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

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

Number 12 Norwich Review

Number 12 Bar & Dining, Norwich, Farmers Avenue

Cuisine - Gastro Pub

Price Range - Low/Medium - Number 12 prices up the meals on an average between the £10 and £20 mark, depending of course on the contents of the plate. The cheapest meals are set at £8.95 which is the homemade lasagne and also the burrito, where as the high end of the menu peaks at £19.95 being the twelve item mixed grill. All steak dishes will set you back £18.95 and are a hearty ten ounce cuts of meat. The pub offers smaller plates as light bites which are cheaper to go with the lunch time menu, where you can buy two selected meals for £12. Soft drinks cost £2.00 each and a pint of larger is around the £4.00 mark. 

Service - 9/10 - After booking a table in the mid afternoon, we arrived at Number 12 later in the day where we were greeted by the bar man; then being happily pointed towards our ready set table upstairs where we quickly had our drinks order taken. Their was a short wait for the food menus to arrive but the waitress was apologetic about this when they did arrive. Throughout our meal the staff were extremely friendly, attentative and punctual, delivering food, drinks and condiments at a fast rate. It's very clear that they are well organised and are very used to dealing with busy situations as most of the tables were full. An area of sheer brilliant customer care was when one of our party was offered an alternative to the burger as he could eat beef, the waitress was fast to act upon this and asked the chef if he could make a chicken burger instead, then going ahead to make it. This statement shows real consideration and is a genuine act of consideration. 

Atmosphere - 8/10 - Obviously being in the city centre and an ever growing, popular bar on a Friday night, the place was jam packed. This gave the whole area a real nice vibe and atmospheric noise, however sometimes it came across slightly too loud, meaning I had to shout across to other party members. An upstairs segment for the restaurant go-ers seperates them from the bustle of the bar area, making the atmosphere more comfortable, eating downstairs is an option but would make meal time a tad awkward. Nice touches to be noted are the fact they offer live music on certain nights with Lee Vasey and have a jazz like background music when you can hear it. 

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - The pub poses as a friendly, laid back, homely establishment and it doesn't fail there. With a bar area downstairs for drinkers and a swarve upstairs dining area, Number 12 caters for all lovers of the British pub, welcoming customers young and old. My favourite aspects that make the pub comforting are the classic, detailed chalkboards that state specials, the modern, home like wallpaper on the feature walls, the cute lightings and also the multiple heart warming fire places. All the tables are set out beautifully as they are neat, clean and have matching seats. If I were to pick a negative it would be the area was slightly small but that's at no fault of the management. Upon the walls, in the menu and around the pub you have quirky little quotes that show a good sense of humour, for example they have "happy minute" every day at 14:59-15:00.

Food Presentation - 7/10 - For the size of my portion and taking into consideration the number of items on my plate, the chef done a decent job. The tomatoes on the vine were something that immediately struck my eye, giving a nice subtle touch of colour; also the rustic affect of the skin on chips were different from your average skinless spud. The salad was neatly placed to one side of the plate, splitting the distribution of food nicely aswell as the drizzle of garnish over the meal, making for flavour. Overall it did feel that the food was a bit piled up as the chips and onion rings were hidden under the steak, however this showcased the mass portion you do recieve at the 12. A member of my party who had the burger had his chips served up in a pastel coloured paint pot which I thought was quite jazzy.

Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - My meal I opted for was a healthy ten ounce rib eye steak which set me back £18.95. Firstly I'd like to state what the plate served up which was multiple tomatoes, salad, two large onion rings, hand cut chips, a huge mushroom and a ten ounce steak, needless to say I left full. Everything was superbly seasoned and satisfied my tastes, as the chips had a good dusting of salt along side a tasty salad dressing which I believe was a mustard flavouring. The onion rings were crisp, giving off a balanced onion flavour to go with the mushroom was delicious as it was sizeable and didn't leak juices over the plate, showing it was well cooked. An aspect I was pleased with was the chips as they were fresh, chunky and had a crisp skin on texture, from the first bite you could tell they were better than the commercial frozen French fry. Unfortunately the steak was a tiny bit over cooked as it was more of a medium than a medium rare and I feel it lacked in full flavour, take nothing away though as the meat was still succulent and satisfying, fulfilling my appetite. With the vine tomatoes I thought their could have been a few less as sometimes removing them from the stalk was an obstical, however I did enjoy them and the balsamic dressing on the fruits was devine. Overall I feel the plate was great value for money, giving you an excellent, modern take on the British pub steak. Meat like this elsewhere in the city would set you back over the twenty mark and you wouldn't get all the trimmings like you do here.

