBQ (on the table) and other dishes
such as; Kimchi, Bulgogi, Bibimbop, Pajon. It was established in 1990.
Ambience
Myung Ga is a bustling, lively modern Korean restaurant that serves a whole host of Korean foods.
The restaurant was bright, well lit, and very popular with both Koreans and Europeans alike.
Each table has a central barbecue pot, which is used for special dishes such as bulgogi (barbecued beef).
Menu
The menu in Korean, English and with photos of the food and drinks offered an extensive range of Korean cuisine including:
- Kaeranjjim: Steamed egg in hot pot.
- Pajeon: Pan-fried spring onion and seafood pancakes.
- Kimchi jeon: Pan-fried Kimchi pancakes.
- Tubu jeon: Fried bean curd
- Bindae dok: Mung bean pancakes
- Tteok bokgi: Rice cake with vegetables.(Spicy)
- Tangsuyuk: Sweet & sour chicken or pork.
- Ggampoonggi: Sauteed chicken with spicy sauce.
- Hongeo hoe: Thinly Sliced raw skate seasoned with spicy sauce.
- Bap: Steamed rice
- Bokum bap: Special fried rice.
- Maeun tang: Spicy hot stew with seafood.
- Yukgaejang: Spicy beef soup with vegetables.
- Doengjang jjigae: Soybean paste stew with seafood.
- Kimchi jjigae: Kimchi stew with pork.
- Mandu guk: Dumpling soup with meat broth.
- Seolleong tang: Beef bone soup
- Kalbi: Marinated beef ribs, charbroiled.
- Bulgogi: Marinated, barbecued beef.
- Deung sim gui: Grilled beef sirloin.
- Hue gui: Sliced ox tongue.
Service
The service was friendly and very efficient.
Food
My friend and I had a feast of many dishes, too numerous to mention, which we shared. However, our dishes did include bulgogi and Yuk hoe (raw stripes of tender beef with pine nut, pears and egg) - a Korean version of steak tartar.
The meal was absolutely first class, the food tasted superb; we washed it down with copious quantities of Korean beer and Soju.
Overall Opinion
An excellent establishment, and well worth visiting should you be in that part of town.
Myung Ga
1 Kingly Street
London
Phone 0207 734 8220
Website www.myungga.co.uk
Overview
I had the good fortune to be invited out for dinner by a Korean friend of mine in London the other week. We dined at Myung Ga, an authentic traditional Korean restaurant near Piccadilly. It specialises in BBQ (on the table) and other dishes
such as; Kimchi, Bulgogi, Bibimbop, Pajon. It was established in 1990.
Ambience
Myung Ga is a bustling, lively modern Korean restaurant that serves a whole host of Korean foods.
The restaurant was bright, well lit, and very popular with both Koreans and Europeans alike.
Each table has a central barbecue pot, which is used for special dishes such as bulgogi (barbecued beef).
Menu
The menu in Korean, English and with photos of the food and drinks offered an extensive range of Korean cuisine including:
- Kaeranjjim: Steamed egg in hot pot.
- Pajeon: Pan-fried spring onion and seafood pancakes.
- Kimchi jeon: Pan-fried Kimchi pancakes.
- Tubu jeon: Fried bean curd
- Bindae dok: Mung bean pancakes
- Tteok bokgi: Rice cake with vegetables.(Spicy)
- Tangsuyuk: Sweet & sour chicken or pork.
- Ggampoonggi: Sauteed chicken with spicy sauce.
- Hongeo hoe: Thinly Sliced raw skate seasoned with spicy sauce.
- Bap: Steamed rice
- Bokum bap: Special fried rice.
- Maeun tang: Spicy hot stew with seafood.
- Yukgaejang: Spicy beef soup with vegetables.
- Doengjang jjigae: Soybean paste stew with seafood.
- Kimchi jjigae: Kimchi stew with pork.
- Mandu guk: Dumpling soup with meat broth.
- Seolleong tang: Beef bone soup
- Kalbi: Marinated beef ribs, charbroiled.
- Bulgogi: Marinated, barbecued beef.
- Deung sim gui: Grilled beef sirloin.
- Hue gui: Sliced ox tongue.
Service
The service was friendly and very efficient.
Food
My friend and I had a feast of many dishes, too numerous to mention, which we shared. However, our dishes did include bulgogi and Yuk hoe (raw stripes of tender beef with pine nut, pears and egg) - a Korean version of steak tartar.
The meal was absolutely first class, the food tasted superb; we washed it down with copious quantities of Korean beer and Soju.
Overall Opinion
An excellent establishment, and well worth visiting should you be in that part of town.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Paladar de Cuba
Restaurant
Paladar de Cuba
Tegnergatan 19
Stockholm
Sweden
Phone 08 21 22 52
Website www.paladar.se
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out Paladar de Cuba, a Cuban restaurant and bar, in Stockholm last week.
Paladar, in Cuba, is the colloquial Spanish name for a home-based restaurant (especially in Havana) restaurant run "off the radar" of the authorities.
Ambience
Paladar is a very welcoming and cosy establishment, a large number of wicker chairs are placed in the entrance and bar area, to the left of the bar is a good sized restaurant with cheerful wooden tables and chairs, which is well decorated with knickknacks, vegetation and curios.
In the days before the smoking ban was enforced, you could also smoke a fine Cuban cigar on the premises. Although they still have a magnificent selection of cigars in a man sized humidor, the law means that you now have to sit outside in the cold to smoke them.
However, the good news is that this ridiculous law does not apply to drinking; the Paladar has a most extensive and inviting selection of rum, which you can while away your evening with in the bar or in the restaurant.
The restaurant is very busy and popular (Che Guevara's daughter has dined there), you are advised to book.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of Cuban cuisine including; peppers with cheese, crab, seafood, swordfish, steaks, lamb and young cockerel.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu (unlike the website) was in English and the staff spoke English very well.
We were made to feel very welcome, and had a drink at the bar whilst our table was made ready for us.
Food
I began with the peppers and cheese, a most splendid starter. The red peppers (pimentos) had been roasted to perfection in olive oil (they were not out of a jar), and were served with a marinade and cheese. A really nice flavour, and medley of tastes.
Eva started with the scampi, which was served in a piquant spicy chilli and garlic white wine sauce. Absolutely superb, the scampi were plump and unctuous, and the sauce had a presence which did not overpower the scampi.
We both chose the young cockerel for our main course. This dish (per person) consisted of two large breasts of cockerel and a cockerel leg served with green rice, avocado salsa and a paprika source.
A fine main course, the cockerel was perfectly cooked and very succulent. The rice was light and fluffy, and the dish was well complemented by the sauce and salsa.
Perfect!
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Spanish white and two very large rums and a rum coffee, came to an amount that I cannot remember; as in the rum fuelled haze of the evening I seem to have misplaced my bill.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which is well worth visiting.
Paladar de Cuba
Tegnergatan 19
Stockholm
Sweden
Phone 08 21 22 52
Website www.paladar.se
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out Paladar de Cuba, a Cuban restaurant and bar, in Stockholm last week.
Paladar, in Cuba, is the colloquial Spanish name for a home-based restaurant (especially in Havana) restaurant run "off the radar" of the authorities.
Ambience
Paladar is a very welcoming and cosy establishment, a large number of wicker chairs are placed in the entrance and bar area, to the left of the bar is a good sized restaurant with cheerful wooden tables and chairs, which is well decorated with knickknacks, vegetation and curios.
In the days before the smoking ban was enforced, you could also smoke a fine Cuban cigar on the premises. Although they still have a magnificent selection of cigars in a man sized humidor, the law means that you now have to sit outside in the cold to smoke them.
However, the good news is that this ridiculous law does not apply to drinking; the Paladar has a most extensive and inviting selection of rum, which you can while away your evening with in the bar or in the restaurant.
The restaurant is very busy and popular (Che Guevara's daughter has dined there), you are advised to book.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of Cuban cuisine including; peppers with cheese, crab, seafood, swordfish, steaks, lamb and young cockerel.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu (unlike the website) was in English and the staff spoke English very well.
We were made to feel very welcome, and had a drink at the bar whilst our table was made ready for us.
