tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62791781946272274522024-02-07T16:06:37.451-08:00Sussex Ethnic EatsA discovery and review of multicultural restaurants in Sussex UK. The challenge is to visit as many restaurants of different ethnicities in East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove that have an inside seating area, avoiding chains and major franchises. Preference will be given to small, family-owned and quirky establishments!Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-80377676985766404842011-08-15T23:30:00.000-07:002011-08-15T23:30:32.913-07:00Mrs Bogof: Mrs Bogof begins!<a href="http://mrsbogof.blogspot.com/2011/07/mrs-bogof-begins_04.html?spref=bl">Mrs Bogof: Mrs Bogof begins!</a>: "Mrs Bogof? Who or what is that? You may well ask. I was moved to start the Mrs Bogof project when I had left my job for health reasons and..."Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-9443867282639523292009-08-11T16:48:00.000-07:002009-08-11T17:29:27.648-07:0025. Malaysia/Indonesia: Bali Brasserie, Brighton<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwoGRNlgQc8p89JUPlf5dJU5YdH7KbUwpMagm-UL6B4q8dH-e8vCe6Ber58fey_zKenRCdQc7uHm4Uwy3z7qfSERY8aJ62rb_OPT9Q3QHT2Erw56Yw8Y6l7uO-eX2lCMpZdafj-uATRY/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+021.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwoGRNlgQc8p89JUPlf5dJU5YdH7KbUwpMagm-UL6B4q8dH-e8vCe6Ber58fey_zKenRCdQc7uHm4Uwy3z7qfSERY8aJ62rb_OPT9Q3QHT2Erw56Yw8Y6l7uO-eX2lCMpZdafj-uATRY/s200/Bali+Brasserie+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368858159208987890" /></a><br /><strong>Bali Brasserie</strong><br />Kingsway Court<br />First Avenue<br />Hove, East Sussex <br />BN3 2LR <br /><br />Tel: 01273 323 810<br />Fax:01273 324 572<br /><br />www.balibrasserie.co.uk <br /><br />Badgerman and I didn’t feel like cooking one day so decided to consult the Sussex Ethnic Eats map for a new place to visit and fell upon the Bali Brasserie. He remembered visiting when he worked for Amex <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq1tGHx9_qfE0UgpR9BJl3RzFfBAZxG0QLhCgtnjcR9XigXIFkLk7ZIh-M8Rf7snpf2pys7epd1_Q34t3la65TrFjowNxTUG9zzVuHCMnCex9sFEZsx7iST3Y7_L6cnPMZELEBJY5Fl0/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+017.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq1tGHx9_qfE0UgpR9BJl3RzFfBAZxG0QLhCgtnjcR9XigXIFkLk7ZIh-M8Rf7snpf2pys7epd1_Q34t3la65TrFjowNxTUG9zzVuHCMnCex9sFEZsx7iST3Y7_L6cnPMZELEBJY5Fl0/s200/Bali+Brasserie+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368858424803206370" /></a>in the early 90s, so off we went. We parked on the street, no problem on an August Tuesday evening and found the Bali Brasserie, well marked, on the ground floor of the Kingsway Court block of flats, just up from the seafront. You can enter the building from either First or Second Avenue and after a very short walk find what is a huge restaurant secreted away. Entering the doors you immediately forget you are in sunny Sussex and are transported via the configuration and décor into an exotic, tropical bar/restaurant. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8SwIHBVlzyF13Bj1Rd4nq_5rLwQwfCpgWysBr8dPhK9AsRR9vT4lU81yO9mrKSQhRxkXrVzzTvHiAY_LmCYrRwBhNqlJm-esTuksiEWHhArglyoTnDwQ55tAWBV3bVq_0Me4Wi71syo/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8SwIHBVlzyF13Bj1Rd4nq_5rLwQwfCpgWysBr8dPhK9AsRR9vT4lU81yO9mrKSQhRxkXrVzzTvHiAY_LmCYrRwBhNqlJm-esTuksiEWHhArglyoTnDwQ55tAWBV3bVq_0Me4Wi71syo/s200/Bali+Brasserie+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368858698846402818" /></a>We were greeted immediately and seated quickly and hospitably in the restaurant area that seats around 8o. Eighty more can be seated for functions in the whole restaurant and bar area. We ordered our drinks: a Tiger Beer for Badgerman and a ‘virgin’ Pina Colada (pictured right) for me, the driver. Perusing the vast menu with a la Carte choices of beef, chicken, king prawn and fish dishes for £6.75 - £7.75, vegetarian dishes priced £2.90 for Indonesian Salad- a mixture of vegetables and fruit in a light dressing to Sayar Gulac, aubergines, potatoes, courgettes in a spiced coconut sauce priced £4.75 etc..., we chose the famous Rijsttafel, the Rice Table. You could have just the Rijstaffel for £14.95 with no starters or dessert but we chose the full works: Rijstatafel, starter and dessert for £16.95. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AL9rr-M8PdjzGTr6os5s-1i558hDEEJHK_dE1i2QP0foiC42GoqskjcVfmV239EgabNsoPr4ZR71_IIZ90IqkEFuf7zVpF9u_FBYhjC-CQx5GUO-8wrgc96beX5OxGFXvFs_87SAmPI/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AL9rr-M8PdjzGTr6os5s-1i558hDEEJHK_dE1i2QP0foiC42GoqskjcVfmV239EgabNsoPr4ZR71_IIZ90IqkEFuf7zVpF9u_FBYhjC-CQx5GUO-8wrgc96beX5OxGFXvFs_87SAmPI/s200/Bali+Brasserie+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368858984432246930" /></a>Our Krupuk with Sup Unitok Hari Jni, giant Javaneese prawn crackers served with soup of the day (pictured left) quickly arrived. The huge crackers were more dense than found typically in a Chinese restaurant and were very tasty and crispy and complimented the very fresh, flavoursome vegetable soup. I really liked the light but piquant soup; it was spicy but not too heavy and set your taste buds up for what was to come. A spicy sauce/paste was brought to our table with the soup for us to make any dish just that bit hotter if desired. The beautifully presented Satay Ayam with Gado Gado (pictured <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNcBV7CY8qzjDd8UkGq9aUqJsNpNGI_98PR8oEryHA8yE0CTqJXUueWJsBnaTqdx1b8hyH188qppUfVA4Xk5cebCDPMPH_mLRDeBi-g-xXiVHym1F06tSjBRH7BTvMcUHFdWl0NO-LV0/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+008.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNcBV7CY8qzjDd8UkGq9aUqJsNpNGI_98PR8oEryHA8yE0CTqJXUueWJsBnaTqdx1b8hyH188qppUfVA4Xk5cebCDPMPH_mLRDeBi-g-xXiVHym1F06tSjBRH7BTvMcUHFdWl0NO-LV0/s200/Bali+Brasserie+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368859219439590066" /></a>below) tasted as good as it looked. The chicken was very moist and perfectly cooked; the satay sauce flavour was all through not just on top of the meat and was just yummy. The sweet soy sauce added another dimension to the strong and separate flavours of the chicken satay and the mildly spiced, crunchy vegetables. We both thought this was a great dish and enjoyed every mouthful. The soup and starter were served in sensible, modest portions so as not to overwhelm. Our waiter, the owner's son, who had made sure we did not have any food allergies, directed us to the buffet after he had ascertained it was all in order and that two hot plates were waiting for us. <br /><br />We found a great choice awaiting. My plate, below, is arranged as follows: 12 o’clock: noodles, 1 o’clock: Daging Tiram, beef in oyster sauce, 3 o’clock: Udang Pedas, king prawns in a spicy tomato and soy sauce, 5 o’clock: Sayar Champur, stir fried vegetables, 8 o’clock: Kachang Kuda, chickpeas in a delicate curry sauce, 9 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ycfx4VathB1rp59_vBZQpIut03896Mh4xGJ3KpDwBM3Cz7c0S2wXZAmt3efmU7RSjs4zFCTfcqCw8l8Wg36pyKkKRzv4Y3m32wpzArqE46JnNRgKHKYqFQR62H1qlzkkCZiTgnVexv4/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ycfx4VathB1rp59_vBZQpIut03896Mh4xGJ3KpDwBM3Cz7c0S2wXZAmt3efmU7RSjs4zFCTfcqCw8l8Wg36pyKkKRzv4Y3m32wpzArqE46JnNRgKHKYqFQR62H1qlzkkCZiTgnVexv4/s200/Bali+Brasserie+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368859508739906354" /></a>o’clock : Indonesian Salad, Ayam Kari, chicken curry and the caramelised, chilli potato crisps are in the centre. There was also fluffy boiled rice available. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single mouthful! All the dishes are freshly created with very good ingredients and it shows. I loved the beef; it was tender, springy, cut onto sensible sized pieces and the savoury sauce was excellent. Badgerman really enjoyed the chicken curry. The prawns were cooked just right- not hard and the sauce was a little spicier that other dishes. I like chickpeas and often avoid them in restaurants, as they are canned and bland, but not so here; they were prepared freshly from dried and tasted bright and nutty. These, the noodles and the fresh Indonesian Salad gave good variation to the Rijsttafel selection and ensured the pallet was not dulled. We were encouraged to revisit the buffet but were filling up and wanted to save a little room for dessert. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_7Cl8lm-yyRU-EZtNqI5Clmv1eU3aWQHiR1GmRNwHokjUoRaIc6WJU7tmI7Anxn0A_KvC4MikM6MEG5gPO2JVs7ckCP0knHP78QQYy4auC6GNEYxSQpKqDibSKrLESl_bqZ_QEV3Szg/s1600-h/Bali+Brasserie+016.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_7Cl8lm-yyRU-EZtNqI5Clmv1eU3aWQHiR1GmRNwHokjUoRaIc6WJU7tmI7Anxn0A_KvC4MikM6MEG5gPO2JVs7ckCP0knHP78QQYy4auC6GNEYxSQpKqDibSKrLESl_bqZ_QEV3Szg/s200/Bali+Brasserie+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368859800141893314" /></a>From the four desserts, including the daily special, on offer, Badgerman chose the mango and passion fruit sorbet and I, trying to keep the carbs down, asked for the lychees, both are pictured right. My serving of lychees was just right and left me with a full tummy but a light, sweet taste in my mouth. I think it’s a mark of a very good kitchen if the simplest of dishes are prepared well and Badgerman’s sorbet was truly excellent: sharp, sweet, creamy and with a strong fruit flavour. I was envious. <br /><br />Our bill with a beer and a cocktail, excluding tip, was £39.65. <br /><br />On Monday to Saturday the Bali Brasserie offers a three-course lunch for £8.50 and a Sunday Lunch Special, three course Mayasian/Indonesian Buffet for 10.95. These menus look interesting and, if the food we had is any indication, will be well worth the money and trip.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dYG3lMIShiDa1jok7Z9Ez4zF6DmURhFE4dsmp7dAh2PguUw1WwqWEWBoDCjwdeVxbHNUz6cwLvRzaoGoMpX_GUn1nycoiJmCg_WhOj9edzIgi_6-XV0uug5jK9_ROVbfHKmxEYc8qQk/s1600-h/bb.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 58px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dYG3lMIShiDa1jok7Z9Ez4zF6DmURhFE4dsmp7dAh2PguUw1WwqWEWBoDCjwdeVxbHNUz6cwLvRzaoGoMpX_GUn1nycoiJmCg_WhOj9edzIgi_6-XV0uug5jK9_ROVbfHKmxEYc8qQk/s200/bb.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368862060751917106" /></a>The Bali Brasserie has been open for 22 years and tries very hard to please its customers old and new. I ran into a work colleague, who is a regular, and she said she has always had good experiences at the BB. Have a look at the web site for information on menus, parties, weddings, functions etc… and for particularly interesting Christmas menus too!<br /><br /><strong>Rating:</strong><br />Ambience: 3.5<br />Food presentation: 3<br />Food quality: 3.5<br />Value for money: 3<br />Service: 4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-78025364435568698152009-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:002009-08-09T17:16:59.165-07:0024. India: Nizam, Haywards Heath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kQ0kEWydkIM6bDCEId0i-IyQkCBlIMB5OusTs_h9QQwWm4w9r13BVO4oGyTkZSkBPcnxWUlyrt1-laRMt7mrN690L0hu5RBBWPywBV9XWf3vCaIoNjXNUxAS_QX_n6VAfSsTwUmRbKg/s1600-h/Nisam+014.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kQ0kEWydkIM6bDCEId0i-IyQkCBlIMB5OusTs_h9QQwWm4w9r13BVO4oGyTkZSkBPcnxWUlyrt1-laRMt7mrN690L0hu5RBBWPywBV9XWf3vCaIoNjXNUxAS_QX_n6VAfSsTwUmRbKg/s200/Nisam+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367263479772226082" /></a><br /><strong>Nizam</strong><br />139 South Road,<br />Haywards Heath<br />West Sussex <br />RH16 4LY<br /><br />01444 457577<br /><br />Easing into my long summer holiday, I met up with the Vicar for an ‘ethnic eat’ in Haywards Heath. The Indian Restaurant we had planned to visit was closed so we toured the town again and found the Nizam. <br /><br />It is deceptively large inside and can seat 70 but still feels cosy and welcoming. The décor is smart, modern with an Asian twist. We were seated near the window on very comfy chairs and were given our menus. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV4jfAwQhIAZmKT34t67jYmMzmbR7zH7b5nRu-8kYHB3mGoKOaNWtZLrQKZPly55yj5WVnmpG885Qp-u0PdYaxfp6CQmV8s4Bl5v9ih1kMBQ51x97ggKfFMKlnQcMAQzTrB4YYsR5T2E/s1600-h/Nisam+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV4jfAwQhIAZmKT34t67jYmMzmbR7zH7b5nRu-8kYHB3mGoKOaNWtZLrQKZPly55yj5WVnmpG885Qp-u0PdYaxfp6CQmV8s4Bl5v9ih1kMBQ51x97ggKfFMKlnQcMAQzTrB4YYsR5T2E/s200/Nisam+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367260293089040338" /></a>At first glance it looked like the usual fare at acceptable prices- 15 starters priced from £3.25-£5.50 and mains from £6.95 for Vegetable Balti to £13.95 for King Prawn Balti, but on closer perusal I was very pleased to finds some dishes I had not seen before such as Tunafish Burra the Bagoon Paneer, aubergine and cheese, (£4.95) I chose for my starter and some very interesting sounding specials. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNCC4G0g0d3RI7KuBdQpqsgzFxYmPixRIeL7y9HZNzjVsA_dL94AKuyMbmISG5CDiyd_2R-CkRmnAe0izLk5J9w4vY8bgeGqF2g8fFcJx36pyhR7hnfzPaDw_iid3cEJ3eA-r86b-RO0/s1600-h/Nisam+004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNCC4G0g0d3RI7KuBdQpqsgzFxYmPixRIeL7y9HZNzjVsA_dL94AKuyMbmISG5CDiyd_2R-CkRmnAe0izLk5J9w4vY8bgeGqF2g8fFcJx36pyhR7hnfzPaDw_iid3cEJ3eA-r86b-RO0/s200/Nisam+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367260661378669042" /></a>We began with popadums of course, and they were very crispy and came with a good set of dips and pickles, pictured above left. Notable was the hot pickle component. It was very spicy but also exceptionally tasty with many different types of hot peppers. The Vicar started with the Salmon in Spice with a caper sauce (pictured right, £5.50) and was very pleased with it. The seared salmon was perfectly cooked and full of flavour and complimented well by the creamy, subtly tangy sauce and had him cleaning his plate all up. I am a big fan of aubergines <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp5AIlS6MIqHC_DNu3WrNgyUIUWQvENnpSBIAxoKrkLVthunU4UybqYwqy-u6QrTaaJpKHMGyvVqnkZfWp4FVLAPb8jK43RcfcEvKBvjjGnlvgVsrbbvNXQIEDm7sg95Wsg4fF4J7K64/s1600-h/Nisam+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp5AIlS6MIqHC_DNu3WrNgyUIUWQvENnpSBIAxoKrkLVthunU4UybqYwqy-u6QrTaaJpKHMGyvVqnkZfWp4FVLAPb8jK43RcfcEvKBvjjGnlvgVsrbbvNXQIEDm7sg95Wsg4fF4J7K64/s200/Nisam+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367260886418076098" /></a>and often try then when out. Sometimes they are marvellous; sometimes they are rubbish. The Bagoon Paneer, (pictured left, £4.95) were just marvellous: perfectly cooked to be soft but still intact, not bitter and really enlivened up be the cheese and peppers- I definitely recommend them. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1oL_znlmdQGv_t80Mpnee-XD1zKN7RQaQC478iyG4BdMfzt_zuza3v1bxJHi39R-LQUq711agxjq3z7SoCbBvsOogKoBj-CUjiSATYcf7EomXfcVlXkhTiJynNq_6-7RnHXMUrsL6IY/s1600-h/Nisam+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1oL_znlmdQGv_t80Mpnee-XD1zKN7RQaQC478iyG4BdMfzt_zuza3v1bxJHi39R-LQUq711agxjq3z7SoCbBvsOogKoBj-CUjiSATYcf7EomXfcVlXkhTiJynNq_6-7RnHXMUrsL6IY/s200/Nisam+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367261090222182834" /></a>Our mains arrived in good time and looked scrummy. The Vicar’s Lamb Biryani (pictured right) was accompanied by a good vegetable curry. The Balti was very well done. The lamb was very moist and tender and the fine rice was subtly seasoned. He really enjoyed it and was very impressed with the layers of taste. My Chichen Tikka (pictured left) came <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw6gWgkwO5xTmNuaIrxDKq8-r3XS_kjbTrM5R5-xqgpv_Dxvd1nRseN_qnZtTsGgCB0ZRBiM-NvPVxH59kggM_Z07njnY1ohmcLW6qnPRLVMkDmnuynC2HL2uvbDKHcnr5nBLruPuugo/s1600-h/Nisam+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw6gWgkwO5xTmNuaIrxDKq8-r3XS_kjbTrM5R5-xqgpv_Dxvd1nRseN_qnZtTsGgCB0ZRBiM-NvPVxH59kggM_Z07njnY1ohmcLW6qnPRLVMkDmnuynC2HL2uvbDKHcnr5nBLruPuugo/s200/Nisam+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367261300682688290" /></a>with a salad and was just delicious. The meat was well marinated and seasoned, tender, moist and the portion size was good. The Bindi Bhaji, (below, £4.50) we added was much better that the usual tomato-based dish; it, like all the Nisan’s food was artfully flavoured.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifPthEs3a-KS1aaxt-lbR3LgS0uTIoLMf4thE0FvsPOR6zg0B_ssdO4yXSAjzSPrd68sg6lXksG1ta5xJ75BxqnA6ScysdoY_faLkJJ-NPJ24uI2zzTfO11zVy2Nxlsabs1s2w23DJCQ/s1600-h/Nisam+011.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifPthEs3a-KS1aaxt-lbR3LgS0uTIoLMf4thE0FvsPOR6zg0B_ssdO4yXSAjzSPrd68sg6lXksG1ta5xJ75BxqnA6ScysdoY_faLkJJ-NPJ24uI2zzTfO11zVy2Nxlsabs1s2w23DJCQ/s200/Nisam+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367261574438587938" /></a>Service was at all times courteous and attentive. I can imagine that the Nisan gets quite busy on the weekends so would suggest you book. Take away is also available.<br /><br />A sumptuous dinner for two with 1 ½ pints of lager, a big bottle of still water, peppermint tea and coffee, excluding tip, was £52.00. The Nisam’s quality if food definitely earns it a place in my top picks.<br /><strong><br />Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3.5<br />Food presentation: 2.5<br />Food quality: 4*<br />Service: 3<br />Value for money: 2Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-49524587624034563722009-08-06T18:33:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:02:49.210-07:0023. Spain, Tapas: the Swan Inn, Lewes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOWJlT_gklutcW6E_OLqgdzAFIBYo-OIaDv-xoraHuszj1_beTWzyVKZARoC6kE2Fd5fKnfrjew8BuBWa4NxYGNyOaDY40QNW5QLNCi9dqZ62CpdnJe1oLnK8lf-8kAPyolgHrLYeQWw/s1600-h/Swan+pub+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOWJlT_gklutcW6E_OLqgdzAFIBYo-OIaDv-xoraHuszj1_beTWzyVKZARoC6kE2Fd5fKnfrjew8BuBWa4NxYGNyOaDY40QNW5QLNCi9dqZ62CpdnJe1oLnK8lf-8kAPyolgHrLYeQWw/s200/Swan+pub+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367029438134295794" /></a><br /><br /><strong>The Swan Inn</strong><br />30a Southover High Street,<br />Lewes, <br />East Sussex<br />BN7 1HU<br /><br />01273 480211<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B95hi3AjAdWnGe8xyA7fRcyzwLe1BPQwVvZnBaoG1Nu3MHsszRAUQR_VYBJR0qL55yxMdHGKqiZ1C7LHXjWTyQSYpnEjQnVmtLVL6fIlpyPGKRBKaPhrmilZF71Ot4noPAfYvIn5D6I/s1600-h/Swan+pub+002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B95hi3AjAdWnGe8xyA7fRcyzwLe1BPQwVvZnBaoG1Nu3MHsszRAUQR_VYBJR0qL55yxMdHGKqiZ1C7LHXjWTyQSYpnEjQnVmtLVL6fIlpyPGKRBKaPhrmilZF71Ot4noPAfYvIn5D6I/s200/Swan+pub+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367029567498722098" /></a>We were very pleased to see that the nearby Swan Inn was doing Tapas on a Thursday evening. Buoyed up by their motto: “ We don’t do fast food, just good food.” and the many great pub meals we have had there, we booked a table for two.