Overall - 8/10 - Being branded the best pub for food in Norwich on TripAdvisor, Number 12 has a high end reputation to live up to and in my opinion, it certainly does that. Offering up a large selection of upmarket spirits and drinks to go with the selection of great food, the pub satisfies all crowds, giving options to everyone's tastebuds; not only this but the menu boast locally sourced produce which is great support for local business' alike. Reasonably priced tasty meals appeal to all hungry people within the city, giving customer delicious food every day; whether you want to pop in for a lunch time plate whilst out or you are dropping by for an evening of wining and dining, Number 12 makes for a quality eatery. Sublime customer service and a warm, comforting decor is something you look for in a pub, so if that's what you're looking for then pop in and treat yourself as the staff never fail with their genuinely friendly personalities. It's clear to see why Number 12 is so successful and it's certainly a must visit in my eyes, this place growing gastro pub with a bright future ahead of it. 

www.number12norwich.org/

Mambo Jambo Norwich Review

Mambo Jambo, Norwich, Lower Goat Lane

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

Riverbank Norwich Review

Riverbank Chinese Buffet, Riverside, Norwich

Cuisine - Chinese

Price Range - Medium - The buffet has two set prices depending on what time of the day you eat. Evening buffet starts at 17:00 every night and is £13.99 for Adults and rightly priced lower at £6.99 for under 10's. Lunch time is slightly lower for both at £6.50 for Adults and only £3.99 for under 10's. Drinks are reasonably cheap for a restaurant at £3.60 for a pint of beer and £2.50 for a pint of soft drink. 

Service - 5/10 - As it was an all you can eat buffet, the service was almost non exsistent however when they did actually use customer service skills it wasn't ideal. For example on entrance you had to wait in a takeaway like cue to go up and pay for your buffet, then move to the next counter to pay for drinks, then you could go to your table and take a seat. Also staff seemed to lurk around tables, hovering, as though they were watching you eat; which was sometimes off putting if you caught a glimpse of them. Not only that but as soon as you put your fork down to show you were finished with you're plate they would whisk it off the table before you could bat an eyelid. One thing I would say was happy with was the fact they made one of our party a vegetarian omelette, however she couldn't choose what she wanted in it which was again disappointing. 

Atmosphere - 6.5/10 - Within the Riverbank there was a slight excitable vibe about the place; perhaps it was people pondering the thought of all you can eat in their heads or just the business of the establishment. However but like I said in service, I felt watched and also rushed. As they were taking the plates away so fast and looming around the tables it made me feel rather unwelcome, as though they didn't want us there, so they could get another group on our table. The place seems very money orientated and customers come second to cash it would seem. 

Decor/Theme - 7/10 - One of the better points about Riverbank, the theme and decor had a great pattern and sustained authenticity, remaining uncluttered. The tables were set out neatly around the restaurant with easy access to the buffet stations which were nicely situated in the middle, not only that but chairs and tables matched which is a basic yet important point. Use of authentic Chinese lanterns and beautiful photography of oriental flowers were a nice touch along with the traditional teppanyaki kitchen. The buffet section was big and easy to move around as the stations were clearly marked with 'starter', 'main', 'desert' and 'teppanyaki', however sometimes you would bump into other people as there was no clear way to go round it i.e. Clock wise or counter clockwise. Finally a low point was the fact they used pop music as a background sound, to gain more of a Chinese feel I thought this should be exchanged for some relaxing Asian instrumentals as pop music doesn't fit the atmosphere at all. 

