Slightly caramelized and sweetened lamb, I could eat on its own, but happily it got even better with the freshest tastes of the Middle East’s finest - coriander, mint, parsley, onion and tomato - mathematically laced precisely through the tabouleh. It was so moreish, but so light.
The Gen t is often Dick Whittington who is heralded as the hero of his own story, going to London to find his fortune, hearing the streets were paved with gold and fulfilled his destiny as Lord Mayor. But it was his
I
cat, his trusty pal that went to sea and made a name for himself as a great rat- catching talent, before returning home and being sold for a princely sum to the King. It’s a Dick Whittington story for Stewart Duffield, who took his experience and training from his time at St Benedicts Street restaurant under Nigel Raffles to Chelsea, where he worked under Tom Aikens, moving through the ranks. With skills sharpened and experience matured, he returned to Norfolk and has now fulfilled his dream of opening up a contemporary brasserie in the heart of Norwich, at the former 20 St John’s Restaurant site on Maddermarket Alley.
Atmosphere On a warm Tuesday evening, it’s easy to feel that Te Maddermarket Kitchen has inherited much of the old restaurant’s pre-theatre clientele and good reputation, but they’re keen to assert themselves with their own identity. Gently swinging eclectic sounds provide a backdrop to a snug and relaxed dining room.
To Start Tempura Prawns with
Rocket and Aioli Having done a little Facebook stalking of the incumbent restaurant, I already knew the food would come out looking as pretty as a picture. Tree flashes of yellow aioli trisect the plate, with the thick, arching prawns knotted in the middle, like a burgeoning flower bud. It’s a dish I know well from other places, and it was executed brilliantly here; garlic subtle but present, prawns juicy
VENUE7/10
and firm and rocket and lemon rapier- sharp but in small enough quantities.
Pud
Peach & Strawberry Trifle I’m no food snob (ref: above McD’s confession) and though I’ve dined to a Michelin level (OK, that sounds snobby), I’ll also quite happily go at a Tesco smart price trifle with wavering dietary intentions and a big spoon. I don’t think I will be able to again though, as this dainty little crafted number came to me all billowy with cream, boozy strawberries and sweet peach.
Value TMK are operating a simple to digest set menu, with one course at £13.95, two for £19.95 and the full three for £24.95. It’s a simple decision – either you have the spends to go today, or you should save to go ASAP. At the moment there’s no drinks licence, so they’re operating a B.Y.O.B policy with corkage charge – it could be the best value meal you’ve had in some time.
The Main Event Lamb Chump with Grilled
Aubergine and Tabouleh C’mon, we know each other now. I know you like me to remove and ingest the gherkin from your McDonald’s cheeseburger; you know marzipan puts my teeth on edge. You should know - I went for the lamb. And it’s a choice I’ll never ever stray from if I keep being served up examples like tonight’s.
FODDER9/10 GETTING HOME
Te Big Eat Out is proud to endorse Courtesy Taxis as the safe option for enjoying a couple of drinks and getting back home with ease. If you’re travelling within the ring road, book a taxi between 6pm and midnight, quoting ‘Ready to Go’and get a fixed fare of £4.50 for a car, £7 for a mini bus, seven days a week!
VALUE9/10
Overall How I felt about TMK can be summarised in a little note on Jonathan, the Kitchen’s front of house manager. Jonathan, I believe, represents the values of those behind the scenes as well - they care about what you put in your mouth. Even suggesting I should try a different soft drink to the one I’d selected, and affirming his appreciation of the food choices I was making from the proudly select few, there’s thought, there’s consideration and that’s easy to palate.
OVERALL8.5/10
Courtesy Taxis 44-66-44
24hr service Norwich 01603
courtesytaxis.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64