CAU, Bristol

There is always an element of excitement when a boarded outlet promises to unveil a brand new dining experience and passing CAU during its constructive stages was certainly no exception, particularly in light of the invitation I’d received to attend its launch. Epitomised by blue skies and grassy pastures, this is an establishment where an Argentinian undercurrent equals innovative fare; thick, juicy steak and punchy street food. Mouth watering? Then read on…

Date and time: Wednesday 13 August 2014, 19.30

Name of establishment: CAU, Bristol*

Location: 74 Queens Road, Clifton

Reason for visit: Complimentary carnivorousness!

CAU is an airy, open-plan space with contemporary furnishings and minimalistic décor – the acoustics have been carefully orchestrated so that well-placed lighting and subtle background music create an essence of sophisticated soul. My dining companion and I were given a table-for-two with a view given its kitchen-side seats. This even allowed for a little interaction with those at the helm of the culinary genius – whereby it became clear that the entire workforce were keen to showcase their knowledge of the dishes; encouraging us towards particular edibles and adorning our table with ingredients that had previously been foreign to us - chimichurri…who knew?! To start, we settled on the Salt and Pepper Squid (£5.95) which, thanks to a sprinkling of fresh chilli, established a little heat before the Chipotle Mayo brought its familiar burn to the palate. We also tucked into traditional Empanadas (£7 for two) which consisted of crisp parcels of rich-tasting Spanish chorizo blended with cooling cream cheese – delicious! Served with fresh tomato sauce, these are sizeable enough to share and, as you can mix and match the three variations, you needn’t struggle to agree on just one filling.

Empanadas - to share or not to share!?

What squid you say...?

Now this may come as a surprise to you but steak isn’t usually my ‘bag’ as (innuendo aside) I simply can’t handle a lot of meat! Yet, I had read glowing accounts of CAU’s ‘richly flavoured and wonderfully tender…grass fed Argentinian beef’ and found myself ordering the Lomito (£29.50), a 440g fillet of rump…well, when in the Pampas…! My dining companion opted for the Asado De Chorizo (£34.95); a sirloin steak in a churrasco marinade of smoked paprika, chilli flakes, garlic and parsley which was literally the size of my face! This wasn’t initially cooked to the requirements that he had articulated and yet, our friendly server (or CAU-boy) soon whisked it back to the kitchen and, after a passing exchange with the chef (who popped his head over the partition to address us directly), it re-emerged ‘pink…but not bleeding’ which was exactly the brief…win! I liked that the sides were served separately so not to interfere with the main event; you can choose from either chips (American-style fries or triple-cooked wedges) or salad to accompany your steak which altogether constitutes a mammoth-sized portion. However, try to leave some room for the chickpeas with spicy chorizo (£2.95) which, despite its simplicity, proved an incredibly flavoursome addition.

The whole CAU-boodle!

Asado De Chorizo...A succulent success

It’s fair to say that by this stage, there really wasn’t much room for dessert which was disappointing given the CAU Cornflake Ice Cream Sundae (£5.95) which I had earmarked for consumption earlier in the evening. Instead, we settled for a spot of sorbet which, if I’m honest, was itself a triumph; the coconut in particular, proving suitably refreshing yet remaining indulgent enough to round off the evening’s eatings to perfection!

Overall, a fantastic first impression of CAU…There aren’t many places where the chef apologises to you in person for not perfecting your steak the first time around and checks that your overall experience wasn’t affected as a result. It wasn’t and, in fact, the way that our visit had been handled by both the waiting staff and those in the kitchen, really made this a stand-out establishment; both in terms of the high level of customer service we’d received and the obvious care applied to the production of each dish. On the other hand, CAU is really rather pricey and I have to admit that I wouldn’t have been quite so reckless with my selections from the menu had I been footing the bill myself. That said, there are plenty of less financially challenging options…couple one of the crisp Spanish whites (from a plentiful line-up) with a range of small plates inspired by the pizazz of Buenos Aires itself, for instance, and you have a top-notch dining experience which won’t break the bank but will, without a doubt, wow you with its fresh-faced valour – highly recommended.

And now for the second opinion….