<br /><br />With 12-ish selections and special, the tapas menu is not huge but there is plenty to tempt most appetites- vegetarian and omnivore alike. Our dishes arrived reasonably quickly, especially as it was quite busy. The Greek Salad, Garlic Prawns <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzzqc97iY9SFtvODrha1buHCdE0ZzhPURgOGNwhGe-55frHRjnVz83zyf1favHKncFk59EOST1Hm01anyVNP9GMQ9t-ye-wcP52_g9Y7OV1qgyG3GeLf2bhhQ3iGtiYS9vS3wnABA7hQ/s1600-h/Swan+pub+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzzqc97iY9SFtvODrha1buHCdE0ZzhPURgOGNwhGe-55frHRjnVz83zyf1favHKncFk59EOST1Hm01anyVNP9GMQ9t-ye-wcP52_g9Y7OV1qgyG3GeLf2bhhQ3iGtiYS9vS3wnABA7hQ/s200/Swan+pub+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367029909762190194" /></a>and Calimari, each at £4.75 (pictured above right) were good choices. I often have their Greek Salad from the usual menu and it is always super: fresh, crunchy, well balanced with plenty of feta and olives and the home-made dressing is served on the side so no danger of it drowning the lettuce. The prawns were just excellent! Badgerman, predictably commented that it was worth “shelling out for them”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeMPiRcZEl78fuyQ_kDK8EBP641o5NMI6XJUxz-Eqge_YKHIXouGzyV83bAAN2jyZ5b-IEQH64uF6ZMsEXpRBX9ABFoP6YcBOkWmfWg6TEdryXevHWVPtB-K8GnlxPFLxZ9rkcLJN_WE/s1600-h/Swan+pub+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeMPiRcZEl78fuyQ_kDK8EBP641o5NMI6XJUxz-Eqge_YKHIXouGzyV83bAAN2jyZ5b-IEQH64uF6ZMsEXpRBX9ABFoP6YcBOkWmfWg6TEdryXevHWVPtB-K8GnlxPFLxZ9rkcLJN_WE/s200/Swan+pub+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367030263082389122" /></a> They were succulent, garlicky and easy to shell- though we really needed a finger bowl. The garlic mushrooms (pictured above left, £4.50) were delicious and, frankly, I don’t know how they could have been improved. We enjoyed every single one. The sun-dried tomato bread (right, £3.00) was really good and complimented the olives well. Badgerman certainly enjoyed the feta, tomato and olive filo parcels (below, £4.50) and keeps on mentioning them as a highlight. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfuq__u7_GzM5ZzwzqzhSABfSXPqobyE8q5h2VDvwsqiMibcAt2-Ckh4r9qnWwHGbhVRqYGnzSQ9VrRaDgMFKSm0rXPMn7fZJtq_tepCrEn0MIH_tQDkwHECUY47oePmdUUJCHRFLzDM/s1600-h/Swan+pub+011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfuq__u7_GzM5ZzwzqzhSABfSXPqobyE8q5h2VDvwsqiMibcAt2-Ckh4r9qnWwHGbhVRqYGnzSQ9VrRaDgMFKSm0rXPMn7fZJtq_tepCrEn0MIH_tQDkwHECUY47oePmdUUJCHRFLzDM/s200/Swan+pub+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367032738630758818" /></a>We also had meatballs; they were good but could have been improved by being a bit spicier and I would like to have seen some choritzo and maybe a piquant chicken dish on offer, but the kitchen was still gauging customers’ reactions and this did not take away from our enjoyment of the food. Also on offer were Potato Skins with Garlic Mayo- £4.50, Mussels- £5.00 and Garlic Bread- £2.00.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqDgAOojVn0xXtm4GX_6CuQNQAHSFGEKnOCv4NB3G95MmTMK2C01YnQYNyifHMN9sjCLtc-otuQtNe1ezVUB-E1QnVVIvoicVQ0QgVk8bUJz0DQ34j4fdTLIgMFVS9MOcrMGrtorwPJ4/s1600-h/Swan+pub+017.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqDgAOojVn0xXtm4GX_6CuQNQAHSFGEKnOCv4NB3G95MmTMK2C01YnQYNyifHMN9sjCLtc-otuQtNe1ezVUB-E1QnVVIvoicVQ0QgVk8bUJz0DQ34j4fdTLIgMFVS9MOcrMGrtorwPJ4/s200/Swan+pub+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367030888707888834" /></a>We just had enough room for dessert and shared an scrummy rhubarb crumble from the main menu (pictured right). It was just as it should be hot, melting the cream, tart, not too sweet, with the topping crunchy by yielding under the spoon. <br /><br />If you don’t make Tapas at the Swan, do try their usual pub fare- it is delicious, always reliable and good value. Most dishes are served with loads of veg. and I recommend the sautéed potatoes. Before 8:30 children are welcome but only over-16s are allowed on the premises after 8:30. As service starts at 7:00, there is plenty of time for a family with young ‘uns to enjoy their meal. Reservations are a good idea.<br /><br />Our bill, with a round of drinks and excluding tip, was £32.84.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 2<br />Food presentation: 2.5<br />Food quality: 4<br />Service: 3<br />Value for money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-85784613569859808052009-08-06T15:40:00.000-07:002009-08-06T16:32:48.778-07:0022. Thai: Pailin Thai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfg3Wfurd7Ka8X_9V2QiiwHAiIyuhqCl2wxrFVeSK2YOvUghj9Qw96waCElw7m7kw6mEiFujTA6YN3AtjK-x7J-_lgX-eaV_z9uJsFm8vb9QpmP4MRLhBtSNFYmsSzWYwGaptGBeqF-g/s1600-h/Pailin+Thai+014.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfg3Wfurd7Ka8X_9V2QiiwHAiIyuhqCl2wxrFVeSK2YOvUghj9Qw96waCElw7m7kw6mEiFujTA6YN3AtjK-x7J-_lgX-eaV_z9uJsFm8vb9QpmP4MRLhBtSNFYmsSzWYwGaptGBeqF-g/s200/Pailin+Thai+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366987862585787682" /></a><br /><strong>Pailin Thai</strong><br />20 Station Street<br />Lewes,<br />East Sussex <br />BN7 2DB<br /><br />01273 473906<br /><br />In honour of Little Will’s visit home to his dear old Mum, and hearing good things about the Thai Pailin’s lunch menu, we ventured forth on a very hot August, only-mad-dogs-and-Englishmen, day. We were greeted with the customary, excellent Thai hospitality and quickly seated. There were a few customers happily tucking into their lunches; most were eating the one-plate lunch specials. Both having hollow legs, Little Will and King Blim were really excited about the look of the food.<br /><br />We were offered the regular, ordinary Lunchtime ‘Noodle Bar’ and Chef’s Special menus- giving us a vast array of dishes from which <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaTJW2vyLo2S8Xsh0BplWKmR-wBAVdiaX1uAKqAIMcu3qo1opXKXT0a3HU8vfLiKVTGrMOUUpnaU52nzBgTgZhm2V5GFeBkZcF45r9qH-1EOMcfHORXXKxIAn7rc-Xd8iqYemBLT79VY/s1600-h/Pailin+Thai+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaTJW2vyLo2S8Xsh0BplWKmR-wBAVdiaX1uAKqAIMcu3qo1opXKXT0a3HU8vfLiKVTGrMOUUpnaU52nzBgTgZhm2V5GFeBkZcF45r9qH-1EOMcfHORXXKxIAn7rc-Xd8iqYemBLT79VY/s200/Pailin+Thai+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366988088752883682" /></a>to choose. The regular menu offers dozens of Thai curries and salads, fried, noodle and seafood dishes etc… from $4.50 to £8.25. There are 14 Lunchtime Menu specials with dishes such as Rice Noodles with Red Pork priced £5.90 and Mixed Seafood in Gravy and Noodles for £7.50. The Noodle Bar menu, served Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 14:30, looked yummy. There are 12 choices of rice, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9GQDEVVM6mZNl-TW44HeLhNVrF0Lpf57kPXctEhAzHUKxUrS1cqP85O27gfo-pr6wAS0iF6z65EdWe_hHSQiTu2PXrmX37JwsQt-pt1HC4h3koOKmg9pMk3sZxctZm93GNK9ZPgIX-g/s1600-h/Pailin+Thai+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9GQDEVVM6mZNl-TW44HeLhNVrF0Lpf57kPXctEhAzHUKxUrS1cqP85O27gfo-pr6wAS0iF6z65EdWe_hHSQiTu2PXrmX37JwsQt-pt1HC4h3koOKmg9pMk3sZxctZm93GNK9ZPgIX-g/s200/Pailin+Thai+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366988357968164274" /></a>egg and stir-fried noodles dishes priced, a credit crunching, £5:50 to £5:90. The Chef’s special menu looked very special with dishes such as Chu Chi Ging, king prawns cooked in coconut milk and curry paste for £8.50 and Tan Tok Nue beef cooked with shallots, spring onions and coriander- reported to be very ‘authentic Thai’ for £6.90. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0QK5hu7mQUjcTK8qXaAYc6e68gXQVDBoIRXAPK8WosIy5aE_tZfpfrTY6Vo2yqjMrbiExxTo5M4QfGNlHVw3rzl0k9HAFg_GOa8-RbivKzW9pduKFWuF4XAP6D8nt4AG-2UFC_ZQdYg/s1600-h/Pailin+Thai+011.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0QK5hu7mQUjcTK8qXaAYc6e68gXQVDBoIRXAPK8WosIy5aE_tZfpfrTY6Vo2yqjMrbiExxTo5M4QfGNlHVw3rzl0k9HAFg_GOa8-RbivKzW9pduKFWuF4XAP6D8nt4AG-2UFC_ZQdYg/s200/Pailin+Thai+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366988665627446146" /></a>Little Will and I chose our favourite Tam Yen Gui Soup (pictured above left) which was refreshing, sharp, full of chicken and mushrooms and never disappoints. The deep-fried prawn in batter with a sweet and sour sauce, (pictured above right, £6.70) kept King Blim entertained. He thought it was very good and he especially liked the sauce and how it blended with the crispy batter. I congratulated myself for choosing the Nue Yang, British sirloin beef with a green chilli sauce (pictured right, £6.90) for my main course. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo3OYGyHEGE4j86mf6MbadBqH4hABvYo__XQNq-m9LXyF1XxR1-w-walRXHLY1j4yEA03XmuW7-bhm8lyFaO4a7SRZhgmabbzhmbeaXZwrcosXaq_CK3cPG9gcoiFPOznnuHCnEj1F2w/s1600-h/Pailin+Thai+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo3OYGyHEGE4j86mf6MbadBqH4hABvYo__XQNq-m9LXyF1XxR1-w-walRXHLY1j4yEA03XmuW7-bhm8lyFaO4a7SRZhgmabbzhmbeaXZwrcosXaq_CK3cPG9gcoiFPOznnuHCnEj1F2w/s200/Pailin+Thai+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366988971117761394" /></a>It was truly excellent: the beef was top rate: beautifully cooked, sliced to perfect thickness and was enlivened by the tangy, hot and slightly sour green chilli sauce- for me this dish alone was worth the walk to the Pailin Thai! Little Will, fresh from his post BA travel year, was looking forward to the Panang Curry (pictured left, £6.00) served with rice and was not disappointed. He pronounced it to be very authentic and beautifully balanced: spicy, sweet and very satisfying. Pig that he is, he managed to down a dish of Phad Thai noodles too. King Blim and I did, if truth be told, help out with these (a bit) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpMbkcJ4kfVCec1rcCMo_iDmPaqKYRg6suZV0Sg6TgzmqCgXOzLW5gZp-cTnL0Csw9Rw0yuLFsQPgju30R9BwWUQMczBIiBdQc_5_KP7VO9-0q2hYNdGlhMGaHPW7LfG_qXSiaN26rUY/s1600-h/Pailin+Thai+010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpMbkcJ4kfVCec1rcCMo_iDmPaqKYRg6suZV0Sg6TgzmqCgXOzLW5gZp-cTnL0Csw9Rw0yuLFsQPgju30R9BwWUQMczBIiBdQc_5_KP7VO9-0q2hYNdGlhMGaHPW7LfG_qXSiaN26rUY/s200/Pailin+Thai+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366989520124128386" /></a>and we really enjoyed them. They were not too soft, very peanutty, sweet, tart and full of flavour and were complimented by plenty of fresh bean sprouts. The Roast Duck and Rice (pictured right, £7.50) King Blim chose for his main course was really a meal in itself and was very tasty. <br /><br />We declined dessert and coffees and with large bottles of still and sparkling water, and excluding tip, our bill was £46.10. With another vegetable dish this would nave been enough for dinner, and with just sticking to the Lunchtime and Noodle Bar menus, one could have a very satisfying and delicious lunch, with coffee and another drink for less than a tenner- good value for the quality or food, service and surroundings.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 4<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-13817229610705979872009-07-19T13:08:00.000-07:002009-07-19T14:06:11.143-07:0021. Thai: Sukhothai Palace, Brighton<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1Ka7a_XBHR3BhTEfdK_Kk3aUYcz9yoO00m9jNd4LwVBAIUX1fndZDkBwSby6WeneZxYFir9ebVoQN5K3XpOMF5gLF7k3m98GhgIxYs3sRDq_eNarH1Z8V1pZWcUgSatwsYYbpKTEDa4/s1600-h/Sukhothai+loo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1Ka7a_XBHR3BhTEfdK_Kk3aUYcz9yoO00m9jNd4LwVBAIUX1fndZDkBwSby6WeneZxYFir9ebVoQN5K3XpOMF5gLF7k3m98GhgIxYs3sRDq_eNarH1Z8V1pZWcUgSatwsYYbpKTEDa4/s200/Sukhothai+loo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360266295502080706" /></a><strong>Sukhothai Palace</strong><br />62 Middle Street<br />Brighton<br />E. Sussex<br />BN1 1AL<br /><br />Tel: 01273 748448<br />www.spalace.co.uk<br /><br />Lazing around Brighton on a rainy, sunny, windy early afternoon in the old Lanes in Brighton, we happened upon the Sukhothai Palace in Middle Street. We were actually going to visit the Ghengis Kahn Mongolian Barbecue, but they are not open at lunch time so we crossed to road- entice by the board offering a two course lunch menu for £4.95. <br /><br />We were greeted with polite hospitality and quickly seated near the prettily decorated window. A quick peruse of the vast main menu found 103 selections- definitely something for everyone here. There are 10 and 11 item meat and vegetarian set menus for £17.95 a person, (minimum two people) six types of soup, 30 starters with a mixed platter for two for 10.95 to single portions of familiar and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmK2ZuSDhy9nEJprfXgDB0PKxgAC_ca8vOSnIxiL9vO2g81DaWyAXe0i9k4Rr5b37iVLnTYDIg-vIPqcvcmDmrq7M_uHMwQhDU9Z5ucjJkVw9kfF8dNSOi3Q7CixN1duSz5kub5xCHgE/s1600-h/Sukhothai+prawn+toast.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmK2ZuSDhy9nEJprfXgDB0PKxgAC_ca8vOSnIxiL9vO2g81DaWyAXe0i9k4Rr5b37iVLnTYDIg-vIPqcvcmDmrq7M_uHMwQhDU9Z5ucjJkVw9kfF8dNSOi3Q7CixN1duSz5kub5xCHgE/s200/Sukhothai+prawn+toast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360266439387736066" /></a>unfamiliar but intriguing dishes for £3.95 to £4.95, 20 different salads for between £6.00 and £7.00, stir fry dishes prices $4.50 to £5.50, curry and noodle dishes for £5.50 to £8.95, etc…etc…etc…! We settled for the lunch special menu. From the six starters and 15 assorted main dishes that come with your choice of beef, pork, chicken, tofu or for £1.00 extra- king prawns, we chose Tom Yam Chicken soup- a favourite of ours and sesame prawn toast (pictured right) and shared Phad Khing chicken with chicken with ginger, mushroom, spring onion and black bean sauce and Phrick Kra-Pow, king prawns with fresh chilli, garlic and Thai holy basil and the Pad Thai noodles with pork. <br /><br />Our Tom Yam soup was very tasty: steaming, spicy, distinctively flavoured and with plenty of chicken. Badergerman and I, both suffering with hay fever, were very glad of its decongestant properties too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxRChI0Pdn-h6hPd_sLWrU0ahLDm_8bhiOjBGknPx6tzjKfK3e99LefqoKm4VRkpfz64kJNIwoelr7cT7Sv30Cfvmwnbv9Ql-pq2hlulTq3PgM7TEcoKMiIVOkZryz2sV5FLlYmKFzKQ/s1600-h/Sukhothai+prawn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxRChI0Pdn-h6hPd_sLWrU0ahLDm_8bhiOjBGknPx6tzjKfK3e99LefqoKm4VRkpfz64kJNIwoelr7cT7Sv30Cfvmwnbv9Ql-pq2hlulTq3PgM7TEcoKMiIVOkZryz2sV5FLlYmKFzKQ/s200/Sukhothai+prawn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360273174050959394" /></a>The Prawn toast, nice and crunchy came with a piquant and not-too-sweet dip that complimented it well. The Phad Khing chicken was spicy with just the right amount of ginger and black bean sauce and the Phrick Kra-Pow king prawns, I particularly liked, was hotter, (you can get dishes as hot as you like) very flavoursome and is pictured above. Both dishes were accompanied with light, perfectly cooked rice. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX3gwU9-sykhhx4pfHzae1uDbFKMcUjPSi8UcbAzE3EPPjW8wYApJ2uhVEfjql5-xXOZ7o6GfiiKMBkzuXXEhNs8hpocxkMwAmgc9l4gUL2bIzoMDaUddOrjBy-BEFFDPrErQ0DFYpyo/s1600-h/Sukhothai+noodles.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX3gwU9-sykhhx4pfHzae1uDbFKMcUjPSi8UcbAzE3EPPjW8wYApJ2uhVEfjql5-xXOZ7o6GfiiKMBkzuXXEhNs8hpocxkMwAmgc9l4gUL2bIzoMDaUddOrjBy-BEFFDPrErQ0DFYpyo/s200/Sukhothai+noodles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360273383037967762" /></a>The Phad Thai noodles with pork (pictured below) were just yummy- cooked just right,full of flavour and piggy Badgerman and I finished them all up. You’ll note that we had three lunch specials for two of us as we were particularly ravenous; on an ordinary day one each would have been plenty as the portions are good.<br /><br />We did indulge in dessert; I had the ‘Green Bamboo’ ice-cream (pictured left) that was creamy toffee ice cream in a charming bamboo dish and Badgerman <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh878JUbobSNw9UEppUQ-yLaL32qEUP0Tt_tHGMHSGoDKLdLmuoTD517KbyJgqvsh8am_XL5T7i_MD6u0la5QnyyFtZ1PYsmK2SXBK60PfuUUTwJT-cvTSnevevevUEZvJeiXr0M2v3L7A/s1600-h/Sukhothai+bamboo+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh878JUbobSNw9UEppUQ-yLaL32qEUP0Tt_tHGMHSGoDKLdLmuoTD517KbyJgqvsh8am_XL5T7i_MD6u0la5QnyyFtZ1PYsmK2SXBK60PfuUUTwJT-cvTSnevevevUEZvJeiXr0M2v3L7A/s200/Sukhothai+bamboo+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360267554151251378" /></a>indulged in the Tartufo Classico a delicious cocoa covered dark chocolate ice cream ball with a creamy vanilla centre. These were very good and a cut above the usual bought-in ice cream dessert and left us so full that we skipped our dinner and just had some cheese and crackers later in the day.<br /><br />We drank only Jasmine tea and water but the wine selection looked good with whites ranging form £11.90 for a Chilean Chardonnay to £21.95 for a French Chablis and reds from £11.95 to £22.95 and beers for £2.75 to £2.95. You can get a glass on the cheaper wines for £3.25.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwpXxDC3utRyrSsulgHdW6kQ0sig_rgZo_0bNCw1tamga7YsCTI5jFpBlUZAjjV6cJf3bBNNRCy1n4gmZJU94UTQroPdi6lJX9CoHmTKWUia91baJyOg03UkVeqP6RIf4IDu_YuOcQ7U/s1600-h/Sukhothai+dec+2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwpXxDC3utRyrSsulgHdW6kQ0sig_rgZo_0bNCw1tamga7YsCTI5jFpBlUZAjjV6cJf3bBNNRCy1n4gmZJU94UTQroPdi6lJX9CoHmTKWUia91baJyOg03UkVeqP6RIf4IDu_YuOcQ7U/s200/Sukhothai+dec+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360269654800667250" /></a>Our bill, (really for three!) excluding tip, came to £24.05; excellent value we thought and were very pleased with our whole dining experience. Take away is also available. Have a look on the web site listed above for the menu.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 4<br />Service: 4<br />Food presentation: 2<br />Food quality: 3.5<br />Value for money: 4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-40490454093434870762009-06-22T14:15:00.000-07:002009-06-22T14:38:29.929-07:0020. Thai: The Swan Pub, Falmer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTXNj1xpdQftZi55rPyobau1iD5ZL5v4i-tLZwGS8PvFdSxoFDgBKTcPJNirddxmAH2130EhEvfD5UQMDNupuadVWAmzP2xlkMP5ubvAevJD1XIM2ijbynMQdBqaoRSNFAP6KdqSzr5I/s1600-h/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+015.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTXNj1xpdQftZi55rPyobau1iD5ZL5v4i-tLZwGS8PvFdSxoFDgBKTcPJNirddxmAH2130EhEvfD5UQMDNupuadVWAmzP2xlkMP5ubvAevJD1XIM2ijbynMQdBqaoRSNFAP6KdqSzr5I/s200/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350264094946631026" /></a><strong>The Swan Pub</strong><br />Middle Street<br />Falmer <br />(near Brighton)<br />East Sussex<br />BN1 9PD<br />01273 681842<br /><br />On the eve of Mid-Summer’s Day, Badgerman, King Blim, Mrs F., Cherry-eye Bob and I ventured to the Swan Pub in the north side of the A27-bisected village of Falmer in search of Thai food. Mrs F. and Cherry-eye Bob visit Thailand for at least two months a year and came with us in search of holiday memories. We navigated the many doors through the Saloon and Snug bars to the main pub and settled ourselves for and evening of food and chat. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aiAqpuRq9K57QqwpVAV81IZxgx3ZYAWZaKjh9CDZkSNa5RVDwNJ4dIIFcsGen09vOwoln4SnM1utSrb-1zrF-y04Rbr_bNO_NxHaY2928R0VjmHRb0rFvnAclGTyCgWQeNJt-ddmkxo/s1600-h/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aiAqpuRq9K57QqwpVAV81IZxgx3ZYAWZaKjh9CDZkSNa5RVDwNJ4dIIFcsGen09vOwoln4SnM1utSrb-1zrF-y04Rbr_bNO_NxHaY2928R0VjmHRb0rFvnAclGTyCgWQeNJt-ddmkxo/s200/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350264291318938322" /></a>The modestly presented menu listed a huge array of dishes: 10+ starters and 18 types of mains that came in six different meat or veg ways. Starters ranged from £1.90 for vegetable tempura to £3.80 for mussels and there are two mixed starter platters for two people priced £6.00 and £6.80. Being the social lot that we are, we chose to share a Mixed Seafood Starter (pictured left) Sesame Prawn Toast, Vegetable Tempura (pictured right) and Vegetable Spring Rolls. All came in good time. The Seafood <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPXcuzJD4ff0WhVmandoOGE-UNkpKwuGIhGFfwQqiHtOh41XHuFnAu7bLZudC3fS2grnYp6N4qwXpWWqlX7sV4AaRUO0U4EPLlTagmzfiSDWrNPxKZDmmmQxAbh8e7z6WYpuyZSylljg/s1600-h/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPXcuzJD4ff0WhVmandoOGE-UNkpKwuGIhGFfwQqiHtOh41XHuFnAu7bLZudC3fS2grnYp6N4qwXpWWqlX7sV4AaRUO0U4EPLlTagmzfiSDWrNPxKZDmmmQxAbh8e7z6WYpuyZSylljg/s200/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350264379035413730" /></a>Platter was yummy with filo wrapped prawns, mussels in tempura, spicy squid, fish fritters, sesame prawn toasts and flavoursome seafood crackers. All was well cooked and the tastes and textures complimented each other; I especially liked the spicy squid.<br /><br /><br />With the success of the starters on our palettes, we eagerly awaited the arrival of our main courses. Soon they arrived. Mrs F. really enjoyed her Vegetable Massaman Curry- coconut creamed curry with potatoes, carrots, onions and roasted peanuts priced at £4.20 (pictured left). She thought that is was very authentic (we later <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6OnK6jL5wcS-arrULQ1DYe_AMm81B4bkS1TPA25N6n5sMXKVcIUO0S8cHNrHUI990Ctp_4O0549eqP0-qyebf5nAnfLFVJf0xDq2yP9p6BOdCe3z34uOmmi6Q0P_GgGug1rZ1awvzrI/s1600-h/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6OnK6jL5wcS-arrULQ1DYe_AMm81B4bkS1TPA25N6n5sMXKVcIUO0S8cHNrHUI990Ctp_4O0549eqP0-qyebf5nAnfLFVJf0xDq2yP9p6BOdCe3z34uOmmi6Q0P_GgGug1rZ1awvzrI/s200/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350264756954300930" /></a>discovered that the Chefs are two Thai ladies) and it had her longing to be back in Thailand. King Blim and Cherry-eye Bob had the Chicken Red Curry with its coconut milk, sweet basil, palm sugar and piquant spices (£4.70). King Blim thought it was just a bit two spicy and Cherry-eye Bob would have preferred more spice; they will know to order it to their tastes, as mentioned on the menu, next time we visit. They did, however, very much agree that the Red Curry was very tasty and well prepared with good quality ingredients, as were all our dishes. Craving noodles, Badgerman ordered the Chicken Pad Ke Mao noodles and thoroughly enjoyed them. I would gladly return to have the Prawn Chuchi again (pictured right). It was creamy and spicy with loads of succulent, large prawns. All our dishes, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEXJ2jbqhdCc9gRqshiLk7SpaZQ2w6NmFH-54qy1Gn7CRs7Q57-rpWbFXORZKcGL0bRh8FCReittqS81SDjVCSeCpYyqL-rzHZQJV1qxMPbmPZGT9-O3QHyJuUSQ-Q78sKeA6Ij3FhRo/s1600-h/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+009.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEXJ2jbqhdCc9gRqshiLk7SpaZQ2w6NmFH-54qy1Gn7CRs7Q57-rpWbFXORZKcGL0bRh8FCReittqS81SDjVCSeCpYyqL-rzHZQJV1qxMPbmPZGT9-O3QHyJuUSQ-Q78sKeA6Ij3FhRo/s200/Swan+Pub+Falmer+Thai+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350265112072366914" /></a>with the exception of Badgerman’s noodles, were served with a mound of excellently cooked, fragrant rice. As delicious as our food was, I though that the presentation could be improved by replacing the bits of iceberg lettuce garnish with slices of cucumber or something similar. <br /><br />The Swan serves good pub food every day, but serves Thai food on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is plenty of parking and Falmer Station is a short walk away.<br /><br />Our bill, excluding tip but with a round of drinks, came to £12 a head- excellent value! I love Thai food and kick myself when I think of the thousands of times I have passed below on the A27 but have taken so long to venture into the Swan.<br /><br /><strong>Rating:</strong><br />Ambience: 2<br />Food presentation: 2<br />Food quality: 3.5<br />Service: 2<br />Value for money: 4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-18821208810732120132009-06-15T12:26:00.000-07:002009-06-15T14:21:02.449-07:0019. Fusion: Chaula's Fusion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFejzk-WN1iFkKxy6b774Zu1tmEyOZJqtr94qqNbBG6vKkAs1pF57vNOSfFUUwzEYvEt_R3rqkK-UWhH8gliYgoZBPFqQDEkWYSDjCvky-HRcPyHz4D-ISNqfjLxDlpYqO6s9BGq6KWxA/s1600-h/front.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFejzk-WN1iFkKxy6b774Zu1tmEyOZJqtr94qqNbBG6vKkAs1pF57vNOSfFUUwzEYvEt_R3rqkK-UWhH8gliYgoZBPFqQDEkWYSDjCvky-HRcPyHz4D-ISNqfjLxDlpYqO6s9BGq6KWxA/s200/front.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347662502382391378" /></a><br /><strong>Chaula’s Fusion</strong> <br />Station Street,<br />Lewes,<br />East Sussex <br />BN7 2DA<br /><br />01273 483462<br />chaulas.fusion@hotmail.com <br /><br />Badgerman and I though that we should turn our Sussex Ethnic Eats attentions closer to home and walked to Chaula’s Fusion on Station Street in Lewes, just up the road from the mainline rail station. It had only been open five weeks but on the shoulders of Chalua Patel’s reputation for fantastic, well cooked, good value food the café is already popular. We have known Chaula for many years as she is one of our neighbours and with her husband owns our excellent, local shop from which we used to get her fabulous home cooked take away Gujerati food. She opened her restaurant Chaula’s that serves her wonderful brand of Indian food a year or so ago. It’s next to the Waitrose store in Lewes (you’ll find it on the S.E.E. map), we often go there and will review it in the near future.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKddfakDJhGbU2vxBDdurUJeZbSiyItwC5gFcGyEskbRJv7N_8q653Nguo1Y-H5cZuOgasIG-pFyVB2ITtt9HYoknIkM8L-iEh6rraCHgRAM0kZ8vQ_lYyOCq50fy9ipS9GVWUNcomgmY/s1600-h/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKddfakDJhGbU2vxBDdurUJeZbSiyItwC5gFcGyEskbRJv7N_8q653Nguo1Y-H5cZuOgasIG-pFyVB2ITtt9HYoknIkM8L-iEh6rraCHgRAM0kZ8vQ_lYyOCq50fy9ipS9GVWUNcomgmY/s200/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347664466892079010" /></a>Eagerly we mounted the two steps to the quite small restaurant with seating for 12 and perused the menu boards. It took me a few moments to see how the fare was different from ordinary café food but I soon got the hang of it and spotted the hand-made Gujerati starter specialities- 30p. each, in the front counter and items such as Sag Aloo Pie- £1.45 amongst the more traditional egg and cress sandwiches (£1.80 for a sandwich and £2.00 for a baguette) and slices of pizza for £1.25. Being open-minded, and knowing what good food we have had at Chaula’s other restaurant, we asked the very friendly serving lady for a selection of starters and slices of chicken tikka pizza.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKC3zZAE_5rV2RsHNJ6Lxbe4HNG7lL9mgpTa1hOK96io6Vvs7jGiCoNWC8Vn1JxfXXE-w7pEI_suXDQE_2Ha7h1WZrSQgc5vh-ZtZkLpBB3Zg_ierWwxfhNh99JYOd1Ze6dC_apYwQCo/s1600-h/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKC3zZAE_5rV2RsHNJ6Lxbe4HNG7lL9mgpTa1hOK96io6Vvs7jGiCoNWC8Vn1JxfXXE-w7pEI_suXDQE_2Ha7h1WZrSQgc5vh-ZtZkLpBB3Zg_ierWwxfhNh99JYOd1Ze6dC_apYwQCo/s200/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347662660621295922" /></a>Our starter bowls arrived very quickly and we eagerly tucked in. At nine o’clock as pictured above, was a little, perfectly cooked veggie Samosa; the crispy outer yielded to a delicious, mellowly-spiced spinach, potato and pea inner. The Petis, at 12 o’clock, one of Badgerman’s favourites, is a tasty pea and mashed potato, yummy bite. We had never had a Kachori, one o’clock, but were surprised by the depth of the taste in the spicy lentil filling. The spring roll and mango chutney at three and six o’clock respectively rounded off the plate nicely. It’s fair to say we enjoyed each of the starters but I would like to see the dish served with a larger amount of salad or even appear on the menu as a salad plate. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSE0BQ230IsMzdc9Krftr9XfL1evoG4UrXh4Pn3ojkrJ3Z_Yhe7CxYxngfcQ-w3PA2KZx5t0dbyxpXOjfXc1F8wwSfpy3FsNtKCC_EdLbM3dGix3PjD7Z_kC50OqSlPndEdFwzPNyTiI/s1600-h/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSE0BQ230IsMzdc9Krftr9XfL1evoG4UrXh4Pn3ojkrJ3Z_Yhe7CxYxngfcQ-w3PA2KZx5t0dbyxpXOjfXc1F8wwSfpy3FsNtKCC_EdLbM3dGix3PjD7Z_kC50OqSlPndEdFwzPNyTiI/s200/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347662839861536034" /></a>Our attentive waitress brought our pizza (pictured right) quickly and I hesitatingly tucked in. I had imagined somehow that it would have Italian herbs and chicken tikka and this misunderstanding had kept me away from ‘fusion’ food but our ‘pizza’ had, of course, been flavoured with Indian spices and was an absolute treat! I can honestly say that I enjoyed every bite and think it is worth a trip just to have a slice of the Chaula’s veggie of meat pizza of the day. The thin crust was beautifully cooked and was piled with roasted peppers, tomato sauce, red onions, peppers, cheese and a generous amount of chicken tikka pieces. I would, however, say that I would still liked to have had more salad. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFLl__8K8g4XEQmlm59fZFey8sIuqAf_cyyZvMX3WRVNyvKJsFO40hClHn7OaJ5uC9l-5t27mEIvanBi6HdksdcRw1hmReS7OwjChcciiDRpbTCvh_hNTh3BPhRv98M5zuMrzgRcZWk8/s1600-h/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFLl__8K8g4XEQmlm59fZFey8sIuqAf_cyyZvMX3WRVNyvKJsFO40hClHn7OaJ5uC9l-5t27mEIvanBi6HdksdcRw1hmReS7OwjChcciiDRpbTCvh_hNTh3BPhRv98M5zuMrzgRcZWk8/s200/Chaula's+Fusion+Cafe+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347663111846351858" /></a><br />Bagderman had a beer and I had water and we finished, me with a pungent and refreshing Chai tea and pistachio, kulfi ice-cream and Badgerman with a good cappachino.<br /><br /><br />I got talking to our waitress who had been deftly handling the take-away trade as well as us eat ins. She explained that as well as the long list of salad and baguette fillings, there were weekly special and customers could have lasagne, pasta and noodle dishes to take away for £1.75 - £2.50 or if they wished could eat these in the restaurant, served with a side salad and garlic bread for £3.99 - £ 4.90. There was a lovely, tempting selection of sweetmeats such as Gulab Jamun for £1.75, Kaju rolls for £1.49 and assorted Nut Halwa for £1.29 ready for taking away or eating in. As wells as Chaula’s famous frozen dishes- no home freezer is complete without them, there is an interesting array of reasonably priced herbs and spices and ice creams and lollies too. <br /><br />I think this will become quite a popular place and I wish them all the best- they certainly are trying hard to succeed.<br /><br />Our bill, including drinks but excluding tip was £16.66.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3<br />Food presentation: 2<br />Food quality: 3<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-7959287711218048192009-06-14T18:25:00.000-07:002009-06-15T14:21:46.131-07:0018. China: The China Brasserie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCvWRCHDbiDMzFmFWqc8BZVnfnOfAhNpUU-KR-V-DBaMOvZz9TpdBZEVEn3PMN8VTRJDJf_VfEZ5lm8GGFZEW9CZiLEZfjDcJ94DnepD-YWcOBR53JbuXmSblp2B1QAmQs8_B4aDMR6o/s1600-h/0Kittens.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCvWRCHDbiDMzFmFWqc8BZVnfnOfAhNpUU-KR-V-DBaMOvZz9TpdBZEVEn3PMN8VTRJDJf_VfEZ5lm8GGFZEW9CZiLEZfjDcJ94DnepD-YWcOBR53JbuXmSblp2B1QAmQs8_B4aDMR6o/s200/0Kittens.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347359802619774338" /></a><br /><strong>The China Brasserie</strong> <br />7 Sussex Rd, <br />Haywards Heath, <br />West Sussex, <br />RH16 4DZ <br /><br />01444 441466<br /><br /><br />Out looking for 60 wine glasses for work, the Vicar and I happened upon the China Brasserie in Haywards Heath. We were enticed in by the two courses Lunch Special for £7.95. Leaving the uninspiring utilitarian shopping row behind we entered a very pleasantly, very smartly orientally decored room. We were very cordially met and seated. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9InPTXB4qiU4fq1HofJuRV6DAIz3jG5OZvoFLYUnfKVXztkOEjBR102vFTRh0njGOxjeFKrdkdgFZx56VzH9IfYsGr7vtd7zp4fDUxa0O5iEycvvzkQxTDmL_u1Y5OS7yoZWDFUaP9sQ/s1600-h/Spring+Rolls.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9InPTXB4qiU4fq1HofJuRV6DAIz3jG5OZvoFLYUnfKVXztkOEjBR102vFTRh0njGOxjeFKrdkdgFZx56VzH9IfYsGr7vtd7zp4fDUxa0O5iEycvvzkQxTDmL_u1Y5OS7yoZWDFUaP9sQ/s200/Spring+Rolls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347359903558080194" /></a>The Lunch Special consists of 12 starter and 24 mains choices, served with your choice of noodles, plain or egg fried rice. There wasn’t much seafood (my favourite food in any restaurant) on the Lunch Special menu, but the variety on offer is very good and would keep omnivores and vegetarians quite happy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISGra3MO6IMqjDDps0xxKAQkVIFzo5WxbJlVPbIfaLUfgPLBm1Kzro4lnf0SnYwgFdNs97pXT3tRKQ5FQ9yORCG357qnQiqD02JP1yibkVDVcYGIkFI9f5-0uiaeBLOCBbfQjJk-xbHo/s1600-h/Spare+Ribs.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISGra3MO6IMqjDDps0xxKAQkVIFzo5WxbJlVPbIfaLUfgPLBm1Kzro4lnf0SnYwgFdNs97pXT3tRKQ5FQ9yORCG357qnQiqD02JP1yibkVDVcYGIkFI9f5-0uiaeBLOCBbfQjJk-xbHo/s200/Spare+Ribs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347360095157910642" /></a>We chose to start with the vegetarian Spring Rolls and Mandarin Ribs, pictured left and right respestively. The spring rolls were wonderfully crisp, fresh and filled with a great variety of veggies; they were some of the best I have ever tasted. We gleefully tucked into the ribs, greatful for the finger bowl of lemon water. They were well cooked and were so good that I’ll return just for them! <br /><br />Our Kung Po Chilli Chicken with noodles and Stir Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce and egg fried rice, (pictured left and right) were yummy, fresh and cooked just right. I particularly liked the beef as it was very tender, lightly cooked and came with plenty of vegetables. The hot and sweet flavour of the chicken was the Vicar’s favourite.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs5vckfZWbeFfIoKPrXS5dQNuWA0CRaPHEvi6w2byDbrFFZFlWHPioXbTZnppFi2lPF__69W5h7uUSYFS9eAPrrYOMishH1_XcaN_xMUtaAwOD7mAAYigXLwkevsEVk9mfosAkgA4KiM/s1600-h/KUng+po+Chilli+Chicken.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs5vckfZWbeFfIoKPrXS5dQNuWA0CRaPHEvi6w2byDbrFFZFlWHPioXbTZnppFi2lPF__69W5h7uUSYFS9eAPrrYOMishH1_XcaN_xMUtaAwOD7mAAYigXLwkevsEVk9mfosAkgA4KiM/s200/KUng+po+Chilli+Chicken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347361499756950642" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jCiw2voqo4YPNflCu8nWyOjBgA8QqRwmgpvRybreZ1vSvP9iLvyPiF6h5AhSPUUe6BQngV7zQMAHpszvBJ1dR9Mv-iijGEu4m3v15LkpJedwa7Ow0vRIavgHqtTc0y5BEkfykgkBVT4/s1600-h/Beef.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jCiw2voqo4YPNflCu8nWyOjBgA8QqRwmgpvRybreZ1vSvP9iLvyPiF6h5AhSPUUe6BQngV7zQMAHpszvBJ1dR9Mv-iijGEu4m3v15LkpJedwa7Ow0vRIavgHqtTc0y5BEkfykgkBVT4/s200/Beef.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347361670666458450" /></a> <br /><br />Often set menu special portions can be a little mean but the Vicar and I, no strangers to food, were pleasantly full and very happy with the whole experience- one we’ll repeat soon. A perusal of the regular menu showed lots of choice and reasonable prices: soups around £3.00, meat dishes for £5.50ish, seafood dishes between £7.00 and £8.00 and veggies around £4.50.<br /><br />With Chinese tea, sparkling water and coffees the bill was £19.70 plus tip- especially good value for me as it was the Vicar’s turn to pay!