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'Rustic, regional European dishes made from fresh local ingredients...80 handpicked wines'. Opened Nov 2009. |
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If you go after dark you don't benefit from the doubtless wonderful view, which I suspect is the only plus about this place. It is not particularly attractive or comfortable - "modern" banal style. The food is enormously disappointing. The pretentious sounding menu, priced to give gourmet expectations, was disappointing. The starter of olive tapenade was plentiful - and just a lot of salty mush. "Roast suckling pig" ( I kid you not) was a couple of bits of flabby pork belly with a large amount of lentils. (Why on earth does anyone serve fatty pork with lentils?) The service however was very good. Nice waiters. Nobody asked if we were enjoying our meal, however. Perhaps they have already learned not to ask that question. artlover, 27/02/10 I must admit being in a tiny minority of people grossly underwhelmed by the Museum's new extension, finding it bland, and badly designed. However the restaurant seems like a positive addition to the Oxford eating scene with a bright attractive dining room (too bright in fact on the day of my visit, some blinds would have been quite helpful as the sunlight streaming through was truly dazzling). The setting is "modern Brasserie" style , and the accoustics like most modern restaurants are quite noisy because of a lack of "padding" from soft furnishings and floors. Service was prompt and efficient and extremely friendly and the menu was varied and interesting and not the usual "run of the mill" on offer at many similar restaurants. There is a great choice of Charcuterie and my coarse Game Terrine was most delicious, moreish and full of flavours. Hubby chose the salted Cod Croquettes and the Chorizo Piccante, both deemed extremely tasty. I was disappointed that the Steak Tartare was only available on the evening menu as it is a great favourite of mine and one rarely seen on British menus. The Cassoulet was good though not exceptional, due to a slight undercooking of the haricot beans which ideally should be cooked extremely slowly for a couple of days to allow a soft yielding texture and for the meaty flavours from the duck and sausages to seep through. The duck and sausages were both however of excellent quality and in good quantity. Cassoulet is one of those addictive dishes which derserves that extra little touch to bring it into the realm of culinary heaven and the "Dining Room's" version just lacked that extra little bit of oomph. Lunch was brought to delicious end by a most satisfying, rich and calorie ladden Chocolate Mousse with salted caramel. All in all the "Dining Room" appears to have produced a good well balanced rustic menu, the staff are extremely efficient and the room itself is a pleasant and bright environment in which to while away a little time after a mild case of Museum Fatigue. My only criticism would be that prices are fairly steep and would benefit from a set menu offer such as the ones offered by the excellent "Pierre Victoire" and "Brasserie Blanc" . I shall certainly return, especially in Summer, to enjoy the glorious terrace, a rare feature in our Fair City. Pamplemousse, 06/01/10
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