FoodPassions.co.uk

	Address	Zum Gupf
	Venue	Gasthaus zum Gupf AG, CH-9038 Rehetobel, Switzerland
	Score	9/10
	Food	Bed breakfast and evening dinner
	Group	6 Adults
	Date	7th August 2008

You wont find finer anywhere in Europe you will only find an equal.

There are not enough superlatives to describe how good this fine establishment is. We have stayed at Gupf on 3 occassions over the past 2 years and on every occassion it has not dissappointed. Its not easy to find which makes finding it all the more magical. The views are simply stunning with the Swiss style chalet hotel sits in its own grounds on which it farms and grows all its own pork, beef and dairy products.

If you are a wine buff then the cellar is a state of the art connoisseur’s dream come true. The food is fabulous which is complimented with excellent service, the most amazing views and fabulous Swiss style chalet with warm cozy bedrooms.

Be aware that the owners do not speak much English so booking is a challenge. If you were interested and needed some help then we can probably put you in touch with some people who can do all the hard work!

Improvement Opportunities:

1. None

Conclusion

Happy to recommend this establishment if you are looking for a warm intimate friendly atmosphere that to date has not disappointed.

If you have also been to Gupf then please let us know what you think.

	Address	Joanna’s
	Venue	56 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London SE19 1RX
	Score	9/10
	Food	Evening Dinner
	Group	10 Adults
	Date	14th November 2008

To all those wannabee restaurateurs take a visit to Joanna’s. They pretty much do everything you would want from boutique restaurant that has a tremendous warmth and a host that takes pride in what he manages.

From the moment you walk through the door you are served by staff that look the part and have a professional courteous attitude that is so rare today.

On the time we went we booked as a party of 7 and without warning 3 friends dropped by and without any fuss extra seats were found and the table extended. Our apologies for this as the restaurant was very busy and the host ‘Wills’ who manages the restaurant was very obliging, thanks.

Improvement Opportunities:

1. None

Conclusion

Happy to recommend this establishment if you are looking for a warm intimate friendly atmosphere that to date has not disappointed.

If you have been to Joanna’s then please let us know what you think

Venue: Inn on the Lake, Ockford Road, Godalming, GU7 1RH
Score: 6/10
Food: Casual dining
Group: 4 adults
Date: 8th November 2008 PM

This is an establishment that is so close to being great but fails on consistency. It tries to cram too many tables into the restaurant and the lounge area often has the apperance of a crèche with mothers and babies doing what they always do!

We have eaten there on at least 6 occassions in the last 6 months and each time they get something wrong and then the following time its put right – very annoying. The only thing that we feel is consistent is the food – well done Chef.

The waiting staff are dressed in a casual unifrom which suits the modern lounge style environment. We used to see a quite burly smiling duty manager that managed the staff – I am think he was from the southern hemisphere, but not seen him recently. Anyway he was great, pleasant efficient and very aware of what was happening in the restaurant and lounge areas. Recently we have not seen or recognised anyone taking over, as a result you see huddles of chit chatty staff that seem to wonder about.

My biggest criticism is that if you book to go on a Saturday evening or Sunday lunch then the cramming of tables into the restaurant is all too obvious. We booked a table for four on a Saturday evening and on arrival we found it to be packed with customers. Sounds good but as is so often the case the cracks in the system are all too apparent. Before making anyone aware that we had arrived for dinner we stood by the bar watching what was going on, it was not pretty. There were guests getting up from their tables looking for a waiter whilst others took matters into their own hands by going straight to the bar to order more drinks.  There was clearly not enough staff and no one was managing the restaurant. Having seen enough I went to the reservations table at the entrance of the restaurant and told a waitress that we had arrived but we will not be staying for dinner. “Ok, what’s your name?”. She found me in the book then rubbed me out and was just about to walk off. I asked her if she wanted to know why we were not staying to which she felt obliged to listen to me. I told her in a very pleasant way that I had been watching proceedings and the restaurant was in chaos and we did not want to put our party through this trauma. “OK” she said and that was that. She could not have cared less. I would like to point out that whilst we were watching I did see that the food was still coming out of the kitchen very well prepared and looked great. So again well done Chef.

Improvement Opportunities:

1. Please fix the leak in the gents toilets – 3 visits and leak not fixed
2. Get a duty manager that manages the staff and is not an extra waiter
3. Reduce the number of tables in the restaurant and if thats a problem then increase your prices
4. Fix the annoying rocking tables that dont sit properly on the floor
5. Manage the crèche that is growing and making the lounge area look a mess with dropped food and toys
6. Get someone to manage the loos as when things get busy they betray such events
7. If tables are not to be reduced in the restaurant then more staff are needed
8. The doors to the toilets need a good scrub
9. Check the menus before they are given to the customer as our was dirty and tatty.

Conclusion

Would we go back? Probably, but timing is essential as the system shows signs of failure when things get busy.

If you have been to the Inn on the Lake please let us know what you think

Venue: Take It To The Table, 127 High Street, Cranleigh, GU6 8AU
Score: 6/10
Food: Coffee and Cakes
Group: 4 adults
Date: 23rd November 2008 AM

Always good to go into a coffee shop that provides something that is individual. Its clear that the owner is trying. The coffee is great although if you order a croisant or the like which needs to be warmed your food goes on some trip up and down stairs to the dreaded microwave. The service is friendly although lacks any distinction as we had a young waitress who was pleasant enough but would not stand out from any of the customers.

A nice touch is the availability of a chess game which is good to see others play.

Improvement Opportunities:

1. Why not provide a small jug of water when guests first sit down – like you get all over Europe
2. Do away with the microwave to reheat food
3. Provide the waiting staff with uniforms even if its a simple apron.

Conclusion

A relaxed place to have morning coffee and to date the nearest thing Cranleigh has to offer for a European Cafe experience. Lets hope that it maintains some consistency.

If you have been to Take It to the Table then please let us know what you think