Entertainments | Restaurant Reviews | Cafe Rouge
The Cafe Rouge is in Regent Street, Leamington Spa.
Atmosphere. In my book it counts for nearly everything when dining out.
Well, good food helps as well, I suppose!
But Cafe Rouge has that special something - that elusive quality which chills you out as soon as you walk through the door.
Without sounding too corny, it’s Paris in the centre of Leamington - very laid back and relaxed while being lively and provocative at the same time.
A pleasant hum of chatter fills the air, wafting between glorious fragrances from the kitchens and the faint buzz of jazz music. All troubles and woes are instantly dismissed.
Cafe Rouge also has a very warm feeling to it, not only from the friendly, yet unobtrusive staff, but from its rich decor as well, even if the seating arrangemetns leave a little to be desired.
As is the perogative of women, my wife chose a light starter - the garlic bread - while I busied myself devouring the deep fried camembert with assorted forest fruits. A little bit tart for my liking, but very tasty nonetheless.
Main course choices were somewhat limited, but we managed to hit on two real winners.
Duck with caramelised red cabbage really hit the spot. It was mouthwatering, and the duck very tender, which is a difficult trick to master.
My wife plumped for the roasted vegetables in puff pastry with wild rice, and judging by the few scraps left on her plate, it was one of the better vegetarian meals on offer in the town!
With eyes bigger than her stomach, she also succumed to a pear and almond tart with ice cream, rounding off the meal with coffee.
And at a little over £43, which included several large glasses of suprisingly good house red and several other beverages, it was a very enjoyable dining experience all round.
Richard Parker
