Ribs 'n' Bibs Lincoln Review

Ribs 'n' Bibs, The Strait, Lincoln

Cuisine - American

Price - Medium/High - Ribs 'n' Bibs doesn't have the largest variety on the menu in the world but with the plates they post, you'll be expecting to part with at least ten pounds. The cheapest dish they serve up is the pulled pork bun which is tagged up at an average £10.95. On the high end of the scale, the specials often pose up just over the twenty pound figure but on the set menu, the dearest is the dinner known only as Vitamin P being £23.95 (you do almost get every cut of pig possible though). When it comes down to the beverage sector, the simplistic soft drinks start at a measly £1.75 and a bottled beer or cider begins at £3.60. They host a wide array of divine cocktails as well as some traditional US draft beers. During the week days R'n'B show some spectacular deals like meaty Monday's and Sweet Tuesdays giving customers unique deals to cash in on for dining out on a work night making your routine that extra bit special. 

Service - 8.5/10 - The service at R'n'B was unnassailable to say the least, from the moment of approaching the welcome bar to the final step onto the cobblestoned street, the staff had it nailed. Prior to going, I had a table pre booked which I arrived ten minutes early to, however the friendly team already had it ready for me and my fellow diner to seat at. The specials menu was thoroughly explained to us as well as an in depth, relaxed conversation about the cocktails, it was almost as though we'd known the waitress for a long time and were just having a general natter. After having our drinks and food order taken our divine treats flew to our tables; the refreshments were almost instant and the food took little over fifteen minutes. Not only that but the waitress adjusted the meals to our preference, so I was rather fussy and had the pork bun minus the bun but it was to no objection from the staff. Everything was spot on and every request we had was completed, they even granted us with a humorous bib and wet wipes for our messy, meaty meals. 

Atmosphere - 8/10 - Again, faultless. The noise levels were absolutely on point and at no moment did I feel like I was being drowned in the sound of a hustling diner. A chilled background music blessed the speakers at a gentle decibel, enough to relax me as a diner but again not too loud that it overpowers the natural vibe. Everyone was chirpy and buzzing off the excitement of chewing down on some specially cooked meat masterpieces, meaning it was a mellow environment to be in. An overall ambience that was a pleasure to be around and I certainly wouldn't grumble at going back.

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - U S A, U S A. Cut through the brickwork in this place and the mortar will just ooze red, white and blue. America from wall to wall with pop art of some of the USA's most famous stars, super heroes and cult classics which just scream you know which state makes it big time. A roped fairy light dresses some of the more basic elements in the establishment and bring that extra bit of cute enlightenment to gaze into whilst nibbling on your rib bone. Some other North American staples I noted were the tin gas and oil signs that were posted up on the surroundings as well as the cannibalistic animal horns, boosting up the overall honour of being in a carnivorous environment. I'd have love to seen some movie props in the place such as a mock gas pump or some glitzy Hollywood Boulevard memorabilia but apart from that it's brilliant. As of tables and chairs, the place has been set out perfectly with a comfortable manoeuvrable area. I loved the beer bottle crates which held the condiments, however it would have been ideal to have seen the house sauces which they sell for sale available for tasting. A running theme of ribs and bibs galore ran through the place as they actually sell their own merchandise including t-shirts, aprons and mugs which is a phenomenal marketing idea as well as business brand recognition.

Presentation - 7/10 - Well how many ways can you present pulled pork, sweet potato fries and a serving of slaw and make it come across as picturesque? The plate was clean, crisp and compact yet had a bursting colour from a few of the flavour elements. My sweet potatoes came across fanciful and plump with their decent size and crusted seasoning, not forgetting to mention the sharp purple of red onion which cuts through the porks dullness. I have to mention that the mountain of meat is normally served in a prominent white roll, so the image below doesn't do the dish full justice, however the presentation is still of mediocre standard and didn't put me off at anytime. The organised sectors on the plate made it easy on what you were eating, allowing diners to combine flavours as they wanted and the large oval plate left room to mop up any excess juices left over from the succulent pork shoulder. Simplistic, effective and probably the most efficient way to deliver such a messy looking meat. I'd say it was certainly a image enough to wet ones appetite.

Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - To impress a BBQ pulled pork professional like myself (I wish) would take something pretty spectacular and R'n'B definitely did that. For starters, my first bite into my decadently crisp and sweet fries was magnificent; the outer skin was ruffled and salty which broke straight into the fluffy inner which held a steamy hot temperature along with a sublime seasoning. The freshness of the cooking from the food was a class above with no part of my meal being luke warm, the piping hot meat just shows that care and consideration has been given to every customers plate choosing and that no shortcuts are being taken in the kitchen. My slaw had the ultimate ratio of mayonnaise to vegetables and I'm not normally one for it but this side was an exception; perfect crunch, proportion and a decent taste which complimented the rich pork. As of the pickled red onions and pork, they left me craving more even though my stomach was bulging through my shirt; a tangy, sweetness from the purple strings married the tender, smokiness of the shredded pork to a point of heavenliness. Mouthwateringly amazing meat that I could eat a pigs worth of. Portions for price left not only my pocket smiling but also my stomach as for only £10.95 I had some phenomenal food with the heartiest of portions. It's totally worth starving yourself all day to chow down on some of R'n'B's caveman size plates but even if you were full the prestigious flavours leave you dreaming of meat in your food coma.

Overall - 8/10 - Ever since I selected Lincoln University as my university of choice, I have been craving to take my culinary tour on a trip to the cities most notorious smokehouse and I can say with great certainty that it didn't disappoint. With a reputation bigger than Steep Hill itself, R'n'B and all its brand recognition has a lot to live up to and no wonder why every customer that steps through the door leaves hours later with a glistening glow on their face. Second to none service, affordable meat platters and some unique cocktails and beers, what is not to love? Any foodie or carnivore should jump in and gnaw their way through some of the most flavoursome plates to grace the modern bbq, sampling tender chunks of your ultimate meats. If you're feeling up to it and are into the whole Man vs Food universe then Ribs and Bibs offer a food challenge as well, either putting you on the wall of fame or shame depending on whether you can conquer the feast that lies on the day; yet another unique and loveable charm toting up alongside the companies special branded sauces and memorabilia. Situated on the left of The Strait leading up to the cathedral, R'n'B doesn't come across as nothing special and rather petite but the miniature meat mecca really is hidden gem and I recommend it to anyone. Join in on the banter and grab yourself a rib bib, get messy, get saucy, get meaty, I'm done hundred percent going to be returning sooner rather than later.

http://www.ribsnbibs.co.uk

What Does Your Steak Say About You?

What Does Your Steak Choice Say About You?

Nearly every carnivorous, meat eating human being to grace the earth has had the golden opportunity to indulge in some of the finest cuts of red meat known to man. By this I’m referring to beautifully tender slabs of steak that have been cut straight off a cattle market, sent to a hot griddle then fed into our greedy little gullets.

Since the first chunk of beef was wolfed down back in the day, technologies have severely changed thus for mankind developed and discovered different cooking techniques as well as the ability to define the divine slices that can be found on a cow; talk to any modern butcher or chef and they can give you the complete blueprint of the animal and how to cook each piece to perfection.

But now, in the fine year that is 2014, we do tend to stick to the classic cuts, meaning that in pubs and steakhouses the same slabs are consistently on offer leaving us hungry, meat heads making a vital choice. So the waitress or waiter approaches, we have made the final call but what does our steak choice really say about us? .  Minus the sides, the butters, the dips and leave yourself with a naked meat strip, which one is actually your ideal choice when it comes down to the final crunch.

Fillet

Feather light, the upmost of tenderness and is picturesque presentation wise. The fillet has an extreme elegancy about it and the flavor is just to die for, grab yourself a butter knife and carve your way through this nugget of heaven because their aren’t many other cuts of beef like it. Averagely you’d be looking at an acute 8oz chunk and for that the price would normally burn a big hole in the bank because this beefy, bad boy doesn’t come cheap. The type of person I’d expect to be sinking there into this would be a foodie coinsure, an upmarket, finer things in life kind of guy or a genteel woman as it sure enough just oozes class.

Sirloin

Known as the New York Strip, the sirloin automatically makes me think of a busy city steakhouse and grill, but as a steak it keeps a certain degree of meaty authenticity at the same time. Probably the most jointly well known cut of a cow, you’d often find an average Joe reaching out for this in a search to suppress his carnivorous cravings but don’t let that confuse you with it being commercial. Often served up in a hefty heap with a trim of fat around one side, the sirloin poses a tad of flavor but more solidarity, completing a well-rounded steak. Ideal for breaking the steak virginity and kicking the mouth water for meat, the New York Strip is a mediocre occasion cut.

Rump

A full of flavor blade of beef for literally any day of the week. Go to any supermarket, pub, restaurant or steak shack and you should be able to slam your jaw into a round of rump steak. Call it the typical steak, one of the originals, ideal for that classic meaty meal. As a diner, if you’re ordering this I’d presume an ordinary, standard person just chowing down on something you know is going to taste good. Slightly commercial, the rump has a tendency to possess a difficulty to eat when not flashed properly but for the pound savings you pay, it’s totally worth the risk.

