Friday evening and the sun is shining in Cardiff, so we head off early down to the Bay for a drink before dinner. It’s getting quite busy down there with the Bank Holiday weekend, but we find a place in the garden of the Eli Jenkins. Then at 8pm, we head into our restaurant for the evening – Bayside Brasserie.
The restaurant is up on the first floor, with big picture windows offering views of the bay and of the Millennium Centre. The tables are finely dressed with cloths and napkins and there is a big chandelier in the centre. Our table is by a window at the side – not the best view, but interesting enough.
Staff are attentive and bring menus and wine (a lovely Alan Scott NZ Sauvignon Blanc- £23) promptly. We order – and within ten minutes the starters arrive. B has the pan-fried scallops with a salad –very delicate scallops, top marks. I have the strips of calamari – rather more ordinary.
Main courses follow hot on the heels of the starters. B has the pan-roasted chicken with white bean and bacon fricassee – very interesting. My tenderloin of pork wrapped in Parma ham comes with a very strange black pudding mash – tasting of nothing, but looking rather revolting; the pork is good though. We’re both rather full, and feeling a bit disappointed that by 9.15pn, we’re through our meal and looking for something else to do with the evening. There are times when you want prompt service, but on a Friday away a more leisurely evening is what you’re after, though the meal was good value at £77.
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On Saturday we have a late lunch after the Wales-Barbarians match with my brother and his wife. He’s researched La Tasca on the net, so we head off there, in the so-called “Brewery Quarter” – ie the old Brains brewery building. The menu is slightly different from the one we have in Croydon – though as it has many “new” things on it, maybe the Croydon one has changed too.
We were expecting it to be busy, as there were 52,000 at the match, but when we are shown upstairs it is surprisingly quiet. It’s pretty sultry though – hot and humid- so we move to a table nearer the window.
We end up with each couple ordering dishes for themselves. We have king prawns, prawns in garlic, chorizo and empandas to begin with. The prawns are all very good, and the chorizo fine. The empanadas don’t have the same crisp pastry that our local Argentinian does, but the filling has quite a kick to it. We follow up with some Serrano ham and a paella “La Tasca” – with chicken and prawns, and mussels (well , one mussel actually). Excellent flavour though, so we hoover up all the rice. We have the rose Faustino with it.
At £40 a head for the whole thing, this was a very good lunch.
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Later that evening we head off out again, not that we’re really hungry. As it’s now pouring with rain we head for the nearest place, again in the Brewery Quarter – Spice Quarter. This stylish Indian is upstairs and is tastefully decorated with dark woods screens etc. As it’s quite late, there aren’t many people in, so we get a good table and prompt service, bringing a house Merlot and a mix of poppadoms.
We share the North Indian garlic chilli chicken – complete with 3 chillies on the menu – and a Delhi special lamb with chilli, ginger and coriander with rice plus a bhindi massala on the side. Both dishes are full of flavour and very rich - £50 for the lot was very acceptable.
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On Sunday, B’s uncle and his wife collect us and drive us to Penarth, to El Puerto in the Old Custom House, by the marina and the Cardiff Bay barrage. This is an elegant old building, nicely restored to house the restaurant, and its sister the Marinara upstairs. It’s a surprisingly big place, and so despite there being several large groups in, it doesn’t feel cramped or too busy.
We order some wine and drinks, and then head to the food bar. The thing here is that you go up to the bar to order your food, which is cooked (generally simply) for you and brought to the table. The food bar has all the meat and fish laid out for you to inspect, and the range of options is huge. I change my mind three times before settling on the calamari followed by the lamb noisettes, with the venison, duck and sea bass all being tempting. B passes on the starter and orders “crevettes” – in practice 6 huge king prawns. Our hosts have avocado and prawns, followed by duck breast, and asparagus spears followed by venison – half a herd.
The avocado was beautifully ripe, and apparently the asparagus were good too. Unfortunately, my calamari were a little on the rubbery side, with not very impressive batter. We all enjoyed our main courses, though the “seasonal vegetables” were barely touched. As we were treated to the meal, I don’t know how much it cost, but the individual prices looked very reasonable.
Service was very good and attentive, bringing fresh drinks, replacement napkins etc very promptly. So overall I’d say it was a good place for a relaxed informal lunch, especially if you had good weather and wanted a walk across the barrage.
