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Chrystal's Reviews

Chrystal S.20s, Female, London

Member since May 2008

Reviews written: 2 (2 voted helpful)

Hasn’t rated any restaurants this year.

Hasn't posted in the forum yet

The Fat Duck (1 High Street, Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AQ)

Editor's pick

What can I say. I managed to get a reservation last minute-thanks to the “PR hitch” the restaurant suffered recently due to an outbreak of noro virus-nothing to do with the cooking. I took my boyfriend for his birthday-we each ordered the 17 course tasting menu and the somelier suggested an incredible bottle of white wine after a discussion about our budget and preference. Now this was a special occasion but at the same time I was in no rush to splash my week's wages! I never once felt looked down upon or uncomfortable, as you can do in fine dining restaurants. The staff were really on the ball and the food (if you can even call it that) was nothing like I have ever had before-the only experience that remotely comes close to mine at the Fat Duck was when I went sky diving. Each dish that came out, was fascinating. The preperation, the detail, the flavours, the accompaniments-I cant even describe it in words except there were plenty of Wh en Harry Met Sally Moments. The decor is very simple, plain, boring, quite ugly really but I realise this is so you're not distracted by the gorgeous plank of smoking moss and truffle toast that's infront of you. Not to mention the ipod in a shell playing sounds from the sea whilst you eat what is called The Beach…Yes it was expensive, yes I could have done with 15 dishes rather than 17, no I wouldnt choose to go there as my last meal before I die, but it was an unforgettable experience I will treasure forever.

April 2009

Overall:10
Food and Drink:10
Service:10
Atmosphere:8
Value for Money:10
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Albion (2-4 Boundary Street, London, London, E2 7DD)

I went here a on a Sunday having cancelled my reservation to eat at the Boundary Restaurant. I expected the perfect Sunday brunch style meal. I walk in and unsurprisingly I need to queue for a table-the place is buzzing. Its bright and you're surrounded by temptation. 45 mins later I'm still waiting for a table. There are 8 of us to be fair, but the manager wants to avoid pushing tables together. Hungary, we stare at a party of four as they tuck into their second serving of ham sandwiches! The waitress, friendly to begin with, are now frustrated that we are “in the way”. But there where else are we supposed to stand and wait? Finally, we sit down-a waitor, with no apologies for the wait, hands us our menus-£5 pounds for an omlette-not bad. At the bottom of the menu it says we will cater for special dietary needs. I am actually dairy and wheat intolerant-so I immediately get excited about this statement. “Excuse me sir, is it possib le to have the omellette egg white with spinach rather than cheese?” "Um-no". “oh-ok-well do you have any wheat free toast?” " No." “Ok-well what can you do for me?” "I will need to check with the chef." I look over towards to open view kitchen and see a rather large, sweaty man, omelette pan ready in hand-I'm thinking, “do I really want him to cook my food?” The waitor proceeds to take our orders-so thats coffees all round (a soy latte for me) and one virgin mary. 30 mins later, our food arrives, my omlette is egg white with just tomotoes. A smoked salmon sandwich is forgotten and we are still waiting for our coffees – “Excuse me sir-are drinks?” "Um yeah we are really busy-the coffee orders are busy." “Well what about my bloody mary?” "Oh right." He obviously forgot that too. I just dont understand why a great looking cafe-ideal of sunday brunch-the perfect spot really, cant handle one sitting? Fair enough if you are busy-but atleast serve food with a smile. Lots of potential but I can't say I'll be going back for a while. A real shame

April 2009

Overall:5
Food and Drink:5
Service:4
Atmosphere:7
Value for Money:4
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