Where should I take my Mun for dinner on Monday?

[Jeremy]

Last time I was in Le Chardon, they expressed their displeasure when we asked for some tap water (in addition to the bottle of wine). And we had to ask 3 times before they brought our bill. We therefore asked them to remove the service charge, to which their reaction was rather unprofessional.

Some of the dishes were good, some were a bit disappointing. You can get better food for the same price in central London.

[Polly D]

Sorry, have to agree on the hit-and-miss service in Le Chardon. We took Mr and Mrs Dorner there last year and went for the 9pm seating - don't know if they still do only 7pm or 9pm seatings still? Anyway, we arrived on the dot and then waited for nearly an hour for our table! We weren't the only ones.

We wouldn't have minded if the staff had said sorry, suggested a drink out the back or something but all we got was a stressed grumpy lady saying "yes, yes, I know you booked but what can I do?" ... hurrumph, haven't been back since 'cos it completely put us off. The food was good but by 10pm we should have given up and got a kebab from next door ...

[nutty]

it'll be worth the risk of bad service to sit out the back in the current weather!

[Parker's Folly]

rob Wrote:

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> Chardon, Palmerston, Franklins, Sema Thai - we're

> really spoiled aren't we? All four of those would

> provide a very pleasant night out.

Rob, I'd agree with you re the first three of those, but I can't say I've ever enjoyed Sema Thai. Pavilion & Corner much better in my opinion.

[rob]

oh, used to go to Corner a lot a few years ago, but then it changed hands (seemingly) and all went a bit dull. Last time we went there it was cafe chairs and tables squeaking on the floor and zilch atmos...

[timtim]

I would recomment Palmerston or Franklins; the latter being a little more pricey, and challening (i.e. lots of offal and game).

Le Chardon is too hit-and-miss for taking the parents or in-laws.

If you go for the Palmerston, you will need to ask for a non-smoking table, otherwise you will be sat in the bar, which aside from chance of smoke, can be noisy (but fun).

Also, take them to Green & Blue for a glass of wine before dinner.

T

[batdog]

The Herne = not a place to take "her", you might as well walk the opposite direction down to the Rye Hotel.

Franklins is probably a better choice if you fancy staying in Lordship Lane.

[Doodles]

Used to really like Franklins, especially sitting at the bar with a beer and a plate of potted shrimps. But back in November I went there for a full meal to celebrate a birthday and found a cockroach on the table. They apologised, paid for the wine and promised the cockroach problem would be sorted. Have never really fancied going back.

[all_star]

How about Springers Wine Bar opposite Dulwich Hospital? Been there with the in-laws before. Never heard it mentioned on the forum before come to think of it, but it was the scene of my very first meal out in SE22 about 6 years ago.

And surprised to hear mixed views of Le Chardon, been there many a time and has always been excellent - especially the potatoes dauphinois (sp?)

[Townleygreen]

Yes I agree about Springers, I've always found it good.

[Ko]

Yes the food is good at Springers. Went last week and I had mushroom risotto and Mr Ko had seafood taglitelle (which I also helped myself to!) Both were very yummmy and service was excellent.

[Muttley]

Thinking about it, Springers was where I introduced my parents to my in-laws, which has to say something. Definitely one of my East Dulwich favourites, in fact I feel another visit coming on.

[James]

Oh my God Doodles, a cockroach in Franklins? Are you serious?

Was it dead?

[Doodles]

Yes, and moving. We caught it under a glass.

But this was six months ago, they were apologetic, if not quiet as apoplectic I was would have liked, and did pay for our wine.

Hope it has been sorted. Would appreciate any reassurance from recent dinners.

[mockney piers]

I've been there a number of times in the not too distant past and not had any experience of the horrid little blighters.

[spadetownboy]

have to second springers myself, always has been top class food in a classy bistro type establishment,good wine selection and nice little bar area.first place i went to in ed many moons ago and still tops my list,highly recommended.

[Amelie]

Personally I like Le Chardon, The Green started off badly - improved when Le Chardon took it over but seems to have gone downhill again, The Palmerston is good but a bit pricey, never had a bad experience at Franklins - my only gripe would be the lighting in the evening which is too low to read by (important if you are a single female), Tandoori Nights is good, a friend of mine recommends the Indian restaurant which has opened just behind Forest Hill station, Chandni's in West Dulwich is very good, the Thai Corner on Northcross Road started out well but deteriorated IMHO. There used to be a good restaurant in Brixton called Trinity Gardens, I don't know if it is still there; and a little French restaurant in Herne Hill the name of which escapes me.

There are also some good restaurants in Crystal Palace on Westow Hill, and if you are willing to travel a little further afield the Argentinian place which has just opened in Blackheath is fabulous; I went there on Good Friday with friends and had a great meal with some wonderful wine.

Slightly off topic (looks worriedly over shoulder for the Administrator), does anyone know what the shop with red livery and golden crown that has opened on one of the roads off Lordship Lane is? Is it a caf? or something else? I have passed it several times on the bus and keep meaning, and forgetting, to investigate.

[Michael Palaeologus]

Many thanks for your ideas.

Conversation a few hours ago:

Mother: "Ooh I do like the Mirash, that Mr Ray is so nice"

Mikewbate: "Yes Mum"

There you go.

[buggie]

Amelie, I think you're talking about Jack's - which is a cafe that do rather good ciabbata's and home made cakes. It's on Pellat road just up from the laundrette.

[spadetownboy]

Doodles Wrote:

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> Yes, and moving. We caught it under a glass.

>

> But this was six months ago, they were apologetic,

> if not quiet as apoplectic I was would have liked,

> and did pay for our wine.

>

> Hope it has been sorted. Would appreciate any

> reassurance from recent dinners.

maybe it was an accompaniment,probably tastes nice dipped in chilli sauce.

[Mark]

So how was Mirash? Was Mr Ray nice?