Latest reviews by kaichanvong's friends

Montezuma's - review by mazphd

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:51:18 +0000

Montezuma's - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.4

Location: 15 Duke Street, BN1 1AH, Brighton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01273 324979

Website: http://www.montezumas.co.uk

Tags: rare finds, exclusive boutique, helpful staff, healthy food

Pull a Chilli and put it into chocolate. Sound crazy? This is only one of the first of many decadant and unusual chocolate recipe's designed to tantalise tongue and offer a sensory taste overload. Mmmm

When I lived in Brighton Montezuma's was as a hidden port of salvation set amid the most expensive areas of the famous Lane's after arrival at the chocolate destination a calm ensued and wide-eyed delight always took over. At times things can get crowded (it's only a narrow shop) but lean against the counter and the staff are more than happy to provide free samples - just not the full recipe of their secret chocolate delights.

Best are the Choco Blocks. Think of childhood building blocks - as oversized chocolate chunks offer a treat for feasting! As a bit of a self-confessed chocolate snob, Montezuma's is one of the few chocolateria's to offer 100% cocoa (which tastes sharp, but fabulous btw) as well as 100% organic, fair traded and above 70% cocoa standard. I like my chocolate strong and punchy!

My favourite decadent treat when I return to Brighton, which is not often enough, is a visit to Montezuma's for a hot chocolate and brisk walk along the front. Then home for a raid on various Choco Blocks shared with friends over a nice glass of something suitably strong, spicey and heady. Enough to make you fall head over heels.

Sweet.

FYI, yes i've ticked 'healthy food' because chocolate is as essential as a 5-a-day fruit and veg hit.

Plush - review by mazphd

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:45:05 +0000

Plush - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.0

Location: 28 Castlegate, YO1 9RP, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 641010

Tags: massage, alternative medicine, helpful staff

A very stylish and relaxing way to spend an afternoon is being enrobed, sitting atop plump cushions with feet placed in a warm whirl pool of pulsating water. So with the current grey and cold weather, and also having just submitted a seriously laboured piece of academic work I looked forward to my first visit to Plush Spa.

Plush is set over two floors; the first offers haridressing, whilst downstairs is the main spa massage and treatment area. For my treatment - a full body aromatherapy massage- I arrived suitably stressed and fatigued. Led downstairs I was invited to remove clothing, don a warm and soft robe and place my feet into a whirlpool of aroma'd water. Arrrr. Lovely.

Five minutes later I realise that I am in serious danger of getting used to this kind of attention as I am treated to full on body manipulation with the appropriate aromatherapy oils to 'de-stress', 'unwind' and 'relaaaaax'.

Plush use Alquimia products, high quality, organic and beautifully fragranced. Not one for regular massages I wanted to be 'brave' and mentioned to my therapist that she could manipulate as hard as she wanted. Her method and practice was fabulous. So much so, I felt my mind divide itself from the usual 'always on' and 'racing away' mental capacity to a more detached and relaxed stream of consciousness.

The relaxation is so intense (if relaxation can be described thus) I feel like I've fallen into a pleasant almost dreamlike state. I fear that I may also have snored when all too soon my blissful retreat is over. I walk home (I would recommend not driving after a treatment as you tend to be bit groggy in a blissful way) and have the most amazing sleep of my life. Next morning I still smell of the aromatherapy oils and feel refreshed and rather splendid.

I could be tempted to become a regular to massage treatment - especially with the care and attention at Plush.

Kathryn Rolfe - review by mazphd

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:32:51 +0000

Kathryn Rolfe - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 102 Micklegate, YO1 6JX, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 653222

Website: http://www.kathrynrolfe.co.uk/

Tags: rare finds, stock, exclusive boutique, helpful staff

When I was a teenager it was a given, nay a rite of passage, that you were taken to the cramped and badly-lit fitting rooms of the local Marks and Spencer, commanded to 'pull up your T-shirt' and had wrapped around your middle a tape measure under the quizzical eyes of an often beaky (middle-aged) and teacher-like assistant. Today Marks and Spencer has improved, but so has the range of store choice to purchase what, in Britain, we wore as 'underwear', but our French counter-parts adorned themselves as â¬Ülingerieâ¬". Such lingerie is now firmly established in the traditional city of York with the Royally acclaimed expert Kathryn Rolfe.

