Cuisine - TexMex
Price Range - Low/Medium - Mambo Jambo offers food in either a lunch menu or main menu, depending obviously on the time of day. The lunch menu runs through to late and offers a range of plates from a small £5.50 to £9.95, where as the main menu deliver meals from £8.75 which is the deluxe burger to the priciest being the fillet steak at £17.95. All main menu items come with a choice of side from wedges, rice and fries. Soft drinks vary, along with the alcoholic beverages as they offer a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Water jugs are free of charge.
Service - 8/10 - Upon our visit we were greeted by a gentleman, who pointed us in the direction of a choice of two tables, which were both set, ready for our choice of preference. The ladies who served us throughout our stay were friendly, smiley and were unfaultable. They had no concern's with us just sharing a free jug of water and mainted attentative through out, making sure we had everything we needed and were happy with our food. Meals came out in good time with a very little wait at all which was impressive and much to my parties satisfaction.
Atmosphere - 8/10 - Although the restaurant was quiet as it was a mid afternoon meal, it still grasped a feel good atmosphere. The mellow jazz music that was playing gave a chilled out vibe and kept well within the theme, also keeping me entertained. Not to mention it wasn't too loud and didn't interfere with conversation amongst my group. The waitress' didn't push you to make a decision and at no point did I feel unwelcome.
Decor/Theme - 9/10 - I love the theme and decor within Mambo's as it captures a real jazzy feel, giving you a taste of Mississippi America with a hint of Mexico. The old retro, beaten up metal advertisements show off the side of the American feel to the restaurant where as the painted newts and vintage chalk boards make you think Mexican, hitting the theme of TexMex perfectly. With the jazz and soul music playing and the scattered neon lights just adding an input, you can't help but appreciate the effort that has gone in to create this authenticity. One thing I really love is the way they use traditional Mexican cocktails such as multi flavoured Margherita's as a unique selling point. Tables and chairs are set out perfectly and at no point do you feel like you are cramped amongst other diners even though the establishment is small.
Food Presentation - 8/10 - Faultless to be precise. My food was presented neatly and overall sustained a fanciful look. It was appealing to the eye however it wasn't over the top outstanding. The ways of presenting the food could have been modernised or made slightly different as it just stood amongst a solid white oval plate, I feel that restaurants now should be trying to be unique or adventurous to stand out from fellow restauranteurs. Overall I was pleased though as it looked good, was appealing and finally they pulled off what could have been messy as there are only few ways you can make a quesadilla and fries look decent.
Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - Most impressive as the portion size for the price you pay is outstanding. My meal was a mixture of the lunch menu with a side of large fries which totalled a price of £10.45 but still packed a flavourful punch that would fill you up for the next 48 hours. One thing Mambo's is known for is the killer portions as they don't tend to hold back, with half plate of the side of your choice next to the main you choose, no matter what, you will be leaving with buttons popping off your trousers. Not only do you get a lot, the flavour is still fantastic as my pulled pork quesadilla was juicy, tender and mouth watering, leaving me wanting more although I was full. A slight disappointment was the fact that the fries were cooked from frozen meaning they lacked flavour and seasoning, however you can't argue because of the portion size and cheap price.
Overall Score - 8/10 - Mambo Jambo's is a little TexMex gem hidden in the back streets of Norwich's city centre. A place I would advise you visit if you are hungry, a lover of TexMex food or just needing somewhere for a quick bite out whilst shopping. The restaurant is suitable for any occasion and has a really welcoming, fun, atmosphere, giving off a friendly vibe to all customers that visit. The menu has a variety for anybody's fancy from spicy to fishy and will satisfy your taste buds, leaving you full for a week. One thing that is lacking is that the menu may need some slight modernisation with an addition of new southern sides e.g. sweet potato fries, corn bread and boston beans rather than sticking to the known fries, wedges etc. Also the use of frozen produce isn't great but is balanced through portion and price. Overall it's a fair, great experience and will leave you satisfied, my only advise if you visit is to be hungry!
http://www.mambojamborestaurant.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment