ChiKaYan

We went to Chikayan quite early on a sunday night, so we were expecting good service. Chikayan was highly anticipated, we'd seen the impressive menu and website, so we felt it had a lot to live up to. Upon arrival we were greated by all the members of staff, taking straight to our reserved table and given menus and wine lists. So far so good. We had a deal which included a free bottle of house wine, which we ordered, and was lovely (we chose the white). For starters we ordered crispy duck rolls (the pre assembled ones, first on the menu) salt and pepper squid and baked salt and pepper bean curd. The only problem here was that as soon as the first two starters arrived, we were told that there was no more bean curd, so instead we ordered the mushroom roll. However, it would have been nice to know about the bean curd, before the other 2 starters arrived. The presentation of all three dishes was immaculate, the crispy duck standing out particularly for its flavour and texture. Our main courses of Japanese teriaki king prawn, Mongolian prawn curry and Hakka Stlye Pork also did not dissappoint. All immaculately presented, the flavours were beautiful and the servings abundant. To accompany we had 2 portions of egg fried rice (delicious and abundent again!) and two unusual vegetable side dishes, Mushrooms with kai lan vegetables and asparagus with lilly bulb and lotus root. The flavours on these 2 dishes were far more sutble that the main courses but were still absolutely delicious. Trying unusual things like the lily bulb and lotus root proved successful, they were quite oniony tasting, but I would definately have again. For pudding we ordered a mouscoco (rather like a frozen bounty) banana fritters and crispy banana rolls with red bean paste. Although we are still unsure what the red bean paste is, it was really lovely, quite chocolatey tasting.

The service was attentive throughout, our glasses never empty and when the staff were asked about the origins of food and chef, they all appeared knowledgeable.

Im not sure how long this restaurant will survive in this location, as it is a little pricy. However the food is well worth it, the presentation immaculate and the service good. I would definately reccomend it for special occasions.

Set meals are also available, plenty of options for vegetarians.

Cost per head - £30 - £40
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Chikayan is excellent in every ways .
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jan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, September 21, 2006