With the British prudishness and â¬Üperchanceâ¬" for big pants it is hard to blame the retailer. One should look no further than Bridget Jones for such unattractive â¬ÜBIG pantsâ¬". And for Marks and Spencer this only adds to their profile as one of Britainâ¬"s high-streetâ¬"s favourites for the best of â¬Üsensibleâ¬" and â¬Üpracticalâ¬". A profile that means M&S is firmly cemented in our culture and has even infiltrated from our wardrobes and into our fridges â¬ a path not followed by the pants.

Kathryn Rolfe used to run the Queenâ¬"s brassiere Rigby and Peller in Knightsbridge, her hands on experience with some royally appointed lingerie gives the right authority to reinvigorate anyoneâ¬"s drawers. Where my experience had been with less than pretty and more practical under-clothes, Kathrynâ¬"s approach is perfect fit, perfect shape, perfect comfort and perfect feel to create the perfect look.

Men it is hard for you to understand the pleasure and decadence of decent underwear, but be aware every woman deserves comfort and beauty in a fabulous setting. A visit to Kathryn Rolfe is a chance to take delight in the benefit of her vast experience and wide collection of elegant lingerie. Some of my favourites include the notoriously difficult to find French-based Aubade as well as the very pretty Marie Jo. Why buy one, when Kathryn has one in every size and colour, and can even make personal adjustments and alterations. No excuses now, youâ¬"ll be feeling and looking fabulous. Always perfectly fitted. There is also a sofa to recline and tea on tap, Iâ¬"m tempted to make a return trip now...

Juicy Moosey - review by mazphd

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:35:00 +0000

Juicy Moosey - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.7

Location: 28 Shambles, YO1 7LX, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 674684

Website: http://www.juicymoosey.co.uk/

Tags: rare finds, helpful staff, healthy food

For those shorter, darker winter days, Juicy Moosey also does hot juices, AND a special 'Bruno'-made, from scratch, hot soup. Always fresh, dairy free and full of goodness, finding something warm to make you glow has never been so healthy!

I love this place, wish they could open even earlier so I could grab a juice on my mornings runs, but that just makes it more exclusive !

Looking forward to warming my winter soul with some of Bruno's fresh concoctions soon! Who needs summer! Ok so maybe we do, but a hot juice in the hand is worthy of another two to warm the stomach! :-)

Vivienne Westwood - review by mazphd

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:48:29 +0000

Vivienne Westwood - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.0

Location: 10 Blake Street, YO1 8QG, York, United Kingdom

Tags: exclusive boutique

Now opened in York is a standalone Vivienne Westwood boutique. One of the most 'exclusive' in the country so say my sources as it has been specifically designed to house the full Anglomania range, and added bespoke labels. This means high, High HIGH prices and similarly heighty heels for display. But doesn't it all look fabulous?

Well yes it IS 'fabulous, sweetie dah-ling' in a high end Fash Pack way, but the boutique is yet to find its rhythm in terms of layout, design and customer service. At the door (uniquely for Yorks overally middle class haven) is 'Big Daddy' the instore security. Whose job description requires that he stands as a formidable hulk at the door. BUT this is not Bond Street and you will not be greeted and suitably pampered by the staff. A little door holding open wouldn't go amiss here, especially when one considers the prices. Perhaps thats the way 'they' keep the riff raff out.

At least there's opportunity to shop for Westwood outside of Leeds, and the usual Sarah Coggles haunts. The boutique houses Gold Label, Red Label, Anglomania, MAN as in menswear, her jewellery collection AND and the full range of Westwood accessories that include the complete portfolio of fragrances.