Ribeye

Marbled with a large percentage of fat, this decadent dream tops my list as my all time steak love. When cooked to a moist, medium rare the Ribeye holds a beloved buttery taste with a tongue melting texture, which will send you straight into paradise.  The fat content homes the flavor and it goes without saying, if you select this off the menu, you are tending not to be worried about the waistline. Coming in a 10oz cut the majority of the time, the Ribeye is a definite meat lovers steak or someone who forgets everything and lives by the only live once attitude. Maximum taste, a few inches on the waist, the Ribeye is genuine comfort food winner.

Porterhouse

The best of both worlds and is there for someone who thrives off a taste of everything. A porterhouse, or sometimes as its known when cut to a smaller thickness, the T-Bone, is a unique cut where you can sample both a fillet steak and a sirloin all in one place. Divided by a bone between the two, the sections are rare to feast your eyes upon, let alone your belly and if you do happen to cross it, don’t expect a budget priced beef. The price is high and is the weight in meat is too, so when ordering it you tummy better be growling and your wallet best be full. An open minded, belly brimming carnivore would be definitely indulging into this meaty mecca and certainly lives for an experience.

Zak's Norwich Review

Zak's, The Street, Poringland, Norwich

Cuisine - American 

Price Range - Low/High - As an all American diner Zak's really prides itself on it's US classic's and it's gut busting burgers. When browsing at the menu it's obvious that the beef patties and beef dogs are the real pride in the USP department. The cheapest complete meals that you can chomp your jaw on are the hotdogs which are only a feeble £8.95 and include a hearty dog with a variety of toppings and a side of potatoes. On the expensive plates, it's obviously the steaks again as they posted up a heafty fourteen ounce prime ribeye at £18.45. For sharing or for one single hungry, belly buster they showcase an ultimate meal; a heart stopping meat combo containing literally every meat on the menu and two sides, be warned though as the bill will burn your pocket just above the £30 mark. Quenching your thirst at Zak's is a lip wetting treasure because you can get any refreshing pint of beer or cider for an average of £3.60 and soft drinks are £1.85 for a regular or £2.25 for a large. 

Service - 7/10 - First impression and it was clear to see that they were busy on a Saturday night, so we were told their would be a possible twenty minute wait on a table by our genuinely friendly hostess. Menus already in hand, being blindly read through we were appointed to a table within a quick ten minutes where we continued to browse on what would boost our dinner time diets. When it came down to taking our order the waitress' were faultless because nothing was too much; they adjusted the meals to our requirements by changing the side orders and even ask how we wanted a burger cooked which is a basic, yet rare occasion in today's eateries. Orders placed and it was time to wait but before we knew it the onion ring starter flew to our table from out of the kitchen and they were fresh, hot and luscious to the eye. Within another perfect time we had our mains infront of us but there was a slight mix it up it has to be said. My fellow diners requested a specific side order but the meal seemed to have a completely different one but after quickly addressing the issue the waitress fix the problem. At no point was anything too much to ask for and I was somewhat impressed with the patients and persistance to make the customers time a enjoyable one. 

Atmosphere - 7.5/10 - A slight buzz loomed the atmospheric surroundings and at no point did I feel uncomfortable at all. Even the background music which was an upbeat, post war, American playlist slotted in nicely to set a cheerful tone when I was eating my grub. Even though there was some minuscule issues with the servicing, the staff remained calm and looked as though they had full control of every situation at all times. Some restaurants suffer on Saturday nights because of the weekend busy boom but credit has to be given because the Zak's crew nailed it. As soon as you walk through the door you can get a gentle whiff of the grill working meat which is always welcoming and makes hunger screaming that little bit extra. 

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - American, oh so American. Everything about the establishment from the moment you walk in just screams the U S of A, even in the entrance hall they have a life size traffic light. It's big, in your face and nails their style to a pinpoint. Pillars and walls were plastered in collectible sports cards, it had a hanging basketball net and also behind the bar they trophied some genuine American football helmets which all fitted the theme perfectly, not forgetting the vintage car grills hung up. My favourite piece of property was by far the Mobil gas pump which was placed neatly in the corner next to dining table, it was larger than life, quirky but had every element you recite when you say born in the USA. The booths and tables could have had more of an authentic American diner feel but the plain Jane table set up didn't take to much away from the rocking status. Even the beverages on offer were nostalgic being burly U.S ales by the bottle and stereotypical buds on tap. Neon coke signs and tin metal number plates will certainly make you want to do the jailhouse rock. 

