Pizza Express

Currently I am reading a book by the well known food critic Giles Coren. In it, he tours through various styles of cuisine offering his thoughts on it, some anecdotes and some general non-specific advice. When I started it I was worried it was going to be a bit 'foodie' a word I loathe but is the only way to describe the pretentious drivel spouted by some.

It isn't. Not at all. In fact it is a generally light-hearted and amusing look at food and I am enjoying it greatly. Except that is for one bit. In one chapter he roundly slates Pizza Express.

Here I am going to take issue with him. Pizza Express isn't the best food you will ever eat; not even the best pizza even. Nor is it the cheapest. To be honest, even the word 'express' is pushing it a bit. One thing it certainly is however is consistent.

So? Why is consistency a big deal? Well it's good for when you can't be arsed cooking and so decide to grab a bite. You don't necessarily want to challenge yourself, you just want something you know you will enjoy. Sounds bland but there it is.

There is another reason Pizza Express is brilliant. It is, just about, the perfect date restaurant. Think about it; it offers good food but it's not too challenging (in case your date is a fussy eater). Also, the food is good enough to enjoy without feeling you have to be concentrating on it rather than the company. The surroundings are invariably pleasant in and unobtrusive in a way that Pizza Hut isn't. Better still, they have worked out the concept of ambient music that doesn't require a megaphone to make oneself heard. But best of all is the fact that it is cheap enough that even as an impoverished student, one can offer to pay for the whole lot and not be too badly stung in the wallet if she accepts.

All Bar One is in a similar vein. Great if you want somewhere to go for a couple of drinks with the option of suggesting food. It transfers well from bar to eatery, has a range of drinks to suit most tastes, a varied menu ranging from acceptable tapas to a decent burger and a price tag that won't leave one reeling. The only thing with this choice of venue is the music; it can approach cacophonous which is a bit of a double-edged sword. Not so good if you're really trying to get to know the girl but fantastic if she's boring as hell but with really great boobs (sorry girls, couldn't resist)!

Finally in the excellent date venue category I have to recommend a recent discovery; Cafe Rouge. It ticks all of the above boxes of ambiance, quality, price and atmosphere. I know it's as French as I am (i.e. not at all) but as I said above, that's not the point. One feature I particularly like about Cafe Rouge is the menu. While there is significant variety on offer neither the food or the wine menus are long enough to be much of a distraction allowing the evening to flow smoothly and keep the company as the focus.

I know this post is somewhat at odds with my general reticence about chain enterprises but sometimes there are times when high principle needs to take a back seat and enjoyment comes first. I would be interested to hear if anyone else has any similar failsafe places and, if so, what they are.

JR