Presentation - 6/10 - With the restaurant being a buffet the presentation is kind of what you make it, so either pile it up making it messy or be neat, nicely placing it. All the food you can either put in small bowls or on large plates as these are the options you are given, after selecting one you then collect whatever you like from the buffet area. Food in the buffet stations isn't presented greatly as each station has large rectangle gastronomes which contain different types of Chinese dishes, some of which looked extremely appetising like the lemon chicken and noodles but some of which looked very off putting and unappetising like the squid and also the beef curry. The desert station seemed to draw the eye of most of our party as donuts, cake and fruit was pilled up in mountain like structures. 

Food/Value For Money - 7/10 - With such a variety at hand this is a foodies dream as you get the opportunity to pick and try at various types of Chinese dishes. The variety ranged from deep fried claw, sweet and sour king prawns, lemon chicken, crispy duck and many, many more. Anybody who visits I recommend trying a small piece of everything and being open minded as it's a great oppurtunity to be brave with what you're eating. The flavours of some of the food was slightly off though as it had a dry taste and texture, I felt this was due to the fact that it had sat under heaters to keep it warm, for example the duck was dry and almost flavourless. Also another big factor I was dubious about was when I cut a piece of fried chicken as the centre possesed a slightly pink colour, this somewhat scared me, making me leave the rest of the chicken. Food I would recommend you try when going here would definitely be the sweet and sour prawns, deep fried claw and of course my favourite the noodles. If you want to get your money's worth here and make the food worth it's value I'd say go hungry as you can then have a great fill up on three courses, getting your £13.99's worth. 

Overall - 6/10 - A very disappointing visit overall, this restaurant needs much improvement in my eyes to become a decent, recommended eatery. The staff, atmosphere and the quality of food cooking are the areas that are essential and really need to be improved as you get the feeling they are just trying to pump customers in and out as fast as possible to get money. Customer service should be improved greatly however it's not the worst I've ever seen, along with checking meat to see if it's cooked as it's so important to get this right. The establishment has so much potential to be something great as they offer unique Chinese dishes and traditional cooking styles that aren't used anywhere else and not only that but it's at an all you can eat offer. If you were to go to the riverbank I'd say go at a lunch time when the price is much cheaper and the restaurant is less busy, this giving you the oppurtunity to chill out and try everything at your own pace. Finally I'd like to leave you with piece of advice if you were to eat here... go hungry.

P.S. No picture this time due to my phone running out of battery. 

http://riverbanknorwich.co.uk

Dray Yard Norwich Review

Dray Yard, Exchange Street, Norwich

Cuisine - American Smokehouse/BBQ 

Price Range - Low/Medium - Prices for food vary on the menu, depending on if you just fancy a snack like sandwich or a combo plate with a mixture of flavours. The cheaper side is at a low of £6 for a pulled pork sandwich without a side, where as the more expensive meals hit £21.50 for a full rack of ribs with fries and an additional side of your choice. Soft drinks are average at £2.10 for a coke where as beer is a bit more pricey with Brooklyn Larger on tap for £4.50 a pint. Others beers and specialist ales are available at a slightly cheaper price tag.

Service - 9/10 - Fantastic service, the waiter and waitress that looked after our table were excellent. They were cheerful, attentive and made sure we enjoyed our visit. One of the main things that I liked is the fact that they let one of our party try some of the Brooklyn Larger before he bought some as he was unsure whether he'd like it, this shows great consideration for the customer. All our food was out in good time and it wasn't no trouble when we asked for extra condiments. Overall you couldn't fault the service and I thought they done a superb job.

Atmosphere - 8.5/10 - If you want a relaxed, chilled out meal, without being in an overcrowded environment then Dray Yard is your place. At no point in my meal did I feel uneasy or unwelcomed and I could just sit back and enjoy the chilled out atmosphere. The background music was perfect, it didn't interfere with conversation and set a nice mood around the place adding more to the natural noise of the surroundings. You could tell by looking at other diners and even the staff that the relaxed atmosphere was a mutual feeling amongst everyone which I appreciated highly. Finally I would just like to mention how the slight whiffs of the smoker working and subtle hints of the BBQ sauce add to the excitement of waiting for your meal, this was a real pleasant suprise for me and made me a lot hungrier. 