<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 3<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-84280662248828164282009-05-30T14:33:00.001-07:002009-06-15T14:22:25.010-07:0017. Nepal: Gurkha Chef<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaAKAVovSw1PvHTHSCwApIYYWRqXJOcFteSHKYDLTYrO50ej_emxieq-rjYRubNbFzIU-YtJe6serotU6tTjdKTP-9lRZ959r4PA-sXcc0PqseIrIXQIRJeI9-mnNkDATsltrCTFnaoY/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaAKAVovSw1PvHTHSCwApIYYWRqXJOcFteSHKYDLTYrO50ej_emxieq-rjYRubNbFzIU-YtJe6serotU6tTjdKTP-9lRZ959r4PA-sXcc0PqseIrIXQIRJeI9-mnNkDATsltrCTFnaoY/s200/Ghurka+Chef+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341755197317818770" /></a><strong>Gurkha Chef</strong><br />20 Grand Parade<br />St Leonard’s (Near Hastings)<br />East Sussex<br />TN37 6DN<br /><br />01424 444440<br />www.gurkhachefonsea.co.uk<br /><br />Two days after Joanna Lumley achieved the rights for the famous and brave, Gurkha soldiers to settle in the UK, we found ourselves at the Gurkha Chef Grand Parade in St Leonard’s just down the sea front from Hastings. We were greeted very warmly with gentle politeness and quickly seated. <br /><br />We started with popadums <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7mt3DQPl1-quAJ7crH6Z-huoVUnbEh7ozsnAH85HK15cb6ju53B96HTq7N5U4zPkhLsHPcEyLbjElF07FeIG5tSI1PzDzliPqOxvk0VGx2ATBaW5-9JJIXl9KoGdfDKDNQfu07FkmV4/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7mt3DQPl1-quAJ7crH6Z-huoVUnbEh7ozsnAH85HK15cb6ju53B96HTq7N5U4zPkhLsHPcEyLbjElF07FeIG5tSI1PzDzliPqOxvk0VGx2ATBaW5-9JJIXl9KoGdfDKDNQfu07FkmV4/s200/Ghurka+Chef+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341755380348267778" /></a>and were pleasantly surprised by the spiced yoghurt, onion salad, spicy-sweet delicious sauce (pictured left). These were far better that the usual mango chutney, raita, onions and coconut paste one usually finds in an Indian restaurant. This subtle difference in taste and use of spice, flavourings and range of ingredients we found throughout the meal.<br /><br />We asked for help with our meal selection, as the menu was vast and full of tempting dishes. Our genial host took time to explain the excellent ‘eat as much as you like’ Sunday deal, suggested a few dishes and even gave us a complimentary starter! <br /><br />King Blim was very pleased with his starter: Aloo Bora coriander and spring onion mixed with mashed potatoes served with a salsa garnish <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmscn6SMgZZLhlnEwHcnPjkVAysjMT2fxb-cNimpDxugjwHrt_AvcAYVAsfo09dmJ7iV6A3a320K4IYHjF_fWQCMHne8ElrYsdbyfH5Icf_IqDKeEUZolzfj-wIePMrZFrDyViSIwZFdk/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmscn6SMgZZLhlnEwHcnPjkVAysjMT2fxb-cNimpDxugjwHrt_AvcAYVAsfo09dmJ7iV6A3a320K4IYHjF_fWQCMHne8ElrYsdbyfH5Icf_IqDKeEUZolzfj-wIePMrZFrDyViSIwZFdk/s200/Ghurka+Chef+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341748967824750162" /></a><br />and clear chilli dip, with a unique taste and texture (£2.50 and pictured right). Badgerman’s Bhareko Chyau, deep-fried mince-stuffed mushrooms (£2.50), were tasty and perfectly cooked. My Gurkha Vegetable Tempura (below left) was good and well presented, though it could have been drained just a little more. Our complimentary Chhoela (£3.00) a yummy offering of barbecued chicken prepared with traditional Nepalese herbs, (below right) was a firm favourite with us all.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNEMbqI1WDi4Li3CMlbdrWvmx_pU6LrnYXwBWEgxewYPYhlkk_YytmKbC0dH49lLuQA3EIt-6v84nmhWlJGlb4F2J4_iSgvdxvgn0dD3Kk74SU9kfj5YrbPNvsa4tG0S1ar1pOItWCNk/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNEMbqI1WDi4Li3CMlbdrWvmx_pU6LrnYXwBWEgxewYPYhlkk_YytmKbC0dH49lLuQA3EIt-6v84nmhWlJGlb4F2J4_iSgvdxvgn0dD3Kk74SU9kfj5YrbPNvsa4tG0S1ar1pOItWCNk/s200/Ghurka+Chef+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341754596275160482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XPryTZ-2ESps3xH9SXMiPeco2WbFkSuDEutWVjWg5tZtglDYA6hSmHjx3OPQevtySo0uBC7lVsVczETp6z-BylvKOJKLd90FlvY3hPRdin2Lj429ScRzwpISsOzNM1LyaSQjstxevec/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XPryTZ-2ESps3xH9SXMiPeco2WbFkSuDEutWVjWg5tZtglDYA6hSmHjx3OPQevtySo0uBC7lVsVczETp6z-BylvKOJKLd90FlvY3hPRdin2Lj429ScRzwpISsOzNM1LyaSQjstxevec/s200/Ghurka+Chef+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341749686508052178" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We shared Khasi Kabab, marinated lamb with ginger, garlic coliander and onions, Bangur Ledo, pork with garlic, onions, tomatoes and spinach, Aishwarya Chicken, a breast of chicken stuffed with spinach, garlic and mixed vegetables grilled in a clay oven and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvajBmN5KYFoYIhvJDi-EUcZz7kEteXi3AVxp2lKy-_PDzfo0SU5RUSBfQDS2xal-EkT_L1YkabmAxzwMKo-A0S_u0TZ9afcSxq8UIDnhDSuA7a5hdCH7MpaU06M6oj4oX89QKVEXAL8/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvajBmN5KYFoYIhvJDi-EUcZz7kEteXi3AVxp2lKy-_PDzfo0SU5RUSBfQDS2xal-EkT_L1YkabmAxzwMKo-A0S_u0TZ9afcSxq8UIDnhDSuA7a5hdCH7MpaU06M6oj4oX89QKVEXAL8/s200/Ghurka+Chef+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341750328090469842" /></a><br />cooked in medium Nepaleese sauces (pictured left), Palungo Ktarkari, sautéed spinach with garlic, Pharsi Tarkri, butternut squash in Nepalese spices Nariwol Bhuja, sweet coconut rice (all pictured below). I also had a mixed salad. It was all <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx-pYNYZrd2aKCdDwYE8Hud0cVINPk0btPSCIwMvC2GoyoXnMJJdBp3XuVLbv4rT5oWJQMJ4Vbd3GINBuEgHHDmFA8zmDfSmEXF0NzEtX3QxnaOerrGjTen4iiZ0O1hbP2EZzYW3_xQA/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+016.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx-pYNYZrd2aKCdDwYE8Hud0cVINPk0btPSCIwMvC2GoyoXnMJJdBp3XuVLbv4rT5oWJQMJ4Vbd3GINBuEgHHDmFA8zmDfSmEXF0NzEtX3QxnaOerrGjTen4iiZ0O1hbP2EZzYW3_xQA/s200/Ghurka+Chef+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341749925959759138" /></a>just wonderful! Expertly cooked, well presented, very good ingredients and just yum, yum, yum!! It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a meal quite so much. We highly recommend the butternut squash and pork Bangur Ledo. <br /><br />We were far too full to contemplate dessert, but had very tasty coffee, talked to our hosts who, despite being quite busy gave consistent, attentive service and we're only sorry we live a hour' drive away- though it’s only a short walk from the St Leonard’s Warrior Square train station. <br /><br />Our bill excluding a couple of beers, coffee and Nepalese tea came to £34.75 for the three of us.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3.5<br />Presentation of food: 3<br />Quality of food: 4<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-78212607715898985762009-05-10T05:40:00.000-07:002009-06-15T14:23:06.577-07:0016. The Lebanon: Al Rouche<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tkPw3QumQ8db2X4YTZp69Z_1ie13rUeZC6RNhuZ-3zYgzrWLW2buFKEFZQY3D_EJ25Jb2NlOGeUipnHC8ZQ7hxICF0e_PXkxyA2UcwVt7S9W9paXyYy2jQ4xi29Fv6ttRX1ZYfmzPt0/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tkPw3QumQ8db2X4YTZp69Z_1ie13rUeZC6RNhuZ-3zYgzrWLW2buFKEFZQY3D_EJ25Jb2NlOGeUipnHC8ZQ7hxICF0e_PXkxyA2UcwVt7S9W9paXyYy2jQ4xi29Fv6ttRX1ZYfmzPt0/s200/Ghurka+Chef+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347373021894499730" /></a><br /><strong>Al Rouche</strong><br />44 Preston Street<br />Brighton<br />East Sussex<br />BN1 2HP<br /><br />01273 734810<br /><br />After too long away from the ethnic eat scene, Badgerman and I searched out the Al Rouch Lebanese restaurant in Preston Street, one of Brighton’s famous ‘food alleys’. We were drawn to look for a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurant as after a couple of months of overseas-visitor-induced excess, we craved fresh, unadulterated, satisfying food. <br /><br />Al Rouche is a modest looking establishment that seats approximately 40. We were met with courteous friendliness and took our pick of seats, as we were the first of the Saturday lunchtime trade. We chose the £10.95 lunchtime set menu (minimum two people) that came with a delicious and quite adequate starter mezze plate pictured left. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWTgM-3jBj06HNMHYn1jTKJ3IyVupF66RXrc3Ib7m3fj3v4CmQx41LAEz4Y47fgC6nhPx18uJB08ee1hVEmltklws00kMDsMjMJEf-0DO2pSi8QfPl_usREjMTHB-s_8AwFEqFne2p3E/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWTgM-3jBj06HNMHYn1jTKJ3IyVupF66RXrc3Ib7m3fj3v4CmQx41LAEz4Y47fgC6nhPx18uJB08ee1hVEmltklws00kMDsMjMJEf-0DO2pSi8QfPl_usREjMTHB-s_8AwFEqFne2p3E/s200/Ghurka+Chef+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347373216068999762" /></a>We happily tucked into the houmous, tabouleh, moutabal- grilled aubergine pate, stuffed vine leaves, sumbouska- a cheese, onion and mint pastry, fatayer- spinach samosas, araysess- pita bread stuffed with minced lamb and kalaje jibne- pita and holoumi cheese and kebbeh- a tabouleh and meat, rugby ball-shaped, fried dumpling. All tastes and textures in this well-prepared dish complimented each other, but we thought the aubergine moutabal and araysess were particularly appealing. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOEctBf0EzvKQ4T8JwKv2Wb5PrgILzSNylOfRAfkBOKxZs8cb49hK4voZVrfAW8rksQt0yY2jDdE-prW0eI__AmZvKOyRDxNoQSltEe3UHdjEj04ZWLB-cb7AF3JECuj42Z5S81cJ6UY/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+009.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOEctBf0EzvKQ4T8JwKv2Wb5PrgILzSNylOfRAfkBOKxZs8cb49hK4voZVrfAW8rksQt0yY2jDdE-prW0eI__AmZvKOyRDxNoQSltEe3UHdjEj04ZWLB-cb7AF3JECuj42Z5S81cJ6UY/s200/Ghurka+Chef+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347373393334248018" /></a>Licking our fingers and remnants off the starter plate we waited a few short minutes for the main courses. My Ablameh, minced lamb with aubergines, onions and tomatoes served with plain rice looked deceptively simple (pictured right) but it was a delicious mixture of layered tastes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMZlfuCI-EG2CdT8S65TDDQ1XRkcmRtJRxa_4BE88iKIDdTrhLomeuPEbuNk9Sg3w_4BYY56q50hXlcWn_wVO2zbQu5O3ZDTxdvK56bD0ks8lB65uXPe5-OqBU9q3txadqT9L-BpW6d8/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMZlfuCI-EG2CdT8S65TDDQ1XRkcmRtJRxa_4BE88iKIDdTrhLomeuPEbuNk9Sg3w_4BYY56q50hXlcWn_wVO2zbQu5O3ZDTxdvK56bD0ks8lB65uXPe5-OqBU9q3txadqT9L-BpW6d8/s200/Ghurka+Chef+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347373647051487074" /></a>It reminded me of the best home cooking- satisfying, nutritious and yummy. Badgerman was equally pleased with his Mixed Grill of lamb, chicken and minced meat skewers serves on turmeric rice (pictured left). Again they were well cooked and deliciously spiced. <br /><br />The manger encouraged us to try a dessert but we might have well exploded, (“…just a petite wa-fer M’sieur…?”). We did, however, have the Arabic coffee: thick, dark and delicious and served in small, handleless cups which was excellent and had me, not a big coffee drinker reaching for a second cup.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi8pbl3tUyO0Yh8KtLadTgWuddo3vsUnzvZlANju5cwrmPPfaXJIyDrWUztAtSGI3wIpO1gTAKCyBySRqB8bkDO91Mdwz3QN6il-nOX1D14VHyuF6jFNt5Lk2feRwbrEnA-q680i0FWM/s1600-h/Ghurka+Chef+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi8pbl3tUyO0Yh8KtLadTgWuddo3vsUnzvZlANju5cwrmPPfaXJIyDrWUztAtSGI3wIpO1gTAKCyBySRqB8bkDO91Mdwz3QN6il-nOX1D14VHyuF6jFNt5Lk2feRwbrEnA-q680i0FWM/s200/Ghurka+Chef+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347373867499471506" /></a><br />The regular menu was full of wonderfully tempting dishes all reasonable priced. Judging by how quickly Al Rouch filled up on a sunny Saturday lunchtime it looks a quietly popular place. All customers were greeted warmly and made to feel valued and obviously enjoyed their food; everything that I saw come out of the kitchen looked good.<br /><br />Our bill with drinks but excluding tip was £32.50.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3<br />Food presentation: 3<br />Food quality: 3.5<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-83710435373516373922009-02-07T16:03:00.001-08:002009-02-21T14:40:35.209-08:0015. China: The Wok Inn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmutIAw4SAmvD8E-rqw2PaMymQQMKDJtSuLXxpVXLFCDB_qlG29HDWGWpTw_xQokzml1Qg0xDG_8fziST4Pwu42DEcBJrNFcEuTVaxM8T3qJXiY5KS3YtJvHBO_sku3TKjwZkEpk0SWs/s1600-h/Photo24_24%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmutIAw4SAmvD8E-rqw2PaMymQQMKDJtSuLXxpVXLFCDB_qlG29HDWGWpTw_xQokzml1Qg0xDG_8fziST4Pwu42DEcBJrNFcEuTVaxM8T3qJXiY5KS3YtJvHBO_sku3TKjwZkEpk0SWs/s200/Photo24_24%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300211393886280258" /></a>The Wok Inn<br />Shortgate, (North of the Broyle)<br />Laughton,<br />East Sussex<br />BN8 6PJ<br />01825 840888 www.wokinn.org<br /><br />On the advice of the Old Duck and her Old Boy, we visited the Wok Inn on a rainy Sunday night. We tripped trapped, Billy Goat fashion, over a charming bridge that marks the entrance to the Wok Inn, smiled at the cheery Buddha at the entrance and were greeted quickly and politely by waiting staff. We were seated at a very comfy, stylish table and I marvelled at how the former pub had been transformed in to a charming, very clean establishment with lounging, buffet, restaurant seating and function room areas. <br /><br />The large menu has something for all tastes and being avid restaurant goers and non-fussy eaters, we had trouble choosing! Blim chose his stock Sesame Prawn Toast, the rest of us had a variety of soups prices between £2.40 to £2.60. My Mixed Seafood <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcLZTvL1mRoHlG4FKysd2AkDuXdZQQ0CrH8GdD1SZBTRzoStld-Il-oPN6Kcc8GL2q9HpTBfwKgz28VzbZskJ9Pk27IEK0gcmbx3U1IrdLAzr9V0hrQN92rv-lT58Pv_emoEyH-xu3_o/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcLZTvL1mRoHlG4FKysd2AkDuXdZQQ0CrH8GdD1SZBTRzoStld-Il-oPN6Kcc8GL2q9HpTBfwKgz28VzbZskJ9Pk27IEK0gcmbx3U1IrdLAzr9V0hrQN92rv-lT58Pv_emoEyH-xu3_o/s200/Wok+Inn+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300557993568471586" /></a>and Tofu soup (pictured right) was light, tasty, full of seafood and a great start to the meal. Badgerman and the Old Duck absolutely enjoyed their Chicken Noodle Soup, finding the chicken particularly tender. It was the first time the Old Boy had had Crab and Sweet Corn Soup and thought it was delicious. After making the usual inflated, foolish comments about his food (this boy has delusions of grandeur) Blim said his Sesame Prawn Toast (pictured below) was very crispy, and flavoursome and enhanced by the inclusion of the piquant dipping sauce.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBwQFiqugWAAiwrcGR9EzdmbqMmuIUeGyP6HhZfrvYaZ-Pm-mYrRhiw_qs2sUOsodsIzdxiQXmQlKlc_BsA8Rek-KPO-hv-J87wwUet7cpIwCdfzImNwA3q_h9NnFpGWx8SrM9cJK9Vg/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBwQFiqugWAAiwrcGR9EzdmbqMmuIUeGyP6HhZfrvYaZ-Pm-mYrRhiw_qs2sUOsodsIzdxiQXmQlKlc_BsA8Rek-KPO-hv-J87wwUet7cpIwCdfzImNwA3q_h9NnFpGWx8SrM9cJK9Vg/s200/Wok+Inn+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300558680041974050" /></a><br />For our main course we chose to share: King Prawns with Mushrooms (£6.60), Beef with Green Peppers and Black Bean Sauce (£5.60), Chicken Curry (£5.40), Chicken with Cashew Nuts (£5.40) Stir Fried Pak Choy ($4.60) and Mixed Seafood Platter for Two (around £12.00) and two portions of egg fried rice. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLyZdvJhkNdaElz0CXGytHnQqEFsHEvoSboTgFamdwpN2uga3ndd_HEHlbMZDB2z1EgzCQ1P2VhVLvFTIBZmmyJ56HgKjnIzWKuVT600DkSybINLF3LOvCWkQXiZ307-X57-rWGy9Y2U/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLyZdvJhkNdaElz0CXGytHnQqEFsHEvoSboTgFamdwpN2uga3ndd_HEHlbMZDB2z1EgzCQ1P2VhVLvFTIBZmmyJ56HgKjnIzWKuVT600DkSybINLF3LOvCWkQXiZ307-X57-rWGy9Y2U/s200/Wok+Inn+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302053058130732914" /></a>The dishes arrived quickly on china plates and all looked very appetising. We tucked in and thoroughly enjoyed it all! We all found the beef to be excellent, very tender and flavoursome. Blim gave his choice, the Chicken Curry, ten out of ten. A highlight for me was the Mixed Seafood Platter for Two (pictured below. It was prettily presented with chilli and garlic dip, butterfly prawns, fried squid, wonderfully tasty bite-sized pieces of chilli pepper salmon and absolutely delicious Seafood Delight. This last component of cuttle fish and king prawn bound together into yummy discs is a ‘house signature’ dish and worth the trip alone! If you don’t fancy the whole seafood platter, the Seafood Delight appears as a separate menu item.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zm2OOihpp53llRjqwNgI0IGlZzk46DoWaXsXtZopiJpAPumnBV6j9vMPq9mCjZZ8yumj1PdbuTckqbnXx1ilfO-9g66IfStvD3Ypkb95ifv_hM98KSu1M7UuNUkTKMbCjMz9IvPqREk/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zm2OOihpp53llRjqwNgI0IGlZzk46DoWaXsXtZopiJpAPumnBV6j9vMPq9mCjZZ8yumj1PdbuTckqbnXx1ilfO-9g66IfStvD3Ypkb95ifv_hM98KSu1M7UuNUkTKMbCjMz9IvPqREk/s200/Wok+Inn+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302053344961197234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfrfKSM6fzzmi8ofp8UZJ_mRxQhlniO2o6z3PQuGb5aPFb9wzGrUAZwDZAwj9BLYdOLCLAc7Xrb_iI13CbxyfRhreT6azUmeqgimDCtxsJan5FE7ILerf8hgWY7n0mKRtxm4EPRH26FY/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+017.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfrfKSM6fzzmi8ofp8UZJ_mRxQhlniO2o6z3PQuGb5aPFb9wzGrUAZwDZAwj9BLYdOLCLAc7Xrb_iI13CbxyfRhreT6azUmeqgimDCtxsJan5FE7ILerf8hgWY7n0mKRtxm4EPRH26FY/s200/Wok+Inn+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302057566097940450" /></a>For our desserts we chose a variety from the good array of bought-it speciallity ice-cream based offerings and made in-house items, all priced between £2.50 for my yummy, crunchy Toffee Banana to £3.80 for Badgerman's Tartuffo (pictured right). The Old Duck loved her deep fried ice-cream, well chosen on our waiter's advice. Blim's Toffee Banana with Ice-Cream is pictured left.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zx2RXa4zuFEPqYUJ7nJLt2J_CtPJ5AsWaRzgqaEqDP0bvtOrOx6ushWvNtKY5BeFXuoiv5ov_JPgdwOkbDmpVxThcsIeBaSv2K-wFnzCBHMbNEfR4dxvnHeba_SRlfz1nfpeQTzXtRI/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+021.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zx2RXa4zuFEPqYUJ7nJLt2J_CtPJ5AsWaRzgqaEqDP0bvtOrOx6ushWvNtKY5BeFXuoiv5ov_JPgdwOkbDmpVxThcsIeBaSv2K-wFnzCBHMbNEfR4dxvnHeba_SRlfz1nfpeQTzXtRI/s200/Wok+Inn+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302057845662088786" /></a><br /><br /><br />As we were leaving the owner recognised the Old Boy and we had a very amiable chat. He showed me the pretty function rooms which includes the buffet area where the Sunday Buffet is served form 12 noon to 4:00 pm. It's an eat-as-much-as-you-can affair priced at £9.95 per person, 10 year olds and under eat for £5.95 with under fives eating for free. I will definitely bring Little Will, with his hollow legs, here the next time he visits and make sure I book as it is very popular.