The Dining Group this month went to a new restaurant for us, Montevideo in Benitachell. Space had been optimised with five tables of eight, which worked well, although there was very little space for pre-dinner mingling. Wine was there quickly, then rather a long wait for starters. But first came an extra course, a small glass dish of hot dark fish soup, odd but tasty. Starters when they came were good, salad beautifully presented and loads of beef carpaccio. Main courses were more erratic, mostly tasty, especially the duck, but some a bit cold, with typical Spanish overcooked veg. Desserts were also variable. But a lot of smaller restaurants struggle with large groups, and at least all the tables were served quickly and at the same time, better than one table leaving while others are still waiting. Some of this was corrected with the second group, by having hot plates this time, although the owners imposed a charge for water and coffee for the second group, as they had lost money on the first, possibly by not collecting the money for extra wine when it was ordered. As usual everybody enjoyed the evening, many thanks to this month´s hosts Bob and Kay Cope.
OVERALL SCORE
Food 7
Atmosphere 9
Service 8
Jan Adams February 2016
