Chrissy's

[Bruce Wallis]

Chrissys has been one of our favourite restaurants in the area, going back 6 or 7 years, when the food was superb Belgian country bistro, and it was overseen by the, to some, overbearing Chrissy , herself.

We have been back several times since it was taken over. Initially, you could hardly detect the change, except that Chrissy herself, was gone, and replaced by another lady.... very pleasent, and keen to accept Chrissy's mantle, and succeed.

Over the years, we have noticed a slight slippage, and have learnt to avoid the "Music nights", as quality and service went right down under the number of covers, and an inability to up their game to cope.

We hadn't been for a year, and so went back last night.

First slight alarm bell was that most of the restaurant had been laid up for a large party of golfers.
Madam still held court from her table in the corner....
Menu layout, pricing structure and style....no change.
House wine quite good.

Where I was very disappointed was the food.

I didn't want the starters on offer, so asked for just some smoked salmon and a slice of lemon.
What I got was a reasonable portion of smoked salmon, but totally swamped in what I can only describe as something akin to that pink, sweet, bottled marie rose sauce that 80's restaurants used to pour all over prawn cocktails.
It was disgusting!!

I quite enjoy Portuguese or Spanish Black Pork....so ordered that. It's always tasty, and a dish I enjoy.
I'm not sure....but the pork I got, looking quite nouveau....seemed like a roasted loin, or maybe fillet of pork. The meat, beautifully laid out on the plate, was over cooked, and dry.
The Bearnaise sauce that accompanied it was too sweet, gloopy, and once again, did not taste freshly made...I'll go as far as to say, I thought it was also bottled.

My wife and sister in law had a prawn and rice dish which they thought rated as highly as "alright"

My brother-in-law had a charming dish of 3 baby grilled sole....lovely; and he enjoyed them....BUT...they were served with what looked, and tasted suspiciously like those frozen straw french fries you get at McDonalds, or Burger King.

We didn't bother with dessert or coffee.

I am the first to recognise that times are hard, and businesses must adapt and be made to pay, but there are limits beyond which you can lose a very loyal and supportive market.

Chrissys may well survive on the golf trade, and living off its old, and well earned reputation.

But whether replacing Brussels with South Bromley, in Lagoa, is a jump too far?....Only time will tell.

[Canada]

This really disappoints me, Bruce! We just found this restaurant last February and were thrilled with the food etc., etc. Hope this is just an off time as lots of places suffer from. Was the regular chef there? (can't remember his name)

[Bruce Wallis]

This really disappoints me, Bruce! We just found this restaurant last February and were thrilled with the food etc., etc. Hope this is just an off time as lots of places suffer from. Was the regular chef there? (can't remember his name)

I cant remember the chef.....but it was certainly the same owner.

Like you, as a 8 year regular at Chrissys, I was very disappointed.

[MaisieK]

The lady that worked in the kitchen died fairly recently, I remember we had a message
from Debbie about it, I think it was a sudden death so perhaps this has caused some
problems, hope it will return to normal shortly as we have always found it excellent.

[Geoff]

Just to say that we had an excellent meal there in February, but the wine was a bit parsimonious.....is there an " allowance" of half a bottle per person ? I seem to recall a smallish carafe that wasn't refilled/replaced. Perhaps we should have asked!

[Canada]

To me it is like the wine is gratus and all you can drink! I will not be a wine snob when they are so generous.

[Graham]

Just ask for more and it will be served with a smile.

Always works for me (hic )

[widge]

Have dined with friends twice in the past 3 weeks at Chrissie's.

Everybody I have taken has enjoyed this restaurant. Congratulations to the owners & staff who do a really good job.

[Bruce Wallis]

That's interesting, because last time we went to Chrissy's it really failed to live up to its previous high standard.

Maybe we should give them another chance!

[biffa]

I was entertained to a business dinner at Chrissy's last night. I have not been there for a long time but I enjoyed one of the finest, if not THE finest meal, I have ever had!

To find that quality in the middle of Lagoa is remarkable. I have no idea of what it cost per head but I don't think the cost was that high in view of the quality.

[Geoff]

It's been under " new management" for the last few months I believe.....a couple of the guys who used to work there , now run it.....we will have to try it again : should mean we are not stared at by lady on chair at bar any longer with luck!

[biffa]

The chef appears to be a guy who once was working at Lanterna Velha (Bruno I think?). He is sure cooking on a different level now!!

[Bruce Wallis]

We went back to Chrissys, last week, and we were delighted to find that it had returned to its' former glory.

We will definitely be going back.

Good luck to the new owners.

[tricky]

Is it still a set price Bruce?

[Bruce Wallis]

Yes.....and they seem more generous with the wine!!