Grosvenor Fish Bar -The Teege Critiques

So one sunny afternoon I had the delight of stopping by an old place that's had family owners in the last 30 years, and has always been one of, if not THE, most popular fish and chip shop in Norwich. Taking a traditional view on the way it's served, maintaining the feeling of quick service and an upbeat pace, this place never slows, and you will tend to find the queue lagging somewhere out of the door and around the corner.

Their new and expansive menu has brought questions to your critique's lips though... shark and miso on chips? Now I am a true fan of the finer culinary delights, but placing them in what's marketed as a traditional fish and chip bar is something new altogether.

The variety of choice for fish and sausage, however, has grown vastly since the days of a sausage and chips and a piece of unknown godforsaken fish. With the loss of Hot Chip, the hipster version of fish and chips, this left the Norwich market with Grosvenor Fish Bar as the only contender.

Upon entrance, the newly decorated walls of wood and pop art bring an air of vibrancy to the old chippy. The upbeat Americana music to accompany was an interesting touch... I didn't realise that in the USA they served a traditional English dish...!

The queue had six people in, with varying orders, which were handled swiftly. Upon my order the lady greeted me with somewhat of a fake interest into my presence, which seemed to bother her day...? "Sorry for wanting to purchase your chips," was my first reaction!

Order placed, we were offered our meal to eat in or take away... eating in being the preference this time, we were subsequently told to go downstairs and wait for our order. Sorry, wait, what...? Back up two seconds. You should never tell a customer to do something. That's Hospitality 101! You may advise that there is seating downstairs... anyway. We sat upstairs to watch how the rest of service was handled. Pretty much the same treatment, but overhearing the lady who served us discussing with her colleagues that "we never get to know our regulars" was interesting.

Upon the food arriving, we were excited. Two lots of sausage (no batter), and chips with gravy, cheese and curry sauce. The main ingredients, as far as I'm concerned, are the options available at any good chippy. The chips were as phenomenal as ever - crispy, yet light and fluffy. No excess oil, if only a tad too salty. The sausage was mediocre... I was expecting better. There was far too much salt. The sausage itself didn't have much flavour, beyond some piece of pork... I could tell that much! They could do with a partnership with Pickering's of Norwich, it would add a great twist.

So service and salt aside, The Teege gives this a 3.5/5 Stars. Less salt, more passion, and genuine personality from your staff will bring a whole new level of service to a revitalised old favourite.

I've an almighty fondness for the fishy fineries served at Grosvenor's, together with the friendly atmosphere and jazzy music. The vibrance of the establishment is a credit to Norwich, as is the hard work and commitment of its staff. The Bunker, the labyrinthine underground seating of the place, is a wonderful area in which to commune and unwind, and you can cheerfully take your fish and chips over the street to The Birdcage and eat them there. It's a fantastic part of the community, and if you've never tried it, I have just three words for you - Cha Cha Chips. Try them, and thank me later. It's 4/5 Stars from me!

The Waffle House - The Teege Critiques!

So the Waffle House, a Norwich mainstay for the last 38 years, brings a unique style of food to Norwich. Priding themselves in fresh local produce and their crispy waffles. Each order being individual, their organic produce brings the palate to life - but as always, there is a catch. Most of the time in other establishments, this turns out to be the price, or the quantity... In the Waffle House of Norwich it's neither... just simply that you must be willing to wait.

When we arrived, the queue was winding out the door and it was 6:45PM on a Saturday night! The wind blew hard, but slowly and steadily we moved forward until the warm embrace of the delightful smells enraptured our senses. The greeting from a young gentleman of no more than 22 years of age offered us a table by the window, or round the back by the noisy tables. Naturally reviewing the food, we opted for the window seat to not just peruse the menu, but the chef... who notably wasn't running around, but as each order came through, it was dealt with in a swift manner. 

Modern, sleek black-clad staff trotted hither and thither through the swarthy, comforting waffle-fumes, and noticeably each held a smile and a fondness for their vocation that's so often lacking in the restaurants of today. The Teege's assertion that patience is necessary in order to enjoy the fine flavours of the Waffle House is by no means inaccurate in its veracity, yet the culinary delights that follow such a commitment are frequently worth the wait.

The ambiance of the place is that of a thrumming and quiet bustle, replete with light and welcoming decor and comfortable, sturdy seating. As such, waiting for one's meal never feels tiresome, and it becomes engaging to watch the chef conduct his craft and the waiters thread amid tables hosting families, couples, friends and acquaintances. Just another night for the staff, you might say, but a cosy event for all of whom have chosen to make the Waffle House their chosen venue.

Down to the main event - the order. Drinks of choice were the berry smoothie, refreshing and made thick with fresh Greek yoghurt and berries of the winter variety for oneself, and the chocolate malt milkshake for Mr White, of which he noted, "You can stand a f***ing straw in this! Wow!" ...So I believe he enjoyed. My order was the pan roasted duck with parsnips, kale and a beetroot and horseradish sauce. To test the staff, the replacement of the sauce with cheese sauce was quickly dealt with and they were never bothered in complying. Mr White's order was the ever-amazing bolognese with grated Parmesan to top. His delight was apparent as he began his journey into the intense herb combination and smooth sauce.

Attentive but not intrusive service, - though nothing to note upon - brought a very relaxed nature to the table, and the discussions of future endeavours crossed our lips. Again, no names to remember for the servers, but upon discussion we believed she was of an Eastern European nature with a beautiful accent. The main courses all round received were truly good, nothing to make them stand out nor hide away... just a good solid meal of profound succulent taste and textures.