Decor/Theme - 7/10 - The whole theme and decor wasn't something that was overwhelming as it was plain, neat yet had a sharp finish. Within the establishment it possessed some on going patterns with the rustic metal oil industry sign and the metal pig that sits in  the restaurant window sill; but it seems as though they are still adding and building towards a final decor. I like how all the chairs and tables matched, the kitchen was open and also the daily specials board, which was easily visible to every diner. Finally the bar was somewhat small but done it's job perfectly and also the menus were nice with a rustic feel which had an American feel to them as well. 

Presentation - 7/10 - This is the only area that I feel has much room for improvement as I feel it doesn't do the meal much justice overall. I felt my plate was too large for the amount of food which was on it and also it was all so central, leaving a large rim of empty plate, much like a bowl. To many people my plate wouldn't look as though their was much food but it was extremely filling, it's just the plate was too big. Perhaps if they cut the plate size down or resorted to a themed presentation then the meal would look more fanciful but bare in mind that there are only so many ways you could present pulled pork, sausage, corn bread and fries without it looking like a hot mess so they done well in that aspect.

Food/Value For Money - 9/10 - My meal I decided on after a long decision was a combo plate of pulled pork, Texas hot links (smoked sausage), corn bread and sweet potato fries priced at a £16.50. At this price tag you'd expect a decent quality meal, full of flavour and I can certainly say this didn't disappoint. The Texas hot links had a crisp outer skin, yet maintained a beautifully brittle inner maintaining great smokey flavour, it's easy to say it's one of the most flavoursome sausages I've tasted to date. My pulled pork melted in my mouth, was extremely moist and so tender; very delicious, anyone could make more room for it no matter how full you are. It's easily noticeable that great time and care has been put into making this unique pieces of meat. The sweet potato fries were chunky, cooked well and had a fluffy, feather like inner, they really complimented the savoury taste of the corn bread. With homemade condiments on the table the restaurant really excelled themselves with great quality of homemade food, justifying each price tag, creating unique flavours that you won't find anywhere else in Norwich. 

Overall - 8.5/10 - Reasoning behind this is because I absolutely love the authenticity of Dray Yard overall, offering Norwich a unique American smokehouse experience that is rare to a city like ours. A key factor they use above many imitators of American BBQ is the fact that they actually smoke all the meat they have for many hours in an imported smoker. It's not often you get to see one of these in action or taste food from it as it's an unpopular cooking method in the UK. Not only that but Dray Yard offers great customer service, fantastic atmosphere and sources it's goods from local butchers and dairies which supports county business'. The only ways this place could get better is if they added more items to the menu such as vegetables like collard greens, pickles and fried tomato, also I'd like to see more of a theme as it has great potential to be a real success. However saying this the food contains really good flavour and is something I would assure you to try. I would highly recommend this place to anyone I know and I'd say get in whilst you still can as I see it's popularity growing in the coming months. A fantastic meal, I shall definitely be returning in the near future.

http://www.drayyardsmokehouse.co.uk

Waffle House Norwich Review

Waffle House, St.Giles Street, Norwich

Cuisine - A variety of sweet & savoury topped Waffles (salad options also)

Price Range - Low - Depending on the size of your waffle; for example large or small and the type of topping you fancy will affect the price. Large savoury waffles peak at £10.05 where as large sweet waffles hit £5.65. The small options come in obviously cheaper most expensive items are £9.00 for savoury and £4.50 for sweet, everyday the restaurant posters up specials which may add a few quid extra onto the normal menu prices. Soft drinks are also of an average price with a 330ml coke pricing at £1.85.

Service - 8/10 - Spot on service as we were appointed a table as soon as we entered the restaurant and was offered the choice between which table we preferred to sit at. The waiter remained extremely well mannered and well spoken through out the course of our meal and delivered our menu, drinks and food speedily. I felt comfortable throughout my visit and didn't feel rushed once even though we were in and out within all of fourty minutes. One thing I would have liked is to have been made aware of the daily specials as I was unable to see the board from my seat. Also the bill had to be taken to the bar to pay and for ideal marks I would have liked the staff to take it from me.

