HANDFORTH CANTONESE RESTAURANT REVIEW

4 Sep 2019 09:48
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

Review by Robin Atkins

I was invited to undertake a review of this restaurant based in the heart of Handforth.

They have been there since their opening in 1986 and it became fondly known as 'Jack's Place' from the original owner. It has been under new management since 2016 and I wanted to see if the standards of the top-quality cuisine, service and value have been maintained - I was not disappointed!

The Handforth Chinese Restaurant combines a feel of Malaysia and traditional Chinese recipes. One step inside and you would experience a décor that is peaceful, relaxing and combined with a jungle theme, creating a perfect atmosphere.

The menu was huge and extremely impressive. It would be impossible to describe the gastronomic range of cuisine on offer in this review so I would strongly recommend logging onto their website for details. There are excellent vegetarian options and mouth-watering set dinners for groups included and the Takeaway Menu is a must if you were dining at home.

We were recommended to sample their starters by our waitress who was highly efficient and exceptionally helpful and friendly. I selected the paper wrapped prawns - they were superb, and I asked another waiter how they could be so full of flavour - he told me with the broadest smile that "it was the chef's secret". Smiling back, I respected his reply!  My partner Gayle opted for the chicken lettuce wrap - diced chicken with nuts, vegetables and bean shoots accompanied with iceberg lettuce - the joint comment was "both dishes were the perfect introduction - excellent"

The main course options were a gastronomic roller coaster and after several 'mind changes' I selected the steamed cod in black bean sauce. I was swimming in unchartered waters here but I was extremely glad because I have devoured many oriental fish dishes before but this was light years ahead of any other - truly exceptional is an understatement!

Gayle chose the salt and pepper fillet steak with ginger - cooked to perfection and full of flavour. An observation as opposed to a criticism "A little light on the ginger" but still very enjoyable. We shared a special fried rice which was a perfect accompaniment. This excellent meal was washed down with a wicked bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc -a great finale to a memorable evening!

We arrived at 7 pm and by 8 pm the restaurant was packed, and I couldn't believe how brilliantly the waiting on service performed. No panic, assisting customers with menu advice, incredibly friendly and highly efficient in every way. A credit to the management's commitment to service. They were also controlling the takeaway orders which were coming in thick and fast.

I was also impressed with the value - all budgets are well catered for.

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough - it's perfect for small parties or a romantic dinner for two - booking advisable!

 

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