Discussions of dessert arose, and we concluded in concert that we ought to appraise the namesake foodstuff of the business in earnest - that is to say, we opted for a plain waffle apiece, with maple sauce added individually to taste. Grand slabs of delicious square-flecked splendour were to follow, light and fluffy, yet with a delicately crafted crispness to the outer exterior that welcomed the teeth through into a white, soft interior.

As one would expect, the maple syrup was exquisitely delivered, and stood in the centre of our table in a stylish black receptacle for the entirety of our meal - a silent and vigilant arbiter of sweetness awaiting service. Pleased was I with the application of such liquid, flowing from the jug like molten gold and stirring the palate in its glooping dance amid the canvas of the waffle before me.

In short? A characteristically florid appraisal of a fine and delightful dessert - and one is already planning to try out the breakfast menu when able. The versatility of the waffle has been truly realised through this sojourn with The Teege, but let's be honest - you can't beat a bit of maple syrup, right?

In short... Mr White... Good all round experience, nothing too outstanding but nothing sub-par. I have encountered this restaurant before and had some quality meals... Maybe the standard has dropped over the years as they have begun to rest on their laurels, Time will tell - I'm sure we will return, maybe there will be a change of pace and it will bring a new passion forward, but for now the Waffle House maintains a solid 3/5 stars on the Teege's table.

Having visited the Waffle House for the first time in some years with The Teege upon the night hereupon chronicled, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by both the service and the food. The meals of both savoury and sweet natures were devoured with gusto, the milkshake was of an aplomb not so much inviting the boys to the yard as starting raucous celebrations at its creamy and delectable flavours, and the ambiance was notable in its serenity.

4/5 from Mr White, with the notion to return and consume at a not-too-distant juncture to come - will the Waffle House sustain its brilliance?

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Dray Yard Smokehouse - The Teege Critiques!

Every time I pass this new eatery in the Fine City, I always see the establishment packed -- the smells, the sounds, it's enticed me. You shall be judged. It's time... for another "TEEGE CRITIQUES"!

Upon entry? Greeted instantly with the offer of whichever seat took our choosing. No booking comes to mind? It seems Dray Yard Smokehouse is always fully booked between 6PM and 8PM every weekday, and especially weekends. Seems we were lucky enough to arrive within a minute of two tables cancelling.

Our waiter, Shaun, meanders his way through the tables and greets us with a welcoming smile, with a genuine interest in how our days were... nosy? No, just a happy man who takes an interest! The offer of drinks is exchanged, but me and my company were locked in a furious debate over how Thrall is much better than Garrosh! And we therefore haven't even given our full attention to the menus. So focus we must. Shaun explains it's no worry, to take our time, and lets us know that the special bottles are on the board and if we need anything to let him know.

I perused the board and found a very interesting apple, whiskey and cinnamon cider -- and upon tasting, was taken aback by it, with the colours of rich golden fields glowing from the glass. My company went with a glass of rosé to support her order. "Fruity with a zesty punch", was her description. Now to the main course, which we were both looking forward to. I went with a combo plate, which was £16.50 in price -- that is not bad, considering the amount of food you get! So my company did as well.

Her unique choice of chicken and ribs was a combination of splendid, succulent and warming smoked barbecue flavours, tastes of zest dry rub and moreish chilli, together with cheesy macaroni goodness that can only be made by the hands of those with talent. Words are sometimes not enough to describe what the mouth can taste. This is when English loses itself as a simple 26 letter language, maybe we should go for Russian? Too harsh -- French, too fluid? Spanish, too temperate? Then combine them all, find the words, and deliver.

So when it came to my decision, it was simple -- what's cooked long and slow, with flavours of another world? It's obvious! Any pulled meat that's slow-roasted, smoked or stewed... so why not have all three?

Beef brisket that is slow-smoked for a minimum of 12 hours. Pulled pork slow-cooked and finally, pit beans -- a combination of both, stewed with beans. Yes... this is it. This is near enough an orgasm on a plate. Why has no-one considered this as a food?

The service was on point. After two bites into the meal, Shaun checked everything was okay, and left us to it. I think he could tell from the smile on my face that I was enjoying it. Maybe I have even found a rival to pizza. Yes, I said it, Tony™ -- a rival of pizza! I'll drag you kicking and screaming from your abode atop the hill to this house of smoky foods and open your eyes.





Why don't we just take everything you've just described and photographed and put it on a pizza, so we can have the best of both worlds?

Dessert followed after a cleared plate. Pecan pie. Yes -- none other than Staghorn's favourite (sorry to those who do not know of Oxhorn and his works)! But yes -- it was there on the menu and I went for it.

Chocolate brownie was the accomplice, and well met it was. Alas no pictures of these desserts, as I am afraid my phone's battery passed away. But to say the sights were that which any man or woman can dream about.

So to say this as my final piece, I am blown away by what is done here; there is much more to try on the menu, and I will be back hungry for more of what's offered. So bring it on, Dray Yard. Show me what you're made of. Show me the wonders of your kitchen. Let me know your secrets. I will be back.

4 / 5 Stars

Sweet merciful pogo-sticking Christ, in all my years of friendship with The Teege™, I've never seen him praise an eatery so highly! A rare accolade for what, it seems, is a rare and brilliant jewel in the Fine City's crown. Eagerly anticipating a visit of my own!