Week Starting 07 December 2009

Pre-Panto Family Food!

This is it. Deep breath. 2009 is the year you decided to instigate a family tradition by booking tickets to the Christmas pantomime. Splendid decision but it's tough out there - the wind, the rain, the throngs of people. A trip into town involves full military planning, wellies, a compass and the endless hope that a parking space will finally open up for you. It's below zero but you've got a sweat on. And now you've got to eat. Small tummies rumble and the primal hunt for sustenance begins. This will not do. This was supposed to be fun, festive and fear-of-starvation free. Thank Father Christmas then, that you found this little missive in your inbox. Well fed kids make much better theatre companions. This week the Good Time Guide has created a menu of family friendly restaurants for you to enjoy before heading off to marvel at old men dressed as women and young girls pretending to be boys. It's a confusing time for the uninitiated, so best start with a full stomach.

Monday - So Asia, Camberley

For great atmosphere and fabulous food from five different countries, why not try So Asia in Camberley. A short hop, skip and jump from the Camberley Theatre you're well placed to enjoy So Asia's buffet style dining before the show. Less adventurous kids can choose from a selection of non-oriental food whilst parents can feast on over 40 dishes from China, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. There's also unlimited ice cream and fruit salad to keep the whole family happy.

For a flavour of So Asia click HERE or give them a call on 01276 29138/29078.

Tuesday - Café Rouge, Dorking

If you find yourself getting into the Panto spirit in Dorking why not take advantage of a great Show Meal Offer between Dorking Halls and Café Rouge. To receive a 50% discount on food from the main menu, just present your Dorking Halls ticket before ordering. This offer is valid on the day of the performance printed on the ticket, so it's a great opportunity to fill up the family before taking your seats. Café Rouge makes children very welcome, offering a playpack and special menu for them. With the kids taken care of Mum and Dad can enjoy the classics with a little French flair. Plus it doesn't hurt to sample the odd glass of wine in preparation for the imminent panto.

For more information on the Dorking Halls Show Meal Offer click HERE or jump straight in and book your table at Cafe Rouge by calling 01306 743400.

Wednesday - Frankie & Benny's, Redhill

Mid-week dip? Perk yourself up with some home-cooking in a classic American and Italian style. Frankie & Benny's in Redhill is ready and waiting to provide your family with a 1950s New York experience - from the food to the juke box. Chargrilled burgers, pizzas and pastas provide enough choice to satisfy everyone. Their children's meals even come with an optional side of vegetable or side salad for free. Booked to see the matinee? Then you can take advantage of some great lunchtime specials between 11am and 5pm. If you looking forward to an evening of "He's behind you!" then get yourself in fine voice with their Happy Hour offers of £2.50 cocktails from 5pm - 8pm.

To get a taste of Frankie & Benny's click HERE or call 01737 784 890.

Thursday - Auberge, Woking

Sometimes you just know you're going to be running late (how ironic that this years panto should be Cinderella?). How handy then to have a great restaurant right next door to the theatre. At Auberge in Woking you can go from pudding to panto in less time than it takes to shout "boo, hiss" at an advancing baddie. Using the freshest market fare, Auberge will serve you up classic bistro dishes whist satisfying the kids with a great menu designed just for them.

Click HERE for more information or to book a table at the top of the Peacocks Centre call 01483 764 080.

Friday - Jimmy Spices, Epsom

Fancy a little bit of theatre with your food? Then watch the chefs cook up a storm at Jimmy Spices in Epsom. Witness close up the first multi cuisine theatre style buffet dining experience of its kind. At the world buffet you can dip into flavours from India, Italy, Thailand and China. A set meal price means it is easy to budget your night out, especially since the kids get the full range of food choice at a lower price. You can be sure of an experience that is fun, fresh and plentiful. With so much to choose from you won't be limited by your imagination - just your appetite.

To start your journey around the world click HERE or call 01372 748 467 to book.

Saturday - Jamie's Italian, Guildford

Ever had a celebrity chef cook for you? No? Well you're missing out. How about the next best thing? Everything about Guildford's newest restaurant has the stamp of Jamie Oliver all over it - even his name. At the bottom of North Street, housed in the round iconic building sits Jamie's Italian. It also has the added benefit of being perfectly placed for a short walk along the river to the theatre. To get the kids excited about something other than the panto, they can pick their food through a viewfinder. Plus if they eat their greens they get a badge. Certainly more enjoyable than enduring the dentist for a sticker, don't you think?

They're pretty free and easy down at Jamie's Italian so there's no need to book, but give them a call on 01483 600 920 - I'm sure they'd love to chat. Or you can salivate over the menu by clicking HERE.

Sunday - Tony Roma's, Kingston

Yes of course, if you can be bothered, you can cook a full roast with all the trimmings this Sunday. Or you can save yourself the washing up by taking the family out to Tony Roma's in Kingston. Traditional Sunday roasts are great, but you’re off to the panto shortly so that's enough tradition for one day. Why not tuck into seafood, steaks and of course their famous ribs instead. Plus on a Sunday you get the added bonus of a free child meal for every adult meal that you purchase. Ooo a bargain. That's got you feeling really festive.

To book a table, give Tony a call on 020 8546 5446.

Tip of The Week

The Giraffe, Guildford

If you tell the kids that they're eating at Giraffe, do try and speak clearly. Because eating a giraffe is a very different prospect for them. Once you get to Guildford's brightest, friendliest restaurant they'll be all smiles though. Have a look HERE to see how well the kids are catered for. Recently voted best family restaurant in the R150 awards, Giraffe offers everyone the sights, sounds and tastes of the world so that you could imagine yourself being anywhere from Sydney to Israel.

Make Monday to Friday between 5 - 7pm Giraffe time. Book to eat then and you can enjoy great food at a fantastic price. How does the choice of any two courses for £7.50 sound? Sounds like a recipe for a fab evening out. Plus you'll be finished just in time to totter down the High Street, take in the glow of the Christmas Lights, before settling into your seats for a festive fairytale.

Learn more about Giraffe HERE or call 01483 300237 to book a table.