It may be located in a mall (small and of little character) with part of its seating spilling outside the restaurant walls and is far from flashy, but Boodles exudes warmth and the kind of casual charm which has won it a loyal following. It is homely with a suggestion of Mediterranean/Greek taverna ambience.

After wandering out to look at some new subdivisions at Karaka we wanted somewhere nearby to eat. I knew Boodles was in the Entertainment Book and I had my gold card from this foodies’ ‘Bible’ with me. That settled it – Boodles for a Friday night nosh up.

Having dined there about a year back I knew the entrees were large and warned the small eaters in my family that a first course might be just enough. Daughter took my advice and opted for the baked scallop and salmon filo with sweet chilli sauce and a side salad. “Perfect,” she said.

I also ordered an entrée and while some readers may screw up their noses others will relate to my delight at finding lambs fry and bacon on the menu. The meal came with mushrooms, onions a delicious red wine jus and four slices of toast. At $14.50, the entrée size serving was exceptional value and so filling I could not finish it all. I also noted that the menu offered chicken livers of similar proportions and I tucked that knowledge away for another time.

Others in the group ordered:

• Oven-baked, quarter pork rack with caramelised apple and a sherry raisin liqueur oregano jus ($26.50)
• Quick pan-fried calamari with rich and creamy cilantro sauce and a light salad ($14 entrée, $22 main)
• Chicken fettuccine with mushrooms, capsicum and parmigiano with the option of Romano sauce (tomato-based) or a creamy white sauce (the latter was chosen – $21).
• Penne pasta with chicken sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and a creamy garlic sauce ($20.50)

No one was disappointed least of all hubby who ordered the pork. “Look no mash,” he cried. Instead, the tasty potato cake topped with an apple ring was creative and a welcome change from dull old mash.

The pasta dishes and calamari were also given the thumbs up and like our other meals were so filling there was no way we could scrape our plates clean. And, sadly, we couldn’t manage a dessert, not even a shared portion.

Experienced service, friendly smiles and hearty meals meant we were well satisfied and fit to burst so reluctantly we headed for home, a coffee and to put up our feet.

Incidently, taking the Highbrook exit from the motorway hubby ran slap bang into a sneaky police checkpoint – wisely he had taken only one glass of wine with his meal but knowing he would pass was no compensation for that sinking feeling he felt when stopped.

So to all those food and wine lovers out there – take care and if you haven’t already made a new year resolution a good choice is “take a cab or a non-drinking driver when out on the town.”

Go Greek!

For those seeking a little Mediterranean magic check out Boodles special Greek evening next month on Saturday, February 23 from 7pm.

It will feature Greek dishes, Greek music, Zorba the Greek-style dancing and, of course, the smashing of plates – all great fun.

Bookings essential – phone 298-3959.