It is worth (pushing the door open yourself) and taking a step inside the split level boutique as in terms of space it is one of Yorkâ¬"s finest shops.

Another reason to swish in is to 'admire' the showcase of a replica of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress as worn for the Sex and the City film. So if you have a few Â£'s to spare, then this 'unique' fashion collective could be yours.

Otherwise, from my observation customers tend to opt for Vivienneâ¬"s trademark over-sized ORBs. There's something almost too wag-tastic about this to take seriously, but if you want to spend Â£'s on the high-end equalivalent of a be-jeweled chain then you have come to the right place. Reminiscent in my mind of Burberry's (chav)iconic print. but at least you'll look like everyone else.

Despite the Dame herself being awarded the 'Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Award' I'm not convinced that this boutique is as exclusive and leading as it's trying to make out. But then maybe i'm being 'old fashioned' and just like it when doors are held open for you.

Moro - review by mazphd

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:43:08 +0000

Moro - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.4

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

Website: http://www.moro.co.uk/

Tags: lively, middle eastern, business, crowded, expensive, romantic

It is not often that one comes across a restaurant that has style, vibe and some seriously fabulous food. I have been lucky enough to not only dine , but also to experience the wine here, and I intend to develop this very complimentary and devastingly evocative relationship some more.

On my visit, despite being full to bursting and busy every member of staff was attentive, helpful and catchingly perky! Now my experience may have been coloured by the delightful company for the evening (a perceptive, witty and charming dining companion) but Moro also holds all these qualities on its own just on the vibe alone.

For some reason I skipped the Tapas and went straight for the weekly menu, a sardine related dish full of spice, and just the right mix of olive oil and fennel seeds. Simplicity in itself. Now the dining was divine, but better was the wine, and I heartidly recommend, the OntaÃ±on, Gran Reserva a 2001 Spanish Rioja. On the side of 'pricey' at nearly Â£50 a bottle, but mmm so sumptuous.

It has been a while since I've had such great service (especially in the UK!) and wonderful food, and reading the other reviews it seems Moro gets this balance right at least 90% of the time. I'm hoping for those disappointed diners they will return and be charmed in the same way I have been.

My own intention is to revisit and take advantage of the tapas, and moment with a suitably charming dining partner. Oh and to remember to leave room for dessert.

Alquimia - review by mazphd

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:43:19 +0000

Alquimia - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 18-20 Stonegate, YO1 8AS, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 632888

Tags: massage, pamper, beauty, helpful staff

Boo my favourite pampering place is now closed.

More here,

http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/3732854.Luxury_spa_closes_down/

Vanilla Black - review by Izabel_blue

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:55:42 +0000

Vanilla Black - review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.7

Location: 17- 18 Tooks Court, EC4A 1LB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7242 2622

Website: http://www.vanillablack.co.uk

Tags: vegetarian, british, classy, good value

I've been here twice now - one for lunch and once for dinner, and have felt *pretty* impressed both times, though I found it a much better destination for dinner.

The food is commendable: the menu is a seriously good take on modern British seasonality (minus the meat) and hence a bit more sophisticated than the global fusion you get at other well-known veggie gaffs, like Manna or The Gate. However, portions are on the smaller size, and you really do need to go for all three courses to have a satisfying meal out - my husband worries that it is a bit too 'set menu' and not flexible enough with the a la carte.

A few examples from their recent menu include a starter 'toasty' with home-made piccalilli and 'deconstructed' lentil dal. Mains are exciting too: mushroom duxelle with mushy peas, goats cheese and walnut backlava with onion puree, beetroot tarte with horseradish custard...

The room is quite formally dressed and modern, with crisp white tablecloths and chandeliers - very trad, quite classy. Front of house is good too: they've brought a chirpy, friendly staff from the original restaurant in York, and you can tell that they care passionately about the food. The only dull note is the 80s' soft-rock and alt hits playing in the background: it seems to compromise the attention to detail with the food, room, and service.

