THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2009
A few weeks ago a new Italian restaurant opened in Gunthorpe, near Nottingham
I was really looking forward to trying it out and thought that it could well be an ideal venue to take my inlaws for lunch when they came to stay.
I should have taken it as a warning sign when they kept delaying the lunch time opening, but finally, just in time for my birthday in August they opened. However, as this visit was not problem free I chose not to review it, and give them a little longer to iron out the initial teething problems we encountered.
Today, reluctantly, I have to say that this is not the case, and that the level of service and professionalism one may have expected from a new and rather plush looking restaurant is sadly lacking.
When we arrived at around 1.20p.m it there were just 2 people dining, although another table of 2, and a table of 1 arrived soon after. We were asked whether we would like to go straight to a table or sit in the comfortable bar area for a drink first, We chose the latter. There are lovely, comfortable leather chairs and sofas and is very tastefully decorated. We did notice however that the same tiles were still missing from the fireplace.
The drinks arrived promptly. We were served by the same young man we had seen on our previous visit. He is extremely polite and helpful but it is clear that he has not worked in the retaurant business before, and the lack of training was evident.
After approx 20 minutes, starving hungry and not a menu in sight, I found our young man who appeared puzzled that we were requesting a menu before being seated at our table. However, he took our order and left us to find a table of our choice. I had asked for some bread and garlic butter to be brought before our starter as by now we were absolutely ravenous. This however, arrived at the same as the starter and without any butter.
At no time were we offered a wine menu, or even asked if we would like another drink.
When our pizzas arrived we were not offered any black pepper or asked if we would like anything else (we would have loved some parmesan)
When I mentioned my concerns to our waiter he kept apolgizing, but frankly it is easy to say sorry. Actions would have spoken louder than words.
Despite these negative words, the food is quite good.
My prawn and avocado cocktail was lovely and fresh, mu husband said his vegetable soup was really tasty.
Out pizzas were freshly baked, if a little too well done on the edges.
This restaurant has great potential.
It is is the right location, close to the river. It looks right - bright, airy and clean. The prices are about right. It cost us £9.95 per head for two courses.
The menu has a fairly good selection, although the waiter seemed unclear as to whether or not we could just choose from the lunch menu, or the more extensive a la carte menu on the reverse side,
(The cost of the drinks were deducted after I complained about the service)
The problem I have is that the owners appear clueless and amateurish when it comes to actually running the restaurant.
At this stage I will award Pontefino's 5/10
I feel that it could easily rate a 9/10 with just a few important tweaks. I really hope it makes it.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Thursday, 30 July 2009
A GLIMMER OF HOPE?
It rains and it rains, and then rains some more
It rains every day, it's just such a bore
It's meant to be summer, the days long and hot
But look out the window and what have we got?
Bleak looking skies and overflowing drains
I can't hang the washing out yet again
The patio furniture is still in the box
As out to buy wellies and brollies we flock
Picnics forgotten, barbecues too
As nice sunny days we have just too few
I look at the forecast, five days ahead
With weather like this I may stay in bed
Surely, oh surely it has to improve
Oh please hurry up, or to Spain I will move
But all those who know me
Will no doubt agree
There's a glimmer of light, for me this July
With a little bit of luck the wasps will all die!
Claire-G
It rains every day, it's just such a bore
It's meant to be summer, the days long and hot
But look out the window and what have we got?
Bleak looking skies and overflowing drains
I can't hang the washing out yet again
The patio furniture is still in the box
As out to buy wellies and brollies we flock
Picnics forgotten, barbecues too
As nice sunny days we have just too few
I look at the forecast, five days ahead
With weather like this I may stay in bed
Surely, oh surely it has to improve
Oh please hurry up, or to Spain I will move
But all those who know me
Will no doubt agree
There's a glimmer of light, for me this July
With a little bit of luck the wasps will all die!
Claire-G
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Aaachooo! Is is Swine Flu?
I sit on my chair in the foyer at work
Assessing the patients for germs that may lurk
A cough? Headache? A fever or worse?
All of these? You won't see our nurse
Go home, get rest and phone the flu line
They'll give you advice, as long as you've time
Accesss the website and hope it won't crash
Trust the government to make a complete hash
They tell us the swine flu has taken a hold
But please don't panic it's probably a cold!
(Claire G)
Assessing the patients for germs that may lurk
A cough? Headache? A fever or worse?