My dining companion gave CAU a huge 9/10 and in three words, summed up his experience as, ‘generous’, ‘tasty’ and ‘talented’.

References:

* http://www.caurestaurants.com/

Harveys Cellars, Denmark Street – Bristol

Recently re-launched following the closure of its Michelin-starred restaurant back in 2003, the home of Harveys Bristol Cream now constitutes a cocktail lounge, tapas restaurant and mini museum – the latter paying homage to the tipple which has become increasingly synonymous with our City given that it has been imported from Spain and bottled in Bristol since 1796. Consequently and in light of the supposed 'sherry-drinking comeback', there has been a predominantly positive response to this venue be it the first of its kind in outside of the capital's multi-tasking metropolis; a factor which further encouraged the Best Foodie Friend (BFF) and I to explore it for ourselves...

Date and Time: Thursday 1^st March 2012, 19:00

Name of Establishment: Harveys Cellars

Location: 12 Denmark Street, Bristol

Reason for Visit: A lesson in Bristol's rather boozy history!

After navigating the dark, cobbled back-streets of the city-centre, the BFF and I found ourselves behind a pair of heavy glass doors at the top of a thickly carpeted staircase. And, gazing down into the fresh, rather official-looking foyer, it became clear that this was not quite what we had envisaged; the minimalistic, rather 'vanilla' feel to the décor proving a little disappointing. Unfortunately, this was heightened further upon being allocated an intimately placed table-for-two whereby the magnolia paint-job dominated our eye-line and the bright, industrial-style lighting overhead seemed to encourage the notion that, we really could have been anywhere...Given the vibrant neon blue of the website, (meant, I'm sure, to reflect the role of Bristol Blue Glass within this venue, whereby empty bottles are utilised for table water, not to mention built into an illuminated display upon one of the walls – aiding, in my view, the indubitably Bristolian identity of this space), I guess I was expecting a little more by way of an atmosphere - the epic status of the 13^th Century building this venue occupies coupled with the mysterious, almost cavernous attributes that one would normally associate with a cellar, further fuelling our preconceptions. That said, the well-stocked 'island' bar proved a stylish focal point and beyond it, the relaxed 'music-room', defined by a baby grand piano, was certainly more in keeping with the desired ambiance given its hazy lighting and candlelit nooks and crannies which, both quirky and comfortable, had been decked out with squishy sofas and authentic wooden sherry barrels that masqueraded as table-tops...and, all the while with an upbeat salsa-style soundtrack overhead; lovely! Furthermore, completed with a cordoned-off VIP area and small shrine to the Harveys brand as well as the aforementioned 'bottled wall' and the 'View Gallery' (which, reportedly interchangeable, showcases locally-sourced art work), this area absolutely encapsulated the productivity of our talented community whilst capturing the attention of its clientèle.

Moving on and at this point, I must mention the staffing; those waiting our table delivering an attentive and chatty service whilst proving knowledgeable; both in terms of the menu’s content as well as in relation to specific dishes and tipples. For, if ever there was an establishment where a little guidance was required, this was well and truly it; the volumes (yes there is more than one instalment) of available beverages proving somewhat overwhelming to say the least! Here, an extensive line-up specialising in wines, cocktails and spirits amounted to a mutual bout of umm-ing and ahh-ing that amazingly, led both the BFF and I to succumb to the unique appeal of the ‘Fino Fizz’ (£6.50)- a complex blend of Fino sherry, Manzana Verde and St. Germain (Elderflower Liquor), crisply finished with a sizeable slurp of good-quality champagne. Plus, served in a delicate flute and adorned with a mouth-watering slither of green apple, this was a fantastically original composition; the varying flavours coming through in bursts and leaving a sweet, full-bodied glow upon the palate – just divine. I think in the event of a return visit, I’d also be inclined to sample 'Daisy's Dream' (£6.50) which muddles Harveys Bristol Cream with Martin Millers gin, lemon juice, egg white, rhubarb bitters and Fraise de Bois – a unique combination I'm sure you'll agree and, utilising that signature spirit to perfection! 