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_6SFCH8z8qFvA-jT0Xn6n0aj9tM5MY9eXya3_tUEY28rgq1TZ69WWUVSmunPcF2vK6r7cCbM8NvEX0zDzbNheD44fUEJ5Te3TdR_5w9XRb4x48BSzs2RYRd8cgnHO-4ddnuSeOZYnm4/s1600-h/Wok+Inn+004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_6SFCH8z8qFvA-jT0Xn6n0aj9tM5MY9eXya3_tUEY28rgq1TZ69WWUVSmunPcF2vK6r7cCbM8NvEX0zDzbNheD44fUEJ5Te3TdR_5w9XRb4x48BSzs2RYRd8cgnHO-4ddnuSeOZYnm4/s200/Wok+Inn+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302060107695399778" /></a>We were all very pleased with our visit to the Wok Inn and will definitely be returning. As the Old Boy said : "the food was way above the normal standard"; ingredients obviously very fresh and of a very high standard, service was good and ambiance very pleasing... what more do you want on a rainy Sunday evening?<br /><br />The bill per head, including drinks and service was £21.00. We were a party of five- if you want to skip dessert or are very hungry, I would suggest ordering one or two more main dishes.<br /><strong><br />Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 3.5<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 2.5<br /><br />We have made two return visits to the Wok Inn- each time was as enjoyable, if more more enjoyable, as the first! Go, go, go and enjoy- and say Sussex Ethnic Eats sent you!!Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-14592304947509487712009-01-31T17:22:00.000-08:002009-02-04T13:36:28.292-08:0014. Indian: Spice Merchant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfX0hVfYK9lbk_F2gp77dPeAwiB4xaB8Yw594dv_qSRFU6fUiL2rCmKbKO27fxfrzfIp2Vzbqg8vBIBqh9eufybkkRZuk_Wdst5wYAhv7MBa3aBo4pRsR-CDWCpJhXXyIInWo2ZkuuA/s1600-h/spice+Merchant+Lewes+007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfX0hVfYK9lbk_F2gp77dPeAwiB4xaB8Yw594dv_qSRFU6fUiL2rCmKbKO27fxfrzfIp2Vzbqg8vBIBqh9eufybkkRZuk_Wdst5wYAhv7MBa3aBo4pRsR-CDWCpJhXXyIInWo2ZkuuA/s200/spice+Merchant+Lewes+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297634070026466594" /></a><br /><strong>The Spice Merchant<br />18 West St, <br />Lewes, <br />BN7 2NZ <br /><br />01273 470707</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Badgerman and I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL-YXmheTii-7hhWwTOqZu-Ki08SEMXwGmdGCiEUgCCOW5-dpe53lBofkW2AyXWkBQ_d63cr9yjwnJQV025wBDYqHLfSL0JHLZDZ9AAQLrX05oPNaSfoj5xzLAAUuLPkv321d1cDU05I/s1600-h/spice+Merchant+Lewes+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL-YXmheTii-7hhWwTOqZu-Ki08SEMXwGmdGCiEUgCCOW5-dpe53lBofkW2AyXWkBQ_d63cr9yjwnJQV025wBDYqHLfSL0JHLZDZ9AAQLrX05oPNaSfoj5xzLAAUuLPkv321d1cDU05I/s200/spice+Merchant+Lewes+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299058151763988082" /></a>met a group of ten friends at this newest of the many Lewes Indian restaurants. It is housed in what was the East Sussex Music Service offices and has been very smartly remodelled with deep cinnamon walls, lovely chandeliers and opulent mirrors. We were greeted very warmly on a freezing night; many of our party were obviously known to the staff and received special hellos. <br /><br />Forget what you may have experienced in other restaurants- the Spice Merchant is more chic: dishes are served in modern, white porcelain, tables are laid with rectangularly folded napkins and Italianate cutlery. Service was always attentive and friendly despite all the 70 plus seats being taken. The menu is extensive with many unfamiliar dishes. Starter prices ranged from £2.75 for Onion Bhajies to Mixed Platters for £4.95, though there is not as full range on offer as I have seen in other Indian restaurants. The choice of starters is more than made up by the huge array of main dishes ranging from many familiar names but a few surprises such as Chingre e Bahar: king prawns marinated and grilled in a tandoor for £13.99. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd5lcLmkdubv9y2JcVRBaqAXC747e7_jAIdhp_ScSsegDg6iGvhhEjMxi1YLs6G_QwZrwZjcjVGQYLVIGcM2a4xbqrUYmaziPwqZ5iM5FVAzzKTwixKtncAEuHUFeoYN88qYjgtsbf20/s1600-h/spice+Merchant+Lewes+003.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd5lcLmkdubv9y2JcVRBaqAXC747e7_jAIdhp_ScSsegDg6iGvhhEjMxi1YLs6G_QwZrwZjcjVGQYLVIGcM2a4xbqrUYmaziPwqZ5iM5FVAzzKTwixKtncAEuHUFeoYN88qYjgtsbf20/s200/spice+Merchant+Lewes+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297635619557499602" /></a>Bowls of papadoms with accompanying chutneys and dips arrived quickly just after the drinks order was taken. The two lovely ladies on either side of me, both regulars, chose the Chicken Karma Sutra (£9.95), hot and spicy chicken in wine, pictured right, and the Goan Fish Curry (£9.95), white fish in mustard seed , coconut milk, red chilli, turmeric, methie and curry leaf sauce. I chose the Chicken Pasanda (£7.95), chicken in mild spices, almonds cream and wine. Our dishes arrived after a bit of a wait and were all well received. My Pasanda was very tasty! The sauce was rich and thick, not too sweet and the chicken was beautifully cooked and super tender and tasty. I traded bites with the gals and was particularly <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2o35Fivcdc565-L4kegcV-PTgSrgf1s3GtAruRH4z8x85p8cMei9wAbNFXIBYTr2eBFe96BZlqUIfqg9s0pqYQGEPbBeo6yuMF8SKQYUCAUn30z0hTSH_24gaoDUUz_LHwc-zTdplDg/s1600-h/spice+Merchant+Lewes+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2o35Fivcdc565-L4kegcV-PTgSrgf1s3GtAruRH4z8x85p8cMei9wAbNFXIBYTr2eBFe96BZlqUIfqg9s0pqYQGEPbBeo6yuMF8SKQYUCAUn30z0hTSH_24gaoDUUz_LHwc-zTdplDg/s200/spice+Merchant+Lewes+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297636033404929122" /></a>impressed with the Goan fish. It was much hotter that my Passanda; not creamy but flavoursome and the fish was still large pieces- I’ll try this one next time. The Karma Sutra was a good choice too and the chicken was super tender and tasty like mine. Badgerman, far down the table, liked his onion bhaji, chicken jalffezi and lemon rice and thought them to be very flavoursome. All the table seemed to enjoy their dishes which ranged from my mild Passanda to the volcanic Ghandi's revenge. <br /><br />Though we were the largest table at The Spice Merchant, there were many tables of twos and fours, all recieving good service and attention. The take-away custom was brisk but we never felt that is was taking precident over seated custom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FKClGWETrJr3YjMThGrzK3OQPEnHWFdtrUagwlKjkvm1cC6FNN6JfCdAOMYHUQRxlIA460nTY0-bTAggAz5l9guyRx4_o8WQZQbZcmr6ByMSKK2knybDRIOWy8TIw4H9IbP3dlIGqhM/s1600-h/spice+Merchant+Lewes+005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FKClGWETrJr3YjMThGrzK3OQPEnHWFdtrUagwlKjkvm1cC6FNN6JfCdAOMYHUQRxlIA460nTY0-bTAggAz5l9guyRx4_o8WQZQbZcmr6ByMSKK2knybDRIOWy8TIw4H9IbP3dlIGqhM/s200/spice+Merchant+Lewes+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299057423757204898" /></a>The drinks selection is quite good with bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon for £10.95 each, with white Zinfandel at £15.95, 640ml bottles of Tiger Beer for £4.10 and 330ml of Cobra Beer £2.95.<br /><br />As the table split the bill, it's hard to determine the true cost of our food, but Badgerman and I estimate our bill, excluding tip, would have been £35.00<br /><br /><strong>Rating </strong><br />Ambiance: 3<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 3.5<br />Service: 3<br />Value for Money: 2Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-920358752304909412009-01-30T17:19:00.000-08:002009-01-31T07:49:57.738-08:0013. European and Polish: Artisan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB4dV5v9rrTzF82Y-_Qah_8RA8uWHgUgTQ37DJIrGYFJXQj2kUsxc127s5DRQFYPqLP9AHrfUpVAmCTCYXmGxUJH-uENKABl4te9B0UdYztYHaGXSaqMYi26AAlJu6JApz2octrIGEi8/s1600-h/Artisan+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB4dV5v9rrTzF82Y-_Qah_8RA8uWHgUgTQ37DJIrGYFJXQj2kUsxc127s5DRQFYPqLP9AHrfUpVAmCTCYXmGxUJH-uENKABl4te9B0UdYztYHaGXSaqMYi26AAlJu6JApz2octrIGEi8/s200/Artisan+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297263080434201298" /></a><br /><strong>Artisan Cafe, <br />Wine Bar and Gallery<br />197 High Street, <br />Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2NS <br />01273 479713<br />www.artisancafe.co.uk</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Rising Phoenix-like from the ashes, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W1cdhm1Umx9Qmwj579UiZk-f_JRCKsiTlEMMm9LW1hMKZv2M_SjdLfLrVihFIiuPWENgf4YSzWu6oc6_wLrjId-L4ZOTlF0PF2mO8GVc5awkzg_wvnz_LW_7hVxHdMv-43mSg-h8afU/s1600-h/Artisan+002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W1cdhm1Umx9Qmwj579UiZk-f_JRCKsiTlEMMm9LW1hMKZv2M_SjdLfLrVihFIiuPWENgf4YSzWu6oc6_wLrjId-L4ZOTlF0PF2mO8GVc5awkzg_wvnz_LW_7hVxHdMv-43mSg-h8afU/s200/Artisan+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297267587045163586" /></a>Artisan is located where the fire-damaged Si was on School Hill in Lewes. On friends’ recommendations we ventured in and were met with polite, professionalism and seated immediately. The restaurant is quite large with 70+ seats and is divided into a lounging dining area with arm chairs, sofas and incidental furniture at the front, the usual chairs and table dining area in the middle, main section with the kitchen on view at the rear. The walls in the main section are hung with a variety of artwork for sale by local and Polish artists and make for an interesting, changing atmosphere. <br /><br />The fare is mainly British/European but some welcome Polish dishes creep into the specials board and many dishes, like the Artisan Salad a filling plate of a variety of salad items, freshly cooked beets, medium boiled eggs and other tasties for £6.50 have definite Polish influences. I adore beets so chose the beet soup and Little Will and I shared a Deli Board- £10.50. Badgerman and Little Will chose Chicken Club sandwiches. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3mopz1FCaelTxTaQosgmQxQWdDKu2-UKPdkZcFkNI7wO6gy3xcCA8nC5CmFTean8JowNQihSmPnfbdoxF44Y0CrG3TlIKwmmtmWBWDL1AZvug6N7sP4X0h7OheRtZwgprtlH6qVKXyA/s1600-h/Artisan+008.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3mopz1FCaelTxTaQosgmQxQWdDKu2-UKPdkZcFkNI7wO6gy3xcCA8nC5CmFTean8JowNQihSmPnfbdoxF44Y0CrG3TlIKwmmtmWBWDL1AZvug6N7sP4X0h7OheRtZwgprtlH6qVKXyA/s200/Artisan+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297263224838297570" /></a><br />There is an interesting Chidren's Menu, pictures right, with good value, tempting meals. Young'uns can choose from items such as: pasta, cod goujons, chicken breast, sausages all served with fries, veggies and salad or mashed potatoes and finish with vanilla ice-cream with raspberry or chocolate sauce for £4.50. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw6lCfKF45pqEe67uryrNj8Bl9dlr6uuSc4kFLhd3yak8Pu4fNF1LbqYQPyUzJ6y9_bEOHGaKp7DxzI0ooQDar03SZ7SJpYceO79mBVSzjL9qTfvO5-3q_8xrjn8JsecJ1SPPCAqwIMY/s1600-h/Artisan+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw6lCfKF45pqEe67uryrNj8Bl9dlr6uuSc4kFLhd3yak8Pu4fNF1LbqYQPyUzJ6y9_bEOHGaKp7DxzI0ooQDar03SZ7SJpYceO79mBVSzjL9qTfvO5-3q_8xrjn8JsecJ1SPPCAqwIMY/s200/Artisan+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297263446347924722" /></a>My generous bowl of clear beet soup arrived in good time and was very tasty, well seasoned and good and hot. The Deli Board, pictured left, was a real treat! Little Will and I happily munched our way through the well-presented selection of homuos, tadziki, taramasalata, crudités, dried fruit, stuffed peppers, sundried tomatoes, melted goat’s cheese and toasted baguette slices. This would make a filling lunch for one. Badgerman and Little Will enjoyed their hearty club sandwiched and very good in-house cut chips, pictured below.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6otLxKSk1QCtnAe-XVQiIkZbCZwhLaP47oVh2BgaqYdwVmEyL3WRAsD_Pz-H0H6wB0ue8fPIdSn0BySxbxdEakkw0LO5mn-iBHlVJf8_uqFpSgdl1R6Sgw2R3IaKSOs4lsRifGU0lcaw/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6otLxKSk1QCtnAe-XVQiIkZbCZwhLaP47oVh2BgaqYdwVmEyL3WRAsD_Pz-H0H6wB0ue8fPIdSn0BySxbxdEakkw0LO5mn-iBHlVJf8_uqFpSgdl1R6Sgw2R3IaKSOs4lsRifGU0lcaw/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297263682117596882" /></a><br />Little Will with his 30” waist <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0-2hh0epTD-N0h-st0nMcdtPdFTxXSBpixSfIT_8W91iBxMUNjGDCFrpnt_PcuYrP3s8svkONd1ndjmGdpd05udfy4iaM50jDtD89Dix6FS2VRmywW2iYhKCG_KFsUASURpIaIu-Crg/s1600-h/Artian+Lewes.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0-2hh0epTD-N0h-st0nMcdtPdFTxXSBpixSfIT_8W91iBxMUNjGDCFrpnt_PcuYrP3s8svkONd1ndjmGdpd05udfy4iaM50jDtD89Dix6FS2VRmywW2iYhKCG_KFsUASURpIaIu-Crg/s200/Artian+Lewes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297263968814867506" /></a><br />and hollow legs ordered a Chocolate Fondant pudding, pictured right, that was a real treat. The cakey outer was light and strongly chocolatey and gave way to the velvety smooth dark chocolate sauce inside. It was served with a very good vanilla ice-cream and I must say, I'd have been very proud of myself if I had made it!<br /><br />Will had a beer, Badgerman a glass of house red, I had tap water, charmingly served in a large cut-glass decanter and we all had coffees. Our bill, excluding tip, was £44.00.<br /><br />Lewesians have appreciated this newest arrival to the town’s range of good eateries judging by the number of customers and I would book during busy times. This double-fronted restaurant beckons you in with its interesting, stylish décor but the service and excellent food will keep you coming back! <br /><br /><br /><strong>Rating </strong><br />Ambience: 3<br />Food Presentation: 4<br />Food Quality: 3.5<br />Service: 3<br />Value for Money: 2.5Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-9672236876763362982009-01-30T14:49:00.000-08:002009-01-31T07:42:18.810-08:0012. China: Dragon Inn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcfRoN6Ga_y712QQWacS87OAs4Ft2Hxzm718FAkYmbsEYMjDldk0aXtEnnfHz36dsJu3LmLqjFvI_U9p87vaz3HIAkUPQNQggoyGwzHdzhpzvKtkVrn5T_84OmRxLnfUqi7R3kkhQF9g/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcfRoN6Ga_y712QQWacS87OAs4Ft2Hxzm718FAkYmbsEYMjDldk0aXtEnnfHz36dsJu3LmLqjFvI_U9p87vaz3HIAkUPQNQggoyGwzHdzhpzvKtkVrn5T_84OmRxLnfUqi7R3kkhQF9g/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297238237848970530" /></a><br /><strong>Dragon Inn<br />204-206 High St<br />Uckfield, TN22 1RD<br />01825 764009</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />After visiting the the Uckfield Picture House, (www.picturehouseuckfield.com) one of the few family owned cinemas in the south-east, we wandered over to the Dragon Inn for our dinner. We were met with true Asian, brisk hospitality and seated imediately. We had booked as this was a Saturday night near the Lunar New Year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY8iPYZ288Er0PF43Rm6pBQ9QKbkkBIxdXoF1PBPl8WWHLaxlkCwJmju1SgxD99WwGilO5Njrfbh41Xh95mnIJin10nr8ZUZoNA8wM4_cxetDrFipi8Av0pMusR00baf5cxkr-TVeOVs/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY8iPYZ288Er0PF43Rm6pBQ9QKbkkBIxdXoF1PBPl8WWHLaxlkCwJmju1SgxD99WwGilO5Njrfbh41Xh95mnIJin10nr8ZUZoNA8wM4_cxetDrFipi8Av0pMusR00baf5cxkr-TVeOVs/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297238392715713458" /></a>From the good selection of starters, priced from £1.40 for Prawn Crackers to £6.00 for Thai Squid, I chose Hot and Sour Soup- £3.00, (pictured left), Badgerman and Little Will had Tom Yum Prawn Soup and Blim, his favourite Sesame Prawn Toast- £4.00. Despite it being a busy time, these arrive quickly and piping hot. The soups lived up to the menu’s ‘spicy’ warning, but were wonderfully tasty and stuffed full of veggies and meat. I really, really enjoyed mine!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcMmKnbn08795uxFyk_DmFg5jkZtFyyWezC1cjHQJJRzqjbJEx0kzwet3sCscjoR-k_zieyLn3oDZ3ZyOp1MN4W1b3o10MxXw_j-4jGSdRvpX3KylYaNsffuJnyts-CE40nGJA_Zku5U/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcMmKnbn08795uxFyk_DmFg5jkZtFyyWezC1cjHQJJRzqjbJEx0kzwet3sCscjoR-k_zieyLn3oDZ3ZyOp1MN4W1b3o10MxXw_j-4jGSdRvpX3KylYaNsffuJnyts-CE40nGJA_Zku5U/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297238914026645202" /></a> From the traditionally huge range of choices of mains priced from £4.00 to £11.00, we chose to share: Chicken with Green Peppers and Black Bean Sauce (pictured above), Kung Po Bean Curd, Crispy Chilli Beef, (both pictured below), Chicken in Yellow Bean Sauce, Sizzling Mixed Seafood, Seasonal Greens and rice. All arrived in good time and again, piping hot. We are great fans of Chinese food and found all these dishes to be excellent: well-cooked, cleanly seasoned and just plain yummy! The Sizzling Seafood that arrived dramatically on a cast-iron plate was particularly noteworthy. Conversation flagged as we tucked in. The portions were sufficient and reasonable for the money.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2jIavYp50rVjax7vKxQxJCjmwUCHAfpTQpbmM0tsOl8mfQaVj9c-2wQikfJEAX23TRZ3Vz0SeiodssvYX-cW6UYaKYZQYzL5nUEZb7_LHHvaQi2NkiQt01EssvuszL28IiheekHjWaQ/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2jIavYp50rVjax7vKxQxJCjmwUCHAfpTQpbmM0tsOl8mfQaVj9c-2wQikfJEAX23TRZ3Vz0SeiodssvYX-cW6UYaKYZQYzL5nUEZb7_LHHvaQi2NkiQt01EssvuszL28IiheekHjWaQ/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297239248219597858" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX7gsz3GWfADAHpg30zDZwdGw7Rjt3paH9YQ3G87XxwdDPUtvvY32IA_a9DMB4CJpcFo2cofX4xszwzsar0F69eDEC3fk_ImbQA8eHBPOw3MESnSHQfWquhgiMHG9zJlAAn-Tt2ZLqTA/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX7gsz3GWfADAHpg30zDZwdGw7Rjt3paH9YQ3G87XxwdDPUtvvY32IA_a9DMB4CJpcFo2cofX4xszwzsar0F69eDEC3fk_ImbQA8eHBPOw3MESnSHQfWquhgiMHG9zJlAAn-Tt2ZLqTA/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297239436098837458" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Unusually for me, I had wisely left enough room for dessert and had the Toffee Banana (pictured right). I really enjoyed it. The caramel coating was thin but <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyHf8KNUF6zskbjl0g0e06-wG_Q-UrBHeiQ7DNqfXSpXWCe3YswJ7jymc4n0wkgQbcIoxw_d_XwWOh1Yxvgure1pphbdZd4eprVxHuazkJjzfYE9bk82k_sR0bV6rpoJa16OuOThyphenhyphen3VA/s1600-h/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyHf8KNUF6zskbjl0g0e06-wG_Q-UrBHeiQ7DNqfXSpXWCe3YswJ7jymc4n0wkgQbcIoxw_d_XwWOh1Yxvgure1pphbdZd4eprVxHuazkJjzfYE9bk82k_sR0bV6rpoJa16OuOThyphenhyphen3VA/s200/Dragon+Inn+Uckfield+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297239751591482066" /></a><br />solid and the batter was fluffy and not too sweet, I can’t remember having a better one ever. Blim chose the ice-cream bombe ‘Croquant’ a pleasing, brought-in dessert and thoroughly enjoyed it. We swapped ‘bites’ and the two went together very well. Little Will enjoyed his Lycees, while Badgerman just had coffee.