REVIEW: The Grapevine, Odiham (From Basingstoke Gazette)

REVIEW: The Grapevine, Odiham

12:00am Monday 23rd April 2012 in Taste and Tell By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

The Grapevine

High Street, Odiham, RG29 1LA

Grapevine-gourmet.com

01256 701122

IT was the tempting menu at The Grapevine that persuaded me to travel to Odiham for dinner, plus the early evening offer of two courses for £14.95 or three for £17.95.

My partner and I were offered a choice of table upon arrival at the restaurant, which was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday evening.

Although there were only five starters and five mains to choose from on the early evening menu, I still struggled to decide what to have because they all sounded so delicious.

Eventually, I opted for smoked salmon eggs Benedict for a starter, while my partner chose chicken parfait with toasted bread and balsamic baby onions.

After placing our orders we were immediately offered bread, which was a tasty cheesy variety with peppers.

A man, who appeared to be the owner, dedicated his time to ensuring every diner was happy, by engaging in friendly conversation when invited, checking everyone was enjoying their food and offering more bread or drinks when spotting anyone had run out.

He made us feel like guests in his own home, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

My starter arrived and was beautifully presented. The egg was cooked perfectly, although the hollandaise sauce was slightly too acidic. Overall it was delicious and I could have easily eaten a larger portion as a main course.

For my main I selected Harissa marinated breast of chicken with Moroccan couscous, cauliflower fritter and coriander and leaf salad. The couscous could have been more flavoursome, but, when it was combined with the chicken, it tasted lovely.

I imagined the fritter would be crispy, but the solid disc was full of flavour and offered an unusual accompaniment.

When sampling my partner’s six hour roasted belly pork with black pudding roulade, gratin potatoes, wilted spinach and cider jus, it melted in the mouth.

For dessert we shared apple strudel with brandy spiced ice cream, and then wished we had ordered one each when we discovered how yummy it was! The ice cream, however, was a little overpowering against the delicate flavour of the apple.

With our total bill coming to just under £40 we left happy and satisfied. I would definitely return - and probably will soon!