However, the food and service is good enough to compete with any posh gastropub in the area, and the choices on offer will thrill any meat-reducer. Give it a go!

Cafe in the Crypt - review by Izabel_blue

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:38:42 +0000

Cafe in the Crypt - review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.3

Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields, WC2N 4JJ, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7839 4342

Website: http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Tags: cosy, average brew, quiet & relaxed, quick bite

I've been going to the Cafe in the Crypt off and on for about 7 years now, and though I can't fault them for offering good-value dining in a busy area, it's not amazing. The food is very 'school dinners' and tastes of mass catering, and the hot food is always lukewarm.

That being said it's a quiet oasis away from the touristy din of Trafalgar square, and one of the few places in the area where you can get a decent, filling main meal with a glass of wine for under a tenner. The staff is friendly and there is a nice ambience due to the candles and stone walls. Just don't expect a culinary adventure, OK?

La Bottega Delle Langhe - review by mazphd

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:30:28 +0000

La Bottega Delle Langhe - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 36 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 622584

Tags: Italian, sublime, decadent, refined, top food, proper food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, crowded, tasty, lively, cultured, italian

The most wonderful of deli's just got better. La Bottega has now moved to Peasholme area of the city centre (opposite the black swan pub, and nextdoor to the quilting museum, joy)

this means the premises is of comparatively huge proportions to what it had been before. the outside cafe is more like a fully extended restaurant with spaces inside and outside. more popular than ever queues are looooooooong to get space to sit and relax, but well worth the wait. Plus the deli shop means that if you get bored you can buy delights as you wait for your table.

really wonderful to see such a successful business in york. we need more places like la bottega.

Kennedy's - review by mazphd

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:26:24 +0000

Kennedy's - review by mazphd

Rating: 2.0

Location: 1 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 620222

Website: http://www.kennedyscafebar.co.uk

Tags: live music, sex, pop, late license, cool & smart, live, standard pub food, beer garden, independent pub, friendly, relaxed, cool

I felt compelled to re-review kennedy's for the third time, as despite my last glowing words something has gone terribly wrong.

Kennedy's may be new styled, but on my last visit (yesterday) staff were rude and inept, glasses were unclean, our order was wrong (twice) and no apologies were made.

First i had to wait over fifteen minutes to get served at the upstairs bar empty of other customers and with four members of staff 'mucking about' at the back and far more concerned with flirting with one another than taking a simple drinks order.

After being prompted by myself, twice, to, 'please could someone take my drink order please', this was delivered wrong. twice. They also saw fit to overcharge me, and make no apology. Our glasses were dirty and had to be sent back.

In the ladies toilets, i can't speak for the men's, but the ladies was a shocker. water everywhere on the floor. doors off their hinges, loo paper sopping on the floor. the only saving grace was the lack of light, which meant i probably missed the other hygeine related flouting of regulations. in short. yuk.

The Lamb & Lion - review by mazphd

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:16:51 +0000

The Lamb & Lion - review by mazphd

Rating: 1.6

Location: 2 - 4 High Petergate, YO1 7EH, York, United Kingdom

Tags: young and fun, mature, young professionals, standard pub food, beer garden, independent pub

Well I was misled into thinking that I would be the first to review this 'new' publican house. But it seems that York's worst kept secret is out, with the opening of the Lamb & Lion only a couple of weeks ago three other York reviewers have beaten me to it.

Well things have improved from Oggywawa's evening spent with only ghosts for company, and both Sbrumpton's and Kjhannah's 'disappointment'.

So to my own take. And to start, the bad: well the menu's still not up to scratch. There's only the usual (supposedly 'posh') pub fare grub, with (until this w/e) no vegetarian option. Now vegetarian's do have the option of 'vegetable with dips'. Hmm for what used to be (by all accounts) a reasonable restaurant, the menu and kitchen could do better. Much better.

If sausage and mash is your thing, then you won't be disappointed. And you'll be rewarded with lashings of gravey too.

