Blenio
Review details for Blenio
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| MisterFitz | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | ||||||||||||||
Date: 2010-07-24 17:07:10 As an avid restaurant diner with some years professional experience too I can, without a shadow of a doubt, say that Blenio's is the finest restaurant I've had the pleasure to dine in for many years. The customers' first impression upon entering is of a rustic theme reminiscent of Southern France or perhaps Italy; Wine racks, wicker bread baskets, candles, potted plants, much as one would expect to encounter when entering a restaurant in Carmaux for instance. The proportion of waiting staff to covers is excellent, whilst the formality of the overdressed & stiff-mannered London style of curt welcome & service is mercifully absent, replaced by a beaming, polite welcome from staff sporting the more traditional black & whites than the designer suits of the sterile J Sheekey's for example. Throughout the meal the staff were consummately attentive without being obtrusive. The ever-changing menu is comprehensive, frequently boasting dishes composed of local seasonal ingredients. My starter of moules (I'm fully aware of how unimaginative this is, but I simply adore mussels) was pre-empted by a complimentary basket of various breads. The mussels were delicious & fresh, the sauce just right, & the bread obviously hand made (though whether on the premises or in a local bakery I don't know). My main (Fillet of Sussex Red Beef) was simply outstanding, cooked to perfection (worth mentioning when it's so difficult to get an English chef to actually cook a fillet 'blue') though perhaps slightly expensive at £18.50, though it was the most expensive dish on the menu by some margin. My guests chose the risotto, less than half the price of my steak, which they claimed was also excellent. One of my guests & I shared a pleasant orange & lemon sorbet for pudding prior to our coffee & my vulgar request for, & receipt of toothpicks. The restaurant is spacious enough that although it was a busy Saturday night it did not appear or feel crowded, & there were easily sufficient staff present to ensure that no covers felt neglected. The wine list is also worth a mention: Comprehensive & versatile, it boasts a catalogue suitable for matching the menu. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough & look forward to another excuse to take guests there. |
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Reviews
| quality | 9.00/10 |
| value | 8.00/10 |
| service | 9.00/10 |
| atmosphere | 9.00/10 |
| overall | 9.00/10 |
reviewed 1 times