West Berkshire & North Hampshire

Cilantro Restaurant & Champagne Bar

Millennium Madejski Hotel, Junction 11,

M4 Reading, RG2 0FL

Call reservations on 0118 9253500

I am not talking about coriander; I am talking about the award winning Cilantro Restaurant in the Millennium Madejski Hotel, situated at the Madejski Stadium but rest assured the hotel is as far removed from football as possible.

In a quiet corner, encased in a wall of frosted glass gently lit with a pink hue is Cilantro. It was a weekday and as the business folk sought a quick bite, we could fully immerse ourselves in the Cilantro experience.

The sight of a glamorous Champagne Bar greets you and the subtle lighting and relaxing music sets the scene as the rest of restaurant takes on a romantic candlelit theme with tables offering enough space for a couple to get cosy and have a private conversation.

Our attentive waiter introduced himself and once seated, we were taken through the seven course Gourmand Menu. The waiter was more than ready to suggest a different glass of wine per course from their extensive wine list but I chose a glass of the fresh and fruity Chablis Paul Deloux, a delicious white wine that worked with the whole menu.

We kicked off with some simple appetizers, home smoked lamb and salmon canapés with a choice of a warm wholemeal or poppy seed roll. Then, on to the Amuse Bouche, a white onion soup served in an espresso cup with a layer of cool creamy foam on top. Here I must add that, although the portions are deceivingly small, you reach the end of each course feeling fully satisfied.

The Sautéed King Prawns were served with chicory and crème fraiche beignet, and dotted with pieces of cauliflower in a tangy tomato sauce. The spring green pea risotto which followed was a silky combination of peas, broad beans, toasted pine nuts and raisins adding a fruity explosion.

To follow, I tucked into the delectable steamed John Dory, served with a punchy sweet sauce. The scallop was well-seasoned and served in with a red cabbage purée which gave the flavour more pizzazz. The wild mushrooms and curly kale which rested on a potato offered a smoky flavour which complemented the seafood.

The main event was an ample portion of Barbary Duck served on creamed kohlrabi and Cumberland sauce, surrounded by fluffy potatoes with bread sauce. A couple of homemade crisps added a rustic touch. This was by far my favourite course and the medium-rare duck breast with creamy cabbage was nothing short of dreamy.

A refreshing pre-dessert of vanilla ice cream drizzled with cherry liquor replenished our taste buds before the orange millefeuille and white chocolate parfait. The satisfying crack of the caramel layer of the millefeuille and the smooth and luxurious texture of the parfait, combined with rosemary seasoned fruit jelly, made a perfect ending to a delicious meal. We finished with a freshly brewed cappuccino and double espresso; a perfect way to end an exquisite seven course menu.

You can enjoy this menu and a twin or double room for just £95 per couple +VAT as part of their exceptional Cilantro offer.

WIN

Buzz is running a competition with Cilantro to offer one couple a meal for two plus a hotel stay. Prize can be used any Friday up to September 2013 subject to availability.  Includes a standard twin/double room on a room only basis, plus the 7 course Menu Gourmond in Cilantro (including 1/2 bottle of wine per person). Competition closes Friday 28th June.

Cilantro is the Spanish word for which herb?

A. Basil

B. Coriander

C. Oregano

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions