The Brasserie, as usual, was wonderful and the staff, as usual, were prettier than the customers. The food was excellent and well presented. I really like it when the staff remember who ordered what dish.

For starters, I had a Leek and Gruyere tart. My two companions had the Soup de Jour. They couldn’t decide whether it was chicken or mushroom. Since they hadn’t asked before ordering, the natural flavours of the soup may have confused them. It was kinda funny because one of them thought Soup de Jour was a dish like mushroom soup instead of, ahem, today’s soup! I didn’t have the badness to say anything but I did order them some breads to accompany their starter.

Main courses were veggie risotto for me, salmon and chicken for my guests. Everyone was very impressed with their food and they thought it even better than the starters. Although, for me, risotto could be considered a bit unfashionable these days.

I think it was the first time my guests had been in a ‘posh’ restaurant. By posh, I mean a restaurant that is not attached to a hotel or a franchise. They were a bit intimidated by the attentive staff and they couldn’t relax as they tried ever-so-hard to remember their table manners, instead of just relaxing and enjoying themselves. If I ever had to do it again, I think it would be better to go to a Kentucky Fried Chicken and give them the saved money to spend on Diamond White cider cans (at least, I think that’s what they called it).

By common consent, dessert was the best course. Plum and almond tart for me while the other two had, let me make sure I get this right, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. Apparently, it’s the only dessert worth eating. Forgive the metaphor but my companions were like two peas in a pod with their selections.

With a couple of soft drinks, the bill was just under stg£20 per head mouth.

It was good value but, for me, the only downside was the obligatory service charge. Sometimes, in these modern times, you have to type the value of the gratuity into the credit card machine whilst, other times, you have to write the gratuity on the receipt with a pen. While paying, I interrupted the waiter to ask what their procedure was but his polite reply was that ‘it was already taken care of, sir‘. The service charge was 10% and I’m 90% certain it wasn’t mentioned on the menu. I did want to leave a tip but, imho, that’s really takin’ care of bizness.

Would I go again? In a heartbeat.

It’s Official: Vegetarians Are Smarter (PETA)

Vegetarianism: the choice of the ‘more intelligent’ child (London Independent)

It’s official – vegetarians really are smarter. But it is not because of what they eat. Bright children are more likely to reject meat and opt to become vegetarians when they grow up, a study has shown. Clever veggies are born not made.

Me? Apart from a tiny smug feeling, I going to Deanes Brasserie in Belfast for lunch tomorrow. At least, I’m supposed to be. It was not my job to book it so we’ll see where we end up. I’ve eaten there before and I’m really, really looking forward to going back. It’s one of the best restaurants in Belfast/Northern Ireland but the bookee thinks we’ll just walk in…

If there is a Santa, I’m eating there tomorrow!

http://www.ireland-guide.com/establishment/deanes_brasserie.3039.html

On the ground floor under Restaurant Michael Deane, this much larger restaurant is all buzz and offers an eclectic contemporary menu, with something for everybody. It is an impressive restaurant with plenty of atmosphere, and always smartly maintained. Expect modish pre-starters like breads, oils, olives and almonds, unusual soups like brandade and white bean, light dishes such as a charcuterie plate, with celeriac remoulade, also comfort food like fish & chips with mushy peas or steak & Belfast ale pie. There’s a (very attractive) separate vegetarian menu, prices are moderate, service slick and efficient and the wine list offers plenty under £20. The pre- and post-theatre menu offers great value.