Presentation - 6.5/10 - I think I need a bigger plate chef. The already large, oval plate was absolutely brimming, for starters the sweet fries were jumping the brim and starting to flop on the table then the corn was seemedly dumped on top if the colesaw. My chicken didn't exactly yell appealing either because to be honest it was hard to tell looking at how it was placed which part of the bird it really was not forgetting to mention the bacon strips that just laid on top if it. I'd like to have seen bubbling golden batter piercing the eye, partnered with a small side order of fries so you actually get a decent idea of what's going on. Finally the bones from the chick proved to be a certain annoyance because after I tore off the meat they were lifelessly getting in the way on the plate, in the end I had to put them on a side plate because knowing me I'd have scooped one into my gullet.

Food/Value For Money - 7/10 - Give a man a healthy meal and you can feed him for the night, but give the man a hearty, mountain high meal and you can feed him for the weekend. A key factor that really saved Zak's food was that they were oh so generous with the portion size. At £12.95 I settled myself a pile up of food, all be it not the most expensive to create but a tasteworthy meal to say the least. My plate contained a farms worth of sweet potato fries, half a deep fried chicken, a couple of bacon strips, an ice cream scoop of coleslaw, corn and a tidy little side salad to balance the health element. The plate had both positives and negatives but overall it was definitely on a level playing field with other US dining imitators. Firstly my chicken, the bird sunk my heart from the moment I saw it and at my initial bite it didn't change much either. The batter was dry, hard and so paper thin that you could see the bones beneath in some place and the flesh of the chicken wasn't great as well. Don't get me wrong it was seasoned well and the meat was prominant in some places but I felt the need to douce the dryness with condiments, it was extremely taste killing how overcooked the bird was. On the other hand you had the fries which took up most of the plate and they were spot on. Decadently bubbly, crisp and sweet with a lengthy, fluffy pop beneath the skin that I could indulge on for hours. The bacon again was to die for; unhealthy, had a solid, crunchy snap to it and the saltiness just kept me craving more of that piggy American breakfast goodness, I'm such a huge fan of strips rather than the classic back bacon. To summarise it I'd say the meal was mediocre if not a little bit below par but the portion size really brought it to a new ball game leaving me to score only averagely. 

Overall - 7/10 - Zak's stations three restaurant/diner retreats around Norwich and has a sterling reputation for being one of the cities fine business developments serving up burgers and shakes for many of years. Pretty much faultless service, fast food and a great Stars and Stripes experience can be had at Zak's because of the rare props they do have on show, you could literally spend hours looking around spotting different signs and counting the quirky quotes plastered on the all American tin billboards. When it comes down to food, it's the burgers and hotdogs you should really be having; Zak's has built itself on the pride of it's patties for so many years and the creativeness of the combinations on the menu can leave you pondering for hours on end and let us not forget the meal sizes. Mountains of food at an affordable price, it's a great place to take the family for a welcoming bite to eat and not forgetting to mention if you're hungry some US comfort food loving. Don't expect fine dining and luxurious food just throw on a bib, get messy and leave with waddling belly without breaking the bank. There's obviously always room for improvements but it's a true place for tummy topping food and in'n'out style meal, enjoy and eat on. 

http://www.zaks.uk.com

Takeaway Time - Lucky Tandoori

Lucky Tandoori, Dereham Road, Norwich

Cuisine - Indian

Options - Takeaway & Delivery

Speed - 8/10 - My indian excursions have brought me to the conclusion that normally I'd expect to wait twenty minutes maximum for my meal and this place was spot on. After entering, browsing and telling the cashier our curry favourites, he quickly whisked our order away to the kitchen where we then proceeded to wait. In the shop they have a TV to watch whilst you wait and also some local leaflets, meaning you shouldn't get bored; for a Saturday night the takeaway was quite empty it has to be said. As the clocked swept by it was a mere, under average, fourteen minutes before our food crawled out which was impressively swift for a tandoori house. 

Taste - 7/10 - Saturday night and I was feeling rather spicy (hence the reason for opting for a cheeky indian treat), so I opted for my usual chicken tikka chilli masala, pilau rice and finally a plain poppadum. Hot, hot, hot, my goodness, the chilli masala boasted brutality as though it had been taken fresh from the rivers of hell, it was by far the spiciest of it's kind I've ever encountered; this being said, I felt it fair as the menu did state extremely hot with a huge four chilli rating. The sauce from the curry was a deep, rich brown and was very runny upon comparison to other takeaway joints however the wateriness didn't ruin the dish as I felt it helped to spread the heat capsicum and engulf all the naked strands of rice with extra flavour. From the first folk full my lips began tingling, my eyes drew heavy and my nose resemble a dripping broken tap; I fear for the toilet tomorrow and anyone who has to be around me. My chicken was well charred, tender and plump but it there was only several pieces which I felt wasn't generous enough. The crispy poppadum help me to mop up the excess sauce and the rice was mainly ideal, it had the classic white colour that you get from balsamti and the fragrance was greatly decadent. Sauce ratio compared to every on the plate drowned the dish; you can see from the picture the rice gasping for air around the plate edge. Another strange thing was the inclusion of a piece of tomato in the sauce which you don't often find in a chilli tikka but it didn't take away from the great kicking, prominent, green chillies throughout. Overall an honourable curry which was slightly too hot with a lick too much sauce but it was certainly tasty and authentic. 

