Bucharest

We had and enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings, but didn't think the description quite matched the setting. We came expecting a laid back setting, BBQ style actually, with a selection of cold beers staring back at us from behind the glass doors of a large cooler ...We found the set up more formal than casual, and thought the decor more chic, clean and modern than "welcoming" ... the expanse of mirror along the back wall also tended to mitigate against the casual and welcoming feel ... every time I looked up I was met by my own face staring back ... and that ain't welcoming I can assure you! Our waitress was generally attentive, but a little over eager ... whipping away plates as soon as the last morsel was sucked off the fork (seems this is the default position for Bucharest wait staff unfortunately) and insisting she understood everything, when clearly she didn't: (forgetting to bring three extra beers is almost a cardinal sin in my books!) Bringing the coffees before the desserts is also a mistake made far too often in this town, at least in my opinion.The menu selection was OK, but cried out for a genuine vegetarian option, as even the salads had meat or seafood. Cauliflower soup was available, but we would have thought this better suited to a winter menu rather than a hot summer evening. As for the food, we ordered the Argentian Entrecot, which was tender if a little fatty, and cooked not quite to our request, but tasty enough. The accompanying fries however were described as "flaccid" by one diner, which by any standard suggests disappointment. Oh, well ...The Tagliatelle with salmon and tiger prawns was popularly received by the seafood lovers, who declared the base sauce as "tasty". The Chicken Kebab was tender and also tasty, and came with a nice assortment of mini samosas and spring rolls, but could have benefitted from a spicy dipping sauce on the side. The waitress did produce a little soy when asked, which was appreciated. For dessert we tried the Tiramisu, which was a little 'heavy", and the Pear Flan, which was really quite good, although the Creme Anglaise could have been a little more generous in proportion and definitely not served as it was in a red plastic dish. This is the Novotel after all. All up, the bill for 4 pax was 300 RON, including 6 beers at 12 RON a pop, which we thought a little steep for URSUS. On a scale out of 20, we gave the place a 12/13, which is supported by the narrative descriptor: "pleasant enough, but we won't be rushing back ..."Jon Brian
Romania / Bucharest
2007 August 25 Saturday 15 03 01 PM