<br /><br />We had quite a few beers, and of course pots of Jasmin Tea. The bill, excluding alcoholic drinks and tip, came to £66.00- good value for how full we hearty eaters were!<br /><br />Rating<strong></strong><br />Ambiance: 3<br />Food Presentation: 2<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Service: 2<br />Value for money: 2.5Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-56402398718008502912008-12-30T17:44:00.000-08:002009-01-31T16:22:28.910-08:0011.British: Kingfish Restaurant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG9ELs9FK118-pGST4An50C14GhRRLWCXNTg14var9JrV_X40er1X8HgnOEbGwKKFANFdccSpRZyo1nItkaVGO4usJH_MQo93Z1g9Q0bZCgh8GAfYSvGB3sFWAnDrihielRBKhH0-zuw/s1600-h/Kingfish+4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG9ELs9FK118-pGST4An50C14GhRRLWCXNTg14var9JrV_X40er1X8HgnOEbGwKKFANFdccSpRZyo1nItkaVGO4usJH_MQo93Z1g9Q0bZCgh8GAfYSvGB3sFWAnDrihielRBKhH0-zuw/s200/Kingfish+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285766293779026194" /></a><strong><br />Kingfish Restaurant<br />36 Sussex Road,<br />Haywards Heath,<br />West Sussex<br />RH16 4EA<br />01444 412601</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Badgerman and I happened upon <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-5WMXe6Zysd6CJq-lHN9Yy6zRUVynM7_ANp9quLWXPCJrJnDrqWEqjY4xJkjSa9ZkXCEH6Uo74goIU0KqKOboc5uTxCNQRUN6muj5c7215fro988RKhoTQzo25UTpKYnKhaxJJPuHXc/s1600-h/Kingfish+3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-5WMXe6Zysd6CJq-lHN9Yy6zRUVynM7_ANp9quLWXPCJrJnDrqWEqjY4xJkjSa9ZkXCEH6Uo74goIU0KqKOboc5uTxCNQRUN6muj5c7215fro988RKhoTQzo25UTpKYnKhaxJJPuHXc/s200/Kingfish+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285768198235678322" /></a>Kingfish Restaurant after I visited a Podiatrist at the Foot Care Centre next door and what a great find it was too! Forget your preconceptions about fish and chip shops/restaurants when you visit Kingfish. You can order a take-away from the very clean counter or go further in the foyer and enter the very smartly decorated restaurant with its chic tables and chairs and interesting, themed abstract and realistic artwork a photographs. <br /><br />We were greeted with a friendly smile and shown to our table. It was just 12 noon and we were the only customers but the restaurant was quite full when we left an hour later. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwTcDnD9cfMpJnyzPeIPKH2vqz53_CZ4nrFNfMPe25vO7aoK3NQv2EA1oT6RTAt0lqTpoYgSW9r-gwnrvZFoW1yfYMvQaTUOMK23J1zkgv3OFhINnnjS8QAMRrJ3koy1ebwjjHGIvR4Y/s1600-h/Kingfish+7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwTcDnD9cfMpJnyzPeIPKH2vqz53_CZ4nrFNfMPe25vO7aoK3NQv2EA1oT6RTAt0lqTpoYgSW9r-gwnrvZFoW1yfYMvQaTUOMK23J1zkgv3OFhINnnjS8QAMRrJ3koy1ebwjjHGIvR4Y/s200/Kingfish+7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285768379199207154" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78c426afJpeBzjW2F8J743W284QlOuzWdJfaZAr67LIxuUkPdNJNZ2xSzmZ745Zolr6_vls_R3ab7GyGhPyXqAWsFbXFq9rqh1-tMH1cqR8eevqY8RU7DYoYm-RW7-_PiKRwX6boN-5E/s1600-h/Kingfish+6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78c426afJpeBzjW2F8J743W284QlOuzWdJfaZAr67LIxuUkPdNJNZ2xSzmZ745Zolr6_vls_R3ab7GyGhPyXqAWsFbXFq9rqh1-tMH1cqR8eevqY8RU7DYoYm-RW7-_PiKRwX6boN-5E/s200/Kingfish+6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285768474662757314" /></a>I chose crevettes cooked in butter, olive oil, garlic and pepper served with French bread for £6.00. Not particularly cheap for a starter but the huge crevettes were beautifully cooked- still plump and flavoursome and nicely presented and worth the cost. Badgerman chose whitebait (£4.30); a brave choice as I have often found this dish to be little than a mess of crispy, oily, overcooked, shrivelled fish. Well not this time! They were plump and fat, lightly battered and cooked to a turn with the flesh still moist and very tasty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkiBycsZ04nrWA4mcdS1s4i4mNVeKidw91PuvpwZZysKD9GY8y7Py1ho0OQNYvMjcdnFQWrRAgma5oGbfY06VA8_jmxtJzJJoMPej9ANciosOZP2IUKLiD4H0rTSjvFn9Oxo-2Av7oec/s1600-h/Kingfish+5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkiBycsZ04nrWA4mcdS1s4i4mNVeKidw91PuvpwZZysKD9GY8y7Py1ho0OQNYvMjcdnFQWrRAgma5oGbfY06VA8_jmxtJzJJoMPej9ANciosOZP2IUKLiD4H0rTSjvFn9Oxo-2Av7oec/s200/Kingfish+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285769467200304498" /></a>Our ample main dishes of 'small' cod, chips, ratatouille and pickled gherkin (left) and 'small' huss, chips and peas (below)were £6.40 each and arrived soon after our starter dishes were cleared. The chips were good but we both particularly enjoyed the fish. It was perfectly cooked and the batter was really thin and crispy- just as it should be. I liked the home-made ratatouille and found it a nice alternative to peas. We could have had medium sized fish portions for £7.30 or £7.85, depending on the variety of fish or large portions for £8.30 to £9.00. Our small sizes were plenty as we had starters. When I return, and I will, if I don't have a started I will probably order a medium fish portion and save the large for my sons with their hollow legs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7k-Gf91cxJjTFamz0UfGmN50bSilNP102uRUsP9hrjXTrtWrvXFFSNhVkeQy-nqkAzcyLiIHowe60BC7WKs2r2DGq-uU6R8Mvmb27bPSmAHCgIFlTUazeC-BA9vKCPCxb7_hfekHV18/s1600-h/Kingfish+1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7k-Gf91cxJjTFamz0UfGmN50bSilNP102uRUsP9hrjXTrtWrvXFFSNhVkeQy-nqkAzcyLiIHowe60BC7WKs2r2DGq-uU6R8Mvmb27bPSmAHCgIFlTUazeC-BA9vKCPCxb7_hfekHV18/s200/Kingfish+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285769648477639874" /></a>Perusing the menus we found a surprisingly large choice of pasta, pizza, meat, pie and vegetarian dishes; there were also good reasonable children’s selections such as cod bites. Kingfish is fully licenced, notably with imaginative and reasonalby priced wines.<br /><br />We finished up just with coffee, as we were too full for dessert and our bill for two came to £26.65 excluding tip.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3<br />Food Presentation: 2<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Service: 2<br />Value for money: 2.5Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-71647206366528813722008-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:002008-11-19T15:06:10.648-08:0010. Thailand: The River Thai Restaurant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcyiKUBEWaDNKE_EdHTQX7YZlf-wH1kJKjiBjRdwFq_hc1EkMalJ0yWRUjHoOE-LkcX9i4A2TCmi8nNlNioy1JWknX8kD4Tk5C-uWPQB-kMvfs9Ttg1QVctH2YdIxsEHQLXpjx6XHsdg/s1600-h/River+thai+interior.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcyiKUBEWaDNKE_EdHTQX7YZlf-wH1kJKjiBjRdwFq_hc1EkMalJ0yWRUjHoOE-LkcX9i4A2TCmi8nNlNioy1JWknX8kD4Tk5C-uWPQB-kMvfs9Ttg1QVctH2YdIxsEHQLXpjx6XHsdg/s200/River+thai+interior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269045466818412098" /></a><br /><strong>The River Thai Restaurant</strong><br />45 the Broadway,<br />Haywards Heath,<br />West Sussex<br />RH16 3AS<br />01444 412731<br />www.riverthai.co.uk<br /><br />Badgerman and I were in the Haywards Heath area on a family errand and Christmas shopping on a Saturday when lunchtime arrived and on recommendations from work colleagues, we found ourselves looking for the River Thai on The Broadway. We were greeted and seated politely and quickly. The interior is strikingly decorated; it’s an elegant mix of modern stylish patterning and traditional opulence. <br /><br /><br />The £6.50, two-course lunch menu available from 12:00- 3:00, Monday through Saturday brought us in. From the seven, varied starters we both chose Tom Yam Gui: hot chicken soup. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPB4pm5lNa5Vh941auhDg8y5Azy0vUD9K0Bueuzo9q8HKvWH5N3JdWNZ7QT_-58dgkD8Ze66d3u83n8Ta7o1wOiefq4JXYKd0BHGx6jUjNb46XSKTMMbAjZnuE9wUSvwC_t4LooJcKzY/s1600-h/Tom+Yam+Gui.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPB4pm5lNa5Vh941auhDg8y5Azy0vUD9K0Bueuzo9q8HKvWH5N3JdWNZ7QT_-58dgkD8Ze66d3u83n8Ta7o1wOiefq4JXYKd0BHGx6jUjNb46XSKTMMbAjZnuE9wUSvwC_t4LooJcKzY/s200/Tom+Yam+Gui.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269045595954401314" /></a>It arrived quickly steaming hot, spicy, packed full of delicious chicken breast pieces, slivers of lemon grass, mushrooms and the best, the very best soup stock I have ever tasted! We shared our mains, choosing Gai Muang: chicken with cashews and dry chilli and Nam Man Hoi: stir fried beef in oyster sauce, from the nine mains offered. With the exception of the Pad Thai noodles, each main comes with your choice of noodles or rice. We chose noodles with the chicken and rice with the beef. Both dishes were just delicious. The cashews in the Gai Muang were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVhQRP-UIKR9NWIkgzxnTweFoqng1YmBqDUy4qg8TpGFMqPXcC-ffqPu-eo0zuTTDnd3ODinF4U0qIbp49l97gWmGdlFUIU6sulkaqfnOet2VRT5bE2TcgXV_f8aPxNJW7S4zdxKr7TE/s1600-h/Chicken+cashews+noodles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVhQRP-UIKR9NWIkgzxnTweFoqng1YmBqDUy4qg8TpGFMqPXcC-ffqPu-eo0zuTTDnd3ODinF4U0qIbp49l97gWmGdlFUIU6sulkaqfnOet2VRT5bE2TcgXV_f8aPxNJW7S4zdxKr7TE/s200/Chicken+cashews+noodles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269045853482113458" /></a>toasted, complimenting the flavour of the perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables. The chilli beef also had plenty of veg. with it and was yummy, but the jasmine rice was a real treat. It was very small, fine grained, perfectly cooked with a delicate flavour not usually found in plain, accompanying rice. <br /><br />Perusing the dessert menu, (£3.50 to £4.25) with tempting items such as passion fruit and mango sorbet, coconut ice-cream served in its shell and Thai pancakes; we were pleased that we had both left room. We both chose the caramel parfait (£3.50), caramel ice-cream covered in milk chocolate that was prettily presented with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. For a ‘brought in’ dessert it was really good, and had Badgerman and I unceremoniously scraping our plates to get all the last melty smears. <br /><br /><br />We drank pots of attentively replenished Jasmin tea, very crisp sparking water served with lime slices and I chose a refreshing glass of medium, white Monsoon Valley Wine (£2.80 for 175ml). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4oyHu6PH2LoQgQn2cSUkz3XxJlPy6zZQQKsPKEpFPEsLA0YMuzohYUyfCHUXXMgPluRYCUIEfHAhP2PvuM7zgI2DKgR5B9QHFkYOOS7pZ7i9i3RJpAyYVGd_WHJ1SqX1SpgYFmUNMl4/s1600-h/wine+list+flower.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4oyHu6PH2LoQgQn2cSUkz3XxJlPy6zZQQKsPKEpFPEsLA0YMuzohYUyfCHUXXMgPluRYCUIEfHAhP2PvuM7zgI2DKgR5B9QHFkYOOS7pZ7i9i3RJpAyYVGd_WHJ1SqX1SpgYFmUNMl4/s200/wine+list+flower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269047269908780850" /></a>The Wine list has an interesting array of New and Old World wines, some served by the glass and ranging from £10.90 –£22.50 a bottle. There are also Champagnes on offer if your tastes and pocket run that way. <br /><br />We looked at the interesting Christmas menu priced at £30.00 a head for starters, soup, mains, noodles or rice, dessert and tea of coffee and thought that this would be an excellent place for a works do or for a gang of friends to visit. They also have a function room for larger parties and what are the cleanest restaurant loos I have seen for a while.<br /><br />Our bill for three courses and drinks came to £28.75 excluding tip.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Service: 4<br />Value for money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-631500537871921362008-11-13T08:56:00.000-08:002008-11-19T05:51:52.589-08:009. Italy, southern: Buon Appetito<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvpNmn3ehSn2-W1bgZ5KpUJzfRD8I6kNXvmuCSb8RCelH_dB8Riw-Oyk2QoE3gaAdB4JTWNuROVDi3Q8RFGv6oogMF3IE5lGmXAhwtZLZ9wbQinMbpYg09Ws9DilUUa8bMkDAqJ9v4EU/s1600-h/12-11-08_2018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvpNmn3ehSn2-W1bgZ5KpUJzfRD8I6kNXvmuCSb8RCelH_dB8Riw-Oyk2QoE3gaAdB4JTWNuROVDi3Q8RFGv6oogMF3IE5lGmXAhwtZLZ9wbQinMbpYg09Ws9DilUUa8bMkDAqJ9v4EU/s200/12-11-08_2018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268188288086165890" /></a><br /><strong>Buon Appetito</strong><br />171 London Road,<br />Burgess Hill<br />West Sussex,<br />RH15 8LH<br />01444 246889<br />bounappetito2000@aol.com<br /><br />Some of the best things in life are things you just stumble upon by mistake. One such happy surprise was our visit to Buon Appetito. The Blim was away so Badgerman and I decided to meet in Burgess Hill for dinner and add to our Sussex Ethnic Eats finds. We arrived at Buon Appetito about 7:15; there were already two parties of two in this small (about 40 covers) restaurant. The décor is smart and understated and the welcome was very hospitable and friendly. <br /><br />We ordered drinks: a glass of house red for Badgerman and sparkling water for me that turned out to be the excellent San Beniditto brand. We perused the superbly varied menu, with over <strong>80</strong> main course choices priced from £6.95 for pasta and pizza dishes to £15.95 for rack of lamb, and were flummoxed so we asked for advice. We were directed to the interesting looking specials, Badgerman chose the Patate e Anatra Croccante- baked potatoes and duck with olive oil garlic and butter (£6.95) and I opted for the Avocado Biancaneve- baked avocado and prawns with béchamel sauce and parmesan (£5.95). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kgGinqP7j6-ZYQ45QfB9XQSU2ZwCinFuKk6a9jgP-W41i1Nuqrbmgo7zAs3282K4tgx490nsJ_n7RxJ3o_3dGcdCa10ufu1ciZmaKL2ZDtKOtm1D_7lfTzQLpo8H3GuWkZ62__goWio/s1600-h/baked+avocado.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kgGinqP7j6-ZYQ45QfB9XQSU2ZwCinFuKk6a9jgP-W41i1Nuqrbmgo7zAs3282K4tgx490nsJ_n7RxJ3o_3dGcdCa10ufu1ciZmaKL2ZDtKOtm1D_7lfTzQLpo8H3GuWkZ62__goWio/s200/baked+avocado.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268188563400846354" /></a>There is a very good range of vegatarian and non-vegetarian starters priced from £1.95 for the house garlic bread to £7.25 for Gamberoni Al Limone: king prawns cooked with white wine and lemon sauce. For our mains Badgerman selected Penne alla Siciliana- Penne with pepperoni, mixed roasted peppers chilli and tomato sauce (£6.95) and I chose Tagliatelle Allo Scoglio: Pasta cooked with a fresh selection of seafood, cherry tomatoes and tomato sauce (£7.95). Our drinks arrived promptly and I tucked into the package of very thin, crispy breadsticks and watched all the wonderfully presented dishes go by to the two other tables. Our starters arrived and we were very pleased with both our selections. My avocado dish, pictured above, was just delicious. The avocado was perfectly ripe and the prawns very flavoursome. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn_BwTNr-h60Gfg4zdDgOFnYJ2gcbmpHNZEgCpLf6zNMj-48kFTLnxeIoRnC9z0Zxc5yo2Mc4ra6tNJgf6KaVkJ_aUFM97NN16TcMuvrux4xCVHb-kKEWGF4ffo1w-U-PrH_Mz-rfNrA/s1600-h/Duck+starter.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn_BwTNr-h60Gfg4zdDgOFnYJ2gcbmpHNZEgCpLf6zNMj-48kFTLnxeIoRnC9z0Zxc5yo2Mc4ra6tNJgf6KaVkJ_aUFM97NN16TcMuvrux4xCVHb-kKEWGF4ffo1w-U-PrH_Mz-rfNrA/s200/Duck+starter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268193741720978482" /></a>The plentiful béchamel sauce was smooth and delicate with just a hint of nutmeg. I sent my compliments to the chef. I think that it takes real confidence to present such a simple dish knowing that it could stand alongside dishes with more complicated flavours and construction. Badgerman’s duck (right)was artfully presented and looked far more elegant that the plain, honest menu description. He really enjoyed all elements especially the succulent duck slices.<br /><br />Around 8:00 p.m. the restaurant was filling up with four more tables arriving, one of them a larger party. There were also a couple of take away orders and a Christmas booking; this seemed quite busy for a Wednesday in early November. All customers, some of whom were greeted by name, received the same great service and attention as we did. After our starter we were actually asked to let the house know when we wanted our main course! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAw6NvldQbOgyT3ss9OAj0ZpjBR6AlqyaDOEtX4KMDeAH08YCLa2G5cieSaGqyERETBrf4W_46sl0WX31LA2c0Q0bKfQbbegwX2SjHx5g-AT9JvRGGg2mNLsQIjCrzZcO1U9fkyXJjfI/s1600-h/seafood+pasta.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAw6NvldQbOgyT3ss9OAj0ZpjBR6AlqyaDOEtX4KMDeAH08YCLa2G5cieSaGqyERETBrf4W_46sl0WX31LA2c0Q0bKfQbbegwX2SjHx5g-AT9JvRGGg2mNLsQIjCrzZcO1U9fkyXJjfI/s200/seafood+pasta.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268199741111407154" /></a> When our main courses arrived they did not disappoint. Our respective pastas were cooked al dente with enough but not too much sauce. Badgerman’s penne was spicy hot and tasty with the heat not obliterating the other flavours. My tagliatelle was delicious- every mouthful was great. I often order seafood pasta and am usually disappointed by the quality and quantity of the seafood that is included- but not this time. There were plenty of clams, mussels, prawns and squid to last until the final twirl of the very fine pasta. Both dishes were very well presented in chic, slanted bowls. I also ordered a mixed salad that was dressed for me at the table. It was very fresh and crunchy, though had just a little too much onion for my tastes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mleBGBalEUhlutE3ZLYXVRWfE8WlJdDQCmSc3DNiUD4FLzY8jzz-K0N8J8jzZk_YxD5Y9HWSbLBANqpFYSA48OwkmkJRrTjVeCtrSxyMvZ6QX66aaN85jQuhVb9qbKSi2I4rN1m2dvw/s1600-h/Coffee.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mleBGBalEUhlutE3ZLYXVRWfE8WlJdDQCmSc3DNiUD4FLzY8jzz-K0N8J8jzZk_YxD5Y9HWSbLBANqpFYSA48OwkmkJRrTjVeCtrSxyMvZ6QX66aaN85jQuhVb9qbKSi2I4rN1m2dvw/s200/Coffee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268194416902605170" /></a>We were too full to partake in desserts all around £4.50, but the ones being served to other customers looked home-made and quite yummy! Our de-caff coffee arrived with a little biscotti, was very good and really hot.<br /><br />We congratulated ourselves on finding this gem of a restaurant and happily paid our bill for £44.50 excluding tip.