Fino Fizz

Onto the fare and supporting the unmistakable Spanish undercurrent, the menu consists entirely of Tapas which has been reasonably priced between two and five pounds a plate. The BFF and I made six (rather carb-heavy) selections between us which were served in stages so to compliment each other and the drinks that we had ordered. Proving uncomplicated yet fresh and tasty, not to mention thoughtfully presented, adequately portioned and prepared using ingredients carefully sourced in order to provide a top-notch dining experience, it's fair to say that we were suitably impressed. Starting with a shallow bowl of plump, juicy olives which had been marinated in oil, the BFF and I began our descent into a comfort-food coma - the two full dishes of patatas bravas that came next; slathered in a sun-ripened tomato sauce, aiding this process with their satisfying warmth. The ham croquettes had been paired with a punchy aioli dip – the contrast of tastes and textures here alone proving an absolute delight. Meanwhile, the Artisan bread board made an entrance and although this was supplemented with a fusion of rich olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it was also just in time to mop up the flavoursome oil emanating from the Iberico chorizo which had been braised in red wine, herbs and garlic – hence, serious yum-factor*, (*a Greg Wallace term!) To follow, a range of bite-sized desserts and amongst them, a house sherry and fresh fruit trifle (£3.50) which, I'm told, is served in a martini glass; inspired! However, on this occasion, the BFF and I managed to resist, opting instead for our bill and the creamy twang of the Liqueur chocolates that accompanied it...

Carb Indulgence - No. 1!

Carb Indulgence - No. 2!

In conclusion, this is an establishment offering a touch of pizazz to Bristol’s drinking culture and there is undoubtedly the potential for Harveys Cellars to refine its identity so to secure its status as one of the City’s unequalled hotspots. I love the Mediterranean tradition of accompanying a tipple or two with a selection of tapas-style munchibles – a concept which has been optimised here given the ample array of affordable dishes which are of an exceptionable standard. However, whilst the fare was appropriately balanced in terms of quality versus quantity, there was rather a lot going on in regards to the drinks menu and thus, perhaps the focus should have remained on Harveys Bristol Cream (and its sherry-related counterparts) – utilising the expertise of the bar staff with a proviso whereby favourites can be accommodated, but only upon request. This would eradicate the danger of bombarding its clientèle with the option of drink after drink…which may in turn inadvertently encourage those who wouldn't typically venture into the unknown, to try something a little off the beaten track, (sherry converts even!) Furthermore, you might say that I was a little disheartened by the rather insipid nature of the restaurant and yet, the music-room, with its capacity for live entertainment and close-knit cosiness, made up for this and then some! In fact, upon my return visit (of which I am sure), I will be nestled between the localised art work and the melange of memorabilia with a well-earned sherry-based cocktail in-hand; basking in the glory of my home-town amidst what is essentially a tribute to a fundamental part of its unequivocally animated history.

Chocolates of the Harveys Bristol Cream variety...What else?!

And now for the second opinion…

The BFF gave Harveys Cellars a rating of 8/10 and in three words, described the venue's overall ambiance' as 'Spain meets Bristol'.

References:

*http://www.harveyscellars.co.uk

Canapés, Cupcakes and Cocktails goes to...Center Parcs, Longleat Forest

It just doesn't feel like Christmas until the annual trip to Center Parcs is in full swing and trust me, seeing Longleat Forest aglow with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights – not to mention a tastefully decorated Christmas tree at every turn, festive edition Pieminister* on demand, reindeer (from the mechanical variety which sing Christmas carols to the real duo which overlook Santa's grotto) and a scarily lifelike Polar Bear called Bjorn - will never fail to turn even the most stubborn of Scrooges into Santa's Little Helper! ... You'll be partaking in the merry-making and donning your Christmas jumper before you can say ho ho ho!

Date: Friday 2^nd December – Monday 5^th December 2011

Name of Establishment: Center Parcs*

Location: Longleat Forest

Reason for Visit: The annual long-weekend of cabin-based exuberance and an inevitable festive foodie foray!