All of these? You won't see our nurse
Go home, get rest and phone the flu line
They'll give you advice, as long as you've time
Accesss the website and hope it won't crash
Trust the government to make a complete hash
They tell us the swine flu has taken a hold
But please don't panic it's probably a cold!
(Claire G)
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
SAY NO TO TESCO IN BINGHAM
Tuesday 21st July 2009
Upon hearing the news that Tesco are interested in opening a 'moderate' sized store in Bingham, one could be forgiven for thinking wow that's brilliant, very convenient.
I appreciate that we will all have very different views on the pros and cons for this, but I ask you to consider the following and, should you agree with me, please forward this to as many local people as possible as well as to Rushcliffe Borough Council at:
blueprint@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
Despite being told by Tesco that this will be good for local people and traders alike, I beg to differ.
Firstly, once people are inside Tesco they will invariably do all their shopping under one roof. Who can honestly say that after parking in Tesco's car park and doing your shopping there that you are then going to walk into the square or Eton place to pick up veg, meat or papers, all of which will be available inside Tesco. I think not. Local shops will suffer and many could go out of business. Let's not forget either the struggling market traders on a Thursday or the local farmer's market on Saturdays. Can they survive this form of competition?
Secondly, Tesco will not be satisfied with just a moderate store for long and once they become established, will inevitably and dramatically increase the square footage and become a superstore.
Well what's wrong with that you may ask?
Consider the impact of hundreds and hundreds of people driving through our town 7 days per week from dawn to dusk , not to mention the juggernauts thundering through to make their deliveries to Tesco. Is this what you really want?
Bingham is already packed to capacity, driving around is chaotic enough.
Ask yourself why you have chosen to live in a small market town like Bingham. Could it be that you enjoy the semi rural lifestyle and small, indivually owned shops where you can be assured of personal and attentive service?
Personally, I think that the lifestyle the majority of us enjoy in Bingham far outweighs the little inconvenience of travelling a few miles to frequent one of many superstores available to us on the outskirts of Nottingham
In my opinion, this will be destroyed forever if we let Tesco get a foothold here in Bingham.
Upon hearing the news that Tesco are interested in opening a 'moderate' sized store in Bingham, one could be forgiven for thinking wow that's brilliant, very convenient.
I appreciate that we will all have very different views on the pros and cons for this, but I ask you to consider the following and, should you agree with me, please forward this to as many local people as possible as well as to Rushcliffe Borough Council at:
blueprint@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
Despite being told by Tesco that this will be good for local people and traders alike, I beg to differ.
Firstly, once people are inside Tesco they will invariably do all their shopping under one roof. Who can honestly say that after parking in Tesco's car park and doing your shopping there that you are then going to walk into the square or Eton place to pick up veg, meat or papers, all of which will be available inside Tesco. I think not. Local shops will suffer and many could go out of business. Let's not forget either the struggling market traders on a Thursday or the local farmer's market on Saturdays. Can they survive this form of competition?
Secondly, Tesco will not be satisfied with just a moderate store for long and once they become established, will inevitably and dramatically increase the square footage and become a superstore.
Well what's wrong with that you may ask?
Consider the impact of hundreds and hundreds of people driving through our town 7 days per week from dawn to dusk , not to mention the juggernauts thundering through to make their deliveries to Tesco. Is this what you really want?
Bingham is already packed to capacity, driving around is chaotic enough.
Ask yourself why you have chosen to live in a small market town like Bingham. Could it be that you enjoy the semi rural lifestyle and small, indivually owned shops where you can be assured of personal and attentive service?
Personally, I think that the lifestyle the majority of us enjoy in Bingham far outweighs the little inconvenience of travelling a few miles to frequent one of many superstores available to us on the outskirts of Nottingham
In my opinion, this will be destroyed forever if we let Tesco get a foothold here in Bingham.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
RAIN, RAIN AND EVEN MORE RAIN........
SATURDAY 18TH JULY 2009
Having made the decision to holiday in England this year, and hearing from yet another 'expert' that we were in for a barbecue summer I was feeling quite optimistic as we set out to spend a week in a luxury cottage deep in the Northumbrian countryside.
The first two days, although fairly cloudy, remained warm and dry, so early in the morning on day 3, we decided to visit the Holy Island (aka Lindisfarne). We checked the tidal times for a safe crossing and off we went.
It was fairly sunny as we set off on a walk to the castle and then it all went wrong.............