Atmosphere - 9/10 - Everything about the atmosphere in the Waffle House was cool, calm and collected. I felt relaxed through out my visit and felt as though I was welcome within the establishment. The atmosphere possessed a really natural feel, as though you were at home dining at the table with a friend with great food being served at your table. You could easily make conversation with your fellow diners without having to raise your voice as the noise levels were minimal. A key aspect I really liked is that they chose not to use background music and relied on natural atmosphere. 

Decor/Theme - 6/10 - The decor and theme within the Waffle House could really use a revamp and a touch of modernization as the wallpaper and pictures on the wall seem quite outdated; not to mention the tables and chairs also had an old feel. Also I feel that diners are far too compact as it's as though they have tried to cram too many tables into a small area. Some of the tables are awkwardly place in corners like the one we sat at; leading to sometimes banging knees with your fellow diner. Finally I feel that they should have more specials boards placed around the area as I couldn't see one from where I was sitting, meaning I had to peer my head round a corner to see one making other customers feel awkward. The only thing I did like was that from some areas you could see the open kitchen where cooks were working hard to press fresh waffles.

Food Presentation - 8/10 - You would have thought with the food on the menu only mainly being waffles that you could only present them in one way struggling to make them look good... However the Waffle House somehow manages to make them look fanciful and delicious. Laid out neatly on a solid black plate, the waffle was half covered with a beautiful scoop of bolognese topped with a healthy serving of shredded parmesan which was very pleasing to the eye. I loved the large black plate for some reason as it had a solid, sturdy feel to it and contrasted to make the waffle pop to your eye. Also how they filled the plate with the waffle and topping rather than leaving a gaping gap round it. The matching salt, sugar and syrup pot also added a nice touch. 

Food/Value For Money - 8.5/10 - A somewhat cheaply priced meal to what I've had elsewhere yet maintained great flavours and a good satisfaction as it filled me up. My meal was a large wholemeal bolognese waffle which was packed with delicious ingredients and was full of the traditional beef bolognese flavours that you recognise, just that it was served upon a waffle rather than spaghetti pasta. You can tell from the first bite that all the food is freshly cooked and also all waffles are cooked to order as you see cooks working hard over traditional waffle irons, not only that I love how they use local produce, farmed in Norfolk as it's states on the menus. The bolognese sauce wasn't too sloppy yet it wasn't too dry and the plump tomatoes in it gave off a nice texture, the waffle was also crisp on the edges but maintained its soft dough being perfectly cooked. For value for money and the flavour you get you can't argue and won't find much better else where. A negative I will state is that my drink was very flat and tasted like it was from a bottle as it had no fizz and was slightly warm.

Overall - 8/10 - The Waffle House is one of Norwich's hidden little gems, suitable for every and any occasion whether it being a celebration or just to pop in for a quiet coffee and waffle. The quality of the food and the cheaply priced menu is hard to come by and not forgetting the welcoming atmosphere. With locally produced, fresh food being served on a daily basis this is somewhere you need to visit. One thing I will say is don't be put off by the fact it's just waffles on the menu as I once before said I wouldn't go there because I didn't really like waffles. The basis of the meal is a waffle yes, but the toppings vary from hot Dutch apple to ham, cheese and mushroom giving a flavour for everyone's taste buds. They offer a wholemeal option or a plain one also. My advice would be don't knock it until you've tried it, you won't be disappointed. 

http://www.wafflehousenorwich.co.uk

Middletons Steakhouse & Grill Norwich Review

Middletons Steakhouse & Grill, Timberhill, Norwich

Cuisine - Steakhouse & Grill

Price Range - Low/Very High - Within the menu the price ranges from a small £7.75 for a 6oz burger and side to a larger sum of £45 for either a 36oz Ribeye Steak or an 18oz Chateaubriand, bare in mind the two steaks mentioned serve 2 people and are of a premium cut. The most expensive items for one on the menu are the 22oz Porterhouse and the Lobster which both sit at a £29.95 figure. However that's the more expensive part of the menu and the average price sits around the £13/£14 mark for your grills, ribs, pork chops, fishes and various other meals. Steaks all depend on size and cut. Drinks were rather pricey though as the average 330ml soft drink cost £2.20 and a bottle of 500ml Aspall cider cost £4.80.

