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The Last Wine bar - Friday 2nd March 2007

The Last Wine bar, situated on St Georges street has long been a Norwich favourite, and Anne and I have visited it many times and always enjoyed the lively atmosphere, friendly staff and good food. so, we thought it was time that EA Foodies paid a visit.

On arrival, we were shown to our own dining room situated in the basement of the bar. The plus side was that we had our own room, the minus was that we were somewhat cut off from the lively atmosphere of the main restaurant. However, EA Foodies are not known to be shrinking violets and a couple of glasses of La Riva dei Frati (Prosecco) on arrival soon raised the noise level!

The starter was a choice of Chorizo and potato soup with crème fraiche, Sautéed chicken liver salad in garlic and lemon juice, Tomato, sun-dried tomato and Mozzarella salad with basil oil or Char-grilled tiger prawns with mango salsa. I, and several others had the prawns, although these were a little disappointing as they were only really luke warm. portion control seemed a bit out, varying from 3 - 5 per plate.Helping to wash this down was a quite acceptable 2005 Viognier, Le Tournesol (Vin de Pays d'Oc).

Nigel and Julie

The main course was either Guinea-fowl breast wrapped in Parma ham with mash, braised red cabbageand a port jus, Fillet of seabass with roasted new potatoes, courgettes and truffle oil dressing, Char-grilled rib eye steak with sautéed potatoes and pepper sauce or Risotto with pea, mint and Gorgonzola cheese - all served with French beans and carrots. I had the Sea Bass which was rather nice, very light, nicely cooked and quite flavoursome. Again, the accompanying wine was a very nice 2003 Chusclan Seigneurie de Gicon (Cotes du Rhone Villages)

Three sweets or cheese and biscuits were offered. I had the Dark chocolate pot with nut biscotti which was very dark and rich, too much so for some people, but OK for me. The usually enormous Vanilla Cheesecake with caramel sauce was smaller than when we have visited before, but was probably about right for the night. I can't comment on the Bread and butter brioche pudding with Crème fraiche as I am not sure if anybody had this.

The service on the night was OK considering we were a little bit out of the way, a little slow at times, but the staff as ever were very obliging. All in all, a good night was had by all, lots of laughter and conversation as usual. The food it is probably fair to say was not up to the usual high standard to which EA Foodies have become used to. However, the all in price, including wine, was a very reasonable £40 per head which is around £10 per head cheaper than we have paid elsewhere. A case of horses for courses I would say.

Mark Templeman.