Bacchus Review
Venturing to the
beautiful Blenheim, I am going to visit the new look Bacchus restaurant. It has
relied on the locals for its custom but times have obviously been tough. Or
have the owners become complacent?
The drive there
takes me through roads lined with olive trees and heavily laden vineyards. It
is very well suited to the Italian theme that John and chosen for the new look
restaurant. This area boasts superb wines and olive oils, which needs to be
exploited.
Bacchus has a
wonderful feel of family, history and tradition. There are two main dining
rooms that would allow plenty of space to house private dining for a large
gathering.
The make over is
tastefully done with Italian framed pictures and warm Tuscan colours all in
keeping with a family feel. I am seated at a table with the locals to share the
new menu. We feast on traditional Italian dishes including Ossobucco,
meatballs, pasta and squid – all very tasty and enjoyed by everyone.
There are
special touches. Italian language lessons piped into the restrooms and
complimentary Limoncello at the end of the night. A delicious lemon liqueur
made in Southern Italy.
However the
service is slow and lacking in direction that is required for any restaurant.
It is obvious the waiters are stressed and understaffed and I wonder whether
the owners are turning a blind eye to the situation.
Bacchus is well
situated and has a kitchen that can produce what is needed but it needs the
management’s support to make this place work.
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