Advice To Cafe Rouge (Prince Albert Street Brighton)
Please put a curtain up in front of your door to stop the customers from freezing everytime the door is opened.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Saturday, February 05, 2011
The Townhouse Kemptown
Restaurant
The Townhouse
81-82 St James St
Kemptown
Brighton
BN2 1PA
Tel: 01273 693216
Website The Townhouse
Overview
Eva and popped into The Townhouse in Kemptown the other day for an impromptu lunch.
The Townhouse is relatively new, and is both a bar and restaurant.
It offers contemporary British food (cooked by a head chef who hails from The Dorchester) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ambience
The Townhouse is a cheerful and bright venue, it has "rustic" wooden tables and brick faced walls. Aside from a dining area, it has a lounge bar and a piano room where you can sit around the Baby Grand Piano on bar stools while drinking!
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of British cuisine including; smoked haddock, roasted cod, crab, steak, rack of lamb and belly of pork.
Service
The service was excellent, efficient and friendly. I was even offered a choice of wood or plastic toothpicks (a first!), which shows great attention to detail.
Food
I had the pork belly, which was slow roasted and served with an apple mash and prune jus. I was very impressed with this dish, the pork was a good sized tasty cut/join,t and the crackling was crispy. The mash was not overpowered by the apple, and went well with the meat.
Eva had one of the specials, beef sausages and mash. This was very good, four thick tasty sausages atop a bed of mash served with a gravy.
The meal, which included some quality beers and very large brandies, came to around £40 from memory (I have lost the receipt!).
Overall Opinion
A very enjoyable meal, and I have no hesitation in recommending this venue. We will certainly be returning, this time for dinner.
The Townhouse
81-82 St James St
Kemptown
Brighton
BN2 1PA
Tel: 01273 693216
Website The Townhouse
Overview
Eva and popped into The Townhouse in Kemptown the other day for an impromptu lunch.
The Townhouse is relatively new, and is both a bar and restaurant.
It offers contemporary British food (cooked by a head chef who hails from The Dorchester) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ambience
The Townhouse is a cheerful and bright venue, it has "rustic" wooden tables and brick faced walls. Aside from a dining area, it has a lounge bar and a piano room where you can sit around the Baby Grand Piano on bar stools while drinking!
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of British cuisine including; smoked haddock, roasted cod, crab, steak, rack of lamb and belly of pork.
Service
The service was excellent, efficient and friendly. I was even offered a choice of wood or plastic toothpicks (a first!), which shows great attention to detail.
Food
I had the pork belly, which was slow roasted and served with an apple mash and prune jus. I was very impressed with this dish, the pork was a good sized tasty cut/join,t and the crackling was crispy. The mash was not overpowered by the apple, and went well with the meat.
Eva had one of the specials, beef sausages and mash. This was very good, four thick tasty sausages atop a bed of mash served with a gravy.
The meal, which included some quality beers and very large brandies, came to around £40 from memory (I have lost the receipt!).
Overall Opinion
A very enjoyable meal, and I have no hesitation in recommending this venue. We will certainly be returning, this time for dinner.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Green's Bar
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.
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.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Hangover Cure
Hangover Cure
This year's hangover cure of choice appears to be honey on toast.
Merry Christmas!
This year's hangover cure of choice appears to be honey on toast.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar Revisited
Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar Revisited
In November I wrote about the decline in service standards at the newly renovated Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar, which was once a very decent and customer focused bar.
Sadly, despite having been assured by management that my concerns would be addressed, standards have not improved.
I went there last night for a quick drink on my way to the West End. The Brasserie Bar had been hired out for a party (the old bar had two rooms which allowed parties to be held without inconveniencing regular customers), therefore I had to go to the lounge next door. I was advised by the "head man" that there were no tables available and that I would have to sit in the corridor (on ridiculously small and uncomfortable seats).
I asked for a gin and tonic and "meekly" took my seat. Ironically, some 30 seconds after I had been told that there were no seats in the lounge, I saw a couple (who had just come in behind me, and had not reserved a table) being promptly shown to a "free" table by the same member of staff.
Needless to say, having waited for a couple of minutes without any sight or sound of my drink appearing, I left.
On my way out I spoke to another member of staff about the issue, she was very apologetic but honest enough to admit that the new bar and service arrangements were not good.
Until the management of the hotel sort this out, I am very sad to say that I most certainly do not recommend this venue to anyone.
In November I wrote about the decline in service standards at the newly renovated Thistle Grosvenor Brasserie Bar, which was once a very decent and customer focused bar.
Sadly, despite having been assured by management that my concerns would be addressed, standards have not improved.
I went there last night for a quick drink on my way to the West End. The Brasserie Bar had been hired out for a party (the old bar had two rooms which allowed parties to be held without inconveniencing regular customers), therefore I had to go to the lounge next door. I was advised by the "head man" that there were no tables available and that I would have to sit in the corridor (on ridiculously small and uncomfortable seats).
I asked for a gin and tonic and "meekly" took my seat. Ironically, some 30 seconds after I had been told that there were no seats in the lounge, I saw a couple (who had just come in behind me, and had not reserved a table) being promptly shown to a "free" table by the same member of staff.
Needless to say, having waited for a couple of minutes without any sight or sound of my drink appearing, I left.
On my way out I spoke to another member of staff about the issue, she was very apologetic but honest enough to admit that the new bar and service arrangements were not good.
Until the management of the hotel sort this out, I am very sad to say that I most certainly do not recommend this venue to anyone.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Sprout Shortage?
