All reader reviews by Eager Beaver
Bodean's (Clapham)
Four of us went to Bodeans Clapham on a recent Saturday night and I have to say it was better than expected. The ribs were great! V tasty indeed. The side orders were perhaps a little stingy, and we didn't try the salads, but I reckon stick to the ribs and you should be fine. We found pleasant if slightly slapdash service (there was a mixup - perhaps they should try writing stuff down), an interesting choice of music (no chart pap, for once) and a lively but not overly loud atmosphere. At £30 a head including wine and desserts I say Yum.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Overall rating 
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Tbilisi
Located in the wasteland of the Holloway Road, a bit off the beaten track perhaps, so I hope Tbilisi is busier at the weekends than on my midweek visit since there were only half a dozen covers all evening, and this place deserves to continue. You'll get tasty, unusual, food (prepared by hand in a tiny kitchen - I peeped) washed down with strong red wine and several hours conversation in a quiet and civilised surrounding. No blaring music, thankfully, and service that was laid-back to the point where we could have sat there till closing time. Only slight negative point was the smallish portion sizes, but recommended nonetheless.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Ramen Taro
Recently went here for a quick bite with a mate. Sushi was nice but the noodle dishes were most disappointing. Ramen resembled yesterday's leftovers in stale-smelling gravy. Yuck. Beers were pricey and service indifferent. Seating very cramped. And yes, there are better Japanese eateries nearby. On this evidence, best avoided.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Overall rating 
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Masala Zone
This is a canteen-style eaterie offering a modern take on a mixture of spicy food flavours. There are Indian and Thai and various others all mixed up here. A good place for quick light lunches and can be fun with a group of friends. Too noisy for cosying up, though. Food comes in small portions and varies in quality: some dishes are delicious (my prawn curry was ace) but some were less impressive (didn't like the greasy eggplant dishes). The "thali" mixed platters are popular: these are nicely-presented taster selections from the wider menu, but I thought them over-priced. Also, there is a very limited range of drinks e.g. two types of beer (minus point) but they have NO SMOKING throughout (plus point).
Friday, January 06, 2006
Overall rating 
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
