An old favourite serving the best lamb Iranian run, and have been going there for over 20 years, and delighted to say it hasn't changed at all.
Home made naan bread is a pleasure to see being prepared and freshly baked in the tandoori oven.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
29/6/07 La Vina, Deansgate, Manchester
We've already been to the Alderley Edge branch, and enjoyed the tapas and overall environment.
We had failed to get into another restaurant in Manchester that we were keen to try due to the late hour (10pm), but happily we were given a table upstairs. We enjoyed a small selection of tapas including fresh bread with pesto dip (very nice), gambas in ajillo, morcillo (black pudding), patatas bravas and a selection of Iberian ham and cheese, all washed down with a nice glass of white Rioja.
Service: 8/10
Quality of Food: 7/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
We had failed to get into another restaurant in Manchester that we were keen to try due to the late hour (10pm), but happily we were given a table upstairs. We enjoyed a small selection of tapas including fresh bread with pesto dip (very nice), gambas in ajillo, morcillo (black pudding), patatas bravas and a selection of Iberian ham and cheese, all washed down with a nice glass of white Rioja.
Service: 8/10
Quality of Food: 7/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
28/6/07 - Pancho Villa, Cancelada, Costa del Sol
Inviting family-run Mexican restaurant with freshly prepared home-cooked food - warm welcome.
Started with nacho's laid out in home-made nacho case filled with guacomole. Due to suffering heartburn, I tried to avoid anything too spicy, or red wine. Enjoyed a local fish dish with tomate to rice.
Will go back.
Started with nacho's laid out in home-made nacho case filled with guacomole. Due to suffering heartburn, I tried to avoid anything too spicy, or red wine. Enjoyed a local fish dish with tomate to rice.
Will go back.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
20/6/07 - La Belle Epoque, Knutsford
Have been here a number of times over the years, and this was our second visit since sharing our second date here just over one year ago. As this features in the Hi-Life book, we thought we'd give it another go.
Took three courses this time, starting with Foie Gras pate (average) and frogs legs in batter (interesting). My beef pie was acceptable but side vegetables were delicious - one of the best potato mashes i've had. Bobby had the fillet au poivre which was pretty good.
Finally, finished with mango & ginger sorbet and creme brule.
Even with the Hi-Life card paying for only the most expensive of each of the three courses, this was still more expensive than deserved. Not the best atmosphere, and service was average.
Service: 6/10
Quality of Food: 7/10
Value for money: 5/10
Overall: 6/10
Took three courses this time, starting with Foie Gras pate (average) and frogs legs in batter (interesting). My beef pie was acceptable but side vegetables were delicious - one of the best potato mashes i've had. Bobby had the fillet au poivre which was pretty good.
Finally, finished with mango & ginger sorbet and creme brule.
Even with the Hi-Life card paying for only the most expensive of each of the three courses, this was still more expensive than deserved. Not the best atmosphere, and service was average.
Service: 6/10
Quality of Food: 7/10
Value for money: 5/10
Overall: 6/10
19/06/07 - Rookery Hall, Cheshire
Having recently upgraded our Hi-Life card to Premium, we thought we'd try Rookery Hall and enjoy a 2 for 1 main course offer.
A very delightful and tranquil country hotel and restaurant with very comfortable lounge/cocktail area. We enjoyed aperitifs whilst making our selection from the short but quality menu before being led into the delightful oak-panelled dining room enjoying fantastic views over the front of the hotel's grounds.
We skipped starters and went for Lamb and Fillet mains that were well presented, and finished off with a shared dessert and coffee back in the lounge.
Fantastic location, and very comfortable pre and post dining, and would loved to have just stayed there with one or two nightcaps ...
Service: 9/10
Quality of Food: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10
A very delightful and tranquil country hotel and restaurant with very comfortable lounge/cocktail area. We enjoyed aperitifs whilst making our selection from the short but quality menu before being led into the delightful oak-panelled dining room enjoying fantastic views over the front of the hotel's grounds.
We skipped starters and went for Lamb and Fillet mains that were well presented, and finished off with a shared dessert and coffee back in the lounge.
