Nicola Noblet experiences the famous South American vibe of Mi Familia
Undoubtedly the funkiest and hippest place to eat, drink and be entertained in Stamford. The combination of good food, fabulous cocktails and the authentic South American surroundings actually made me feel like I was on holiday in Brazil!
Although there is a restaurant upstairs my friends and I decided to eat out on the decked terrace underneath the heaters. The atmosphere was fantastic and we ordered a large selection of Tapas between us.
The Chorizo al Vino was my favourite, chunky pieces of spicy sausage with caramelised red onions in a sweet red wine, absolutely delicious! We ordered plenty, Fried anchovies with mayonnaise, Cheese & Onion nachos, Sweet potato fries, Patatas Bravas, Manchego cheese, Gungo pea rice….I could go on and on, these small dishes full of flavour just keep on coming and the chef puts as much care and attention into each and every one.
It would have been just rude not have to washed all this down with some South American cocktails and that’s what we did quite a few times actually - try a Mohito, fresh mint, lime and dark rum served over crushed ice and brown sugar, amazing. I also had a Caipirinha, another lovely drink made from a special Brazilian liqueur called Cachaca also served with ice and lime.
There is a lot going on here and they do tend to have entertainment on a Friday evening although they are holding an After Party for the Riverside Festival on Saturday 5th July where ‘The Surgens’ will be playing. This band always commands a full house and I’m told really gets a crowd going, they play a mixture of Blues, Surf and Rock n Roll, this sounds like one not to miss.
On Friday 1st August, DJ Lubi, one of the UK’s top Latin DJs will be playing so if you really want to experience a proper Latin American evening, this one could be for you. Or, if you want learn how to Salsa, they do classes every Tuesday at 7.30pm.
Mi Familia factfile
In a nutshell: A brilliant night out!
Head chef: Hamid & Nuno
Signature Dish: Seafood Ceviche & Carinola Bacalao
Typical price for 2 (Lots of tapas & including cocktails) - £45
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-11pm. Food served 12-3pm 6-10pm Fr & Sat 12-1am.
Food served all day
Other features: Terrace, atmosphere, entertainment, food!
Contact: Old Barn Passage, St. Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 766338
The Oundle Mill, just south of Oundle, is opening in August and has the potential to be the biggest new culinary event in the region for many years
The Oundle Mill has been painstakingly restored and re-furbished, with great attention given to the original fabric by Bowmans, who have been in charge of the building project, and sharp twists of modernity injected to create a simply stunning building, with the watermill, the leisure areas and the kitchen working together to create a totally unique feel. Outside there is a garden running alongside the banks of the River Nene, and the idyllic setting is completed by a working lock right up alongside.
The Head Chef Jeremy and his team have created a menu which is both exciting and contemporary. There is a choice of dining environments too – the informal, rustic bar on the ground floor and a sophisticated restaurant with views over the river, on the first floor.
A meal from fine dining might include: salad of seared scallops and pork belly for starters, Nage of sea fish, chive Veloute and shellfish for the main and Bitter chocolate terrine, yoghurt and summer fruits for dessert. A meal from the casual dining menu might include: A glass of prawns followed by a Tomato risotto, wild mushrooms and herb oil with a treacle & orange tart to finish.
Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk
Burritos Tex Mex restaurant opens in early July with a Texas style menu with a hint of Mexican flair. There will be a great selection of burgers made with 100% Aberdeen Angus beef, steaks, pastas, ribs, chicken wings and a range of Mexican specialities including fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and chimichangas.
Pearse Digan, the owner, told SL: “Burritos will be the place to come in town for a flavour of the Deep South, great portions and a fun, very informal atmosphere. Think Chimichangas or Frankie and Benny’s restaurants, this is the atmosphere we are intending to create.”
The restaurant is on the site of the former Meadows Restaurant, which is being totally re-furbished to reflect the relaxed ambience of the deep South, with film posters on the wall and an informal feel.
Burritos, 1 Castle St, Stamford, PE9 2RA Tel: 01780 762739