Taste Test
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Dining out at casino is just ace
I'M not a gambling woman but there is something exciting and sexy about casinos.
If you've ever watched the gorgeous George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Oceans Eleven then you'll know what I am talking about.
Having been recommended the Elements restaurant at the Rendez Vous casino in Eastern Esplanade, Southend, I thought I'd check it out and maybe even have a little flutter.
We nearly didn't make it past the entrance as it didn't occur to me that you needed to be a member to visit the restaurant. Luckily membership is free and we were able to join on the evening.
As you'd expect everything is designed to get you in the mood to flash the cash on the machines and the tables. To get to the restaurant you have to walk through the casino hall and the tables are well placed to give diners a view of the action.
The service was impressive as there was always someone at hand to take our order and refill our glasses and more importantly the menu was enticing with a selection of meat, pasta and even Chinese dishes.
The starters came in hearty portions. I went for a prawn and avocado dish and while this can often be a rather bland choice, the mango and lemon oil was the perfect combination of sweet and sour to give it a bit of zest.
My boyfriend Eugene went for the deep fried brie option and I did look on with envy as it looked delicious and according to him it didn't taste too bad either.
For the main Eugene went for the classic meat loving male option of a T-bone steak, which was tender and cooked rare - exactly as ordered.
My fillet mignon proved that sometimes size doesn't matter. Unlike the T-bone, the meat didn't fill my plate but it was moist and thickly cut and together with the rich mixture of the Stilton cheese topping and red wine sauce, I was struggling to finish it.
And unfortunately we can't comment on the desserts as there simply was no room left but for those who do find room, we spotted a very
tempting selection of cakes.
The meal was very tasty, well presented and in my view reasonably priced. It was an ideal venue for groups or couples looking for food and entertainment under one roof. There is also a bar and for all those gambling virgins out there, staff are on hand to show guests how to play the various games on offer. What more could you want for a night out?
Our verdict
Food 4/5
Service 5/5
Decor 5/5
Atmosphere 4/5
What we ate
Starters
Deep fried brie in poppy and sesame seeds with red onion marmalade £4.95
Tian of prawn and mango, sliced avocado and lemon oil £6.25
Main
Fillet mignon topped with melted Stilton and red wine sauce £14.95
15oz T bone steak £18
side dish of French fries £1.75
To book a table or find out about becoming a member call the casino in Eastern Esplanade, Southend on 01702 616000.
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CommentPosted by: tony grossman, southend on 9:51am Sun 26 Aug 07
My wife & I have eaten at the Rendezvous countless times over the past few years & have never really had an inferior meal! The only major problem is the fact that it is nearly always very empty, so there is the lack of atmosphere, which is a great pity. The food is very reasonabely priced. It is definitely worth a visit!!!
My wife & I have eaten at the Rendezvous countless times over the past few years & have never really had an inferior meal! The only major problem is the fact that it is nearly always very empty, so there is the lack of atmosphere, which is a great pity. The food is very reasonabely priced. It is definitely worth a visit!!!
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