Sometimes, I come up with really stupid ideas. This goes down as another one on the long list. It started with a discussion over the state of business on the Burriana strip. Why was it not busy at night? How do all the bars and restaurants survive? We have our favourites on the front and do not venture elsewhere. This was about to change. "Why don’t we visit all the bars and restaurants on the front!" I said. Show our support for Burriana. The Burrianathon was born.
The plan is to start from the end and work our way back. Not in the same night! Sometimes, not in strict order. However, we WILL visit each establishment on the paseo. As we go to the starting place "All That Jazz" on a regular basis, we thought we would start with a meal at "Oriental", one of the four "Global Experience" businesses in Burriana.
This place always seemed quiet when we had been sat at "All That Jazz". This evening, there were only two tables when we entered. The owner came over with the menus. Talk about OTT. The guy was unbelievable. Apparently, we didn’t need to look at the menus, as he would pick the best meal for us. "The best Chinese you ever had" was the claim. "You will come back all week". Err, we’re not tourists mate.
His happy demeanour was about to change though. Monica wanted to try the set menu, very reasonably priced it seemed. "You don’t want that. That is for tourists!" What do you mean? He then explained that the set menu was like the meal you get on the plane. Very small portions. So why is it on the menu then! I went for the spring roll starter. Typical Manchester food was his reply. Monica likes prawns. But 9 euros for a starter. Monica was not amused. "I’m not paying anyone 9 euros for a starter". Our host scurried off to the other customers, tail between his legs. He seemed to have more success selling banquets to the others.
Our experience was going down hill rapidly. However, it improved when the food arrived. I have to say it was delicious. Encouraged by our now smiling faces, our host came back with more pearls of wisdom. "No chemicals, all organic food. Some people buy clothes, I buy food". The Chinese Eric Cantona! When asked about the "Global Experience" brand he told us that it was his idea to supply gourmet food only. That is why they are more expensive. He seemed a bit miffed that his business ended up at the end of the strip. Apparently he was promised the location that is now the "Cosmopolitan", at the beginning. "You measure my kitchen and you will see it is the same size. It was designed for me". A real shame. Move "Oriental" to the "Cosmopolitan" location and I am sure he would be packed every night.
Having a post meal drink in All That Jazz we got to here a few more comments from people who had visited the "Oriental" experience. The general consensus was it was great food but a little on the expensive side. Apparently a few people have been stung with an exceptionally high bill afterwards. Probably because they ordered things that are not on the menu. In "Oriental’s" defence I will say that the guy made a point of telling us the prawn starter would be 9 euros. He wanted to be clear on the cost so as there were no surprises. Seems he has already responded to the criticisms.
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