Arriving at Longleat on a beautifully frosty yet sunshiney day and, on my part, unashamedly decked out in festive attire, the scene for our relaxing winter break was set. Initiating the proceedings with a toffee nut latte in Starbucks which, situated in the main Plaza is one of two of this hit and miss corporate big-wig, I was reminded of the fact that here, the likes of big chains Strada and Café Rouge are particularly well attended. Existing side-by-side with such lesser known establishments as Ortega and Center Parcs' own creations; Rajinda Pradesh, American-style diner, Huck's, The Pancake House and The Grand Café, this diverse line-up of eateries can afford to hike up their prices with little danger of their clientèle deviating beyond the costly reaches of their picturesque forest setting. Thus, although many opt to 'eat-in' in order to save the pennies, a candlelit dinner for two (outside the comfort of one's cabin) is practically unattainable!

Dasher?!

It's a game of Musical Reindeer!

For me though, each visit to Center Parcs constitutes a new favourite restaurant or watering hole...this time around highlights included the unlikely venue of the 'Aqautique' bar (adjacent the bowling alleys) for a blimmin' good mojito and our two-fold-visit to The Pancake House. Popular enough to command a queue at the door and set within the Christmassy Village Square, this venue offers a tempting line-up of sweet and savoury creations - freshly prepared pancakes and waffles generously slathered with your topping of choice. Given my notorious sweet tooth, it will come as no surprise that I elected to indulge in the caramel crunch waffle which had been drizzled with warm caramel sauce, adorned with sizeable chunks of honeycomb and, washed down with a well-made, rich roasted Lavazza Cappuccino, made for an entirely decadent breakfast. I went the whole hog on our second visit, choosing the ultimate in chocoholism; a single chocolate pancake topped with whipped cream, hot chocolate sauce, Maltesers and two scoops of good-quality ice cream. This ensemble was finished with a whole Cadbury's flake...heaven! Others made more nutritious choices; The Boy reported that the tuna melt pancake was packed with good-quality ingredients; succulent flakes of fish, the zing of spring onion and mature cheddar and yet unfortunately, his selection the following day didn't quite warrant the same praise, the New Mexico omelette hid a multitude of sins; dry chunks of chicken, anaemic-looking meatballs which bordered on inedible and an over-processed and luminous pink ham that masqueraded as salami...disappointing...

Did someone say cocktails?!

Caramel Crunch Waffle (£5.95)

We decided upon Ortega for our Saturday night nosh-up; a small chain restaurant with two further branches in London and Milton Keynes. Specialising in Spanish fare, our party ordered a selection of Tapas; calamares, chanquetes (deep fried whitebait), chorizo and Albondigas, (succulent pork and beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce) to share between us. The Boy and I also decided upon the Ortega Paella; a well executed dish which had been colourfully arranged with chicken, chorizo, roasted peppers, juicy mushrooms plus a scattering of mussels and one rather ample king prawn! I think that the chorizo proved the only disappointing aspect of this dish due to its overly fatty tendencies. In addition to this, the service was a little stand-offish especially given the distinct lack of clientèle at the time of our visit and the cocktails were a little lack lustre to say the least – The Boy in particular, finding himself forced to return his Long Island Ice Tea (a typically pungent combination if you are not familiar) in favour for something, 'a little less like breakfast juice'! That said, the birthday boy of our party was allocated a free cocktail which, albeit, not quite up to scratch in terms of its alcohol content, was a nice touch! The last hurdle before calling it a day was remedying our miscalculated bill, an issue which, I have to say, our specific server dealt with efficiently and without any undue fuss.

Now onto those festive edition Pieminister which are available from the Grand Café or the Sports Café in the 'Jardin des Sport' (which incidentally, advocates a menu not too dissimilar from that of your average High Street Wetherspoons). First things first, they aren't cheap – you may well pay under a fiver for a pie, mash and a moat of lovely gravy in our beloved hometown but here, you're looking at approximately £12 for the same fare. Then again, previous experience denotes a good-quality and altogether satisfying experience guaranteed and sometime later, tucking into my 'Three Kings' Pie packed with British turkey breast, smoky bacon, outdoor reared pork and herb stuffing and cranberries, I decided that it was well worth the money and then some...even given that it had clearly been microwaved giving the pastry a less-than perfect disposition!

