Helen's reviews
Review of Say Pasta
10 Mar 08, 10:24
Say No! 
It looked great from the outside; cheap, quick and easy food that through the window looked pretty faultless. I think it was the fact that I spied a huge strawberry sundae that a diner in the window was consuming that made me want to eat at this place so badly.
However as we entered and were seated next to the sundae eater I had that all too familiar feeling of 'oh no we have made a dud choice here'. The ice cream eaters were complaining about the ice cream to the waiter, babies were screaming and the air con was on so high the napkins were blowing in the wind!
So my line of thought was ' it will be fine, people next to us are just being over fussy'. The service was fairly quick and the staff were trying but they were not attentive enough - other diners around us were becoming agitated, and this is quite off putting when attempting to eat. I found myself playing a game of who is going to lose their cool with the waiter next?
All that aside, our starter of a bread board with olives was nice, tasted fresh and the the mains followed suit, nice pasta, possibly a little too creamy (bit of an over kill).By this point we were feeling pretty smug that we had managed to escape whatever it was that was annoying everyone else so much - but then came pudding!
This place is relatively famous for it's great ice cream offerings, and not having had an ice cream sundae in about 5 years I took the plunge and ordered their strawberry one and my fellow diner the chocolate.
They arrived quickly, looked and tasted great that was until I delved deeper into mine and found two giant black hairs embedded in the ice cream (I have to point out this it a nightmare situation for me that often induces a reasonable amount of gagging). I restrained this time, hailed the waitress and told her to take all puddings off the bill - they were apologetic, but not hugely bothered.
Paid the bill and got as far away from the place as possible! Never again - crazy, unorganized eatery that makes me shiver just thinking about it!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cote
25 Feb 08, 10:46
Fabulously French! 
Cote is the newest offering from the company that own the Italian chain Strada - the idea behind the restaurant is to offer great quality French food at reasonable prices - and they really have met their specification with this one.
Situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village it is a real hit with the incredibly rich residents of the area, and I can see why. The great thing about this restaurant is that it is the type of place, like Strada where you can have an expensive meal or have a quick, much cheaper meal - you have the choice. On this occasion we opted for the more expensive meal option.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is attentive, yet discreet. The interior is quite reminiscent of a Hopper painting with, dark wooden seating in a slightly hidden and dark setting. This is contrasted with pie and mash shop style Edwardian ornate floor tiles - the mix works really well and makes for simple yet stunning dining.
The food is of great quality, and the wine choices are of the same high standard. I am always wary of French cuisine not being a fan of garlic or overly rich food, but was really pleased with how much fish and light dishes were on the menu - I was spoilt for choice.
I opted for mussels to start, followed by the special of lobster risotto, both of which were light and really tasty.The frites are similar to those served on the streets of Belgium and are top quality - don't miss them! Pudding was a push as portions are large but worth it. Crepes with strawberries and Chantilly cream, dusted finely with icing sugar - perfect!
Some elements are similar to Strada, you get a free bottle of filtered water on arrival, and the prices are a touch more expensive. Overall a perfect night out in a lively but intimate restaurant.
p.s. Don't forget to book, this place is popular and only half of the restaurant is reserved for people who have not made a reservation.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.