Olive Branch

We went to Olive Branch the other day to see what it was like. We had a gorgonzola and walnut gnocchi, and a pizza. I'd say both were good - the pizza was Italian-style and while it perhaps lacked a bit of dazzle, it was of a high standard. The gnocchi was very cheesey (and hence tasty) [1]. Service was prompt and polite and the house red wine which I had a glass of was also fine.

So in short I'd say while its not going to win any culinary award, as an inexpensive place to get a nice meal it's a solid choice. I'm sure we'll go back again. We haven't tried the take-away options but they seemed popular while we were there.

[1] The only thing we really would have changed was the plates were cold. I don't think they need to be red-hot, but even luke warm keeps the food hotter that much longer. Many restaurants make this mistake.

Praise for the paradise

A 'superchef' tells the Guardian that he really liked eating at the Paradise. I would concur - had some fantastic meals there. I especially liked (strangely) the butter, and the chicken pie.

Restaurant - Bawarchi

I went to Bawarchi Indian restaurant last night, on Chamberlayne Road. I'd say this is a definitely a cut above your average Indian, with the chef previously having worked in the House of Commons where he cooked a Biryani for John Major's 50th Birthday (which admittedly was back in 1993). It looks good too - modern and stylish.

The food - well I have to admit I had the Tandoori mixed grill, probably the least Indian dish one could have, but it was very tasty, with good quality meat, a hot but not too hot sauce, and excellent rice and naan bread. The girlfriend had a selection of vegetable dishes, which I will be sampling for lunch today, but she said they were good. So definitely recommended, particularly if you are in the Greyhound pub next door.