'Three Kings' Pieminister with all the trimmings!

Finally, no trip to Center Parcs would be complete without a trip to the Aqua Sana spa and their exclusive Restaurant and Bar, Zilli, (the namesake of Italian-born celebrity chef Aldo Zilli). In my view, this is one of the best places to dine on-site and, sipping pink Prosecco from a plush leather sofa and snuggling into an over-sized bath robe, I lined-up my post-spa snack. Paninis, fresh salads, antipasti and made-to-order flat breads are top of the bill, and, with a focus on healthy eating and the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, I was spoiled for choice. I decided that at only £7.75, the Ricotta and spinach cannelloni baked with tomato and béchamel sauces sounded fantastic and yet, sizing up the plump, home-made looking scones behind the counter as well as the impressive line-up of herbal infusions, a spot of afternoon tea would have also gone down rather well. Topped off with polite table service and clean, comfortable surroundings complete with heated floors (combating that bare-foot chill) and floor to ceiling windows showcasing the beauty of the forest, this was indubitably the epitome of calm and hence, a fantastic place to conclude a relaxing weekend away.

All in all, Center Parcs provides a sufficient level of catering; as well as the variety of on-site eateries, the well-stocked Parc Market has a fantastic patisserie which includes a range of lovelies from Pullins Bakers Ltd.* alongside a freshly-baked selection of breads, cakes and pastries. The in-house takeaway service, albeit a tad on the pricey side, covers Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisines which can be delivered directly to your cabin. Let's be fair, this is a complex designed to suit couples, groups and families alike and to that end, fine dining just isn't on the cards. Yet, you aren't exactly expected to slum it either as there are a number of venues (given that you visit outside of the peak hours) in which it is possible to have a good-quality (and reasonably peaceful) meal. I've never actually taken this trip outside of the festive season and for me, a December Center Parcs break embodies all the best things about this time of year – the most obvious being that elevated degree of excitement that the anticipation of Christmas establishes. Perhaps this is one of those things that you must experience for yourself but rest assured, fellow foodies, that you certainly won’t go hungry...just make sure you have more than a few pounds in your pocket!

References:

*http://www.pieminister.co.uk/ 
*http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/villages/longleat/index.jsp

*http://www.pullinsbakers.co.uk/

The Bravas Supper Club Experience

Following a fantastic evening at the Bishopston Supper Club a Month or so previously, I was eager to indulge in another culinary foray of this kind; taking my love of top-notch nosh away from the familiarity of the restaurant setting. Cue the Bravas Supper Club whereby Spanish cuisine takes centre stage...what's more, with my lovely mum's birthday just days away, this was the perfect opportunity to avoid the tried and tested chocolate and perfume double act in favour for an experience a lot less predictable and perhaps one which would even secure some serious brownie points...! 

Date and Time: Thursday 17^th November 2011 19:30 for 20:00

Name of Event: Bravas Supper Club*

Location: The lovely harbourside home of Kieran and Imogen Waite

Reason for participation: An edible escapade in line with pre-Birthday celebrations.

Tentatively descending the candlelit stone steps to the basement of the Bravas host's classically stylish riverside pad, mum and I were warmly greeted and shown to our table for two. With tables intimately arranged to separately accommodate each party, I was initially concerned that some of the atmosphere would be lost given that interaction with other supper club attendees did not appear to be part of the etiquette and so, meeting new foodie faces wasn't explicitly on the cards. That said, the interactive nature of the fare, whereby you share no less than ten tapas-style dishes with your dining companion(s) over the course of the evening, compensated somewhat for any intermingling lost as a result of the seating arrangements which, as it happened, were not too dissimilar to that of a restaurant after all. That is, until you catch a glimpse of the action unfolding in the kitchen and at once stand reminded of the undeniable fact that diners have been welcomed (like guests at a dinner party) into the home of this dynamic duo; Kieran, an 'event organiser and well-seasoned host' and Imogen, a talented chef who has mastered her trade amidst some of Bristol's top kitchens. Furthermore, this was a dwelling for which we had only received directions the evening beforehand via an informal yet duly enlightening telephone call; just one of the aspects of an event of this kind which builds on the intrigue and lends an air of exclusivity to the proceedings.

