Food feedback
Published: 14 December, 2006
I went to Bluewater on Saturday, with the other half, and spent £80. Not spectacular really, given the range and choice of shops and retail offers. The difference however, is that this was in one restaurant!
Previously operated as Hediard and then Mise en Place, Abaco - a new offer from the prolific Andrew Bonnell - has undergone a stylish and thoughtful transformation. The champagne bar, casual eating area and slightly more formal restaurant sit very well together.
Mrs D opted for the restaurant, in need of food and a glass of festive bubbles to ease the shopping experience. Service was astonishing - just the pace required even though it was 1.30pm on Saturday. Plenty of staff, a well constructed menu and some great wines make this unit stand out from the crowd.
We opted for the tapas offer, while marvelling at the profile of most of the users and the quantity of wine and champagne being consumed around us. This is not some 'flash' experience, but an offer truly targeting those seeking a little bit more from their food and drink.
We selected some amazing cured ham, a delicious squid dish, a chickpea and bacon side order, tortilla and olives. This was followed up with a chocolate dessert with cherries that was superb (for her) and a Spanish cheese plate (for me). Having spent a lot of time in Spain and Portugal on business, I was amazed by the quality and authenticity of the food. The cheese came with the most amazing pressed fig and almond slice, as a sweet and sharp counter to the creamy and tangy cheeses. Quite simply superb.
If our experience, and that of the people around us were anything to go by, Mr Bonnell and his team have another winner on their hands. Food has grown up in shopping centres and this offer is a standard-bearer.
Although £80 sounds like a lot of money, it wasn't in my view. It represented the quality of service, product and environment that I would happily use often. Judging by the quantity and quality of other users in Abaco, I am not alone.
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