All reader reviews by FoodieChick

Golden Dragon

Golden Dragon is one of those odd places where you are never quite sure why you go there but you do. For years I've been eating dim sum here and occasionally have dinner here but the last year or so there service has really got worse. Having grown up used to the rudeness of staff in places like Wong Kei and CCK, I don't normally get phased by rudeness - as you get what you pay for. The last three occasions I have been here, it has been bad bad bad. The first time, almost half an hour after we ordered, the waiter came over to tell me that one of the dishes we had ordered was unavailable - but didn't give me a chance to ask for an alternative before he walked off and bought our other dishes to the table so we had no chance of ordering another dish in time. The second bad experience - the waiter stepped on my foot, spilled food over my friend when he was clearing the tables and then promptly threw (and I mean literally threw!) the bill on the table before we even asked it - this despite it not being that busy and no apology - so we couldn't figure out why the rudeness? The last time I went, the waiter argued with me that I had ordered something that I hadn't, then proceeded to curse me in mandarin without realising that I did actually know he was cursing me. So, would I go back? Yeah probably. If you put the surly waiters to one side that is typical of chinese restaurants in this ilk you can actually get some very good food at reasonableish prices and they do some fantastic hotpots. Just beware of the waiter who has ignored you and been stroppy all night to you suddenly smiles and be friendly with you when it comes to paying the bill - he is just doing that so he can get an extra tip - they actually add the 10/12.5% service charge on when you ask for the bill but they do not necessarily show this as everything on the bill is written in chinese!

Monday, September 08, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

I Paparazzi

I love the food in this place as there are not many restaurants locally that serve good seafood dishes. On one occasion, being not able to decide what starter I wanted, I jokingly asked the maitre d whether I could have it all - and to my surprise he said yes and did us basically a 'platter' of all the key items I wanted to try for a reasonable £25, which I thought, being as there 5 items to try was amazing good value. My platter included the amazing baked avocado with prawns and ricotta and grilled razor clams...I couldn't even remember what I had for a main course after that!

The downside to I Paparazzi is that sometimes the waiting staff can be abrupt and it really isn't cheap, but if you ignore that and focus on the quality food then it is by far one of the nicest restaurants this side of Essex!

Monday, September 08, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

La Rueda

I used to love La Rueda in Wigmore Street like many others but thought I'd give this place a try as I miss my supply of Pollo ajillo! Unfortunately this city branch does not quite meet up to the same quality in their tapas. The same chicken dish was cubed chunks of chicken breast with little or no flavour in it. I am a fan of rustic style cooking so I appreciate the flavour of things being left on the bone for a reason! Another dish I tried - which in the past has always been fantastic was the jamon croquetas. Well first, the ones I had definitely did not have any ham in it - despite me mentioning it to the staff, they didn't offer a replacement - and it really tasted manufacturered and overfried. This is really sad as I love my tapas and I was so disappointed that this branch did not meet up to the same standards as the wigmore street branch. The saving grace was that the plate of jamon iberico was melt-in-your-mouth superb and the gambas ajillo was also delectable. I no doubt, the two places had different clientele as such and it is difficult to please everybody all the time, but I worry this CIty branch will suffer from style over substance, as there is something definitely missing in terms of atmosphere . Overall, I wouldn't necessarily rule this place out as the food was nice enough, but please La Rueda, bring back some of that rustic charm - you'll gain so much more if you do!

Monday, September 08, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

Project A Bar & Restaurant

I was sceptical at first with trying out this place, as with many trendy looking bar/restaurants, you are often let down by the food. However, I was not disappointed. Starters - try the pandan chicken. Juicy, succulent chicken pieces wrapped in pandan leaves - superb! For those that generally stick to chicken satay to be on the 'safe' side - you're missing out. The lamb massaman was delicious, tender chunks of lamb in the most aromatic and richest of sauces. The baked sea bass in banana leaf was also delicious. The choice of dishes is a plentiful without seemingly compromising quality. We had about 10 items overall and each dish was superb. The venue itself is also worth mentioning. Downstairs, you have a sensual and intimate bar and with the outside decking, it also creates a air of openness. Whereas upstairs, the modern and contemporary restaurant is suitable for both business and social dining. It was midweek when I visited so was not packed out and the service was very good. True, there may be a few teething problems, as you would expect with any new establishment and when a place is busy, I'd expect not everything will go to plan, but I would always give a restaurant the benefit of the doubt, when things go wrong, what is done to make it better. One of the waitresses seemed new and was really nervous, but I recall what I was like when I was a young waitress once! The manager clearly noticed his staff's nervousness and the handled it professionally, explaining to her what she had done wrong, but also at the same time reassuring her that she was not in trouble. To me, it fills me with confidence that the manager clearly seems passionate and dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and good staff relations. The rest of the staff that served us were also extremely professional and friendly. Overall, I cannot fault this place and will definitely be back for more. Keep up the good work Project A, you've definitely earned an A* from me!

Thursday, September 04, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10