Helen's reviews
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.
Review of $ Grills and Martinis
13 Nov 07, 22:48
Dollar was a Winner!
I have been walking past this place for weeks now wanting to sample it's wares and tonight I did. I love the look of this restaurant - it is one of those good looking places that if it were a book cover I would have bought it just on how cool it was.
Anyway swanky cool interior aside the food was of a really high quality, I had the mussels in a coconut, chili and lemongrass sauce with fries and it was pretty good. Really soft fresh tasting mussels too. My fellow diner opted for the Million Dollar burger and this also looked really tasty. The portions were really ample for the prices.
We both opted for the strawberry and passion fruit cocktail and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of drink that you get for your money. Long tall glasses were filled with crushed ice and really great tasting Vodka - winner!
We both finished with the Creme Brulée , which was melt in the mouth good and I know a good Creme Brulée when I taste one.
Great service, good food, amazing funky wallpaper and chandeliers - you cant beat good interior design whilst you dine!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Cuban
17 Oct 07, 10:15
Great Place with Great Atmosphere!
The Cuban has been open about a year, and what a year it has been, this place was the very thing that Canterbury had been screaming out for. It is fresh, funky and full of life. I am not much of a sit the local pub kind of gal so this place really excites me. It is a Cuban themed restaurant, bar and cocktail lounge. The ingredients in the drinks are always very fresh, the wine list is diverse and the cocktails are hand made with care. The same detail is put into the very tasty food. Fresh ingredients combined with great seasoning make every meal I have had here delicious. The Cuban chicken with the Mole rub is divine and well worth a try. As is the tapas style starters that they offer. The only downside to this place is the bar gets so busy - it is ridiculous. Staff are so attentive to the drinks they make you can easily spend 20 mins waiting for your next drink. Also I suppose it has to be mentioned, it is expensive. By this I mean compared to other places in the area. To be honest you pay £6 for a cocktail but you the amount of alcohol you get is a lot. The cosmopolitans could blow you away! Great place for people of all ages, go for a mid week night out as it gets very busy at the weekends.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.