Why I hadn't been to this place so far, beats me. I pass it very often, but it always seems to be "in my blind spot". Probably because it's façade is so "low-key" and understated.
We decided to try this place after, of all the things, reading about it on Burrp. We nearly decided not to go there after we encountered some pretty bad traffic along the way. I'm glad we did make it though, because the place was a revelation.
The interiors have a few funny signs - someone there has a sense of humour; probably the owner, a Frenchman named Valentino. The ambiance isn't bad. It isn't outstanding, but it isn't seedy either. Plain, clean, and simple. It seems to be frequented by young college-going kids, and it made us feel rather out of place.
However, the owner more than made up for our discomfort by putting us at ease. He seems knowledgeable and cordial. His food suggestions were right on the mark. The rest of the staff are not so cordial, and not very knowledgeable.
The menu is quite comprehensive, and it will take us many visits to try everything on it. The starters were not bad at all, and the prawns were delicious. The Caesar's salad with the balsamic dressing was okay for my tastes, and the chicken was slightly dry.
The main courses were quite good. The grilled chicken on garlic bread, etc., was very good, and my lamb with rice was good too. The quantity is not bad at all - we're both good eaters, but we were filled pretty soon, and had to leave quite a bit.
The dessert selection is outstanding. I wanted to try the cold stone, and the experience was not as good as I expected, but was not bad. They could do with getting some chocolate chips and almonds to add to the dessert.
After the meal, the bill was surprisingly reasonable. For a place that offers such a good quantity and quality, were were suitably impressed.
Overall, I was quite pleased. For such a small, simple place, the experience is much better than expected. I'd certainly visit it again.
johncougar
