Bohemia

Clarissa Wilson (8 January 2009)

We sat down early in the afternoon with the intention of having a quick lunch and heading off to the country for the afternoon. The owner, a very accommodating and friendly young chap, made us feel immediately welcome, and we found after 10 minutes that we were still chatting with him and hadn’t yet ordered. He left us to it, after explaining some of the dishes, along with what turned out to be interesting advice on how to get great quality local produce. We were spoiled for choice, but finally decided to share a pita selection to start, in an effort to fit in the so far legendary chocolate brownies for supper, I then had red snapper on noodles and my boyfriend had a tuna pasta bake, that had just come out of the oven and wasn’t even on the menu yet. The pita dips were fabulous, with freshly made humous, a very tasty cream and chive dip and an aubergine marmalade, which was stunning - tried to get the recipe but is another secret it appears. The red snapper was lovely, with very light chilli and coriander noodles setting a very rich and well seasoned fish off well. The tuna pasta bake I tried and again had none of the heaviness one would expect, along with sublime flavours complementing the tuna.

Finally we awaited the chocolate brownies, which did not disappoint. I am not a chocolate person, and rarely have desserts. As such we shared a brownie topped with pistachio ice cream and presented with a cherry preserve and fruits. This was truly like nothing I have tasted, with richness balanced by a very original and tasty chocolate and perfectly accompanied with the fruit and ice cream. I would give Bohemia top marks all round. Its bistro styled, very unpretentious, exceedingly good value and high quality restaurant. If you like silver service and associated pomp don’t go there. If you want to have a very friendly, very tasty meal that is exceedingly well priced then this is the place for you. I will be going back regularly and with the management all the best.