Showing posts with label Meat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meat. Show all posts
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
May catch-up
BARBECOA, New Change, City
We visited Jamie Oliver and Adam Perry Hart's venture in the new development overlooking St Paul's with 4 friends and ex-colleagues. The 6 of us normally meet at a Strada, so this was a bit of an adventure. Walking in, my heart sank - the noise was staggering. The chefs were shouting from the open kitchen, music was playing loudly and the place was pretty full (at 1.15pm). We joined J&C at the table and soon the others arrived too. But it was a large square table with banquettes, and we had to sit on three sides - with all the noise it was almost impossible to have a proper conversation across the table. The view of St Paul's is super, but it's not the reason we were there.
The menu presents a very carnivorous main course selection, on the pricey side too. So we agreed to share 2 calamari and 2 seabass ceviche starters between the 6 of us. The calamari was uninteresting (and quite small), while the ceviche was OK, but even smaller.
Gradually the place thinned out as the work groups drifted away. Mainly work "treat" events it seemed. Fortunately that made it quieter too, as also there were fewer orders shouted from the kitchen.
For main course I had the "Pit beef" with beans (sort of like refried) and chips (in a tin!) This was a very rich piece of meat obviously cooked for a long time, with a sort of BBQ sauce - pretty good at £16.
With 5 bottles of quite expensive wine between us, this all came to £136 per couple. Rather more than we would normally pay, good without being special.
LE CHATEAU, near Lloyd Park, Croydon
Taken out by our neighbours to celebrate their wedding anniversary, we go to their favourite place (used to be called Chateau Napoleon). It's rather heavy on the formality for our liking, but the place does have some class. We started with a glass of champagne (on special offer, so it had to be done) while ordering in the bar. I'm still not feeling that good, so I have the asparagus hollandaise to start. Large asparagus so I'm guessing they weren't English, but tasty enough.
For main course I go for the lemon sole on the grounds it will be light. But it is a very big portion of about 5 fillets of sole, in quite a rich sauce. Again OK, but not great. To keep K company I have the brandy snap with chocolate mousse for dessert - that was good.
Don't know how much it was, but it won't have been cheap.
ZORNA'S, Purley
Our local Indian, Zorna's has had its ups and downs, but has returned to being our favourite ahead of Zaal in the High Street. So one evening was a quick flit in place of cooking: chicken dhansak, prawn kalia, aubergine and pilau rice. Good tasty chicken, spicy prawns, aubergine a bit dull. Service as always prompt and fine, even though the boss wasn't in evidence. £50 including wine.
LAS FUENTES, High St, Purley
Back to our local tapas (see April Overview (1), http://chompersofpurley.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/april-overview-1.html) for a meal before our flight early the following morning. As this is lunch and dinner, we go for 4 dishes this time: Lamb skewer - good, lean, plenty; kidneys and mushrooms, comes with fries very tasty; tiger prawns in a rather odd yellow spicy sauce; and stuffed mushrooms, light stuffed with spinach, then deep-fried. With wine £63. A reliable place for a meal.
DE WAAG, Nieuw Markt, Amsterdam
Looking for somewhere to escape the drizzle, we fetch up at De Waag, an old guild building now converted to a restaurant amongst the market stalls. Relaxed service turns into slow service, as the waitress is dealing with a business group in the back room. Pork croquettes in a bun seem popular but look very heavy. I just go for the burger and chips - good thick burger, lean and tasty. B has the smoked salmon salad -big fillet of salmon, with a huge and interesting salad. Certainly recommended for a quick lunch.
FISH AND GRILL/BAGATTI'S, South End Croydon
With time to kill on Bank Holiday Monday, we go back to Fish and Grill. Oh dear! Several of the set menu options are "off", and the table behind us are unable to order the surf and turf 50% off as they don't have any prawns. Another table complain they have been charged more for surf & turf, and are told that's because sirloin was substituted for rump - hardly their fault. So we give in and go next door to the Italian Bagatti's.
Starters come quickly - smoked salmon with crab parcels, and carpaccio of beef; both very good. Then we wait an age for our mains. Eventually I flag down a waiter and it's obvious the kitchen have forgotten our order despite it being not busy at all - we're not having a good day! When they do come they are piping hot - mine is "penne alla don" - ie with fillet steak and peppers - very good. B has seafood linguine - plenty of seafood.
Since drink has been taken, and we're fed up, B asks to speak to the manager. He duly comes over and apologises, and finally offers to take one main course off our bill - a good response eventually.
We visited Jamie Oliver and Adam Perry Hart's venture in the new development overlooking St Paul's with 4 friends and ex-colleagues. The 6 of us normally meet at a Strada, so this was a bit of an adventure. Walking in, my heart sank - the noise was staggering. The chefs were shouting from the open kitchen, music was playing loudly and the place was pretty full (at 1.15pm). We joined J&C at the table and soon the others arrived too. But it was a large square table with banquettes, and we had to sit on three sides - with all the noise it was almost impossible to have a proper conversation across the table. The view of St Paul's is super, but it's not the reason we were there.
