Restaurant review
REEM
High Street, Bedford
I’VE lost count the number of times I’ve walked past Reem in the centre of Bedford and said ‘I must try it’ not to mention the amount of recommendations I’ve had for it. Finally I can say I have tried it, I just wish I’d been sooner.
Some, particularly those who are counting the pennies, may think it difficult to top off a night which begins with discovering a lone £10 note on the floor – but a great meal in a buzzing atmosphere does just the trick.
The more authentic the food the better for me and while I haven’t been to Lebanon to sample its delights, the Middle-Eastern inspired dishes seem true to their origin, although I was a little miffed by the Eiffel Tower ornament on the wall.
I loved the café-feel to the restaurant which, fairly compact in size, offers an intimate yet informal style of dining.
Feeling rather peckish after a hard day shopping, my friend and I opted to share the generous starters – stuffed vine leaves and halloumi cheese in grilled Lebanese bread with a side salad.
For mains we opted for the lamb cubes grilled on skewers with tomatoes, onion and tahine sauce – a light complement to the tender and juicy meat, and chicken breast beautifully marinated in garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. The meals are uncomplicated but simply scrumptious and there’s plenty of them – we struggled to clear our plates and we can eat.
For drinks we went for the house wine which, for standard fare, was very good and the freshly squeezed orange juice.
I always like a balance with waiting staff – too attentive and they start to get annoying, too slack and you feel left out.
At Reem they seem to have got it down to a tee. When we wanted them they were there but they let us get on with our meal.
And talking of tea – what a way to top off a great night. We finished with a pot of their speciality brew which was very refreshing. I was tempted to try the Shisha but decided to leave it for my next visit – which I’m sure will be very soon.
All in all, Reem offers a Middle Eastern experience in the heart of Bedford.
Blink and you’ll miss it, tucked away on the High Street, but you’d certainly miss out if you didn’t give it a visit. And you never know, you may even be as lucky as I was and find a mislaid note on your way . . .
The bill for two of us, starters, mains and drinks came to £34.25.
KEELEY KNOWLES