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 3<br />Service: 4<br />Food Presentation: 4<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Value for money: 2<br /><br />There is also a sister Buon Appetito restaurant at: 81 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2JQ 01273 204444.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-398507031682695372008-11-06T14:02:00.000-08:002008-11-07T16:23:49.162-08:008. India, Punjabi: Shanaz<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4trY7PI3CYYlhSWinoESPJ45ojM1sT2r2ryFrl7k4WO9-gegIW0IcpoDJRrDG9xmgKJIy3NxfExSSINpAaB-M_v0WBSsiCAwfs4M0QrJzqxUxQCJFh4SXeAS1I065OlsMr_gO2FSrLA/s1600-h/Shanaz+011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4trY7PI3CYYlhSWinoESPJ45ojM1sT2r2ryFrl7k4WO9-gegIW0IcpoDJRrDG9xmgKJIy3NxfExSSINpAaB-M_v0WBSsiCAwfs4M0QrJzqxUxQCJFh4SXeAS1I065OlsMr_gO2FSrLA/s200/Shanaz+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265669705213004242" /></a><br /><strong>Shanaz</strong><br />83 High Street, <br />Lewes, <br />East Sussex<br />BN7 1XN<br /><br />01273 488028<br /><br />I was very glad to have the excuse of reviewing the Shanaz in Lewes High Street for my S.E.E. blog. We have been patrons for 15 or more years. I’ve visited all the Indian restaurants in and around Lewes, but I keep returning the Shanaz as I like it the best of the Punjabi restaurants. I have tried many of the dishes over the years; obviously some have been more to my taste than others, but I have always found the food in the Shanaz to be consistently well-seasoned and well-prepared. Recently the menu has had a revamp and many dishes are grouped by the sauce base rather than by the meat base. I find this a better way to lead customers’ tastes. I know what sauce bases I like: which are too hot or too sweet for me, so I choose a sauce base and then decide if I feel like chicken, lamb, prawns etc… There are also many stand-alone dishes and excellent chef’s specials.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW-k36h2Bpdu30RZm8kzTQksW1tPitr4CHoImtM0r43mqwTXoQQGDrs4s4ZYthGEoYCW_9nKgMUxwhIqv1kcv9P0drOylr0oVWDU6hy6bAgBQwRiEOjCJppHcde-YdKZ2wc6psuGNIKI/s1600-h/Shanaz+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW-k36h2Bpdu30RZm8kzTQksW1tPitr4CHoImtM0r43mqwTXoQQGDrs4s4ZYthGEoYCW_9nKgMUxwhIqv1kcv9P0drOylr0oVWDU6hy6bAgBQwRiEOjCJppHcde-YdKZ2wc6psuGNIKI/s200/Shanaz+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265676667750345906" /></a> We started with popadums(two each) and the chutney tray pictured. The popadums are always crispy and light. Included in the chutney tray are mild onion slices, sweet mango chutney, seasoned yoghurt and our favourite- a sweet coconut-based spread. From the extensive list of starters priced around £3.00-£5.00, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitREnTkMu0WBIvsFCWdZa7thRn2PAnxLfgFewMLLiURDbgyEMgd5o4UuVL5Q6V66vaZ8fsIIvFbs2LTgL-c2kRfmVwQBn6SJYAfOoqvSZnKhydPhTd6bIg2spEFQrfUTmiTx3R1_PWWJ4/s1600-h/Shanaz+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitREnTkMu0WBIvsFCWdZa7thRn2PAnxLfgFewMLLiURDbgyEMgd5o4UuVL5Q6V66vaZ8fsIIvFbs2LTgL-c2kRfmVwQBn6SJYAfOoqvSZnKhydPhTd6bIg2spEFQrfUTmiTx3R1_PWWJ4/s200/Shanaz+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265671388319179330" /></a>Badgerman and I chose our favourites: Onion bhajies (£2.95) and Dahl Soup (£2.95) with lemon, respectively. As Blim was having the Non-Vegetarian Thali, he skipped the starter on the waiter’s advice. My soup came with the extra lemon I ordered and was it’s usual tasty, warm self. I had a bite of Bagerman’s bhajies and was surprised to find how non-greasy and light they were and that there was other vegetables with the onions in the bhaji; they came with a small salad and lemon wedge. <br /><br />Our main courses arrived soon after our starter plates were cleared. Blim’s Mixed Thali was a veritible platter of small portions of Chicken Bhuna, Lamb Bhuna, Chicken Tikka, Sag Aloo, Peshwari Nan and Special Rice for £13.95. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2T2xex1NRgTX0mhchXmvUjfPtUJh2KjGOHXBiA-fYBgyYt6-g6nOG0MFEJFLy_XkiOQ2RGt2SqtstI5UDauX5wljK-vXqnhjEg6pGTMzIlFg7LwO8sc5AiXAdcHKrBBpLZFnoPCKaYM/s1600-h/Shanaz+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2T2xex1NRgTX0mhchXmvUjfPtUJh2KjGOHXBiA-fYBgyYt6-g6nOG0MFEJFLy_XkiOQ2RGt2SqtstI5UDauX5wljK-vXqnhjEg6pGTMzIlFg7LwO8sc5AiXAdcHKrBBpLZFnoPCKaYM/s200/Shanaz+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265671107319705586" /></a>He is a relatively big eater and he found this to be plenty of food and was glad he had not had a starter. Blim particularly enjoy the sag aloo (potatoes and spinach) dish, as it was well seasoned and “interesting”. The meat dishes had different textures, were well flavoured and were not too hot. He was able to substitute a fruity Peshwari Naan for the plain naan, which also added to the dish’s interest and range of tastes. Badgerman’s chicken jalfrezzi (£7.95) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVwIhvCNvpdQxw2mzgiLdZYgdt_C9uMrcJXHWraiRayBG3jL8bbOK3cl7fmMiATbfKjh2r9K5aShlKOD5m1W5cBZjQTP-CjYvkZ0x59AaACWSdC84klwhEP-fMNr20cCqIwmWdNqy1GU/s1600-h/Shanaz+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVwIhvCNvpdQxw2mzgiLdZYgdt_C9uMrcJXHWraiRayBG3jL8bbOK3cl7fmMiATbfKjh2r9K5aShlKOD5m1W5cBZjQTP-CjYvkZ0x59AaACWSdC84klwhEP-fMNr20cCqIwmWdNqy1GU/s200/Shanaz+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265678689983561506" /></a>arrived sizzling in a cast iron dish on a wooden platter pictured right. The combination of the bell peppers, onions, herbs, thick spicy sauce and the succulent chicken make this a really enjoyable dish- watch out for the small green chillies though- some are just a bit hot but others are scorching! My Chicken Peshwar (£9.95)was cooked in a rich sauce with sour cream, coconut, fresh cream, flaked almonds and green chillies, was very well presented and just delicious. The sauce had been cooked down beautifully with the flavours of the cream and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgCIG13xXv-WKJxozu4RxFCZDAKqBJWEpis2d8zG4ypxK9H863w3YKbRDyqXcL48okMJbtHANj_YMb8cSdzqZ7RW_7yeEijksh75zOS9bQeWatvHjJZ8_t8MdaAnEB0dBz4Nmk0i7ueU/s1600-h/Shanaz+005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgCIG13xXv-WKJxozu4RxFCZDAKqBJWEpis2d8zG4ypxK9H863w3YKbRDyqXcL48okMJbtHANj_YMb8cSdzqZ7RW_7yeEijksh75zOS9bQeWatvHjJZ8_t8MdaAnEB0dBz4Nmk0i7ueU/s200/Shanaz+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265673923625620946" /></a>coconut intensified and clung to every side of each chicken piece. The green chillies cut through the sweetness of the sauce and the chicken was superbly cooked. I would have liked more coriander than just a garnish though as I thought that this would have moved a very good dish to outstanding.<br /><br />We resisted the desserts, as we were quite full- though, in the past, I have had many a delicious ice-cream bombe, pistachio or mango kulfi and lemon or mango sorbet. <br /><br />The service was very attentive, though it was a fairly quiet, post Bonfire Night Thursday, early evening. Service at the Shanaz is always good with a reasonable number of staff on to cope with customers and the brisk take-away trade. As is their custom, we were brought hot towels after our main course and a complimentary Irish cream liqueur and mint chocolate with our bill. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fX9CdY6dVvyUWO-5ViFDISnueBtJmUvr0n7Kcday4yU2DXuZtynZ-0q4ngJQZzJIFk0RyhsFYm8PRH-DOUPG811m4Zjn4BHcKFr5BCD9A9nD8inRbVex17XCaoSxK3OcUZ1ybRdvSuY/s1600-h/Shanaz+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fX9CdY6dVvyUWO-5ViFDISnueBtJmUvr0n7Kcday4yU2DXuZtynZ-0q4ngJQZzJIFk0RyhsFYm8PRH-DOUPG811m4Zjn4BHcKFr5BCD9A9nD8inRbVex17XCaoSxK3OcUZ1ybRdvSuY/s200/Shanaz+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265672824416527362" /></a> The room, and even the loos, are decorated with a huge array of artificial flowers, leaves and fruit so you get the feeling of being somewhere exotic and warm like a jungle floor, rather than in the basement of a large building on Lewes High street.<br /><br />Blim and I had pineapple juice each and Badgerman had a Bangla Beer; our bill came to £57.15, excluding tip. <br /><strong><br />Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 3<br />Service: 3<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Value for Money: 2Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-57897706425650898442008-11-01T11:17:00.000-07:002008-11-03T12:18:50.012-08:007. India: Mother Bhumi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj_1JBLyaXhoJGrznfAcP4xGTRQqWKYY8TSWE-6jcl1vBpy60-vJ7JJau6fGZLgbCKPOgzMxYRt3Ar7A9kXoXnzyZtUDs5iFYL7pH4Z3i5_PSptgrU82fm6oCnH9xZ2aEtYqoPEUGYq4/s1600-h/Mother+Bhumi%27s+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj_1JBLyaXhoJGrznfAcP4xGTRQqWKYY8TSWE-6jcl1vBpy60-vJ7JJau6fGZLgbCKPOgzMxYRt3Ar7A9kXoXnzyZtUDs5iFYL7pH4Z3i5_PSptgrU82fm6oCnH9xZ2aEtYqoPEUGYq4/s200/Mother+Bhumi%27s+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263770442750387522" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Mother Bhumi's </strong><br />Cliffe High Street Precinct<br />Lewes,<br />East Sussex<br />First Saturday of the Month<br /><br /><br />Now Mother Bhumi's Pakora and Bhajia caravan does not strictly adhere to the Sussex Ethnic Eats criteria as it does not have a sit-in area, but hey- it's my blog so I can break my own rules! : ) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiPajjM9f68YR49zY3sQshzaVbeUsWLm3O1PQBHQFwNjYBWmbfp50c4I8EeIZgnX2WLZr2e_NWgIknVwpS3ICjtmgIWNYb0Z_Cs1aoLGqMYojSlJW-HikzGAZJebSIX21WyCE0tB4NI4/s1600-h/Mother+Bhumi%27s+011.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiPajjM9f68YR49zY3sQshzaVbeUsWLm3O1PQBHQFwNjYBWmbfp50c4I8EeIZgnX2WLZr2e_NWgIknVwpS3ICjtmgIWNYb0Z_Cs1aoLGqMYojSlJW-HikzGAZJebSIX21WyCE0tB4NI4/s200/Mother+Bhumi%27s+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263770853921250738" /></a><br />I have included this tiny purveyor of delicious fare because I find their wares and ethos to be a delight. The ingredients are organic, serving platters are made from recycled paper pulp and what can be recycled is; they even accept the Lewes Pound.<br /><br />I have seen (and smelt) this caravan of culinary delights in many a farmer's market and festival in Sussex, but mostly I look for them at the Lewes Farmers' Market, held on the first Saturday of each month. You'll find Mother Bhumi's by its enticing aroma and by looking for the long queue of salivating customers. They are in place for the early opening of the market and stay late into the afternoon, long after the other stalls have gone home.<br /><br />On offer is a range of expertly cooked organic veg. such as: aubergine (eggplant), sweet potato, carrots, parsnips, spinach, kale, and of course onions that are made into Badgerman’s favourite bhajias. The batter is garam (chickpea) flour based so is very healthy and has a low glycaemic loading. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8p3wQvKn5Q33Dcx47oWteYIb_Q0hdHR17EtVe3WjXRGQC3VKzJjJQuNd06iHRwLLNcKkpX8c0bhi4EfElc23BUcbiJBagHYkSAlLgSEuKK7EZfznpk8RhyphenhyphenaoP9B9EBSvzjtijpKXJV0/s1600-h/Mother+Bhumi%27s+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8p3wQvKn5Q33Dcx47oWteYIb_Q0hdHR17EtVe3WjXRGQC3VKzJjJQuNd06iHRwLLNcKkpX8c0bhi4EfElc23BUcbiJBagHYkSAlLgSEuKK7EZfznpk8RhyphenhyphenaoP9B9EBSvzjtijpKXJV0/s200/Mother+Bhumi%27s+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263771264474306098" /></a>The freshly made pakoras are crunchy on the outside with the batter a little cakey on the inside and the vegetables are always perfectly cooked. As the advertising says: "This is real food with love in it." Badgerman, Blim, Little Will and I have had hundreds of pakoras and bhajias over the years and every one has been good. We have enjoyed Mother Bhumi’s for breakfast, lunch and tea- not on the same day of course, but it shows how we love them. My children have been bribed to do many a household chore with the promise of a take-home bag (£3.00) from the ‘Pakora Lady’ on my return.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUFPyqFeVkvW83azjAu9bvU9ukU1vZiEzpRmrFAdhd38Fn4temihChyphenhyphenMWaeYwZeI97VZBXL1wgLFk2xDubPNOr1tJV2kahUvRAIKJJWAjXahIFKfIktlqZe3QwZkomcFYGspJo9ROg_k/s1600-h/Mother+Bhumi%27s+010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUFPyqFeVkvW83azjAu9bvU9ukU1vZiEzpRmrFAdhd38Fn4temihChyphenhyphenMWaeYwZeI97VZBXL1wgLFk2xDubPNOr1tJV2kahUvRAIKJJWAjXahIFKfIktlqZe3QwZkomcFYGspJo9ROg_k/s200/Mother+Bhumi%27s+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263771850145009522" /></a><br />A large order with two dips is £5.00 and a small with one dip is £3.00. There are many dips to choose from; some are firey, some are mild and others are sweet. <br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: not applicable<br />Service: not applicable but the staff are always friendly<br />Food Presentation: 2<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Value for Money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-48365401454528300052008-10-30T05:29:00.000-07:002008-11-01T12:52:47.945-07:006. Italy: Macari's Cafe and Restaurant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIKz_c5G_Zy-aXKXltyEtLK9Cl2Km2QA4NGhc5Ow4y55F0sG0n7ZCk2KSug-FsC7nigTIrOzpiF5r7gA3xkkZQWcKNoC1KLzebAH-pyGjL9-8NNvWmgRxgOiGBsNKinvJeGH8mCrSP6M/s1600-h/Macaris+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIKz_c5G_Zy-aXKXltyEtLK9Cl2Km2QA4NGhc5Ow4y55F0sG0n7ZCk2KSug-FsC7nigTIrOzpiF5r7gA3xkkZQWcKNoC1KLzebAH-pyGjL9-8NNvWmgRxgOiGBsNKinvJeGH8mCrSP6M/s200/Macaris+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262930540418201602" /></a><br /><strong>Macari's</strong> <br />78 North Street, <br />Chichester, <br />West Sussex, <br />PO19 1LQ <br />01243 780365<br /><br /><br />Continuing Christmas shopping ‘til we dropped in Chichester, we found ourselves visiting Macari’s looking for a hot drink and a sit down. I went in to order our hot chocolates and was very pleased to witness the care with which these simple drinks were made. A liquid chocolate was mixed with warn milk and shot through with steam and topped with real whipped cream and a shower of chocolate powder. It was just delicious. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvwwCvKakXNQPIffebjL7Sru5H8dbn-UjEkG8f8svZNvV3Iy_11YmSaEZOl6pMvtpl2KHAoPzJfB_pq-Ih2XbR8osJe-k_p-A9zTWJ1px_A8LrhyhdmMgsl-ufxVweOzbtaxP2whn6y0/s1600-h/Macaris+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvwwCvKakXNQPIffebjL7Sru5H8dbn-UjEkG8f8svZNvV3Iy_11YmSaEZOl6pMvtpl2KHAoPzJfB_pq-Ih2XbR8osJe-k_p-A9zTWJ1px_A8LrhyhdmMgsl-ufxVweOzbtaxP2whn6y0/s200/Macaris+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262929689541488914" /></a><br />I realised from talking to the friendly gentleman behind the counter that this was a family owned business and so qualified for inclusion as a Sussex Ethnic Eat. I had a good look at the wares in the counters, on the menu and, most importantly, on peoples’ plates. There was a good range on offer. Here’s a sample: paninnis, toasties and baguettes with assorted fillings for £3.45, pastries from 80 pence to £1.45, Lasagne and salad for £3.65 Gateaux from £1.95 to £2.45 and of course, ice creams and sundaes priced from £1.20 to £3.50, depending on how indulgent you were feeling. <br /><br />Macari’s was quite busy for a weekday mid-afternoon and with plenty of local competition, I’d take this to vouch for its popularity. We’ll sample the food next time we are in Chishester.<br /><br />Two yummy, warming hot chocolates were £3.60.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 2<br />Service: 3<br />Presentation of Drinks: 3<br />Quality of Drinks: 4<br />Value for Money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-7401651121621708562008-10-29T13:22:00.000-07:002008-11-01T12:56:25.490-07:005. France: Maison Blanc<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDi3yaJI2UlsAm2NQKz7jqvxGtLxUgzMeb1v2nde_WZo-KJPbKNDKd_8DVNJrUOUGw7m2oMtoSe2Ik7rs39J_uLZldhCkaL_jsyMwUN622E2zN9YyEs_ANF04bJVf5FbSHVWGecC6Cn0/s1600-h/Maison+Blanc+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDi3yaJI2UlsAm2NQKz7jqvxGtLxUgzMeb1v2nde_WZo-KJPbKNDKd_8DVNJrUOUGw7m2oMtoSe2Ik7rs39J_uLZldhCkaL_jsyMwUN622E2zN9YyEs_ANF04bJVf5FbSHVWGecC6Cn0/s200/Maison+Blanc+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262718616148362530" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Maison Blanc</strong><br />56 South St <br />Chichester, <br />West Sussex, <br />PO19 1DS <br /><br /><br />Having seen the skilfully made pastries and sweetmeats in the window of Maison Blanc the previous day, we returned when we needed an R and R break from our Christmas shopping. The subtly decorated seating area with its Toulouse Lautrec prints, just beyond the temptingly stocked pastry counter, is a little haven of gentility and calm. There is quite an interesting menu that would appeal to most tastes. Items include Saucisson Mozzarella with thinly sliced rosette pork saucisson from Lyon, slices of mozzarella and French dressing and Fromage de Chèvre et Salade (goats’ cheese salad) both for £4.30 to Quiche Saumon et Poireaux (salmon and leek quiche) for £3.95. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLSEy2P3emzUpnmH-wB5QW6cAA-nbqYquRIQVRJBOW7jjRiACkHwSHyVotEWvZhS2r4qX3vCj87oQ1U2E1DQL7r5ccHN0UNCyz8XjdrIa13f14DYxXU5mXK_shSWfcN8ply0Y9KenmoE/s1600-h/Maison+Blanc+4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLSEy2P3emzUpnmH-wB5QW6cAA-nbqYquRIQVRJBOW7jjRiACkHwSHyVotEWvZhS2r4qX3vCj87oQ1U2E1DQL7r5ccHN0UNCyz8XjdrIa13f14DYxXU5mXK_shSWfcN8ply0Y9KenmoE/s200/Maison+Blanc+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262718781307022962" /></a>We were seated very promptly. I chose a Mèditerenéen (£3.95) a puff pastry oblong with loads of sun-blushed tomatoes sitting on a thick, well-seasoned tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese and basil. It was served piping hot, was very tasty and with a fresh accompanying salad, made a very good light lunch. I particularly enjoyed the light, tarragon-laced salad dressing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YcrHRa_FUkagCbY8Yvg5QGSEvxnWNztrmzRR8m6DaAL7teRNXkxSl332E7HDJmi2inLc1EHKdrplwRniYGCBEHrzTN2dD9PLpPszazuFcx_ENOjXPveLfktoyWSJB9lCqGqKA9HL8xk/s1600-h/Maison+blanc+5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YcrHRa_FUkagCbY8Yvg5QGSEvxnWNztrmzRR8m6DaAL7teRNXkxSl332E7HDJmi2inLc1EHKdrplwRniYGCBEHrzTN2dD9PLpPszazuFcx_ENOjXPveLfktoyWSJB9lCqGqKA9HL8xk/s200/Maison+blanc+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262718909213904498" /></a>Badgerman chose a cherry danish for £1.90 and it arrived lovely and warm, was intensely flavoured and packed with black cherries. We rounded off out light lunch with pots of Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea and happily paid our £9.55 bill (excluding tip) and returned to our shopping revived and fortified.