Literally without warning the heavens opened and the rain just fell. I have never seen such a heavy downpour and certainly never been standing out in one, without any form of shelter in easy reach.
My husband was wearing a t-shirt, longsleeve shirt and a pair of shorts. Not at all concerned about me he pushed his beloved camera in my hand saying "look after this" and ran to hide under the nearest tree.
I did have a showerproof mac with a hood but this was no match for the powerful rain and by the time I reached the tree I was soaked right down to my undies! My husband didn't fair any better as even the cover of the trees was no match for this amount of rain.
Eventually the rain eased and the sun shone once again. My husband left me on a street corner saying that he was going to the gents to try and dry his clothes off. I waited and waited and waited,(I didn't even get one offer!) until eventually he phoned me to say that he was back at the car.
Thanks Darling xxxxx
It was hilarious though, on arriving back at the car, to find that he had stripped down and had items of his clothing drying on the bonnet of his car. Having a black car was proving an advantage on this occasion as the sun had turned the paintwork into a furnace. As usual no concern about me, he only wanted to make sure the camera had made it back in one piece.
You would think that after this we would have learnt our lesson and not venture too far without wellies and an umbrella.
Wrong!
Three days later we decided to visit Bamburgh Castle.
It was a glorious morning. We walked and explored and had a fabulous time. If only we had left it at that and headed home, but NO. Guess who wanted to see some other sights - yes, that's right ME!
We ended up at yet another castle, Warkworth. It was still a fairly bright day, so ff we went, both of us with a showerproof mac this time, but without an umbrella, and once again a million miles away from the car, the heavens opened once more.
This time we thought aha here's a shop doorway. We can shelter here for a few minutes and wait for the shower to pass.
Shower? you may well ask. The rain just came down heavier and heavier (even worse than on Lindisfarne) so we just had to attempt to get back to the car as quickly as we could. I wonder what the manufacturers of showerproof items actually class as a shower, as once again the rain penetrated the macs in seconds
The Hubbie was not at all happy with me, as once again we had to drive back absolutely sodden.
It was a good job that we decided not to wait in the doorway otherwise we may well have still been there, as this downpour lasted until we were approx 30 miles from home yesterday, and apparently it is still raining in the North East. oh Joy!
Where will I be going on my next holiday. Well it will not be in England, that's for sure. If I ever tell you otherwise please have me locked up....
Having made the decision to holiday in England this year, and hearing from yet another 'expert' that we were in for a barbecue summer I was feeling quite optimistic as we set out to spend a week in a luxury cottage deep in the Northumbrian countryside.
The first two days, although fairly cloudy, remained warm and dry, so early in the morning on day 3, we decided to visit the Holy Island (aka Lindisfarne). We checked the tidal times for a safe crossing and off we went.
It was fairly sunny as we set off on a walk to the castle and then it all went wrong.............
Literally without warning the heavens opened and the rain just fell. I have never seen such a heavy downpour and certainly never been standing out in one, without any form of shelter in easy reach.
My husband was wearing a t-shirt, longsleeve shirt and a pair of shorts. Not at all concerned about me he pushed his beloved camera in my hand saying "look after this" and ran to hide under the nearest tree.
I did have a showerproof mac with a hood but this was no match for the powerful rain and by the time I reached the tree I was soaked right down to my undies! My husband didn't fair any better as even the cover of the trees was no match for this amount of rain.
Eventually the rain eased and the sun shone once again. My husband left me on a street corner saying that he was going to the gents to try and dry his clothes off. I waited and waited and waited,(I didn't even get one offer!) until eventually he phoned me to say that he was back at the car.
Thanks Darling xxxxx
It was hilarious though, on arriving back at the car, to find that he had stripped down and had items of his clothing drying on the bonnet of his car. Having a black car was proving an advantage on this occasion as the sun had turned the paintwork into a furnace. As usual no concern about me, he only wanted to make sure the camera had made it back in one piece.
You would think that after this we would have learnt our lesson and not venture too far without wellies and an umbrella.
Wrong!
Three days later we decided to visit Bamburgh Castle.
It was a glorious morning. We walked and explored and had a fabulous time. If only we had left it at that and headed home, but NO. Guess who wanted to see some other sights - yes, that's right ME!
We ended up at yet another castle, Warkworth. It was still a fairly bright day, so ff we went, both of us with a showerproof mac this time, but without an umbrella, and once again a million miles away from the car, the heavens opened once more.