Fantastic location, and very comfortable pre and post dining, and would loved to have just stayed there with one or two nightcaps ...
Service: 9/10
Quality of Food: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10
15/06/07 - Union Oyster House, Boston MA
Described as "America's Oldest Restaurant", this is something of a gem. Very busy and had to wait an hour even after booking, very popular tourist restaurant on the edge of Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
A group of 6 of us shared New England Clam Chowder, Oysters and Lobster. The chowder was reasonably good (although you can't go too far wrong anywhere in Boston on that score), and the Oysters were not particularly fantastic (not so fresh to me). However, the lobster was quite incredible, and certainly the biggest and meatiest lobster I have had outside the Carribean.
Overall atmosphere very good and very enjoyable evening there followed by some drinks in the surrounding bars around Faneuil Hall.
Service: 7/10
Quality of Food: 9/10
Value for money: 6/10
Overall: 7.5/10
A group of 6 of us shared New England Clam Chowder, Oysters and Lobster. The chowder was reasonably good (although you can't go too far wrong anywhere in Boston on that score), and the Oysters were not particularly fantastic (not so fresh to me). However, the lobster was quite incredible, and certainly the biggest and meatiest lobster I have had outside the Carribean.
Overall atmosphere very good and very enjoyable evening there followed by some drinks in the surrounding bars around Faneuil Hall.
Service: 7/10
Quality of Food: 9/10
Value for money: 6/10
Overall: 7.5/10
14/06/2007 - Green Field Churrascaria, Boston MA
A poor version of better chains in and around New York, but similar theme.
Salad bar a little disappointing, some sushi, but thinly presented, and meat not particularly high quality either. Not as much on offer as at the better versions of this Brazilian barbecue.
Service: 6/10
Quality of Food: 5/10
Value for money: 6/10
Overall: 5.5/10
Salad bar a little disappointing, some sushi, but thinly presented, and meat not particularly high quality either. Not as much on offer as at the better versions of this Brazilian barbecue.
Service: 6/10
Quality of Food: 5/10
Value for money: 6/10
Overall: 5.5/10
Monday, 4 June 2007
3/6/07 - Chetwode Arms, Lower Whitley, Warrington
We'd been meaning to come here for a few weeks after a personal recommendation and after discovering it in our Hi-Life Dining club book. We called them up to see if our card would be valid on a sunday evening, and decided to give it a go.
A very attractive country pub in lovely rural setting (close to Whitley, Arley and Antrobus). Having already booked a table, we were shown to a rather cosy room although we were startled to see a flame-effect gas fire rather than a more authentic rustic real-fire, but it had been a gloriously warm day, and no heat was really needed.
In fact, we soon had additional heat brought to our table as I ordered the mixed meat selection on a "rock". This is a square slab of granite heated to 440c which sits in the middle of your plate with the meat cooking on it. This was great as you can cook your meat as little or as much as you want, but not as easy to eat off with the head under your face and smoke hitting your eyes.
My meat selection included Barbary duck and fillet steak, and complimented with hand-cut chips and a side order of green vegetables. Bobby tried the Steak and Kidney pudding with chips.
Both meals were extremely good (yes, I had to help Bobby finish her pudding too).
We declined starters and desserts but did accept the invitation to try a "Don Pedro" with Tia Maria (with home made vanilla ice cream).
Although the prices are a little on the high side (approx £7.50 for a starter, £17-21 for mains and £5-6 for desserts), the service was excellent (from bar staff to manager) and we definitely rate this as a place to return.
Service: 8.5/10
Quality of Food: 9/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall: 8.5/10
A very attractive country pub in lovely rural setting (close to Whitley, Arley and Antrobus). Having already booked a table, we were shown to a rather cosy room although we were startled to see a flame-effect gas fire rather than a more authentic rustic real-fire, but it had been a gloriously warm day, and no heat was really needed.
In fact, we soon had additional heat brought to our table as I ordered the mixed meat selection on a "rock". This is a square slab of granite heated to 440c which sits in the middle of your plate with the meat cooking on it. This was great as you can cook your meat as little or as much as you want, but not as easy to eat off with the head under your face and smoke hitting your eyes.
