Friday, September 28, 2018

Ristorante Fra' Crudi & Cotti - Polignano A Mare, Puglia, Italy

Stumple on a gem, plan the best meal out ever, toss a coin and land it on a map. You may still pick a "dud" restaurant. Our finding of this knockout little eatery in the Puglia region of Itally is even more bazar than any of the above. We had booked a $260 a head (three of us) restaurant in the same region (two courses no wine) which hung above a raging ocean on the night. Due to the gale which was blowing and the excessive price, we jumped ship.

The Puglia maffia (they really were) shuttled us back to our parked car 15minutes drive away. BUT on the way and near our car we noticed and really top looking restaurant. You now have three starved (but still wealthy) individuals. Ristorante Fra' Crudi & Cotti welcomed us with warmth, relaxed decor, fresh fish and sweet wine.

Lest's get this out of the way now. In the region, go there. Why? Best fish meal, pasta meal and just bloody anything meal you will have at a better cafe price. Good service, relaxed environment, absolutely the best fresh fish served any way you want, great sides (bullshit, excelled sides) top wines and it won't dint the wallet.

They have the fish selection, on display, out on ice. Pick you swimmer, tell them how you want it, take a whole fish or they will fillet it and enjoy with sides. If you get the feel we three had a great nights dining you're right. We may never return but you may get the opertunity, take it!


Friday, September 21, 2018

Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restuarant - Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of the biggest restaurants in the old city Dubrovnik is the Arsenal Restuarant . It spans from two large outdoor eating area inside the old city through to a number of huge inner sections to large outdoor undercover eating area port side. The port side has a spectacular view of the port and small craft reaching into the hills to the side. Dine here and you feel like a movie star in an exclusive Monaco Michelin star restaurant.

What you get is Mediterranean style fine dinning with a view to kill for. Absolutely professional service from informative, highly experienced staff and fine food to live for. Not only is the food fine dinning quality and presentation but good qualities for the big eaters amongst us. My wife said the best meal she has ever had. Now that's a bold statement considering we have both eaten at Michelin star quality (chefs hats in Australua) restaurants.

The number of table and bar staff, seating staff and mangers is a sight in itself. From the moment you enter from either of the two main entrances you are looked after with care and responsibility. All staff are there to ensure you have a great dinning experience. The food menu is not extensive but there is plenty of choices for all. A good wine list and beers to chose from. Both the house whites and reds were very good.

In Dubrovnik you must eat here. It maybe a little pricey compared to other good restaurants but when you add up what you get, even in just food quality alone, it is value for money. You may find yourself confessing; "best meal I have ever had". It's that good.