Onto the food and having whetted our appetites with the timely publication of the menu online, the arrival of the appetiser was rather well received; marinated olives and pimention toasted almonds alongside an aperitif of an Averys* Bristol Fashion Amontillado from Jerez (medium-dry sherry to you and me). This instantly set the bar in regards to the calibre of the cuisine and yet, it became apparent that each earthenware vessel set before us thereafter would contain courses of equal impressiveness. From the simplistic yet beautifully executed grilled hake with lemon to the phenomenally flavoursome seared acorn fed pork and rich, meaty offerings of the spiced sausage as well as the oxtail braised in red wine, the range of dishes ultimately encompassed a variety of contrasting tastes and textures yet each fittingly Mediterranean in terms of their composition. The bring-your-own beverage policy (as well as a list of suggested wine matches for the evening) led mum and I to the Sangre de Toro 2009 – a soft and juicy red that seemed to compliment the lighter dishes in particular; for instance, the Beetroot, Pomegranate and Herb salad with its appealing rainbow-effect presentation and fresh, palate-cleansing qualities. To end the evening; a sweet board on which stood two dainty glasses of dessert wine – a Bodega Lustau Pedro Ximenez (also from Jerez) - of which the birthday girl was treated to a cheeky top-up! This indulgent tipple, channelling sweet velvety aromas of fig and raison, had been perfectly coupled with the bite-sized morsels which constituted this course; slices of manchego cheese, two varieties of quince, juicy dates and individual salted chocolate tarts – just divine!

Oxtail Braised in Red Wine with Salted Potato Crisps

In conclusion, another unmissable supper club experience and albeit rather different from the first, I loved what Bravas had brought to the table (ahem)! Despite forgoing a sense of communal foodie-related appreciation (which, to be fair, is not everyone's cup of tea) for a dinner-date with your nearest and dearest, the concept of offering a tantalising line-up of small sharer dishes is suitably genius, (not to mention a snip for a suggested donation of £20-£25). In my opinion it significantly reduces the primary supper club anxiety of committing to dine blindly or, in other words, worrying that one of the courses will not appeal to your palate. Whereas elsewhere this could potentially alienate a quarter of the evening's offerings, the nature of the Bravas menu ensures that you still have a further nine dishes to delight in if one does not especially suit, (incidentally, it was the Radicchio for me which, quite simply, is not to my taste). Overall though, the sheer dedication involved in plating ten different dishes is a triumph in itself, as too is the friendly and laid-back ambiance which is so effortlessly achieved – my thanks go out to Kieran and Imogen for a truly fantastic supper – I certainly can't wait for the next installment...hasta luego!

And now for that all-important second opinion...

Mum gave the Bravas Supper Club 10/10 and in three words described her evening as a 'really special experience'.

 References:

*http://www.facebook.com/BravasBristol

*http://www.averys.com/

Tart after Dark – Spanish Supper Evening

The Best Foodie Friend (BFF) and I have become rather accustomed to Tart Café and Foodstore's Monthly 'after-hours' supper club and as this particular instalment promised the beautiful sun-drenched tastes of Spanish cuisine, we didn't hesitate to register our interest. One might say, not wanting to miss out on extending the Summertime which, for the most part, had dissolved into Autumnal chill within the blink of an eye.

Date and Time: Thursday 22^nd September 2011, 19:30

Name of Establishment: Tart Café and Foodstore*

Location: 16 The Promenade, Gloucester Road-Bristol

Reason for Visit: Tart after Dark Spanish Supper Evening

I always love stepping into the calm Parisian precision of Tart – so fresh and neat in its décor that it feels a million miles away from the quirky mish-mash of its Gloucester Road setting. On this occasion, tables were simplistically arranged; each dressed with crisp white linen, a single church candle set within bubbled glass as well as a tasteful pairing of blooms spilling from a dainty miniature vase. It is the effortless sophistication here that never fails to impress; creating an air of calm within what had become a real hubbub of bodies and voices...apparently the BFF and I were not the only ones reminiscent of those hot Mediterranean evenings...