This time we thought aha here's a shop doorway. We can shelter here for a few minutes and wait for the shower to pass.
Shower? you may well ask. The rain just came down heavier and heavier (even worse than on Lindisfarne) so we just had to attempt to get back to the car as quickly as we could. I wonder what the manufacturers of showerproof items actually class as a shower, as once again the rain penetrated the macs in seconds
The Hubbie was not at all happy with me, as once again we had to drive back absolutely sodden.
It was a good job that we decided not to wait in the doorway otherwise we may well have still been there, as this downpour lasted until we were approx 30 miles from home yesterday, and apparently it is still raining in the North East. oh Joy!
Where will I be going on my next holiday. Well it will not be in England, that's for sure. If I ever tell you otherwise please have me locked up....
Sunday, 12 July 2009
LINDEN HALL, LONGHORSLEY
Saturday 11th July, 2009
Arriving at our cottage in the middle of nowhere, deep in the Northumberland countryside, and with friends joining us for the weekend, we needed to find a good restaurant close by.
We came up with Linden Hall, only a couple of miles (as the crow flies!), from our cottage.
This is a hotel owned by the Macdonald group, and boasts a 2 AA rosette restaurant called Dobson's ( methinks he must have been the butler at one time)
We booked a taxi to drive us down the long and winding country lanes (here lies another story for another day), and later the same evening he pulled up outside this impressive looking building in beautiful grounds, perfect for that summer evening (I think we had it a couple of weeks ago if memory serves me correctly) However I digress................
The foyer/entrance hall was somewhat dated and shabby, but we made our way to the restaurant, obviously a little too early as there was no-one around. However, a waiter did arrive and suggested we had a drink in the bar, and he would bring the menus through.
A little disappointment followed when I was told they did not have any Southern Comfort for me, nor any draught beer for one of our friends.
The menu, although limited for choice, had plenty to set my taste buds going.
Three of us chose 'Surf and Turf' for our starters (Scallops, belly pork and black pudding) and my husband chose smoked salmon.
For our main course, two of us chose organic salmon with smoked salmon ravioli, one chose chicken and the fourth chose Dover sole. We also chose a couple of vegetable dishes (extra charge)
We were shown to our table with wonderful views over the gardens. The tables were quite old and worn. Some may feel this blended in with the ambience of the place, I felt that it would have benefited from a freshly laundered table cloth.
We were offered homemade bread from a selection of tomato, rosemary, and another which escapes me at this time. The bread was delicious. I was disappointed we weren't offered any more.
The Surf and Turf starter was amazing. It was one of those dishes that you never wanted to end. The testures and flavours were just delicious. I was reliably informed that the smoked salmon starter was just as good.
When the main courses arrived, my first impression was that they were extremely small portions, but I have to admit that by the time we finished them we were all quite full. I could not fault mine in any way, nor could the others. We were all very impressed.
The dessert menu only had a choice of 4 items, one had run out, and the other was cheese for which an extra £3.00 or so was charged to an already hefty £10 cost per dessert. Way too expensive in my opinion. This left me with a bit of a sour feeling rather than the sweet one that was intended.
We settled for coffee and chocolates in the lounge.
The meal was resonably priced for what we had.
Two courses were £26.00
Three courses were £36 which I re-iterate was a little too high.
I could be a little picky and, for the sort of prices charged, comment on how the wine was never topped up, I had to pour my own, and no-one else was asked if they needed another drink.
There were just one or two little details like this, that for me, let the restaurant down a little bit.
I found the location of the toilets a little bizarre, and even a little creepy. They were located down some stairs, which led to what I can only describe as a cellar type area. There were several doors and no clear signs as to which to go through. Eventually, I selected the correct door and for a split second or two it was pitch black before the lights automatically came on. The toilets, although clean would definitely benefit from some updating to bring them into the 21st century and not the 19th!
However, as a one off we had a wonderful evening and a really good meal. Overall, I don't think that I would rush back.
Arriving at our cottage in the middle of nowhere, deep in the Northumberland countryside, and with friends joining us for the weekend, we needed to find a good restaurant close by.
We came up with Linden Hall, only a couple of miles (as the crow flies!), from our cottage.
