Lunched today at Criterion with a couple of fellow members of the Claire Falconer fan club. I think we were generally in agreement that we felt a bit let down with our food.
Between the three of us, we ordered Bruschetta, Spanish Omelette (with potato and chorizo) and Brown Mushroom Soup.
I loved my soup. It was flavoursome and just what I wanted. The others didn't rave about their meals - they were merely lunches.
Not saying it was awful there. If it had been anyone else running the place, we would have been more than satisfied, but Claire's reputation muddied the waters for us, and gave us higher aspirations than usual.
Pity really. We felt that the menu could have been a lot more adventurous and maybe a bit more extensive. Maybe there are reasons for the current menu listings?
Anyway - I'll go there again soon and give it another try and see how we go.
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
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9 comments:
Yeah, I had breckie there a few weeks ago and felt similarly disappointed. Nothing overtly bad, just not amazing whatsoever.
Couldn't even be bothered doing a review, I felt so bored by the experience.
Does Nellie bore easily mummy?
Hmmm yes. After me being so happy breakfasting there the other week, I went back last week and was not so happy. Luke-warm pear bread, a coffee I'm fairly sure wasn't decaff as ordered, and poor service of the variety that throws your cuttlery at you. Sadened.
Has anyone had a Portobello Road experience yet?? S
Is there too much expectation of Clare?
Did we miss something or has Criterion cafe spruiked its claims as a superior cafe now?
Maybe you were expecting too much?
The Lotus girls feel that since their review some customers have bought a higher level of expectation. Is that fair?
Maybe Clare was hyped by a third party without the justification all those years ago. It's not her fault but some in the media do find it hard to be impartial. Her brother George also works in the kitchen, so shouldn't they both share the kudos and criticisms?
Bill T - is this who I think it is? If so, "yes"! If not, "no"!
Sophie - where's Portobello Road? (Don't tell me London!)
Anon Mar 29 - you're right - yes we DID expect too much of her. Criterion hasn't spruiked its claims as a superior cafe. We made assumptions after hearing that the wonderful Clare was there, that's all.
In hindsight, it would have probably been better not to know who the chef was.
Anon Mar 30, I'm not quite sure what you mean about maybe she was hyped by a third party all those years ago without the justification. Which 3rd party? Why without justification?
I and others I know loved her food years ago, and we followed her for that reason, hence getting a tad excited when we heard she was back on the scene.
I don't know much about George so can't comment there.
You sound like you know whats what there - spill the beans for us!
All I am saying is that some people are the 'darlings' of Hobart food media and some aren't. If you look closely connections can be made betwen these people and conclusions that are reasonable justified can be drawn. I think they deserve to succeed. Hard work, passion and determination will see them over the line.
You are obviously not one of the 'darlings' other wise you wouldn't be whinging.
I don't particularly care as I cook for self enjoyment and satisfaction, making others happy and honouring great produce. I couldn't give a stuff about the media as most of what they report, especially locally is total b.s. and it really comes down to arse slapping, excuse the language.
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