Review of 'Effings (NOW CLOSED)'

Offering a wide assortment of local produce of the finest quality Effings is definitely a restaurant not to miss. The imaginative menu makes effective use of local ingredients served with a modern European/British feel to the place (though the Frogs Legs harkens back to more traditional menus it is presented in a modern way – fresh and clean).

I visited on a Friday night but the small eating area located on the first floor above the food hall (open during the day and a popular destination for discerning lunchers but also offering various deli items for takeaway) was largely unoccupied with only four or five tables used during the course of the, rather short, evening (they are only open between 7 and 9:30). We were serenaded throughout by a rather talented piano player who was not afraid to try a bit of jazz out on the quiet crowd.

The service was very good despite the waiter only having just started the day I visited with his initiative to tell me all about the various items I was being served (asking the chef even on the merest hint I might be interested in something). The food was simply presented but had the most astounding and vivid flavours. My main course of “A plate of some of out finest foods including Jamon Pata Negra, bresaola, truffle salami, Papillion Roquefort and hot-smoked salmon” was very pleasant (the ham coming from pampered pigs – living a life of fine music and the best of feed). The cheese was creamy and the ham was full of flavour (the accompanying tapas-style salad including incredible milk-poached garlic cloves which were VERY more-ish). Desert was a wonderful pear and taragon crème brule which was perfectly browned and brought with great pride to the table by the head chef!

Well worth a visit though a bit pricey with dinner coming to about £35 (without wine).

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2006-08-04


Cuisine: American/British

Address: 74 Queen Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3RX

Location: Exeter (England)

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Telephone: 01392 211888

URL: http://www.effings.co.uk/