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 3<br />Service: 2<br />Food Presentation: 2<br />Food Quality: 3<br />Value for Money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-28172847969142578222008-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:002008-11-01T12:53:29.402-07:004. U.S.A.: Smith and Western<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7mODRSq0n4BH2uu_MFhNJY1QNAuNMQpT4nbnUtWXTNpu_SVvBm0jLhNSw6xLdnuwlZ9O2CJwUvgCgRG-_edVyEorwBrioYn2OWBMknxWXdCEw_WwQLCiswOrLFxDNwpiHXZbhZyvRm0/s1600-h/Smith+and+Western+3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7mODRSq0n4BH2uu_MFhNJY1QNAuNMQpT4nbnUtWXTNpu_SVvBm0jLhNSw6xLdnuwlZ9O2CJwUvgCgRG-_edVyEorwBrioYn2OWBMknxWXdCEw_WwQLCiswOrLFxDNwpiHXZbhZyvRm0/s200/Smith+and+Western+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262349041981412018" /></a><br /><strong>Smith and Western </strong><br />Station Approach<br />Chichester, PO19<br />01243 788886<br />www.smith-western.co.uk<br /><br /><br /><br />Continuing our stay in the charming town of Chichester we visited Smith and Western, just north of the train station. We were greeted warmly, ushered to our table and told our waitress’ name. Smith and Western is based on the American mid-west in the 1800s. The former train station had been transformed into a saloon, complete with cartwheel chandeliers and a jail room. The décor in fun, interesting and well thought out and is reinforced by touches such as the cactus-shaped drinks menu and the cowboy hats and sheriff’s badges for sale, but somehow does not become too clichéd. <br /><br />The varied, extensive menu has something to suit all tastes and appetites from caesar salads for £7.95, chilli beef taco salad for £11.85, salmon fillet for £11.25 to 100% beef burgers priced £8.65- £11.95. At first glance the prices may look a little high- but the portions are enormous! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnAH5u6YOrSyFBkFB4d8yJVRgAdxZgIv3AtYnoiHfUPSu5a-9uYlzrlxXq9gh-AEwP8SLS1hX-WUs-QNDmlX5CtmaGXKYwDzjvkCZdsto_SbLEOzU0d4dUjs5dNxSVfb1LSoXSzXaPZw/s1600-h/Smith+and+Western+1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnAH5u6YOrSyFBkFB4d8yJVRgAdxZgIv3AtYnoiHfUPSu5a-9uYlzrlxXq9gh-AEwP8SLS1hX-WUs-QNDmlX5CtmaGXKYwDzjvkCZdsto_SbLEOzU0d4dUjs5dNxSVfb1LSoXSzXaPZw/s200/Smith+and+Western+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262349234738837378" /></a><br />We shared the loaded potato skins with chilli, cheese and sour cream (£5.95) and the shell-on king prawns (£8.25) pictures right. The skins were perfectly cooked, lovely and moist. The chilli tasted home-made and was flavoursome but not too hot; the cheese was all beautifully melted and the salad was crisp and well garnished. This dish alone would be a very adequate lunch choice. The five, massive prawns, served cold with a warm ciabatta and thousand island dressing, lived up to their ‘giant’ title. They were succulent and tender and again, came with plenty of salad. Packets of ‘Hoof Wipes’, thin flannels for tidying up fingers and faces, were thoughtfully provided. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23TaquPb8LkkDFE-_1EAhJte5Sj3WhOZ5aBKzLrpUkvVWSevgSRbMaCJuQtVsTqpFpToW26pLBtj3Az0tsHU5OA3t2Kyzj-FGi8smFH02qItkxwjXHDH_PTp3KDkvEklVdeAyZs2wCXc/s1600-h/Smith+and+Western+5.jpg"><img style="float:centre; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23TaquPb8LkkDFE-_1EAhJte5Sj3WhOZ5aBKzLrpUkvVWSevgSRbMaCJuQtVsTqpFpToW26pLBtj3Az0tsHU5OA3t2Kyzj-FGi8smFH02qItkxwjXHDH_PTp3KDkvEklVdeAyZs2wCXc/s200/Smith+and+Western+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262349519750133218" /></a><br /><br />We gasped when the Combo Feast for Two (pictured) arrived! ‘Feast’ is an accurate way to describe this huge platter of hickory smoked ribs, chicken wings, spicy onion rings, corn on the cob, mushroom boats, creamy coleslaw and spicy curly fries served with your choice of two dips all for £22.55. The meaty ribs were well basted in plenty of good, not too sweet, smoky sauce and the chicken wings were excellent. All the other items on the platter were tasty and cooked well except for Badgerman’s corn which was soft and overdone. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEQdtTHRlgVVyHiJREJTxVca9wfiBBO8movaOY0B7CoSjd5r5cXcVn1PAaQ_Sc4wS1OCeLpSq4KOFN7y-zlAJutDKCWqBbeC-NiwShLhGBSeVcUrwe5DOerTeo0HWs5ErCVl5SP_cUSI/s1600-h/Smith+and+Western+4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEQdtTHRlgVVyHiJREJTxVca9wfiBBO8movaOY0B7CoSjd5r5cXcVn1PAaQ_Sc4wS1OCeLpSq4KOFN7y-zlAJutDKCWqBbeC-NiwShLhGBSeVcUrwe5DOerTeo0HWs5ErCVl5SP_cUSI/s200/Smith+and+Western+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262349917453872530" /></a><br />Foolishly, we ordered a side of stuffed jallapenos. They were great, well presented with a spicy and flavoursome sauce- but greedy us- it really was too much food. We ate more than our fill and thought ourselves lucky that we had not ordered the Belly Buster dessert- a veritable goldfish bowl of chocolate brownies, ice cream, marshmallows, hot fudge sauce, M&M’s and whipped cream. Parties order this for the birthday boy or girl for £11.95 complete with a hat and balloons. It did look really good though.<br /><br />Had we left enough room for dessert, we could have chosen from a superbly tempting assortment that included good old Banoffee Pie, correctly credited to have been invented in Sussex, Cherry ‘O’- a handmade waffle topped with cherries and vanilla ice cream for £4.95 and even Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. We perused the lunchtime ‘Boot Skootin’ menu with its “finger licking” bites served between 12 and 4 p.m. Again, a very good selection was on offer with a particularly good “meal and a drink” deal for £7.50.<br /><br />There were a variety of party sizes from our modest table for two, to families and work colleagues to larger birthday parties for all ages. Smith and Western has been skilfully designed so that dinners have plenty of room but the restaurant, with its well placed décor, feels cosy and comfortably. <br /><br />Rare for me, I had a Cactus Juice, a large tumbler of vodka, Midori, Malibu and pineapple juice (£4.50) from the impressive cocktail list. The cocktails range form £4.50 to $5.50 and with pitchers priced £17.95 for two pints and £29.50 for four pints. <br /><br />Smith and Westerns is a well above average themed restaurant. It’s a family business and you can feel they are hands-on management who work as a team with their competent staff who, in turn, clearly understand the ethos and direction of the business. It was a real pleasure to eat at Smith and Westerns and chat with their staff.<br /><br />Our bill for too much food- even for us big eaters, drinks, coffee and hot chocolate came to £60.25 excluding tip.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 4<br />Service: 3<br />Food Presentation: 4<br />Food Quality: 3<br />Value for Money:4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-81063572106583407602008-10-27T18:20:00.000-07:002008-11-01T12:53:53.546-07:003. Spain: El Castizo, Spanish Tapas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUulebhgaTtIRwH4KbAVDMFKaV07uTnFf4u-TCx1R2Edr1HgiWQjlfADfpJlIJ3LR340X-qtD6v4fVRaoGyUAQciB3tjA6OqHya6KGlaRIJzTa60Htpn-XzRu09aMx64AjiJ6-VgDJmU/s1600-h/El+castizo+4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUulebhgaTtIRwH4KbAVDMFKaV07uTnFf4u-TCx1R2Edr1HgiWQjlfADfpJlIJ3LR340X-qtD6v4fVRaoGyUAQciB3tjA6OqHya6KGlaRIJzTa60Htpn-XzRu09aMx64AjiJ6-VgDJmU/s200/El+castizo+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262011910944020706" /></a><br /><strong>El Castizo</strong><br />24 St Pancras Street, <br />Victoria Court,<br />Chichester, West Sussex<br />PO19 7LT<br />01243 788988<br /><br />Sometimes a bit of a search makes the discovery even more rewarding. Such was the experience Badgerman and I had trying to find El Castizo, a Spanish tapas restaurant just off the eastern side of the Chichester ring road. The restaurant, while clearly marked by and illuminated pub-style sign on St Pancras Street, is cloistered in a compound of buildings and is not immediately obvious. Look for the menu in a lit box on the wall to the right as you enter Victoria Court. The above-ground entrance looks like conservatory or summerhouse. Once inside, you immediately go down a wide flight of stairs to the restaurant proper, charmingly sited in a former wine cellar that is roomy and bright and informally decorated with Spanish artefacts. Unfortunately, it does smell a little damp and musty. <br /><br />We received a friendly greeting and received very attentive service throughout our stay. As we arrived just as they opened at 6:00 p.m., we were asked if we were going to the theatre so they could make sure our food would arrive promptly. It did and we left in plenty of time to walk to the Festival Theatre for the 7:30 performance. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_weIU02n9PJpI_vNuKFBDVgPRUsR17n1ymvm6PQHXjamPVlYFpINXz3sPiIbnqkXJKUMmjYfBmU7LMMEpovo8kQBcHFax4O5bdwi6KIDdweOqht6ueFIB_xRlvwOyeUbjo_NcRO8U90U/s1600-h/El+castizo+3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_weIU02n9PJpI_vNuKFBDVgPRUsR17n1ymvm6PQHXjamPVlYFpINXz3sPiIbnqkXJKUMmjYfBmU7LMMEpovo8kQBcHFax4O5bdwi6KIDdweOqht6ueFIB_xRlvwOyeUbjo_NcRO8U90U/s200/El+castizo+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262012068133062066" /></a>Our waitress brought a complimentary basket of bread and some olives as she took our drinks orders. The menu, clearly set out, has over 40 tapas dishes grouped into meat, seafood and vegetable sections, all priced between £3.00 and £5.00, with English translations of the dishes’ Spanish names. We ordered Tortilla de Patata on Chorize, a traditional Spanish omelette with “ even more personality”. The light, tasty omelette, at the right of the food picture below, came in three slices topped with crispy fried chorizo (£3.00). These elements complemented each other well in texture and taste. We also had Almejas en Salsa Verdi: clams cooked in a cream, wine and parsley sauce that was a delight, Verdiras a la Parmilla on Sel Marina, a artistically arrangement of perfectly grilled asparagus, mushroom and other vegetables seasoned with sea salt. The Pimientos del Padron, a ‘new’ item on the menu, was assorted sizes of smallish green peppers that were fried in fine olive oil. They were perfectly cooked so the pepper flesh came away readily from the stalk.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxnHeUbKEJ3Tg9t4PIyKkyIlRiPNEYdFH03b5WrXjVpwQe9Eb58zqEgTjUVD9C5ljb09elde7fy5BhbZv7YuzNCqcMUfLykC0HH8VGW-jtzCXmFfGdLsIc9CIdx1Lukh1j46yVv_fOZc/s1600-h/El+castiz+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxnHeUbKEJ3Tg9t4PIyKkyIlRiPNEYdFH03b5WrXjVpwQe9Eb58zqEgTjUVD9C5ljb09elde7fy5BhbZv7YuzNCqcMUfLykC0HH8VGW-jtzCXmFfGdLsIc9CIdx1Lukh1j46yVv_fOZc/s200/El+castiz+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262012237586078642" /></a> The menu’s warning that: “some are hot, some are not” was quite true- thought even the hottest was not too violent for most palettes. The Calamares (£4.00) were expertly cooked and made a good foil for the other higher spiced dishes. We also had a simple green salad. The undoudted highlight of the meal was the stunning Albondigas en Salsa de Tomate (£3.85), Spanish meatballs in a tomato and cream sauce. The meatballs were light, firm but crumbly and the velvety sauce stopped conversation and had Badgerman and I reaching for the bread to mop up every drop! All our dishes were traditional in format, but they were not heavy, rustic food but more sophisticated and modern in their construction, ingredients, presentations and taste.<br /><br />We finished by sharing a delicious, honey-laced, baked custard called Natilla from the small dessert selection. We did not imbibe in the interesting wine list, realistically priced with bottles up to £17.00, but just had sparkling water.<br /><br />Our bill with coffee and excluding tip was £32.90. <br /><br />Although this was only the third Sussex Ethnic Eats review, El Castizo will go into the Top Pick section of the SEE blog, as it is, without a doubt, the best tapas Badgerman and I have ever tasted.<br /><strong><br />Rating</strong><br />Ambience: 2<br />Service: 4<br />Food Presentation: 3<br />Food Quality: 4<br />Value for Money: 3Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279178194627227452.post-17519994718339311742008-10-12T14:45:00.000-07:002008-11-01T12:54:15.858-07:002. Poland: Sami Swoi, Portslade, Hove<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvMgCTnAG6UlFVGSoW1_LNNH-DcCWF235QJjyIie_GgNiyHsoToDbTXAGbtBAF_6-zllo6vhCD1HgQnQKhWqxVfjardw8ax4y6IUN4embj5H0lhyW-wBShtCAQ72a6Hz7ritRMSCZxnk/s1600-h/meatballs+and+salad.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvMgCTnAG6UlFVGSoW1_LNNH-DcCWF235QJjyIie_GgNiyHsoToDbTXAGbtBAF_6-zllo6vhCD1HgQnQKhWqxVfjardw8ax4y6IUN4embj5H0lhyW-wBShtCAQ72a6Hz7ritRMSCZxnk/s200/meatballs+and+salad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258970930590542914" /></a> <br /><strong>Sami Swoi</strong><br />71 Boundary Road,<br />Hove<br />East Sussex<br />BN3 5TD<br />01273 420616<br /><br /><br />We found this small, family run Polish restaurant as it is near our favourite pet shop: Fishey Business, in Portslade. Having a penchant for perogies we ventured in and so enjoyed our experience, we returned with some Sussex Ethnic Eats reviewers in tow.<br /><br />Sami Swoi translates to 'All Friends Here'; the atmosphere is business-like, courteous and pleasant but not over familliar. The decor is 'smart casual'- modern, clean and relaxed with some of the most comfortable restaurant chairs you'll find. A pleasant haven off busy Boundary Road. <br /><br />We perused the extensive daytime ‘Café’ and evening ‘Polish’ menus with their tempting mixture of British favourites, some with a Polish twist, to traditional, hearty Polish dishes. The three vegetatians in our party were pleased with the selection from which they had to choose. They chose a traditional dish of perogies with cheese and onions, (pictured right) a hearty portion of eight for £6.00; a starter <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMczhxNzuUXkCUXRsttPJ9KWTheriGkW32B6d2yZCOy3EMhPA-JXMZ9xO72jD741fIf2ZlfEbn9yhn0waKLWj0RNz9VA3K3oiNNtvtl-Rvkw1W6Qgig3dKPWRYSAvetjKk-Ksfno9zkac/s1600-h/perogies.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMczhxNzuUXkCUXRsttPJ9KWTheriGkW32B6d2yZCOy3EMhPA-JXMZ9xO72jD741fIf2ZlfEbn9yhn0waKLWj0RNz9VA3K3oiNNtvtl-Rvkw1W6Qgig3dKPWRYSAvetjKk-Ksfno9zkac/s200/perogies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258971670678986930" /></a>sized Krokiet, a pancake with mushrooms and cheese for £3.50 and Placki Ziemniaczane, potato fritters with mushrooms or sour cream for £6.00. All were very pleased with the quality and quantity of their dishes but found the fritters (pictured below) and pancake would have benefited from being drained a bit more before serving. The mushroom sauce with the potato fritters was a bit bland and uninspiring but the dish as a whole was tasty and “...good for a winter's day to keep you warm”. The roasted buckwheat with vegetables and polish sausage stew was extremely tasty, well seasoned and piquant and the buckwheat had a smoky flavour, lifting the taste of the grain. <br /><br />Blim and I had Kotlet Mielony, beef and pork meatballs (pictured top), good portions at £6.00 each with pickled beet and your choice of four salads. We both thoroughly enjoyed these; they were well seasoned, lean and generous. The mashed potatoes, quaintly served in scooped portions, were fluffy and creamy. Blim had a classics Greek salad and was pleased with its freshness and overall taste. The Saltka Jarzynowa I chose, was a traditional salad of cooked carrots, potatoes, eggs, peas, sweet corn seasoned with gherkins, parsley and Polish mustard in a light mayonnaise. This was crunchy, well balanced and complimented the meatballs and mashed potato perfectly. <br /><br />Those of us, who wisely left room for dessert, made choices from a tempting array of familiar and traditional home-made cakes and puddings, most priced at £2.00 for good-sized portions. Blim thought his coffee and walnut cake was: “ Fit for a king and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro2S0lsK-Nk9y6-QWLbp7w2q9B6mIgC4H27jcAxVBLypkdqVnEBMT0UW11tnpkijHKt-70IUIb4NJUgpMVk5RhRtMo_gqoRT0nZqlRJZzQCBDU6xxNa-h4BzYkV-pqEfmYLmPB3W_HLg/s1600-h/potato+fritters.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro2S0lsK-Nk9y6-QWLbp7w2q9B6mIgC4H27jcAxVBLypkdqVnEBMT0UW11tnpkijHKt-70IUIb4NJUgpMVk5RhRtMo_gqoRT0nZqlRJZzQCBDU6xxNa-h4BzYkV-pqEfmYLmPB3W_HLg/s200/potato+fritters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258972199421487922" /></a>all his servants!” K. commented that it was the best she had ever tasted. The icing sugar-dusted apple cake was very good with beautifully cooked, well-seasoned, shredded apple filling sandwiched between cakey layers that were reminiscent of scones or American biscuits. One of us commented that she would be happy drive over (from Lewes) just to have coffee and one of the cakes all by herself. <br /><br />I finished with a special Polish hot chocolate that was frothy, medium dark, not too sweet and full of rich cocoa taste- one of the best hot chocolates I have ever had! The coffee, served with a little chocolatey wafer roll, is of a very good, consistent quality; even the decaf is good! Worth trying is the interesting array of soft drinks: juice blends and detox mixes- very healthy, refreshing and unusual. I especially like the apple and mint juice; the mint cuts the apple’s sweetness very well.<br /><br />Though this is only the second of the Sussex Ethnic Eats reviews, Badgerman and I agree that it is fast becoming one of our favourite places to eat.<br /><br />With soft drinks and coffees, the bill for lunch for six came to £55.50 plus tip.<br /><br /><strong>Rating</strong><br />Ambiance: 3<br />Service: 3<br />Food Presentation: 2<br />Food Quality :3<br />Value for Money: 4Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273017225518498664noreply@blogger.com2