48 Charles Street, Cardiff, 029 2064 4311 / www.fusioncafebar.com
Reputations are hard fought in a capital city jam-packed with lunchtime eateries, cafes and restaurants. Competition is understandably fierce, and with so many vying for the attention of Cardiff’s hungry shoppers, it often takes something refreshingly different to dranew patrons from the chain cafes and fast food restaurants.
Step off Queen Street’s main drag and head down to Charles Street for something a little different. Fusions’ modern interior and attractive menu provides a welcome alternative with a selection of homemade dishes and a strong use of local Welsh ingredients. All dishes are cooked fresh and to order, and their inventive selection of paninis and burgers oppose the typical lunchtime fare. Amid an impressive selection of main courses, choose from dishes such as local steamed mussels, cawl or puy lentil and sweet potato curry. All dishes cost from £5.50-£7.50.
Fusion bites are a great way to start, and with each dish costing £3 (for a healthy portion) and the option of 3 for £8, I chose sautéed potatoes and chorizo in a tomato sauce. The dish included a delicious chilli bite and I followed this with the puy lentil and sweet potato curry – with added chicken for £1. I was impressed by the homely presentation and flavour of each dish; with the curry utilising healthy strips of real chicken off the bone – as opposed to the cubed chicken pieces you sometimes have to endure. A homemade mango chutney and nan bread side rounded off a fantastic main dish.
With a menu geared more toward evening dining, it wasn’t a surprise to learn that Fusion intends to focus much more on evening meals in the future, and with the strength of their presentation and flavour, I can’t see why they wouldn’t build themselves a very healthy reputation. TERRY ORANGE