This is a hotel owned by the Macdonald group, and boasts a 2 AA rosette restaurant called Dobson's ( methinks he must have been the butler at one time)
We booked a taxi to drive us down the long and winding country lanes (here lies another story for another day), and later the same evening he pulled up outside this impressive looking building in beautiful grounds, perfect for that summer evening (I think we had it a couple of weeks ago if memory serves me correctly) However I digress................
The foyer/entrance hall was somewhat dated and shabby, but we made our way to the restaurant, obviously a little too early as there was no-one around. However, a waiter did arrive and suggested we had a drink in the bar, and he would bring the menus through.
A little disappointment followed when I was told they did not have any Southern Comfort for me, nor any draught beer for one of our friends.
The menu, although limited for choice, had plenty to set my taste buds going.
Three of us chose 'Surf and Turf' for our starters (Scallops, belly pork and black pudding) and my husband chose smoked salmon.
For our main course, two of us chose organic salmon with smoked salmon ravioli, one chose chicken and the fourth chose Dover sole. We also chose a couple of vegetable dishes (extra charge)
We were shown to our table with wonderful views over the gardens. The tables were quite old and worn. Some may feel this blended in with the ambience of the place, I felt that it would have benefited from a freshly laundered table cloth.
We were offered homemade bread from a selection of tomato, rosemary, and another which escapes me at this time. The bread was delicious. I was disappointed we weren't offered any more.
The Surf and Turf starter was amazing. It was one of those dishes that you never wanted to end. The testures and flavours were just delicious. I was reliably informed that the smoked salmon starter was just as good.
When the main courses arrived, my first impression was that they were extremely small portions, but I have to admit that by the time we finished them we were all quite full. I could not fault mine in any way, nor could the others. We were all very impressed.
The dessert menu only had a choice of 4 items, one had run out, and the other was cheese for which an extra £3.00 or so was charged to an already hefty £10 cost per dessert. Way too expensive in my opinion. This left me with a bit of a sour feeling rather than the sweet one that was intended.
We settled for coffee and chocolates in the lounge.
The meal was resonably priced for what we had.
Two courses were £26.00
Three courses were £36 which I re-iterate was a little too high.
I could be a little picky and, for the sort of prices charged, comment on how the wine was never topped up, I had to pour my own, and no-one else was asked if they needed another drink.
There were just one or two little details like this, that for me, let the restaurant down a little bit.
I found the location of the toilets a little bizarre, and even a little creepy. They were located down some stairs, which led to what I can only describe as a cellar type area. There were several doors and no clear signs as to which to go through. Eventually, I selected the correct door and for a split second or two it was pitch black before the lights automatically came on. The toilets, although clean would definitely benefit from some updating to bring them into the 21st century and not the 19th!
However, as a one off we had a wonderful evening and a really good meal. Overall, I don't think that I would rush back.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Boat House Experience
Another day, another lunch!
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting a friend for lunch at the Boat House, Farndon, Notts.
It is a beautiful setting right on the River Trent, with ample parking and outdoor tables and chairs for that glorious summer day when it finally arrives.
We arrived early (around 12.20p.m) and were surprised when we were asked if we had made a reservation as the restaurant was empty. However, within 30 mins the restaurant had filled up, so not such a daft question after all...........
I have been reliably informed that this restaurant is owned by the same people who own Tom Brown's at Gunthorpe, another favourite of mine. This could well account for the very similar 'Early Bird' menu which is available at weekday lunchtimes and from 6-7p.m.
On offer was 2 courses for £12 or 3 courses for £15.
There was a choice of around 4 starters and 5 mains
I chose brocolli and stilton soup which, again for me, for me lacked flavour and seasoning. This was served with delicous home made bread which tasted a little like a light pizza.
My friend chose a play on a Welsh Rarebitt, which was haddock with cheese on top. This was described to me as very sloppy, but tasty. Ideal for those without teeth!
For the main course I chose a rump steak, served with sweet potato chips, mozzerella cheese and tomato. The steak was cooked EXACTLY as ordered. In fact, one of the best pieces of rump I have ever had the pleasure of being served. There was, however a £3 supplement for this dish.
A little steep, maybe?
My friend chose 'posh fish and chips'. which was a lightly battered piece of salmon served with homemade chips. She told me the salmon was also cooked to perfection.
As there was only a choice of two deserts (a little disappointing) we went straight on to coffee with a very tasty amoretto biscuit.
The restaurant was bright, modern and exptremely clean.
We were served by friendly and attentive staff.