My meat selection included Barbary duck and fillet steak, and complimented with hand-cut chips and a side order of green vegetables. Bobby tried the Steak and Kidney pudding with chips.
Both meals were extremely good (yes, I had to help Bobby finish her pudding too).
We declined starters and desserts but did accept the invitation to try a "Don Pedro" with Tia Maria (with home made vanilla ice cream).
Although the prices are a little on the high side (approx £7.50 for a starter, £17-21 for mains and £5-6 for desserts), the service was excellent (from bar staff to manager) and we definitely rate this as a place to return.
Service: 8.5/10
Quality of Food: 9/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall: 8.5/10
31/5/2007 - Est Est Est, Knutsford
Italian style eaterie on main Knutsford road. Have been here a couple of times before and found again the accoustics of this building mean the amplified chatter and bar noise is not ideal for a cosy dinner for two.
We shared a starter of cured meats and fried dough and then finished off with Fiorentina Pizza and penne pasta with pepperoni. All very acceptable and enjoyable.
Service a little curt at times, but about what you expect in these chained restaurants.
Service: 5.5/10
Quality of Food: 8/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall: 6/10
We shared a starter of cured meats and fried dough and then finished off with Fiorentina Pizza and penne pasta with pepperoni. All very acceptable and enjoyable.
Service a little curt at times, but about what you expect in these chained restaurants.
Service: 5.5/10
Quality of Food: 8/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall: 6/10
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
30/5/07 - The Yellow Broom, Twemloe Green, Cheshire
Being very close to our home we thought we'd finally try The Yellow Broom.
Tasteful decor in a pleasant rural detached house; although mid week, it was very quiet, just one other couple and a small family birthday party. We enjoyed an aperitif in the bar area before being shown our table.
First impressions of the menu were that it was fairly small (just 5 main courses, 3 meat, 1 fish and 1 vegetarian option) and expensive, but well described.
I opted for the poached lemon sole, and Bobby had the lamb loin. All arrived well presented, and made with good quality (apparently) local ingredients.
We declined a bottle of wine from the average list (expensive) and opted for individual glasses.
Three drinks, two main courses, one shared dessert and coffee came to £100 - very expensive.
Service: 7/10
Quality of Food: 8/10
Value for money: 5/10
Overall: 6.5/10
Tasteful decor in a pleasant rural detached house; although mid week, it was very quiet, just one other couple and a small family birthday party. We enjoyed an aperitif in the bar area before being shown our table.
First impressions of the menu were that it was fairly small (just 5 main courses, 3 meat, 1 fish and 1 vegetarian option) and expensive, but well described.
I opted for the poached lemon sole, and Bobby had the lamb loin. All arrived well presented, and made with good quality (apparently) local ingredients.
We declined a bottle of wine from the average list (expensive) and opted for individual glasses.
Three drinks, two main courses, one shared dessert and coffee came to £100 - very expensive.
Service: 7/10
Quality of Food: 8/10
Value for money: 5/10
Overall: 6.5/10
Monday, 28 May 2007
26/5/07 - La Sosta di Violante, Siena
Today we arrived in my favourite city of Siena and were fortunate enough to get a room in the magnificent Grand Hotel Continental in the city centre. Although an acquaintance made on our flight had made a recommendation for a Siena restaurant "where only the locals go", our concierge advise us that it was actually "rather touristic", and we should try La Sosta di Violante.
He happily obliged us a reservation, and we enjoyed the 10 minute stroll by the Campo and found a very attractive and welcoming restaurant with a few tables outside, and one empty one, presumably awaiting our arrival.
The waiter warmly welcomed us and invited us to take an aperitif at our table. The menu looked very varied, and typically Tuscan, and I would have been happy to try absolutely anything and everything on the menu, but we made our choices.
We shared a Tuscan starter which included a wide variety of samples of the various starters on offer, including: Broccoli pie with onion jam, local ham, anchovies, sun dried tomatoes etc. Each and every item on that plate was exquisite, with us both agreeing our favourite to be the pie.
