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"Mind-bogglingly mind-blowing is the first expression that comes to mind when I think back to my meal at Mumu's.
Living and working in Maidstone town centre I am generally aware of what is 'going on' when it comes to social events, new venues, and such like. I was in a bar with some friends when one of them brought up the fact that Mumu's was opening its new restaurant and that we should go. To be honest, at the time, I didn't really give it too much thought or get over excited about the prospect. I go out a lot as it is and this just sounded like another new place I could add to my list of average places I have dined ...
... how wrong can one person be?
Over the next week or so more people I spoke to seemed to be talking about the impending re-opening of this restaurant. I would even go as far to say that there was buzz around the town. Well of course, intrigue got the better of me, so I popped by for a drink in their bar to see if I could find out what all the hype was about.
I was greeted with a warm welcome and I instantly knew I was in a place where service is not compromised. I ordered a glass of dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc £3.95 and absolutely delicious) and kicked back for a while. I've never been in a bar like it. The decor was theatrically different whilst being welcoming and relaxing at the same time.
After a short time I asked one of the barman about the restaurant and when it was due to open. He couldn't have been more helpful! He explained what was happening with regards to the refurbishment, the menu change and when it would be open for business. I was then given a copy of the menu (for me to take away) so that I could take my time looking over it.
I left feeling smug that I had found this jewel of a bar and thought no more of it.
That evening I remembered the menu and decided to have a good look through it. Wow. The last time I saw an offering so exciting, diverse and tempting was at a restaurant in London. I rang a friend and we agreed that we'd go there that week for dinner. I thought rather than calling I would go there personally to book a table thus allowing me an excuse to enjoy another glass of wine!
Once again I was not disappointed. The day my friend and I initially had in mind to go was not available due to them being fully booked. The lady who was dealing with my enquiry was helpful and informative. Delightful in fact. We found a night which was suitable and booked. They only had one table free on that evening so I was lucky to get a place as it appeared they were mobbed with reservations. This only made me more excited about the meal.
I would advise you to ring or go in to book a table, especially if you want one on a Friday, or Saturday night. Personally, next time I go (which of course I am going to), I'll go midweek.
Anyway, the night arrived and my friend and I decided to spend a hour in their bar before the meal. There was a great atmosphere and vibe with people waiting to eat, those that had just eaten, along with others who were just out for drinks.
We were invited through to our table precisely on time and greeted in a way that instantly made us feel at ease. The restaurant itself was simply beautiful. Fed up with bored and bland, pretentious, uninspiring restaurants? Then this is the place for you.
I had the Braised Belly of Pork (£12.95) whilst my friend dug into a Pan-Fried Salmon (£12.95) and the standard of the dishes was exceptional. Oh I forgot to say, but before we ordered our mains, we had 'tea for two'. Looking at the teapot, with cups and saucers it's served in, you would be forgiven for imagining some Earl Grey gently brewing inside. 'Tea for two' was actually a cocktail which was lip-smackingly gorgeous.
For the meal the waiter recommended some wine which he thought would compliment each dish rather nicely. He didn't let us down. I forget now but I believe the wine was around £14 for the bottle.
I'm not a huge fan of desserts but once I saw the selection I was practically already ordering. I had the ice creams. They were like miniature ice creams in their own little cones presented in a way that they were hanging in front of you. I can't recall exactly how much these were but I think it was around £5.95. They were ridiculously tasty.
Immaculately presented and knowledgable staff = Great service ***
Beautifully decorated venue = Atmospherically perfect ***
Lovely wine selection = The perfect accompaniment to any dish ***
Lovely and exciting ingredients = The best meal I have had in a very long time ***
I rarely write reviews but it would have been a crime for me to let this experience go without recommending it publicly.
The whole evening was like a gentle, yet exciting, drama production taking place. I find it hard to express in words exactly what the evening was like so all I can suggest is that you try it for yourself.
If the owners or any of the staff happen to read this then I'd like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU.
I'll be back real soon, if not to eat, just to relax with a drink one evening.
Mr Moys.
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Jamey Moys
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