blush

blush

112-114 Ashley Road
Hale, Altrincham
WA14 2UN

Tel: +44 (0) 161 929 4444, +44 (0) 161 929 8899
Fax: +44 (0) 207 637 0122

Thursday 25th July 2002

Phil had missed his team's lunch outing due to meetings down south. Good reports were given on the venue, blush, so we decided to try it for ourselves on this warm Thursday afternoon.

Hale is a rather genteel little village, but it did seem rather deserted. blush was empty, as was another place a few doors along. Perhaps the current dire straits in the stock market, and business in general is keeping people off the streets and out of the bars and restaurants?

We entered, and were warmly greeted. Obviously there was no problem finding a table. Unfortunately, this does mean that we can't give a view on the ambience to be expected - of course the diners present were sparkling in their wit and repartee, but then, you had to be there!

We made sure that we selected different starters and main courses, so we could compare and contrast. We each ordered a bottled Becks - no draught beers.

I chose the fried goats cheese, deep fried and served on salad, Phil took the stuffed pepper and vine leaves. We were both pleased with our choices - and with each other's, although I was half-expecting the stuffed pepper to be warm. This was probably a Good Thing, given the weather. Another couple of beers were ordered - it was after all really quite a warm and humid day - well that's our excuse!

Main courses were Swordfish skewers chargrilled with peppers and onions, served with rice, and Turkish Pizza with spinach and cheese filling - similar, I thought, to a Calzone. The swordfish was fresh, tasty and of good texture, with the peppers and onions seared lightly. The rice was a little dry in flavour and texture.

Phil thought the pizza very good - perhaps needing a little more filling.

Expresso for me and a filter coffee for Phil, accompanied by a couple of chocolates, completed the meal. We were both well pleased, and will make an effort to try the restaurant in the evening to check out the ambience at a more conducive time.

The set meal price of £7.90 represents good value. As always, the price of a few beers ups the ante, but just over £22 in total is acceptable.

Recommended.

Sandro Melkuhn