CAFE DES AMIS ***
4 Washington Buildings, Penarth. 029 2070 9600 / www.cafe-des-amis.com
Penarth has more than its fair share of good eateries and fine restaurants, and as such, Cafe Des Amis has upped its ante by rebranding itself as a bistro serving British and traditional French cuisine alongside a good selection of wines; including a fabulous Gewurtstraminer Cave De Turckheim, and a Sancerre Domnaine Girard which no decent bistro would be without. The selected wine list is courtesy of owner Cheryl, who having spent time in France has injected a tiny bit of Provence into a corner of Penarth.
The quaint exterior with decked walkway, small tables and chairs and little balcony, make it feel very authentic. The inside is geared more towards dining, with a relaxed Parisian shabby-chic style. The specials board arrived with a huge selection, but we plumped for seared king scallops with a bacon pesto; as asparagus, poached egg and crispy bacon served with seasonal vegetables; chargrilled ribeye steak with stilton and port sauce, also served with a selection of seasonal vegetables, and breast of chicken stuffed with mozzarella, crispy basil and tomatoes. A brief interlude of humming to the Gallic-inspired background music, and our desserts arrived: crepe suzette and a beautiful citrus tart with cream. The price is slightly higher than average which may put some people off, but as all food is prepared by well-known local chef David Jones, you get what you pay for. A friendly little bistro that bursts with genuine warmth. ANTONIA LEVAY