Price - 7.5/10 - The trend with other curry houses continues at Lucky Tandoori because on intial comparison with other takeaways it was of a similar price. For starters, my extremely hot chilli tikka was tagged at £5.80 and my rice only a measly £2.00, touting up to a final £7.80. After browsing the menu, researching into the delicacies, I noticed they do offer a large variety of quite unique dishes but you do have to part with your pounds for them; I noted down a Bengal style fish fillet which costs £7.95 and also a beautiful, tandoori king prawn curry that would dent your wallet £11.95. This being said the curries do tend to have a set average on the menu where chicken tikka's are around £6.00 and the lamb tikka's around £6.40. The rice and sundries peaked at £2.40 and obviously start at a low price of £0.60 for a poppadom. On the back of the menu they have a few set meals for singles and groups which boast offers and selective items for a feast as well as the Thursday night meal offers which are £5.95 or £6.95 a piece.

Overall - 7.5/10 - If you love your hot curry like me and you want to discover somewhere what might seriously slap your tastebuds then give Lucky Tandoori a whirl. Even by my spicy standards I struggled to plow through the dish but by at no means did this mean I disliked it. They are obviously talented enough in the kitchen to spruce up a tummy satisfying curry with worthy flavour and by the speed of the service you can't go much wrong. Averagely priced tandoori takes up seventy percent of the menu but it has to be said, they do have some rather expensive dishes too if you fancied something unique, not forgetting to mention the set menus on the back. An area I was severly shut down by was the lack of rices because normally Indians poster a huge variety but the menus here seemed to lack so many, for example they didn't even have the famous and delicious onion rice on offer. To sum up my visit to Lucky Tandoori I'd say that it was a mediocre Indian takeaway that wasn't bad but it wasn't nothing extraordinary either, just somewhere you can silence your rumblings for a decent tasting curry.

www.luckytandoori.co.uk

Tel: 01603 762555

    : 01603 762700

Takeaway Time - Good Food Tandoori

Good Food Tandoori, St.Stephens, Norwich

Cuisine - Indian

Options - Takeaway & Delivery

Speed - 9/10 - Curry in a hurry. The GFT was super swift when it came down to taking my order, whipping up my grub and pushing it through the swinging door in the big takeout bag. After penciling down what I wanted to chow down on, the cashier gave me a rather confident estimation of around a fifteen minute wait so I proceeded to sit and ponder the menu; within a rapid ten minutes my food was handed to me. This time gave the place great promise as it's enough time for them to toss up some fresh ingredients and not only that I didn't have to wait too long, often on a Friday night in an indian you'd be expecting a solid twenty minute wait at best. If they do tell you a longer time for the tandoori, fear not as the establishment has a television and magazines to keep you entertained whilst you wait. 

Taste - 8.5/10 - Peeling back the silver tins with excitement and pure hunger, I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw and smelt. My rice hosted an authentic aroma that you often get from a traditionally cooked pilau and the flavour didn't fail me either; you could taste the flavoursome ghee that had been worked into the fluffy curry bed and the portion size was absolutely untaxable. Continuing with the side dish the colour just popped in your eye with a sunshine brightness and the few spice pods just dropped in that traditional feel. I opted, as always, for a hotter chilli tikka chicken masala and I can comfortably say it's up there in the top indian takeaway curries I've eaten. Unusually the sauce was a sliver runnier than I am used to, however I found this much better than the thicker, lesser sauces in the past; as it was more slick I could combine it with the rice easier with pleanty left over for scooping up with a crispy poppadum. The heat pushed the pin in perfection with a the fiesty kick you look for in a chilli tikka but it wasn't over the top that it left my throat closing up and my tummy turning; the long green chillies in the dish are what really seperates a mild mans masala toa spicy tongue dance and overall I thought it matched the description to a decimal. Meat wise I couldn't really fault it as the chicken was plump, succulent, soft and moist however a few more pieces could have really set the bar above the rest. Rounding up the meal I felt it was all in proportion and the flavours were nailed, there's no doubt this place boosts authenticity. 

