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GARS
I won’t lie; Chinese has never been a first choice for me when it
comes to cuisine. However, having heard my colleagues (and a
number of friends too) rave about Gars, I couldn’t turn down the
opportunity to review this seemingly very popular central Brighton
restaurant. It has always been packed both at lunchtime and in the
evening whenever I have walked past.
Four of us arrived early on a Friday
evening and were shown upstairs to a
bright and airy space. The tables were
laid immaculately, cutlery and glasses
polished to the highest standard and
staff immediately attentive.
We were predominantly looked after by
Diane, who was a breath of fresh air but
in fact we were delighted with all the staff
who were both polite and full of smiles.
Diane asked whether we would like to
choose our own meals or whether the
chefs could choose for us – we naturally
chose the latter option and we were
absolutely delighted we did.
A huge platter soon arrived with chicken
satay, barbecue ribs, prawn tempura and
salt and pepper squid and soft shell crab.
The prawns were enormous as well as
being juicy and full of flavour – the batter
was perfectly light. The squid and crab
were perfectly and delicately seasoned
while the ribs fell of the bone – an
amazing start.
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Not knowing what to expect next, we
waited in anticipation for what would
appear – which was crispy aromatic duck
served with spring onions, cucumber
and pancakes alongside some shredded
lamb – both oozed flavour. I was
absolutely convinced this was our main
course. We all thoroughly enjoyed the
meat which was seasoned and crispy –
such a treat.
When one of the kind, waiting staff came
over and asked if we were ready for our
mains, we nearly fell off our chairs, we
had already eaten so well – but, because
the food was so good, I think it’s safe to
say we were all secretly pleased there
was more to come.
Next to arrive was pork belly with
Pak Choi, king prawns Kung Po style,
Singapore noodles, egg-fried rice and
beef in black bean sauce. The beef
was more like mini steaks and to die
for – no-one could get over how melt in
the mouth it was and it was beautifully
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seasoned too. Singapore noodles are
most definitely my favourite Chinese
staple and I was absolutely delighted
with these – having tried many from a
number of different takeaways, these
were in a class of their own – and I would
go back for many reasons but if they
were the only thing I had eaten all night
then I’d still go back.
There was definitely no need for pudding
but a full review is not a review without
a pudding. Again, we didn’t choose we
just left it to the staff to decide what
they thought we would like. They most
certainly did not fall at the last hurdle.
We were presented with a huge platter of
deep fried apple and banana served with
frozen yoghurt and ice-cream.
As for the drinks served we enjoyed
some Picpoul de Pinet, one of my
favourite white wines (I am much more
of a red wine fan) that comes from the
region of France where my parents lived
and gin and tonics as aperitifs.
My perception of Chinese food has
completely changed thanks to my
experience at Gars. I loved every moment
– and I will most definitely be returning. By
the time we left, there wasn’t a spare seat
in the entire place – and bearing in mind
it spans three floors, I think this speaks
volumes. Be sure to book.
By Liza Laws