I highly recommend this restaurant.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting a friend for lunch at the Boat House, Farndon, Notts.
It is a beautiful setting right on the River Trent, with ample parking and outdoor tables and chairs for that glorious summer day when it finally arrives.
We arrived early (around 12.20p.m) and were surprised when we were asked if we had made a reservation as the restaurant was empty. However, within 30 mins the restaurant had filled up, so not such a daft question after all...........
I have been reliably informed that this restaurant is owned by the same people who own Tom Brown's at Gunthorpe, another favourite of mine. This could well account for the very similar 'Early Bird' menu which is available at weekday lunchtimes and from 6-7p.m.
On offer was 2 courses for £12 or 3 courses for £15.
There was a choice of around 4 starters and 5 mains
I chose brocolli and stilton soup which, again for me, for me lacked flavour and seasoning. This was served with delicous home made bread which tasted a little like a light pizza.
My friend chose a play on a Welsh Rarebitt, which was haddock with cheese on top. This was described to me as very sloppy, but tasty. Ideal for those without teeth!
For the main course I chose a rump steak, served with sweet potato chips, mozzerella cheese and tomato. The steak was cooked EXACTLY as ordered. In fact, one of the best pieces of rump I have ever had the pleasure of being served. There was, however a £3 supplement for this dish.
A little steep, maybe?
My friend chose 'posh fish and chips'. which was a lightly battered piece of salmon served with homemade chips. She told me the salmon was also cooked to perfection.
As there was only a choice of two deserts (a little disappointing) we went straight on to coffee with a very tasty amoretto biscuit.
The restaurant was bright, modern and exptremely clean.
We were served by friendly and attentive staff.
I highly recommend this restaurant.
I Love Langar Hall
My husband and I are regular diners at Langar Hall, a country hotel on the outskirts of Nottingham.
It is owned and run by a rather eccentric lady, named Imogen, and without her, each dining experience would lack the interesting and individual little touches we know and love.
For the past few months Langar Hall has been offering superbly competitive menus for just £12.50 (2 courses), without compromising on quality. Admittedly, there is only a choice of two starters, and two mains, but the rather expensive A la Carte menu is always available.
Yesterday, I had Aspargus soup which, in my opinion, lacked sufficient seasoning, and my husband had a terrine of pigeon andduck terrine which he enjoyed immensly. These were served with delicious homemade bread.
It is owned and run by a rather eccentric lady, named Imogen, and without her, each dining experience would lack the interesting and individual little touches we know and love.
For the past few months Langar Hall has been offering superbly competitive menus for just £12.50 (2 courses), without compromising on quality. Admittedly, there is only a choice of two starters, and two mains, but the rather expensive A la Carte menu is always available.
Yesterday, I had Aspargus soup which, in my opinion, lacked sufficient seasoning, and my husband had a terrine of pigeon andduck terrine which he enjoyed immensly. These were served with delicious homemade bread.
The main course for me was fillet of beef, cooked to perfection served with homemade chips and peas topped with a Bernaise sauce. A superbly delicious experience. My husband chose Turbot served with asparagus and new potatoes. He was equally complimentary.
Langar Hall uses mostly locally produced foods where possible.
Although, for us, quite an expensive lunch as we chose to 'mix and match' our menus we do not begrudge a single penny spent at this unique restaurant and thoroughly recommend it.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Claireg's first ever blog and review!!
I have just returned from a weekend in York where I have been served with some of the worst food that I have ever had the misfortune to endure.
This has prompted me to write my first ever blog.
On Saturday night, 9th May 2009, seven of us arrived at restaurant 31, Castlegate, York, UK.
The entrance would have prohibited anyone with a walking disability from entering the restaurant as there were several steps to negotiate before entering the restaurant.
However, first impressions were all good. It was a fairly small restaurant with seating for approx 34 people, with a further few table downstairs. There was a small seating area in the reception area, but not large enough to accommodate our party. It was spotlessly clean, always an encouraging sign.
We were shown straight to our table, and offered drinks. Apart from not having any Cinzano, a favourite tipple of my mother-in-law, all was well.
The menus were handed to us by a cheerful and competent young lady. Disappointment was apparent for two vegetarian members of our party, as there were only meat and fish dishes to choose from.
My husband was also disappointed as the only fish dish was Sea Bass which he had eaten the night before (yet another culinary story to relate another day), as he prefers not to eat red meat in the evenings.
