CHIMICHANGA - An Old El Paso package with a Sombrero hat

As we saw the corner-shaped ranch at the horizon, we knew the moist air of the desert and the start of the wet season was going to bring us to a halt before we could move on towards the Frontier. Its bright capital letters and large windows enticed us to hurry inside and enjoy the warm colours. As we passed the cacti at the entrance, we were quickly welcomed by the skeleton staff against a background of empty tables and scattered diners. We were offered the largest oval table for the six of us, and the menu kindly placed in front of us. A very quite melody played in the background from some hidden corner of the large, square open space, and a smell of brand new polished wood seemed to invade our nostrils. A couple of red, green and blue sombreros with golden swirls were available for pick-up and they revived our enthusiasm as we wore them proudly in the weak autumn light coming through the large windows.

Pitch of Sangria to share was the drink of choice, and only a few starters were chosen. They all came together rather than letting us drink too much while we wait - a good thing never experienced so far. The nachos had a nice presentation and was a not a messy slob. The jalapeno bullets felt quite too crispy as a bit overcooked or way too crispy but did not overflow with cheese and no jalapeno. Moving onto the mains, the choice hovered over a hybrid of Tex-Mex and Mexican classics like enchiladas, burritos, and chimichangas. Dishes looked cheerful enough although with a halo of "carb" colour which is intrinsic to this type of cuisine. Tortilla, rice and beans, with mean - moderate portion but still filling. Word of advice, however, is to opt for baked rather than fried. Overall the taste was great but something about the texture did not completely infuse a sense of freshness. Food looked pre-packaged or pre-prepared but you did not taste microwave and the guacamole tasted nicer than in other restaurants. No dessert to corroborate these assumptions and we ended it all with one espresso and one Mexican coffee with Kalhua and Tequila.

Chimichanga is very colourful and very themed and very bright, although eerily quite for music. Like all chains, you can feel then single-serving element and very little difference from other places offering the same cuisine. However, it does not make the stereotype look too old or outdated, which was our first worry. It is worth trying it for a fun or celebration dinner, or if you need filling food. Our final feedback echoes our trek to the Frontier, it is one stop to enjoy but we are travelling one way and may not return that often.

Our verdict is as follows:

Quality of Food        3.17
Hygiene                     3.83
Value for Money      3.00
Speed of Service       4.67
Quality of Service    4.33
Ambience & décor   3.67

Chimichanga gets an overall rating of 73.5%

FLAME - Posh Kebab Anyone?

You rarely go to a kebab joint during daytime. It is usually a secluded place visited only on those wild drunk nights where alcoholic bloodstream shout for sugary or fatty food for some sort. In the dark or dim light you probably do not notice the old, greasy decor... But Flame takes you in the opposite direction if what your "kebab joint" expectations may be. It gives you a polished, minimalist approach to it, which you can see straight away from its simple, modern kitchen design the moment you set your foot through the door. Everyone did not expect to find it tidy and clean, with kitchen staff also in uniform.

Kebab, shish and shawarma tend to be ordered as take-away food but we had to abide to our rules and opted for eating in at the back of the restaurant. There was not enough room and we had to find a modest layout for table and chairs to fit eight people and at the same without blocking the entrance to the toilets. On the contrary, the main room at the entrance is spacious and bright, with its long kitchen counter you stand in front of. First lesson: this place is better for take-away!

Having come to terms with the fact that this is more of a snack point than a restaurant, we went to the till to order our choice from the menu. Our selection was a great mix, from mix shawarma to falafel wrap, from chicken shish to lamb shawarma, from chicken samosa to halloumi cheese. In the mix we even tried the special boxes where you get a nice combination of meat, salad, bread and rice or chips. Good portions and great options to choose from for lunch, although you may find a wrap better value for money compared to the Special Flame Box or other special boxes which seem expensive. Starters were ok although on their own they look too simple and it is best to have them as side dish. Taste was great as we all enjoyed munching through this amazing Middle Eastern "fast food". Pickled salad was perhaps a little bit too much on the plates but we could still hear the "mmmmmmm" sound echoing throughout the cold walls of the premises. Second lesson: this place is perfect for a quick but tasty snack!

Flame wins in terms of food to offer but let us remind you it is not a formal seated restaurant. It probably works at its best if you get food on the go or if you casually hang out with friends at your lunch break or after a crazy night out!

Our verdict is as follows:

Quality of Food        3.67
Hygiene                     4.00
Value for Money      4.00
Speed of Service       4.00
Quality of Service    3.50
Ambience & décor   2.67

Flame gets an overall rating of 74.3%

PRINCE OF WALES - the Pub Dick Turpin Forgot

This time we hit the geographical centre of Wimbledon, the focus point where all roads meet and cross over Wimbledon Bridge. And nothing's better than choosing something with a bit of historic background. The Prince of Wales is across the road from the Centre Court Shopping Centre, and it has been its location since the 17th century, making it one of the oldest pubs in Wimbledon. Apparently, the story goes the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin even used it as refuge when it was back then a coaching inn.

Talking about old, the inside of the pub reflects this entirely despite a refurbishment in the mid-to-late Noughties. The old fashioned lamps make the lighting dim enough to re-create the traditional pub feeble glow of decade past, as it attempts to shine on the smooth oak-style wooden panels all around walls and columns. The rest of the layout and the furniture fail to shine with history, looking pretty neglected or not enough vintage. With carpets and curtains still belonging to the 1960s, it all falls apart when they appear side-by-side with a modern flat screen TV.

Yet, good traditions are there to be seem and enjoyed when you hold a pint of Guinness with a clover stamp on top, or an old tankard as drinkware. The menu as well holds good items from the traditional pub cuisine, which is what we fancied to order and hopefully pick the "strong" dishes. We all thought the pub could still hold the cozy feeling of your grandad's house.

The fish 'n' chips was a good portion, complete with mushy peas and sauce tartare. However, chips were thin, far from the traditional chunky ones you would expect, and it had not been seasoned at all. The steak burger was delicious and good value, nicely presented on a branded wooden board. Ham, eggs and chips would have been more successful if the ham had been thicker or at least if proper gammon was used. The cheesecake on the other hand was a good vegetarian choice which still tasted of that greasy pub feel without compromise. And at last, the steak frites came very late and as a complete disappointment when it was clear no steak fillet was used. Instead, it was minced meat shaped as steak!

The Prince of Wales has a lot to offer but it seems no effort is being made to build on the history and traditional look they seem want to preserve and advertise. A place can still be good old-fashioned and rustic when its chairs are not sticky or wonky, or when tables are at least sanded for a bit of shine. Without being enticed for dessert from a poor short list, we made our way out into the autumn sun as we heard Dick Turpin and his horse run away for the last time..

Our verdict is as follows:

Quality of Food        2.17
Hygiene                     2.17
Value for Money      3.17
Speed of Service       2.83
Quality of Service    3.17
Ambience & décor   2.33

Prince of Wales gets an overall rating of 51.1%