Upon being seated, we were treated to an aperitif of Colosia Fino sherry, served over ice in a champagne flute. This was a refreshing start and well-received, especially as this would constitute the only alcohol the BFF and I would indulge in (be it a school night) despite the fact that Darren Willis from nearby Grape and Grind* had again put together a list of suitably matched wines to compliment each course. Furthermore, introductory tipples had been supplemented with small bowls of Manzilla olives and roasted almonds – a nice touch that suitably whetted our appetites for the courses to follow.

First up, the tasting plate of tapas which consisted of a bite-sized Spanish omelette (unanimously considered delightfully fluffy and light), skewered vegetables, a handful of rocket drizzled with sweet balsamic and, the winner of this dish (for me at least), an individual croquette. The latter was perfectly formed; coated with crunchy breadcrumbs which gave way to a wonderfully creamy cheese and spinach filling – yum! However, I was a little perplexed by the vegetable skewer as despite my love-hate relationship with artichoke, it was (upon account of the BFF who ended up with a double portion) well-cooked and earthy and the cherry tomato, along with the black olives, deliciously plump and juicy; I just wasn't sure how the cube of cheese, albeit a good-quality and creamy variety, made it on to the end of the pin. Would it be fair to say that this was a little out of place or is there a specific Spanish tradition that I'm just not aware of, (answers on a postcard perhaps)!?

Tapas Tortilla, Banderillas, Croquetas de Espinacas

No ambiguity when it came to the main course though which unquestionably had the wow factor...melt-in-the-mouth slow braised pork, wrapped with crispy Parma ham and nestled in the centre, an ample wedge of spicy chorizo. This fantastic carnivorous parcel sat on a criss-cross of firm green beans and a saucy medley of tomato, chickpeas and roasted red peppers...not to mention an extra scattering of chorizo for good measure. The rich flavours bursting from this dish were really rather exquisite and, softened almost with a zesty lemon undercurrent, proved fresh yet wholesome – a combination which appropriately captured the sunshiny attributes of Spanish fare alongside the seasonal ingredients sourced and prepared back in good old Blighty. It's also to be noted how beautifully this dish had been plated which, as well sporting a 'proper-portion', (which incidentally the BFF and I now affectionately refer to as 'the Andrew Griffin effect' - Andrew being the head chef at Tart Café and Foodstore) therefore had been commendably balanced; proving both aesthetically pleasing as well as tasty and satisfying. Vegetarians were treated to a pumpkin, chickpea and vegetable stew which, served with saffron rice, sounded warming and flavoursome – I didn't catch a glimpse of this dish in the flesh but then again, I was so taken with my own main course that I’ll admit, at the time, I didn't really give the alternative a thought!

Estofado de Carne de Cerdo, Garbanzos, Chorizo, Pimento asados

As readers of my blog will know, I'm rather partial to the indulgence of dessert and yet, having never sampled yogurt cake thus far, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The result…a light and moistly textured sponge with that homely just-baked warmth – impressively executed especially as Andrew mentioned that he had trialled this dish for the first time just the evening before! Succulent orange segments and the icy zing of lemon granita were welcome accompaniments giving this dessert its citrusy freshness; hence, flavours which complimented the natural cultures of the yogurt entirely – lovely!

Quesada de Yogurt, Granizado de Naranja y Limon

Overall, another top-notch supper club experience courtesy of the 'Tart' team – food to knock your socks off and service which is attentive and as poised as the surroundings are chic. Scheduled for Thursday 27^th October, I've been told that the next menu will constitute an autumnal French theme (further details to be confirmed in due course) and so, best to keep a close eye on the 'Lovely Tart' website as it’s sure to be a sell-out…For now though, thank you to Jennie, Ellen, Andrew and team for a truly enjoyable evening...until next time...!

And now for the second opinion…

The BFF gave the Tart after Dark Spanish Supper evening 9/10 and in three words, described the cuisine as ‘light’, ‘flavourful’ and ‘sunny’.

References:

*http://www.lovelytart.com/

*http://www.grapeandgrind.co.uk/