Service - 9/10 - Upon entering the door we were greeted by a friendly gentlemen who guided us to our table, then handing over to the waitress who would be taking our order. Daily specials were explained and she was more than happy to deal with any queries. After ordering drinks they arrived promptly with no issues and a complimentary bottle of water was also deposited at the table if you wanted it. Starters were out in a quick time then followed by the main, this was perfectly timed as my meal had a specific cooking time due to the cut of meat, in many ways this could have went wrong but they nailed it. Finally we were in and out within an hour and a half which was fast as my steak took thirty minutes to cook.

Atmosphere - 7/10 - One of the only things I didn't really enjoy about my visit. The whole establishment seemed rushed, busy and very noisy. In fairness it was a Saturday night and for business it would be fantastic but it felt like a constant drone of hustle and bustle. The atmospheric music didn't really fit the theme either and was quite unnecessary as you couldn't always hear it due to the natural atmosphere. However everyone seemed to be smiling and enjoying themselves which is always a positive for a customer.

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - Middletons claims a real modern feel with a clean finish. The aspects that give it this is the beautiful hanging lights, the luxurious booths which are positioned nicely, the numerous bottles of wine placed in the cabinets and finally the neatly finished wooden decor. Not only this but everything compliments each other and most importantly matches, my favourite part is the open window kitchen where you can see the chefs working hard, placing finished meals to the pass. The whole establishment possess a somewhat luxurious feel with affordable food.

Food Presentation - 8/10 - The food was presented beautifully on a wooden board with the wedges in a little silver bucket. This gave off a real rustic effect which I quite liked. I found it a bit of a struggle to eat the wedges out of the pot and also wasn't ideal for when I wanted to season them a bit more, this meaning I had to pile down the mushroom and tomato on my board so I could pour the wedges out. Sometimes the boards aren't spacious enough and can feel as if everything has been piled up, however if you aren't a fan of the wooden board it states on the menu that you can change it for a plate whilst ordering. 

Food/Value For Money - 9/10 - Firstly I'd like to state how my steak was one of the best cuts I've ever eaten. A beautiful premium cut of 22oz Porterhouse cooked to a medium rare perfection, definitely worth the £29.95 price tag. My wedges were also delicious as they were well seasoned, piping hot, had a crisp outer skin but yet remained fluffy on the inside. One point I'd like to make is that all meals lack salad as they only have a garnish. You get the choice of a side but if you choose salad that is all you get and it's the same if you choose a potato option. I feel that if salad was served along with a choice of side then the meal would score a perfect 10 as you don't get that food quality anywhere. My meal had an extra of salad which cost another £2, but I felt it was essential to break the meal down and add another key element. 

Overall - 9/10 - The reasoning behind my score is because of the unique dining experience that has been brought to Norwich by Middletons. With premium cuts of steak such the Porterhouse and Ribeye on the bone along side the luxurious lobster Thermidor, Middletons offer something that not many other local places do. Not only that but they share affordable priced meals such as burgers, grills, pastas and fresh fish, giving the consumer options depending on how luxurious you're feeling or the type of occasion you are visiting the restaurant for. Also the establishment has a crisp, clean feel which is clearly successful due to the constant flow of custom. A couple of things I will mention is that if you are looking to visit Middletons you would benefit from booking in advance and also the vegetarian option on the menu isn't great with only four main meal options, however I feel that they would alter some of the meals to suit the custom, for example removing meats from salads etc. This place is a must try in Norwich and I would highly recommend it to anyone. A real foodies paradise.

http://www.middletons-shg.co.uk/index.php/norwich