Food
I began with the peppers and cheese, a most splendid starter. The red peppers (pimentos) had been roasted to perfection in olive oil (they were not out of a jar), and were served with a marinade and cheese. A really nice flavour, and medley of tastes.
Eva started with the scampi, which was served in a piquant spicy chilli and garlic white wine sauce. Absolutely superb, the scampi were plump and unctuous, and the sauce had a presence which did not overpower the scampi.
We both chose the young cockerel for our main course. This dish (per person) consisted of two large breasts of cockerel and a cockerel leg served with green rice, avocado salsa and a paprika source.
A fine main course, the cockerel was perfectly cooked and very succulent. The rice was light and fluffy, and the dish was well complemented by the sauce and salsa.
Perfect!
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Spanish white and two very large rums and a rum coffee, came to an amount that I cannot remember; as in the rum fuelled haze of the evening I seem to have misplaced my bill.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which is well worth visiting.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Boiled Pig's Leg
Boiled Pig's Leg
My compliments to Tennstopet in Stockholm which served myself and Eva with two excellent boiled pig's legs - Fläsklägg med Rotmos - (accompanied by mashed potatoes and mashed swede) yesterday for lunch, in their rather cosy and charming bar.
We are very happy to recommend both the main restaurant and bar for good food, good service and an excellent ambience.
My compliments to Tennstopet in Stockholm which served myself and Eva with two excellent boiled pig's legs - Fläsklägg med Rotmos - (accompanied by mashed potatoes and mashed swede) yesterday for lunch, in their rather cosy and charming bar.
We are very happy to recommend both the main restaurant and bar for good food, good service and an excellent ambience.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Porridge
Porridge
The world's largest bowl of porridge ever was created in Edinburgh this weekend.
It weighed 81.2kg, easily beating the previous world record of 66.26kg, and was served to around 2,000 people at the Edinburgh Farmers' Market.
The porridge was stirred by a specially commissioned 1.5m spurtle, and Stoats Porridge Bars provided 25kg of organic oats.
Border Tablet provided pieces of tablet to be sprinkled on top of the porridge, while Caurnie Soap produced a giant soap made with oats.
The Edinburgh Farmers' Market is held in the city's Castle Terrace
Edinburgh Farmers' Market takes place in the Castle Terrace car park, off Lothian Road, every Saturday from 0900 BST until 1400 BST.
It is the largest in Scotland, with over 70 producers attending regularly.
The world's largest bowl of porridge ever was created in Edinburgh this weekend.
It weighed 81.2kg, easily beating the previous world record of 66.26kg, and was served to around 2,000 people at the Edinburgh Farmers' Market.
The porridge was stirred by a specially commissioned 1.5m spurtle, and Stoats Porridge Bars provided 25kg of organic oats.
Border Tablet provided pieces of tablet to be sprinkled on top of the porridge, while Caurnie Soap produced a giant soap made with oats.
The Edinburgh Farmers' Market is held in the city's Castle Terrace
Edinburgh Farmers' Market takes place in the Castle Terrace car park, off Lothian Road, every Saturday from 0900 BST until 1400 BST.
It is the largest in Scotland, with over 70 producers attending regularly.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Restaurant 7 Portes
Restaurant 7 Portes
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sedna
Sedna
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Advice For Barbecues
Advice For Barbecues
Now that the sun has finally deigned to shine upon Britain, people will be making the most of this short period of warmth and making merry with their barbecues.
Just as Eva and I did the other night.
Unfortunately the warm weather also brings out that perennial nuisance, and scourge of outdoor eating, the wasp.
May I commend that you have to hand a stout package of gammon steaks. This is a most excellent and sturdy weapon to use to fend off/exterminate all manner of wasps and bugs.
Now that the sun has finally deigned to shine upon Britain, people will be making the most of this short period of warmth and making merry with their barbecues.
Just as Eva and I did the other night.
Unfortunately the warm weather also brings out that perennial nuisance, and scourge of outdoor eating, the wasp.
May I commend that you have to hand a stout package of gammon steaks. This is a most excellent and sturdy weapon to use to fend off/exterminate all manner of wasps and bugs.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Trobador
Trobador
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
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