Price - 8/10 - For an indian takeaway the Good Food Tandoori is a tad bit cheaper than many of it rivals but what really pushes it out above the rest is the day to day meal deals they offer. On the front of the menu they poster a selection of special offers which are basically meal deals where you get select curries, rice and sundries for a cheap price; these start at £4.85 for the vegetable option and peak at £6.20 for the most. If these offers don't tickle your pickle then don't hesitate too much because the main menu isn't dear either; my meal of a chicken tikka chilli masala and pilau rice came to penny pinching £7.55. Various sundries cost different prices as you'd expect as poppadums are a measly 50 pence and naans start at £1.50. The priciest curries are £8.15 each and they are the king prawn cuisines but if you're looking for a chicken dish expect to part around the £5 mark. It has to be said that they also threw in a free bag of onion salad to munch on with my meal.You have to bare in mind curries are never going to be cheap as a takeaway because of the complexity of the food but GFT is healthier for the bank balance that most tandoori houses. 

Overall - 8.5/10 - When it comes down to selecting an authentic curry house or indian we often don't try various place as we love to stick to what we know but I've learned that change is mostly for the better. After hearing rave reviews from friends about the GFT I decided to give it a whirl and my goodness I am impressed. To start off with it's one of the speediest spice serve ups I've had from indian takeaways and the service was completely unassailable. The flavours for the price are second to none and as I mentioned the authenticity and traditionalism of the food are fantastically real. On comparison to the few indian takeaways I've had before this place is well up there in the top of the charts and I'll certainly be returning to curb my curry cravings; don't knock it on the head over your favourite tandoori because these guys know indian. Be warned if you want to park for pick up it's a bit hard to find a space as it's directly next to Quasar in the city centre but don't be put off as there are pleanty of spots within walking distance that you could creep into. Love curry at a cheaper price then you'll love the Good Food Tandoori, check it out for a satisfying spicy experience.

Tel: 01603 765119

    : 01603 765218

Café Football London Review

Café Football, Westfields (Stratford), London

Cuisine - Gastro Pub

Price Range - Medium/High - The menu at Café football isn't the largest in the world it has to be said but the items that they do sell are all of a similar price. A few salads make up the cheapest plates which are £8.95 then the tipping point for the other end are the steak options which are £22.95 a piece. Upon reflection of the menu the average set back for a meal is around the £14 mark and for that you can pick up a burger with fries, pizza, salad or a few selection of British classics. Drinks can be slightly on the expensive side if you are opting for alcohol as cider's are £5 each and beers vary, beggining at £2.50 for a half. Soft drinks are cheaper as they start from only £1.95.

Service - 5/10 - After my visit, the service in Café football is enough to put me off from going back again. To start with five of us were crammed onto a table for four which was extremely uncomfortable, they didn't even set an extra set of cutlery so it was clearly a four seater table. After ordering our first set of drinks it must have taken at least a solid twenty minutes for them to arrive, only for the waitress nearly to be conned into giving them away. A fellow on another table was attempting to claim the drinks as his own but we were quick to notice and grabbed them back but surely you would have thought the staff knew where they were going?. On a plus our food was out faster than our first set of drinks which was good time but this wasn't enough to redeem the mistakes so far. Finally and very rudely, the bill had an automatic service charge of 12.5% sneakily placed on the end; we noticed and asked the waitress if this was a mandatory payment to which she said no. After asking for it to be removed, the young girl was least impressed, snatching the bill back abruptly as if we were in the wrong, then proceeded to throw our new bill on the table in disgust. I felt this was totally unacceptable and unprofessional. 

Atmosphere - 6/10 - As I said previous our situation was already uncomfortable from the seating situation let alone the fact that fellow diners were after our drinks. The place was absolutely jammed packed and the bellowing drone was overwhelming; it wasn't ideal trying to talk loudly between the table and when the waitress' took the orders they were almost shouting themselves. At the bar area which was right next to the seated diners you could see the hustle and bustle going on, it reminded me of a Saturday night on the town and this probably didn't help the noise situation much either. An element I did enjoy was upbeat music that was playing, it was adrenaline pumping and cheerful which was reminiscent of the sort of music players would be listening to in a changing room pre-match. For some reason I just couldn't relax and the constant thought of where the drinks were and whether or not they were going to get our order right put me on edge.

Decor/Theme - 9/10 - Now this is an establishment really after my own heart, what more could a footballing foodie want than a restaurant themed around the beautiful game. As soon as you entered you are greeted by a cabinet display of classic boots which players would have worn, not to mention the names and pictures of heroic players posted everywhere on the walls. Down the tunnel towards the toilets they had framed shirts of players from around the globe which was a great, authentic touch. Living up to the sports reputation, the mutiple flat screens only seemed an essential, even in the head rests of booths their were small screens all displaying sky sports news. On the back of booth's they had sticker book photos of players both present and past, creating a childhood touching memory of when I used to collect them myself. All in all my favourite part had to be the superbly clever menu; most of the items ranging from cocktails to pizzas had unique names and played puns on famous footballing figures. For example a pizza named "The Special One" possessed Portuguese toppings refering to the Portuguese managing mastermind that is Jose Mourinho. Even the on the backs of the menus the meals were set out in 4-4-2 formations. 