Over the w/e it was gloriously sunny, and where the sun shines, so too does the L&L. At the back of the pub is a lovely walled garden, with views of the Minster (and sounds of the bells), as well as part of the York Wall. Well worth taking a pew, and listening to the tourists tottle round the Walls. Especially with claims of 'ooo look at that pub garden, how do we get down there', and the inevitable 'Don't fall off the Wall mother! Careful!' I bet the viking's didn't worry about their mother falling off the battlements.

Another plus is that the wine menu for by the glass is reasonably good. I'm disappointed that you can't get a Sancerre, or decent New Zealand Pinot Noir by the glass, but there is a good Rioja and South African Chenin Blanc.

For bar chatter, the French manager is a lively fellow, and more than happy to twist your arm for a Gin&T, rather than just a tonic. Which is what you want in a landlord.

So get the menu together chaps, then the patrons will come. For now, the L&L is quiet, not worthy of vegetarians, but has a lovely garden. Lets hope the sun keep shining.

Oh and I haven't seen any ghosts. Yet.

Petergate Fisheries - review by mazphd

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:49:20 +0000

Petergate Fisheries - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.0

Location: 97 Low Petergate, YO1 7HY, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 624788

Mmm fish n chips, that age ol brit tradition of fried food. oo and mushy peas. Theres always a long queue outside of here. but don't be fooled , the fish is 'ok' the batter has the taste more of 'other fried stuff' than real quality batter. and the chips aren't the best around either.

you're much better off going further out the city for quality fish, chunky chips and fresh mushy peas. still if you're stuck on petergate and like to queue then this place is for you!

just bring you're own chip fork.

Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen - review by mazphd

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:37:28 +0000

Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen - review by mazphd

Rating: 2.0

Location: 13-17 New Street, YO1 8RA, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 655868

Website: http://www.hahaonline.co.uk

Tags: trendy, pub chain, late license, standard pub food, young and fun, students

Reliant on loud throbbing base music, the emphasis is on dress to pull, and pull to undress. Two words sum this place up, Meat Market.

Perfect if you're under twenty, going on tweeny and want to go one base further than the back of the bike sheds.

Surprisingly pleasing wine menu though. Vast and good choice (hence the two stars). Food is hit and miss, they seem to be contantly advertising for chef and kitchen staff. That can't be good for the quality of the kitchen. But you can see the kitchen from the bar, which is always a plus. No Rogue restaurant X-files here.

Ha! Ha!'s has also undergone another make-over. Which makes 2 in as many years. This means new paint (red), some pot plants and still the same loo facilities.

Stay for the wine list, leave when the DJ comes out.

Theatre Royal - review by mazphd

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:13:48 +0000

Theatre Royal - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.0

Location: St. Leonards Place, YO1 7HD, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 623568

Website: http://www.theatre-royal-york.co.uk

Tags: helpful staff

It was a wise (and awe(some)-inspiring) play write who wrote,'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players.

The Theatre Royal is York's stage, and I've enjoyed some really splendid evenings out here. The Theatre seem to be very proficient at having a high, and quality, turn-over of plays, from the sublime, a little Ibsen, to the more ridiculous, one of the most enjoyable was a Ladies comedy night 'girls downunder'. I leave the rest to your imagination.

For all theatre enthusiasts you should know there's something funny about seats here. I've had a few experiences when the staff have been reluctant to sell just two seats for a performance, perhaps because they make more money out of group and family bookings. So do take the opportunity to ask if you are likely to have an indirect, or obstructed view.

Otherwise there's a splendid little bar area, where acts and public mingle. By day this is more home to your wibbly wobbly old ladies, for little tea delicacies, doilies and perhaps a reminiscence of times when they were last on stage. Or so I like to imagine.

Worthwhile asking about on whim, is 'seats going cheap', when a performance is about to start. A risky strategy as you never know what you're likely to end up with, performance, or seats wise. But fun, and spontaneous!

And so I end where I began this review to say, we all have our exits and our entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, a few of which are worthwhile enjoying at the York Theatre Royal.