Lobster and Waffles
It’s so nice to welcome the Cool Mama back to town again. We’ve been meeting over meals and drinks these past few days, catching up on stuff and indulging in boh liao gossiping. And this afternoon, we had a chance to head out to Bayswater, along with the Hot Mama, to go try out Mandarin Kitchen and their famous lobster noodles.
Situated just diagonally opposite the entrance to Queensway Tube station, Mandarin Kitchen has received pretty positive reviews from London’s connoisseurs, judging from reports here and here, but with a dissenting view here. As for me, I’ve heard positive comments about the place from my friends in the hall.
So, it was good to have the opportunity today to appraise the restaurant. When we stepped in just after twelve noon, the 1970s-looking establishment was curiously empty, but a small lunchtime crowd soon started trickling in. Perhaps this place sees better traffic in the evenings and on weekends. The décor was mainly Chinese or oriental, but there were incongruous European-style art pieces on the wall, including a Klee poster closest to where we sat.
The waitress who served us maintained a dubious look throughout the time we were ordering, and when our tea came, there were hardly any leaves in the pot, resulting in a very bland and diluted mix. We had to send it back. This wasn't a very encouraging start, although, at times like this, you’re there as much to enjoy the wonderful company as to savour the food on offer. And the CM and HM were plenty good company.
Our dishes soon arrived, and I must say they were rather good indeed, though not spectacular. A tasty serving of Peking Duck, followed by the signature Lobster Noodles, and a Dou Miao with garlic. I guess I was quite satisfied with how each order was prepared. Mandarin Kitchen wasn’t exactly the cheapest of places, but then I figure there ain’t no cheap lobsters around.
After lunch, we repaired across the street for a sumptuous dessert of waffles and latte at the Waffle House. The CM regaled us with tales of her many neighbours, we debated intently on men, women and relationships, and the HM and I also promised to rope her in when we head out for our prata expeditions in Singapore. Let’s hope we can fix these things up once I return home some months from now.
Situated just diagonally opposite the entrance to Queensway Tube station, Mandarin Kitchen has received pretty positive reviews from London’s connoisseurs, judging from reports here and here, but with a dissenting view here. As for me, I’ve heard positive comments about the place from my friends in the hall.
So, it was good to have the opportunity today to appraise the restaurant. When we stepped in just after twelve noon, the 1970s-looking establishment was curiously empty, but a small lunchtime crowd soon started trickling in. Perhaps this place sees better traffic in the evenings and on weekends. The décor was mainly Chinese or oriental, but there were incongruous European-style art pieces on the wall, including a Klee poster closest to where we sat.
The waitress who served us maintained a dubious look throughout the time we were ordering, and when our tea came, there were hardly any leaves in the pot, resulting in a very bland and diluted mix. We had to send it back. This wasn't a very encouraging start, although, at times like this, you’re there as much to enjoy the wonderful company as to savour the food on offer. And the CM and HM were plenty good company.
Our dishes soon arrived, and I must say they were rather good indeed, though not spectacular. A tasty serving of Peking Duck, followed by the signature Lobster Noodles, and a Dou Miao with garlic. I guess I was quite satisfied with how each order was prepared. Mandarin Kitchen wasn’t exactly the cheapest of places, but then I figure there ain’t no cheap lobsters around.
After lunch, we repaired across the street for a sumptuous dessert of waffles and latte at the Waffle House. The CM regaled us with tales of her many neighbours, we debated intently on men, women and relationships, and the HM and I also promised to rope her in when we head out for our prata expeditions in Singapore. Let’s hope we can fix these things up once I return home some months from now.
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