Well I had totally top nosh last night and heh I promised by wonderful hosts and occassional blog readers that I would write a full review so Trent, Caryn, this ones for you...
"It is always with much anticipation that I enjoy checking out the latest in cotempory cusine and sice Reading is sadly not known for its top dining bar a handful of standout specialists it was even more mouthwatering! South African food is something that I seldom have which after last nights dinner is at a loss to me - South African wine is something I can never have too little of - perhaps I can persuade the missus to move to Cape Town, or T&C to move back to their "lock & go" as their pad is called - so I can knock and go I guess!
First thought the ambience - very modern, very minimal, I was going to say very white but debs pointed out that it could be seen as a political comment. A blank canvas on which the palette can be painted on with out distraction by the delicious flavours of the food, not to mention the lovely complementary house wine - SA of course! Although to be fair the table cloth and napkins added a spalsh of dazzling colours...
The views across the London road were not of London at all but something more exotic, a chinese which keeps very interesting opening times, a front for a money laundering operation - dim sums perhaps - so specualated our hosts and part time police informers. All this added an air of glamour and mystery to the evening despite crushing the back up plan of chinese on the way home if the evening didn't work out...
But no back up plan was needed. The attitude of this husband and wife team was first rate too, conscientious, caring, relaxed and relaxing - we could almost have been eating in their home, ok so we were!
But before I get on to the food I have to compliment our hosts for their child friendly policy - nathan refusing the travel cot and sleep was a very well behaved bed time bandit but still he was treated like a special guest as well - his every belly flash much enjoyed and he was able to take over both car counting and chinese takeaway covert surveliance freeing us up to eat...
Stuffed sqush was delicious, and the squash was all the way from SA - very authentic. Very filling too but I still found room for two - well squash this good I had to make hay whilst the sun shone! It had a delicious tomato and onion sauce, which compliomented the tangy cheesy chicken and sweet squash flesh. A light side salad and crispy potatos rounded up a delicious main course. So filling as well I knew I would have to open my emergency stomach for pudding...
Again it was another SA dish that I have never had - and why not I demand - tis a national scandal! If Trent's speciality stuffed squash was stupendeous, caryn's milk tart was magnificent! A bit like bread pudding without the bread is the closest I could relate it - but that would be taking away from it - it stands in a class apart!
Overall top company, top conversation and top courses! catch this experience whilst you can or one day you'll find it locked up and the owners gone... 9/10
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