It’s that time of year again when bars and restaurants are revamping their menus ready for the summer season. Out are the heartier winter warmers in favour of the lighter summery dishes. Unfortunately I couldn’t go to the launch of the new menu at Simple Bar and Kitchen but my lovely friend Rachel was all too happy to go along for me and report back.
They got to try samples from the new menu including the beef carpaccio which was a delicate small starter but lovely and tender. Rachel felt it was a little overpriced for the size at £6.50 but that the quality was there.
The five spice duck confit tacos were very tasty with the confit itself being done in house for hours.
The posh chicken curry on a bed of coriander rice was fairly healthy yet still filling with really delicate flavours: coconutty with a thai influence.
They had the classic mini burgers but they are also available as cajun chicken or blue cheese. They were a little dry and could have benefited from some sort of chutney but the meat was great quality, it is all free range and bought by the chef from the Arndale Market each day. Mark (the chef) formerly of Michael Caine at Abode, Chester is keen on locally sourced produce and sources this wherever possible.
They also got to try some of the new cocktail menu including the Hotel Motel Holiday Gin which had a savoury twist thanks to the rosemary and had lovely delicate flavours. Definitely one of the gin lovers.
The Salted Caramel Martini is like a dessert in a glass! Butterscotch liqueur, vanilla schnapps, Baileys and maple syrup with a half salted rim meant it was like two different drinks depending on which side you drank from. Just amazing.
The Ginger and Apple Mojito was really refreshing with slices of cucumber and the Blood Orange Ginger Daiquiri was quite sour but had a lovely kick to it.
The Rose Gin-Tinted Specs was a lovely feminine drink with rose flavours and rose petals scattered on top. On the whole the drinks are very pretty with great measures. They’re is a great list of alternative drinks that give a nice twist to the cocktails you know and love. Some only have one ingredient but the bar staff welcome feedback and are happy to change things around where asked.
A passionate chef, friendly staff who welcome feedback and some cracking twists on your favourite cocktails. It is safe to safe the ladies had a great time!
Rachel attended the launch of Simple Bar and Kitchen as a guest and wasn’t asked to pay
1 Comment
I like innovative the cocktails are I know the blue cheese mini burgers would go down brilliantly with The Bloke.