Caprice Restaurant quality dining

Published 25 Mar 2011 09:30

A visit to the Caprice Restaurant at the stylish new 4 star Holiday Inn in Winnersh Triangle, will put pay to any preconceptions we have ever held about the Holiday Inns we had been bought up with. Another level of dining, a whole new experience and yes highly recommended.

Within close proximity of the M4, Reading, Bracknell & Wokingham and ample parking. Could this be Fine Dining on the go?

On arrival we were very impressed, by the hotels lobby with its striking colours and contemporary furniture. The piano just waiting for the resident pianist who comes to play Tuesday to Thursday evenings. We were met by General Manager Nick Parry and led to Monty's Bar. Populated by groups of people relaxing and drinking. Looking over we could see the dining area and whilst we were invited to eat in the bar area we choose to move through to a table on the tiered level with a view overlooking the outside world. Amazing how the hustle of the day can be transformed into a tranquil setting - surprisingly so relaxing.

We were left to browse through the menus after being offered a drink. 8 quality House wines amongst the selection, never have I had the dilemma of an array of so many. We were undecided but the waiter Rahul had an outstanding knowledge of the wines and guided us towards some reds. We choose the House Shiraz and the House Malbec (both £15.95 a bottle) and were left to ponder through the menus. A La Carte with style and class I must say. A selection of dishes to tempt appetites and preferences for everyone. Starters was easy - wild Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil (v)(£4.95) for myself and my colleague opting for the Seared Scallops on a bed of pea and carrot purée with Lemon Cream (£6.75). Wine was bought over to us and water was offered with a selection of rolls freshly baked on-site and an array of flavoured oils (rosemary, chilli and olive).

We gave the very attentive waiter our food order and were left to eat. After carefully switching wine glasses (I had to try both) I decided the Shiraz was for me. We ripped through the bread rolls - crisp on the outside but light and textured throughout the centre perfect for mopping up the wonderful flavoured oils.

After a short while our Starters where bought over to our table. Servings not on the small side, presentation perfectly executed. The soup was to die for, I like too rate my own mushroom soup but this was many levels above my station. The Truffle Oil seemed to add a distinct flavour that my taste buds where not accustomed to but totally had me running around the supermarket wandering what aisle I would pick it up. The Scallops perfectly coloured with the melt in the mouth consistency leaving you wandering if you had imagined you had eaten them. Just as they should be.

And so onto the Main Course. Duck Breast with Pak Choi, Spicy Potato and Sweetcorn Fritters and Plum Sauce (£16.95). Duck tender and juicy, Spicy Potato with a little but not too much kick to it. The Loin of Venison, Red Cabbage, Polenta with Port and Redcurrant Sauce (£17.95). A well balanced dish full of flavours. The portions plentiful enough which left us struggling to even contemplate dessert.

But once the dessert menu was handed to us the selection met with the view that if the desserts where anyway as good as the first two courses, we should at least give into the temptation.. this coupled with the knowledge that Caprice has its own Pattiseur who makes all the desserts!

Homemade Bread & Butter Pudding with Orange Sauce was a delight. Both light and full of flavour. Whilst the Blackberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake a masterpiece of artwork with its smooth texture that went well with the crunchy base. Perfect Ending.. Or so I thought. Finished by a plate of a selection of English Cheeses with a Fig Compote. Lovely smooth creamy cheeses locally sourced.

Fine Dining in a Hotel is not what you would be expecting. So a lap of luxury for both Hotel Guests and visitors to enjoy relaxed dining in the Caprice Restaurant

Where? Caprice Restaurant. Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct 10, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle Reading Berkshire RG41 5TS

Telephone: 0118 944 0444

How Much? 2 course Table D'Hote £16.95, 3 course £20.95

Opening Times: Daily from 06.30 - 22.00

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