It had the status of a God. Everyone loved it. There was not a bad word to say; anyone offering even a sprinkle of criticism was immediately accused of blasphemy. I talk not of the latest pop song that we millennial folks are supposed to rave to (no thanks!) or the latest celebrity to capture the nation's heart. I speak, dear reader, of The Buffalo. Not the animal, mind, but the Mediterranean restaurant located within St Neots.
My family had the opportunity to discover its wonders before I, as a grand meal out - one of those typical get togethers - had taken place. I was over a thousand miles away in Spain, so unable to attend this place of esteemed delicacy. I heard only positive things about the food, discussion and general ambiance. My body had nothing but excited anticipation - on an empty stomach to eat the most available - as we went for a meal one evening. Finally, there was the chance for me to gather my own views, not just rely on the opinions, positive though they were, of others. We arrived fairly early at around 5pm, the standard drive-time after another day of work. Therefore, the restaurant was fairly quiet, hardly anyone in sight from the main entrance. Initially, this troubled me. Whenever I had been to the seaside as a child, the golden rule for getting fish and chips was always going to the outlet with a queue. If people were waiting for the food, it had to be decent. This didn't bode well for the restaurant. However, it was only later on, when more people started to attend, that I realized the issue was not the restaurant at all but simply the timing of our visit. The general atmosphere was very pleasant. There was music playing which always makes conversation easier, hubbub allowed to flow as a result of background tunes. Awkwardness created due to silence is simply not there. I worked in a charity shop for three years - the difference in the shop floor atmosphere when the music was playing compared to its absence couldn't have been starker. The chair were grey and yellow, a pleasant mixture of shades that complimented each other well. Though we were in the initial entrance of the restaurant, by the window able to gaze out onto the road and other buildings, it was evident from the different stairs that tables for all group sizes were made available. The owners were clearly used to, and ready for, a substantial attendance every evening. Due to our arrival time, we missed out on the Buffalo £9.50 deal, available during lunchtime and the afternoon, that allows a starter and main, or main and dessert, for only that price. Nevertheless, the evening prices were still reasonable, with the financial decision makers clearly knowing how to attract customers. Trying to be healthy, we all decided to go for no dessert, but instead appreciate the savoury starters and main. Before we could even begin to choose our drinks (I always opt for tap water wherever I go, simply because it is healthy and free!), the waiters presented us with complimentary cake and olives. A small gesture, but one that went so far. Not only were both elements delicious, it represented that those who work at the Buffalo genuinely care about their customers and their culinary satisfaction. I spent a couple of minutes browsing their menu, which, helpfully, numbered every item. That made it easier to point out your preferred choice to family members or when ordering instead of trying to pronounce the impossible Turkish delights. For my starter, I opted for falafel and hummus. Middle class I know. But two superb foods that I knew, if done well, would be a succulent pleasure to eat. The Buffalo, I'm pleased to say, delivered my desire. The presentation was superb. Pomegranate seeds were carefully sprinkled on the hummus, every falafel piece was exactly the same size and shape. While presentation, personally, is of secondary concern (I'd rather have dodgy presentation and tasty food than the other way around), there was nothing that could be faulted about the design and taste. My relatives similarly approved, especially when we got a top up of cake and olives. If the starter was this impressive, I knew the main was to die for. Browsing the vegetarian options, for, despite the number, there were a number of non-meat options at my disposal, I opted for the moussaka. I can't see how it differentiates from a vegetarian lasagna, except by its fancier name. If I recall, my mother and I made a moussaka containing meat some years ago, which I enjoyed terribly. Hopefully the same was to be the case at the Buffalo. Again, my expectation translated into reality. The moussaka was a decent size, not too small to be a waste of money and not too large to make you feel uncomfortably full. It was accompanied by domes of rice, again with pomegranate seeds, and a mixed leaf salad. It had all the elements of a perfect meal: mixed together, presented well with delicious flavouring and texture. I've not seen any Buffalo restaurants in the other towns and cities I have visited around the UK, so I can only assume it is an independent brand (correct me if I'm wrong!). That makes it all the more special. That it is open seven days a week with dedicated staff, excellent chefs and a pleasant atmosphere is the perfect recipe for its longevity. It is an evening I will remember with positive thoughts due to the excellence of its food. People return (or deliberately don't return) to places because of how it made them feel. After my evening at the Buffalo, I am very inclined to charge my way to the restaurant in the very near future. I hope you will too. Buffalo Mediterranean Restaurant, 20 Huntingdon Street, St Neots PE19 1BB, tel: 01480 477000
1 Comment
13/10/2022 20:24:41
The moussaka was a decent size, not too small to be a waste of money and not too large to make you feel uncomfortably full. Thank you for the beautiful post!
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