RESTURANT REVIEW – NO 1 IS A BEST SELLER! FROM 2010

An old review deserves an old joke. What better to illustrate a restaurant in Wick than photos of glass candle holders complete with candles with wicks!!!!

Christmas cards at 1.6p each! How could that be beaten? Complementary Old Pulteney Liqueurs from Mackay’s did, and oh so much much more.

A smiley greeting of recognition that, yes, we had indeed reserved a table and it was standing waiting for us, as were the waitresses. The waiting had to continue however as one person couldn’t avoid the attraction of the nearby toilets. The owner of the establishment, that’s Murray, not mince and of the Lamont variety but not lament, offered New Year greetings as I investigated the security aspects of where to hang one’s coats. Agreed using coat hooks out with the main dining area contributes to the well-designed lines and modern appeal of the décor but maybe there is a greater risk of clothes being tampered with. It was a feeling compounded when we retrieved our clothes at the end of the evening and emphasis here is on outer clothing as far as the restaurant goes. Since we were not in a laundry!

Shown to our table which appeared to be situated close enough to the door so we could either make a quick exit or be “chucked” out when it was realised who we were. Those ******** reviewers from Thurso again!!! At least the door allowed cool air to enter to cool us down, we are being situated so close to a radiator that I thought it was playing gooseberry and at one stage shown it the wine list to choose. I opted for a large one, the subtle differences between Cinzano and Martin were being discussed across the table. The long glass was less of a problem.

Sensibility drove us to share a starter of terrine gift wrapped in bacon and much discussion took place as to whether it was cooked or not. Whatever, it tasted lovely, and the toast gave ample opportunity to do comparison tests with the bread served earlier. The toast came out on top, less crumbs perhaps.

A request for water gave an excellent opportunity for Mr Lamont to show off his serving skills at pouring. Proving that pour service doesn’t have to be poor.

The main event was a delight to savour and both dishes presented perfectly. A great combination of first-class food in bed with first class cooking. The bed looked so comfy with potato mash and vegetables. The lamb and pork just melting in the mouth. A clean plate was the testament to superb meal .

Too stuffed for sweet, we were two stuffed souls and settled for coffee and more Martini. My cappuccino was decorated with a chocolate “No1” in the froth, and it was a shame that we weren’t sitting in a restaurant called “No 11111111”. Just imagine the amount of chocolate. Mind you I am glad we weren’t next door at “No 2”.

Oh, and back to that complimentary Old Pulteney. This was the climax if one excludes the delight in receiving the “bill” with appropriate questionnaire. Enjoyable to compare the marking system we, as reviewers use with that of a real living restaurant.

Hard to think how this experience could be improved, for that is what it was, an experience and a very pleasurably one at that. Obviously, the word “experience” is an official unit in measuring such visits as it was listed in the questionnaire.

Of course, we found our coats and bid farewell but again the toilet visit was on the agenda. In addition, handshakes took place between us and Mr Lamont but safely out with the toilets in a “neutral” area.

No 1 in Wick is definitely the tops and not surprisingly it made the top ten in the “Press and Journal”. If it stays in the charts as long as “Dark Side of the Moon”, (and as good) then my 100th birthday celebrations in Wick are secure.