Presentation - 7.5/10 - Opting for a healthy salmon noodle salad there isn't many different ways you can present it and it was fair to say I was at ease with the way they did so. The bowl that was placed in front of me was huge and if required to you could wear it as a helmet; the fact that the bowl was like a bucket left me chirpy though as they did generously fill it up. Baring in mind it was a salad it did lack colour and a bit more diversity in vegetables would have worked a treat but because it was just noodles, carrots, spring onions and salmon it just didn't cut it. After looking at other peoples plates they seemed to have nice, quirky dineware but mine just didn't have the wow factor.

Food/Value for Money - 7.5/10 - My main of the salmon noodle salad stands in at £11.95 which I feel was very just. The noodles were perfect and there certainly was pleanty of them, by this I mean the cooking time had been nailed by the chef because they are easily over done from past experience. A negative aspect was the same as what I said earlier, the lack in variety; fair enough a salmon noodle salad doesn't have a shed load of ingredients but the addition of some bean shoots, a little chilli and other oriental flavours could have given the dish so much more excitement and promise. The ratio of salmon to noodles was greatly satisfying as you'd expect the restaurant to try and hold back on the fish as much as possible but they didn't and their was pleanty. You noticed the salmon flavour rush through straight away with prominence because it has such a delicious flavour; it was strong, seasoned well, had large, meaty flakes and maintained that spicy teriyaki flavouring it advertised in the menu. Overall I'd say that it was a decent meal that I'd buy again at the same price but I would exactly call it phenomenal food. 

Overall - 7.5/10 - Café Football has so much potential to be a real great, novelty food chain that can branch out to footballing foodies around the country however there are many things that need to improve. The staff and unorganised atmosphere really do let this diner down and the fact that they don't show much consideration really does put me off returning in the future. With a decent tasting meal, enough to satisfy most hungry people, served up at a fair price for a London shopping centre food outlet, it's fair to say they would be successful if they could handle the rush and demand, not to mention the fantastic theme. Being an investment of Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs alone, it's teasing to any football fanatic and by no means should you let the service put you off but just don't expect the staff kissing your feet. My advice would be to pop in off the run of a shopping trip at Westfields or to visit at a time when it's going to be least busy to get the full potential but at all costs avoid the rush hours. To conclude I'd like to think this is a phenomenal idea with a perfect USP but it just needs improvement and polishing up in many departments in order to come out top of the league. To put it in a league it would be a definate Championship playoff squad that could be promoted under new management.

http://www.cafe-football.com

Gaucho London Review

Gaucho, Chancery, London

Cuisine - A La Carte Steakhouse & Grill

Price - Medium/Very High - Gaucho possesses some seriously superior food and with all of the beef served being sourced in Argentina the prices are going to be bumped. The cheapest meals on the menu were the salads which were labelled in at £8.75 for the lowest vegetable concoction; at the next end of the scale I witnessed probably the most expensive meal on a menu on my excursions so far worthy of the very high tag. The meal in question was Gaucho's signituare sampler plate hosting a large cut of every steak on offer, weighing in at 1.2kg and then pushing a price of £99; a real treat if you're a rich steak lover. I'd say the average price for a meal in the restaurant was around the £25 mark with all side orders being around £5 and when it came down to drinks the selection is available to suit any bank balance; examples range from beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Service - 10/10 - Absolutely unnassailable from the moment we entered the restaurant. Every single member of staff within the establishment was chirpy and enthusiastic in making the diner's visit second to none; it's as though the customer was rare gem and the staff's job was to cherish them. The steaks were brought out raw on a board prior to ordering, explaining thoroughly about each cut and every question we had was confidently answered with assurance. When it came down to selecting a wine, our waiter was extremely helpful as he offered a sampler taste of our choice bottle and if we didn't like it, he was happy to change it. Not only this but seeing as we were hungry for steak we opted to order some extra medallions to no problem of the chefs or staff and as you'd expect they asked how we liked them cooked. The gentleman who waited our table was professional but comical and no issue we had was too much for him; he brought us everything we needed and kept up his attentativeness without being irritant. Finally our food was served up in a great time which wasn't too fast or too long to wait making it that all more enjoyable, not to mention the waiters even remember who had which steaks and how they were cooked. 