However, we all eventually chose our dishes and waited hungrily for our meals to arrive.
All was well with the starters, and the homemade bread was delicious. I had scallops, and whilst they were a long way from the best ones I had ever tasted they were perfectly acceptable. I was also informed by members of my party that the soup and cold, thinly sliced tuna starters were very good indeed.
And then it was downhill all the way.............
I chose duck breast, served pink, for my main course, and when it arrived it just looked wrong. However I didn't want to make a fuss, as we were being treated to this meal by my father-in-law, so I took a bite and I am not exaggerating when I say it was so awful it made me feel quite sick. I could not even pretend to eat it it.
It neither looked nor tasted anything like duck, and believe me I have eaten plenty in my time. My husband took a bite and said it tasted more like liver than duck and agreed that it was inedible.
The waitress was very good and immediately offered to change it for something else. Reluctantly, not wishing to spoil the evening, I agreed to try the chicken. By the time this arrived, everyone else had finished their mains, and I had lost interest.
The chicken was bland and tasted cheap, whilst the chips were soggy. There were no vegetables, just a bunch of cherry tomatoes.
My husband and brother-in-law chose the sea bass with risotto and found the portion of fish minuscule and the risotto could only be described as 'stodge'
I do like to be fair so it is important that other members of my party found no particular fault with their dishes other than to say the portions were small and the experience was unmemorable.
Deserts were ordinary, except my husband's ice-cream could have been drunk with a straw. It had obviously been standing a while before being served.
Coffee would have been more enjoyable had it been served with chocolates or mints.
I was also reliably informed that the ladies toilet left a lot to be desired!
At at rather expensive £36 per head (inclusive of drinks) the overall dining experience was disappointing to say the least. We will not be visiting it again.
This has prompted me to write my first ever blog.
On Saturday night, 9th May 2009, seven of us arrived at restaurant 31, Castlegate, York, UK.
The entrance would have prohibited anyone with a walking disability from entering the restaurant as there were several steps to negotiate before entering the restaurant.
However, first impressions were all good. It was a fairly small restaurant with seating for approx 34 people, with a further few table downstairs. There was a small seating area in the reception area, but not large enough to accommodate our party. It was spotlessly clean, always an encouraging sign.
We were shown straight to our table, and offered drinks. Apart from not having any Cinzano, a favourite tipple of my mother-in-law, all was well.
The menus were handed to us by a cheerful and competent young lady. Disappointment was apparent for two vegetarian members of our party, as there were only meat and fish dishes to choose from.
My husband was also disappointed as the only fish dish was Sea Bass which he had eaten the night before (yet another culinary story to relate another day), as he prefers not to eat red meat in the evenings.
However, we all eventually chose our dishes and waited hungrily for our meals to arrive.
All was well with the starters, and the homemade bread was delicious. I had scallops, and whilst they were a long way from the best ones I had ever tasted they were perfectly acceptable. I was also informed by members of my party that the soup and cold, thinly sliced tuna starters were very good indeed.
And then it was downhill all the way.............
I chose duck breast, served pink, for my main course, and when it arrived it just looked wrong. However I didn't want to make a fuss, as we were being treated to this meal by my father-in-law, so I took a bite and I am not exaggerating when I say it was so awful it made me feel quite sick. I could not even pretend to eat it it.
It neither looked nor tasted anything like duck, and believe me I have eaten plenty in my time. My husband took a bite and said it tasted more like liver than duck and agreed that it was inedible.
The waitress was very good and immediately offered to change it for something else. Reluctantly, not wishing to spoil the evening, I agreed to try the chicken. By the time this arrived, everyone else had finished their mains, and I had lost interest.
The chicken was bland and tasted cheap, whilst the chips were soggy. There were no vegetables, just a bunch of cherry tomatoes.
My husband and brother-in-law chose the sea bass with risotto and found the portion of fish minuscule and the risotto could only be described as 'stodge'
I do like to be fair so it is important that other members of my party found no particular fault with their dishes other than to say the portions were small and the experience was unmemorable.
Deserts were ordinary, except my husband's ice-cream could have been drunk with a straw. It had obviously been standing a while before being served.
Coffee would have been more enjoyable had it been served with chocolates or mints.
I was also reliably informed that the ladies toilet left a lot to be desired!
At at rather expensive £36 per head (inclusive of drinks) the overall dining experience was disappointing to say the least. We will not be visiting it again.
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