nick's Eat Club Reviews

Four years after EC first visited Mango’s we’re back at the venue to say goodbye to EC regular @Bob. Immediately me and my other half were disappointed as there’s no dim sum between 5pm-11pm. Main reason I picked Mango’s was dim sum! What the feck? Why wasn’t it mentioned on their website? Generally the food was poor; OK starters but mains contained little meat and lots of bone. In fact there was more meat on the chicken feet than the ribs. Service was poor with no dishes arriving at the same time. Décor was nothing amazing either. A let down.

A good turn out saw 10 hungry people attend for the Newcastle Chapter’s first Vietnamese eating experience, and we weren’t let down. Food was really tasty and good value for money. The main meal in a bamboo log, and the huge pancake starter were the most impressive of the dishes ordered. Service was OK given that the place was near full. Décor is a little weird; previously home to Simply Greek, the restaurant resembles a Greek village invaded by bamboo, with a few oriental pictures and water features thrown in. Overall everyone seemed very happy with the food and venue.

Resembling an overlooked takeaway more than a sit-down Persian venue we were all impressed at the excellent value and very tasty top quality food. Décor is nothing impressive but works apart from the awkward dining chairs. The only peculiar element was the waitress who watched us like a hawk all through our stay. We weren’t there to steal anything! Bizarrely the chef was the spitting image of the Paradiso owner. Don’t forget there’s no licence so no booze available and unfortunately there’s not even a corkscrew in the place. Nevertheless this gem was a definite hit with the EC attendees.

Food was same good quality as previous visit. Ample-sized set menus shared all round meant everyone got a try of the different dishes. Unfortunately service was a let down. Manageress-type tried to palm us off with one fruit-bowl-sized portion of rice to share around 8 hungry peeps. Plus they didn’t bring us chopsticks after we asked for them, even though a large Chinese family next to us had theirs from the start of their meal. Décor is similar apart from the re-carpeting now simulates walking on jelly. Overall: food still tasty & good value for money, but standards have slipped.

The final part of our EAT! 3 for 2 and we’re eating for free in Café 21. Food was ok, nothing extraordinary but better than Blackdoor. Although I’d have been unhappy paying the full price, and set menu was a let down compared to full version viewed. Service was inconsistent and at times all staff vanished. Décor was modern but nothing to make you remember the occasion. To be honest it’s like the EAT! card invited the staff to treat us like penny-pinching leapers. Overall: a bargain at £7-odd each for 3 courses and wine… but I’d choose somewhere else.