Atmosphere - 10/10 - I think I'll find it hard as a foodie to ever eat at anywhere as relaxed as Gaucho. The modernist music with a slowed beat made for a peaceful yet classy set then the perfect timings of the meal deliveries just helped to let us kick back even more. Even the staff seemed chilled and the non-frantic surroundings made it that bit more special; for a restaurant in London I expected a booming environment but I was so wrong. To me the tables were filled enough to make a steady turnover without the feeling of overcrowded hustle making for again a truly pleasant experience; there is nothing better than being able to sit back and enjoy some fine food without a dim, over busy atmosphere to kill the mood. Finally after every deep breath you got a prominent whiff of a grill working steaks and fresh food being prepared which as a hungry diner, made my mouth water. 

Decor/Theme - 9/10 - To nail the establishment in a phrase I'd have to go with a plush, upmarket eatery with a subtle lick of cattle. My favourite highlights within the place would have to be firstly the clever yet classy use of the cow skin to cover the chairs and stairwell, reasoning for this is because it makes you appreciate the animal and think of the stellar flavours that come from the creature. With this they could have easily made the place look tacky and outdated but the fact that they only use it slightly rightfully claims a vibrant quirkiness. Also the tables are set at a measured distance apart so the feeling of being clustered and uncomfortable isn't there; another key point is the open kitchen boast's confidence in skill and shows cleanliness too. Upstairs has some coushty leather stools to sit on if you fancy a few beverages pre or post meal with a luxurious bar knocking up great drinks at your order. 

Presentation - 8/10 - For the money that's paid this is the only disappointment for me however this being said my steaks still looked very fanciful. The five medallions were placed into a circle like shape on the centre of a large white plate which was appealing but somehow I just feel they should really be doing a little bit more. A touch of garnishing or slight piece of creativity could have really livened the dish up but that being said there was pleanty of room to shuffle the steaks for cutting room. One thing I did love was the fact that the meats were all of a similar medallion size and that they were all defined, clean cuts. 

Food/Value for Money - 9.5/10 -My initial mention has to go out to the complimentary bread board at the start of the meal which eased me up nicely for my main course. On the platter you had a hearty, warm selection of breads ranging from cheese profiteroles, rustic brown bread and finally a sliced potato cake; serving alongside these were small bowls of seasonings and a delectable chilli and garlic oil for dipping. For free the bread board was spot on and flavours were full, stating that this place doesn't do bad food. My main I opted for was a selection of steak medallions being rump, ribeye and fillet, I had to go with an additional two pieces as well because of the reputation my friends gave the food. Butter knife in hand (yes, butter knife) I carved a slice into my first medallion only to see that it had been cooked to absolute perfection as was the same with every other piece which is an amazing skill of the chef to be so careful and clever. After I eased my way through slicing the meat I took a bite and the flavour was outstanding, the steaks were by far the best I've ever eaten; the tenderness of the beef just melted in my mouth giving off an almost decedancy in taste. The edges of the medallions had an exquisite charcoal crust, deepening the flavour even more; at no point did I even think about a condiment or more seasoning as each slice was so full bodied. For £28.50 some people would say that the meats are overpriced and expensive but my goodness if you try them they are certainly able to live up to it, as I said it's by far the best steak I've eaten. At breaks inbetween my steak like heaven I ordered some sweet potato fries to nibble on which were topped with cuts of smokey chorizo; these were, again, fantastic with a plump, flavoursome sweet potato complimented with the smokey, yet slight spice in the sausage. You know it's a phenomenal meal when you carry on eating even though you're body is brimming to edge full; I finished mine then even had room for a piece of friends cut aswell. 

Overall - 9/10 - Gaucho has topped my list of restaurants and is now by a length one of my favourites I have visited. Everything from the unique customer service, to the relaxed atmosphere and most importantly the Argentinian steaks, this place is heaven to a anyone who loves to eat out. The menu may be expensive but for the quality of the food you recive after pushing out the pennies you can't complain; steak can be found at many restaurants but believe me, you'll be hard to find it on this level. For fine dining and celebrating Gaucho is the perfect spot but for a quick bite, off the back of the cuff scenario perhaps you should go elsewhere but it's a must visit in my book. It's a shame I didn't live near by or visit London more often as I'd be booking reservations on the regular and asking for them to have me a custom table in the corner. To sum up this review I'd say if you didn't like steak or any kind of grilled food, go to Gaucho and I'm sure you'd be converted, I'd even go as far as saying it could turn a vegetarian into a fully blown steak muncher. My final note is a thank you to my fellow diner and friend who treated me to this stunning experience and introduced me to quality food. Thanks. 

http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk