L&J (4 November 2008)

We decided to give Marc and Daina’s a go on Halloween and were beyond disappointed. The exterior and décor are very dated. My starter of chorizo and Stilton salad was okay, but the leaves were too big for the bowl. Perhaps they should have been shredded, and half my chorizo was burnt. My partner’s starter of pâté was fine. I ordered the main of pork escalope, which was burnt and dry and the sauce it came with was tasteless. I left half the escalope, the entire burnt bit and put it face up so it was clear to see what was wrong. The vegetables were small bowl of three new potatoes between the two of us, and the potatoes weren't even cooked. My partner ordered a steak in whiskey sauce, the steak was not medium rare as ordered but well done and the whiskey sauce tasted of chicken gravy. I have never complained in my life but felt compelled to do so especially as there were only six other people in the restaurant. We were offered our water for free, but this did not appease me in the slightest. We chose not to risk pudding and as a result were offered our wine free. The service was very slow when we first arrived, but then both the waiting staff were new we think. We were given a cocktail with the set menu, which was very potent and yummy, and the chocolate mousse sweets the chef makes himself were to die for. The chef and staff were very friendly, which makes me feel bad for complaining, but it was quite literally the worst meal I have ever had to pay for.