Our other companion’s choice of Tandoori sea bass with Bombay potatoes with a spiced mango and coriander yoghurt, £14.95, was also well presented.
The tandoori sauce, far from overpowering the delicate sea bass, was deemed delicious. He thought the marinade was fresh and light and added zip to the dish. He sliced through the accompanying soft Bombay potatoes like a knife through hot butter. The spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions enlivened by cumin and mustard seeds.
The final dish of teriyaki beef stir-fry with red peppers and mangetout, garlic, chilli and ginger, £11.95, was also perky and satisfying.
Good flavours and colour were well-presented in a simple white bowl. The noodles had the right bite, the beef strips were plentiful and seared just right. The crunchy veg added texture and interest. Decent food, reasonable prices, nothing to set the world alight but satisfying all the same.
We finished putting the world to rights over a sharing board of desserts, £11.95. Bite-size rum and raisin crème brulées were creamy delights with perfect crispy tops; chocolate brownies were exceedingly rich but staff did wrap them up for our health-conscious one to take home with her for a sneaky sweet fix later that day! So much for the edamame beans.
Strawberries with dipping chocolate fondue disappeared in no time, while blackberry and raspberry Eton mess with Cassis was wince-makingly sweet.
But one dessert that was a hit with all was the Black Forest chocolate trifle with Griottine cherries, £6.25. The liqueur-soaked cherries and the dark chocolate base with creamy topping make this a wicked treat. If there’s one dessert you try, make it this one.
Information
Address: The Living Room, 12 Grey Street, Newcastle. Tel: 0191 255 4450.
Open: Seven days, 12pm-10.30pm, last orders for food.
First impressions: A contemporary, chic space in handsome building in prominent spot on corner of Grey Street and Mosley Street.
Welcome: Warmly greeted
Style, design and furnishings: High ceilings, windows to look out on the city’s streets. Stylish with ornate mirrors, parquet flooring, aubergine walls and dramatic red, swishy curtains.
Cuisine: British with European and Asian influences.
Service: With a smile. Staff engaging and well trained. Very polite.
Value: Reasonable value. Our mains ranged in price from £10.25 to £14.95. Meal deals include two courses for £9.95, three courses for £12.65, available Mon-Fri from 3pm to 7pm.
Disabled facilities: Accessible.