For pasta, I had the Pappardelle with hare ragout and bobby had Pici with onion and leek. We both enjoyed the pici but I have to say the Pappardelle was one of the finest pasta dishes I have ever experienced.
We took the waiter's recommendation for a 2001 Brunello (from the rather extensive wine list consisting of at least 10 Brunellos and scores of Chiantis), which was a perfect compliment to the Tuscan selection.
For main course, (and after each of the steak options had been shown to me at the table), I opted for a smaller steak with salad, and Bobby had the Chicken in spicy sauce. My steak was perfectly cooked (rare) and so tender, to perfection. Bobby's chicken was very impressive, charcoal cooked with a Tuscan pepper spice sauce.
Finally, we just about managed to share a dessert and finish our wine .... phew!
Service: 9/10
Food Quality: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
An absolute gem, and a must whenever in (or close to) Siena ...
He happily obliged us a reservation, and we enjoyed the 10 minute stroll by the Campo and found a very attractive and welcoming restaurant with a few tables outside, and one empty one, presumably awaiting our arrival.
The waiter warmly welcomed us and invited us to take an aperitif at our table. The menu looked very varied, and typically Tuscan, and I would have been happy to try absolutely anything and everything on the menu, but we made our choices.
We shared a Tuscan starter which included a wide variety of samples of the various starters on offer, including: Broccoli pie with onion jam, local ham, anchovies, sun dried tomatoes etc. Each and every item on that plate was exquisite, with us both agreeing our favourite to be the pie.
For pasta, I had the Pappardelle with hare ragout and bobby had Pici with onion and leek. We both enjoyed the pici but I have to say the Pappardelle was one of the finest pasta dishes I have ever experienced.
We took the waiter's recommendation for a 2001 Brunello (from the rather extensive wine list consisting of at least 10 Brunellos and scores of Chiantis), which was a perfect compliment to the Tuscan selection.
For main course, (and after each of the steak options had been shown to me at the table), I opted for a smaller steak with salad, and Bobby had the Chicken in spicy sauce. My steak was perfectly cooked (rare) and so tender, to perfection. Bobby's chicken was very impressive, charcoal cooked with a Tuscan pepper spice sauce.
Finally, we just about managed to share a dessert and finish our wine .... phew!
Service: 9/10
Food Quality: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
An absolute gem, and a must whenever in (or close to) Siena ...
25/5/07 - Cantinetta del Nunno, San Casciano VP, Florence
We had heard many good things about this typical Tuscan kitchen - Apparently Michael Winner raved about this place, and as we had a free night in the Florence area, we decided to go and explore ..
We were reasonably warmly welcomed and shown a table inside - there appeared to be a mix of mostly locals and American tourists dining, and reasonably full. Decor a little shabby and the unfortunate cigarette and pipe smoke slightly spoilt the air of those about to eat.
We started with a mixed Tuscan starter, and an old favourite, Bruschetta al Pomodoro - this was not the best i've ever experienced - the toasted bread sadly rather tough and soggy, and tomatoes fairly bland.
We asked the chef for a recommendation, and he said he recommended absolutely everything on the menu ... A friend had suggested the Beef and Pepper Ghoulash was good, so I ordered that, and Bobby had a pici pasta with meat sauce.
In both cases, they were just about acceptable, but very disappointing overall.
Service: 6/10
Food Quality: 5/10
Overall: 5/10
We were reasonably warmly welcomed and shown a table inside - there appeared to be a mix of mostly locals and American tourists dining, and reasonably full. Decor a little shabby and the unfortunate cigarette and pipe smoke slightly spoilt the air of those about to eat.
We started with a mixed Tuscan starter, and an old favourite, Bruschetta al Pomodoro - this was not the best i've ever experienced - the toasted bread sadly rather tough and soggy, and tomatoes fairly bland.
We asked the chef for a recommendation, and he said he recommended absolutely everything on the menu ... A friend had suggested the Beef and Pepper Ghoulash was good, so I ordered that, and Bobby had a pici pasta with meat sauce.
In both cases, they were just about acceptable, but very disappointing overall.
Service: 6/10
Food Quality: 5/10
Overall: 5/10
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