Sprout Shortage?
In much that same way as there was a rumoured "shortage" of Heston Blumenthal's Christmas puddings, it seems that the food industry is trying to cook up a "shortage" of that much loved Christmas staple sprouts.
The media have published warnings from farmers that the current heavy frosts (which are actually very good for sprouts) have caused problems with mechanical harvesting, thus leading to the possibility of a shortage this festive season.
Hmmm...I will believe that when I see it!
I guarantee that there will be more sprouts available on the dining tables of Britain than people are able to/want to eat this festive season.
In much that same way as there was a rumoured "shortage" of Heston Blumenthal's Christmas puddings, it seems that the food industry is trying to cook up a "shortage" of that much loved Christmas staple sprouts.
The media have published warnings from farmers that the current heavy frosts (which are actually very good for sprouts) have caused problems with mechanical harvesting, thus leading to the possibility of a shortage this festive season.
Hmmm...I will believe that when I see it!
I guarantee that there will be more sprouts available on the dining tables of Britain than people are able to/want to eat this festive season.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Madness II
Madness II
Those people who were suckered into bidding on ebay (bids are currently standing at £129) for a Waitrose Heston Blumenthal Christmas pudding (with an orange in the middle) may well be feeling rather foolish today.
Unsurprisingly, the alleged "shortage" of puddings has been resolved.
How?
Simple, Waitrose put more on the shelves!
Could it be that the temporary "shortage" was nothing more than a marketing ploy, designed to maximise publicity and boost sales?
Surely not?
Those people who were suckered into bidding on ebay (bids are currently standing at £129) for a Waitrose Heston Blumenthal Christmas pudding (with an orange in the middle) may well be feeling rather foolish today.
Unsurprisingly, the alleged "shortage" of puddings has been resolved.
How?
Simple, Waitrose put more on the shelves!
Could it be that the temporary "shortage" was nothing more than a marketing ploy, designed to maximise publicity and boost sales?
Surely not?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Savoy Grill Reopens
Savoy Grill Reopens
The Savoy Grill reopens today, after being closed for a period of refurbishment of the hotel and Grill that took 3 years.
Those of you who wish to pop in and try the new Grill may well have to wait, approximately 11,500 table reservations have already been made for the coming weeks.
The Savoy Grill reopens today, after being closed for a period of refurbishment of the hotel and Grill that took 3 years.
Those of you who wish to pop in and try the new Grill may well have to wait, approximately 11,500 table reservations have already been made for the coming weeks.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Madness
Madness
The Telegraph reports that demand for Heston Blumenthal's £13.99 Waitrose Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding is so high, that the supermarket has almost run out and the pudding is now on e-bay with bids currently standing at £77.
It's a farking Christmas pudding for fark's sake!
Get a life people!
The Telegraph reports that demand for Heston Blumenthal's £13.99 Waitrose Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding is so high, that the supermarket has almost run out and the pudding is now on e-bay with bids currently standing at £77.
It's a farking Christmas pudding for fark's sake!
Get a life people!
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!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Question For Southern Rail
Question For Southern Rail
Why oh why has your trolley service abandoned the serving of separate miniatures of spirits and mixers, and replaced them with pre mixed cans of cocktails?
These pre mixed concoctions taste vile!
Why oh why has your trolley service abandoned the serving of separate miniatures of spirits and mixers, and replaced them with pre mixed cans of cocktails?
These pre mixed concoctions taste vile!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mouse Sarnie
Mouse Sarnie
The next time you make a sandwich, make sure you thoroughly check the loaf you are using is rodent free.
Stephen Forse found a dead mouse in his loaf Hovis Best of Both from Tesco Online, supplied from a branch in Bicester.
The manufacturer, Premier Foods, was fined £5,500 and ordered to pay £11,109 in costs.
The next time you make a sandwich, make sure you thoroughly check the loaf you are using is rodent free.
Stephen Forse found a dead mouse in his loaf Hovis Best of Both from Tesco Online, supplied from a branch in Bicester.
The manufacturer, Premier Foods, was fined £5,500 and ordered to pay £11,109 in costs.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The £110 Cheese Sarnie
Those of you with more money than sense, may care to purchase the £110 cheese sarnie from the Frome Cheese Show in Somerset.
The sandwich is the creation of chef Martin Blunos, and is made with cheddar blended with white truffles and sprinkled with gold dust.
Personally speaking I am not much of a fan of cheese sarnies, most especially if they cost £110!
They are applying for the Guiness Book of Record's for the world's most expensive cheese sandwich. I wonder if they have heaard of the £345 Welsh Rarebit created by Tom Bridge in 2006?
The sandwich is the creation of chef Martin Blunos, and is made with cheddar blended with white truffles and sprinkled with gold dust.
Personally speaking I am not much of a fan of cheese sarnies, most especially if they cost £110!
They are applying for the Guiness Book of Record's for the world's most expensive cheese sandwich. I wonder if they have heaard of the £345 Welsh Rarebit created by Tom Bridge in 2006?
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!
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Cloned Beef
Cloned Beef
Despite initial denials by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) it has now been forced into a humiliating admission that meat from the offspring of a cloned bull was slaughtered, sold and eaten last year in Scotland.
Food from a cloned animal, or the offspring of a cloned animal, is illegal, according to the FSA.
Despite initial denials by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) it has now been forced into a humiliating admission that meat from the offspring of a cloned bull was slaughtered, sold and eaten last year in Scotland.
Food from a cloned animal, or the offspring of a cloned animal, is illegal, according to the FSA.
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