The menu presents a very carnivorous main course selection, on the pricey side too. So we agreed to share 2 calamari and 2 seabass ceviche starters between the 6 of us. The calamari was uninteresting (and quite small), while the ceviche was OK, but even smaller.
Gradually the place thinned out as the work groups drifted away. Mainly work "treat" events it seemed. Fortunately that made it quieter too, as also there were fewer orders shouted from the kitchen.
For main course I had the "Pit beef" with beans (sort of like refried) and chips (in a tin!) This was a very rich piece of meat obviously cooked for a long time, with a sort of BBQ sauce - pretty good at £16.
With 5 bottles of quite expensive wine between us, this all came to £136 per couple. Rather more than we would normally pay, good without being special.
LE CHATEAU, near Lloyd Park, Croydon
Taken out by our neighbours to celebrate their wedding anniversary, we go to their favourite place (used to be called Chateau Napoleon). It's rather heavy on the formality for our liking, but the place does have some class. We started with a glass of champagne (on special offer, so it had to be done) while ordering in the bar. I'm still not feeling that good, so I have the asparagus hollandaise to start. Large asparagus so I'm guessing they weren't English, but tasty enough.
For main course I go for the lemon sole on the grounds it will be light. But it is a very big portion of about 5 fillets of sole, in quite a rich sauce. Again OK, but not great. To keep K company I have the brandy snap with chocolate mousse for dessert - that was good.
Don't know how much it was, but it won't have been cheap.
ZORNA'S, Purley
Our local Indian, Zorna's has had its ups and downs, but has returned to being our favourite ahead of Zaal in the High Street. So one evening was a quick flit in place of cooking: chicken dhansak, prawn kalia, aubergine and pilau rice. Good tasty chicken, spicy prawns, aubergine a bit dull. Service as always prompt and fine, even though the boss wasn't in evidence. £50 including wine.
LAS FUENTES, High St, Purley
Back to our local tapas (see April Overview (1), http://chompersofpurley.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/april-overview-1.html) for a meal before our flight early the following morning. As this is lunch and dinner, we go for 4 dishes this time: Lamb skewer - good, lean, plenty; kidneys and mushrooms, comes with fries very tasty; tiger prawns in a rather odd yellow spicy sauce; and stuffed mushrooms, light stuffed with spinach, then deep-fried. With wine £63. A reliable place for a meal.
DE WAAG, Nieuw Markt, Amsterdam
Looking for somewhere to escape the drizzle, we fetch up at De Waag, an old guild building now converted to a restaurant amongst the market stalls. Relaxed service turns into slow service, as the waitress is dealing with a business group in the back room. Pork croquettes in a bun seem popular but look very heavy. I just go for the burger and chips - good thick burger, lean and tasty. B has the smoked salmon salad -big fillet of salmon, with a huge and interesting salad. Certainly recommended for a quick lunch.
FISH AND GRILL/BAGATTI'S, South End Croydon
With time to kill on Bank Holiday Monday, we go back to Fish and Grill. Oh dear! Several of the set menu options are "off", and the table behind us are unable to order the surf and turf 50% off as they don't have any prawns. Another table complain they have been charged more for surf & turf, and are told that's because sirloin was substituted for rump - hardly their fault. So we give in and go next door to the Italian Bagatti's.
Starters come quickly - smoked salmon with crab parcels, and carpaccio of beef; both very good. Then we wait an age for our mains. Eventually I flag down a waiter and it's obvious the kitchen have forgotten our order despite it being not busy at all - we're not having a good day! When they do come they are piping hot - mine is "penne alla don" - ie with fillet steak and peppers - very good. B has seafood linguine - plenty of seafood.
Since drink has been taken, and we're fed up, B asks to speak to the manager. He duly comes over and apologises, and finally offers to take one main course off our bill - a good response eventually.
April overview (3)
Final instalment of update on April:
BLACK AND BLUE, Borough Market
After wine-tasting at Vinopolis, we decided we needed somewhere with substantial meat for lunch, so Black and Blue fitted the bill. It was a sunny afternoon and the place was pretty full, but there was no trouble finding a table.
The waitresses were rather humourless, probably having been busy all lunch. I started with the foie gras pate and toast - a smallish but tasty portion. And we shared a Cote de Boeuf for main course. This was an excellently cooked piece of beef, which tasted super and was so melt in the mouth. Again with chips in a tin! After lunch we did manage to find a seat outside in the sun to finish our wine - a very pleasant afternoon! £110 for 2, so not cheap.
FISH AND GRILL, South End, Croydon
With H again we went to Malcolm John's restaurant on South End, not least because of the 25% off food voucher we'd collected from the South Croydon food festival. You can download this offer all through the summer. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling too good, so my judgment is flaky. I had the crab mayonnaise to start - a small portion but tasty, of both white meat and brown meat. My main course sirloin, chosen because it was 250g rather than the 350g rump, rather defeated. There was a lot of fat (easy to cut away), and gristle (less so). But they were fine with giving me a "doggy bag", and I was assured the next day that the meat did taste good. £160 for 3.
THE PHOENIX, Victoria
After the Sunday Times wine tasting, we departed from tradition and instead of a dim sum, went to the Phoenix, one of a new Geronimo chain of gastropubs. It was pretty full, and we were asked to move from the table we'd bagged because it was reserved. Interesting Saturday lunchtime demographic - mainly young locals it seemed - so quite a chummy atmosphere for a central London pub.
H had Eggs Benedict to start and I had chilli squid. The EB was huge - a main course in itself; the squid, not very chilli, but not rubbery either. For main B had strips of duck (small portion but good), H had a burger (excellent flavour, little fat - she shared it round as she was too full) and I had pork chop, also a sizeable portion, with some excellent crackling. Good value place for hungry people.
LE TERROIR, Charing Cross
Needing sustenance after the Lucian Freud exhibition, we tried Le Terroir. It has an unusual menu, of mainly small dishes, with just a couple of full meals. Fairly full, so we were lucky to get a seat by the window - inside it's a bit dark. We ordered and nibbled the very nice bread, waiting a bit for our wine. After a bit, B's steak tartare arrived, but there was no sign of my dish. At least her meal wasn't getting cold. It seemed an age before my grilled sardines with sultanas and pine nuts and (supposedly) capers arrived. An unusual combination, it was rather sweet and needed more than the one caper it came with. £55 for a snack lunch (one bottle) is maybe a bit steep, but it is an interesting place.
BLACK AND BLUE, Borough Market
After wine-tasting at Vinopolis, we decided we needed somewhere with substantial meat for lunch, so Black and Blue fitted the bill. It was a sunny afternoon and the place was pretty full, but there was no trouble finding a table.
The waitresses were rather humourless, probably having been busy all lunch. I started with the foie gras pate and toast - a smallish but tasty portion. And we shared a Cote de Boeuf for main course. This was an excellently cooked piece of beef, which tasted super and was so melt in the mouth. Again with chips in a tin! After lunch we did manage to find a seat outside in the sun to finish our wine - a very pleasant afternoon! £110 for 2, so not cheap.
FISH AND GRILL, South End, Croydon
With H again we went to Malcolm John's restaurant on South End, not least because of the 25% off food voucher we'd collected from the South Croydon food festival. You can download this offer all through the summer. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling too good, so my judgment is flaky. I had the crab mayonnaise to start - a small portion but tasty, of both white meat and brown meat. My main course sirloin, chosen because it was 250g rather than the 350g rump, rather defeated. There was a lot of fat (easy to cut away), and gristle (less so). But they were fine with giving me a "doggy bag", and I was assured the next day that the meat did taste good. £160 for 3.
THE PHOENIX, Victoria
After the Sunday Times wine tasting, we departed from tradition and instead of a dim sum, went to the Phoenix, one of a new Geronimo chain of gastropubs. It was pretty full, and we were asked to move from the table we'd bagged because it was reserved. Interesting Saturday lunchtime demographic - mainly young locals it seemed - so quite a chummy atmosphere for a central London pub.
H had Eggs Benedict to start and I had chilli squid. The EB was huge - a main course in itself; the squid, not very chilli, but not rubbery either. For main B had strips of duck (small portion but good), H had a burger (excellent flavour, little fat - she shared it round as she was too full) and I had pork chop, also a sizeable portion, with some excellent crackling. Good value place for hungry people.
LE TERROIR, Charing Cross
Needing sustenance after the Lucian Freud exhibition, we tried Le Terroir. It has an unusual menu, of mainly small dishes, with just a couple of full meals. Fairly full, so we were lucky to get a seat by the window - inside it's a bit dark. We ordered and nibbled the very nice bread, waiting a bit for our wine. After a bit, B's steak tartare arrived, but there was no sign of my dish. At least her meal wasn't getting cold. It seemed an age before my grilled sardines with sultanas and pine nuts and (supposedly) capers arrived. An unusual combination, it was rather sweet and needed more than the one caper it came with. £55 for a snack lunch (one bottle) is maybe a bit steep, but it is an interesting place.
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