food/drink
WIN
MEAL!
pg. 86
SVAGO NOW SERVING
pic: RON RUTTEN
DEFECTIVE DINING AT ITS BEST
A different take on a British Classic with Faulty Towers
THE tribute to the BBC’s beloved sitcom Fawlty
Towers returns to Wales Millennium Centre
offering a show that’s certain to be... unique.
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience enacts a
loosely scripted episode of the renowned sit-com,
featuring the characters made famous by Prunella
Scales, Andrew Sachs and John Cleese. It is a show,
three-course dinner and interactive comedy at the
same time that is sure to provide an experience you
won’t forget easily.
Though the last episode was aired in 1979, Fawlty
Towers still stands as a jewel in the BBC’s comedy
crown.
“Everyone has at least heard of Fawlty Towers
and most of the people who come to see the
show, whether aged nine or 90, know the series inside
out,” explains Actor Jack Baldwin, who is taking on
the iconic role of Basil in The Dining Experience,
“so you have to be on top of the character at all times.
“So many lines and elements of the show have
become part of everyday life. If we weren’t living
up to their expectations, the audience would soon
let us know. I’ve been subconsciously researching
the part since childhood – watching and loving the
show on TV.”
With a taste of mild black humour, Faulty Towers:
The Dining Experience gives a unique opportunity
for the audience to go back and experience scenes
that they’ve seen on the screen before. In two
hours of improvised beautiful chaos the audience is
completely immersed in the action: “There is a direct
connection with the audience,” says Jack “which is
great. Making people laugh is an amazing feeling.”
As such a big part of the show is interaction with the
audience and improvisation, the actors face many
extra challenges: “You’re always responding to the
audience, but in a way which is almost imperceptible,
“says Jack, “if something unexpected happens when
improvising, you have to find your own way out, in
character, with 100 people watching.”
Jack Baldwin refers to the Welsh audience very
positively. “I always find Welsh crowds up amongst
the very best – a good laugh, a little bit raucous
and good banter, but also very generous with
laughter and respectful of the performance and
the scripted bits.” Hopefully, the audience will
have the same attitude towards the actors, dinner
and Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience in
general after seeing the show in January at Wales
Millennium Centre. VAIVA SESKEVICIUTE
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay,
Tue 28 Jan-Sun 9 Feb. Tickets: from £45.
Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
DUCK EGG BLEU
The seemingly forever ‘soon-to-be-opened’ restaurant
Duck Egg Bleu finally brings its classic menu with a
modern twist of flavour combinations. As the passionate
head chef Gareth Dobbs has dedicated his life to quality
food, the restaurant uses only locally produced and
self-grown ingredients such as herbs that they claim to
grow in the back garden. As Duck Egg Bleu fits up to 80
people in the intimate dining room and also has private
rooms for special occasions, it is a perfect venue for
both big and small parties. If Christmas dinner is still an
unresolved issue, Duck Egg Bleu might be your solution.
Duck Egg Bleu, Victoria Park, Cardiff. Info: www.duckeggbleu.co.uk
BUZZ 32
Cardiff has a new spot for those who love Italian
cuisine. Svago restaurant opened its door to the
public on last month and offers a new contemporary
dining experience, promising dishes prepared using
a selection of carefully selected fine and fresh
ingredients. Its menu presents a mixture of original
recipes and all-times Italian classics, as well as
professionally prepared drinks. The restaurant
is proud to offer high quality, warming cultured
atmosphere and helpful staff. Bookings for Christmas
are already available so consider acting quickly if you
want to have a festive meal Italian style. VS
To win a meal for two in this new Italian restaurant
answer this very simple question. Details about
competitions are found on our competitions section
on page 86. Q: What does the Italian word ‘svago’
mean in English?
Svago, Crwys Road, Cardiff. Info: 029 2023
2261 / www.svago.co.uk
PROPER
PROVISIONS
IN PENYLAN
Seasonal delicatessen
and store Penylan Pantry
is opening its doors this
December. Founders Melissa and Jolene spent years
travelling, delivering world’s food and even working as
roadie caterers for artists such as Sir Paul McCartney.
For them food is their passion and local markets
the source of inspiration, hence Penylan Pantry
will be mainly stocked with Welsh products made by
individual suppliers and will produce local, nutritious
and natural food. While enjoying food, customers will
also be invited to have a look to a boutique book corner
that will contain rare literature that covers everything
from recipes to environment and healthy lifestyle. VS
The Penylan Pantry, Kimberley Rd,
Cardiff. Info: www.facebook.com
penylanpantry
NYE AT THE GALLERY
For a local New Year Eve’s Party, with mulled wine,
roasted chestnuts in the garden, inside a cosy
marquee, plus a special NYE menu with all locally
sourced produce. A perfect venue for seeing in 2014.
The Gallery Restaurant, 2 Broad Street,
Barry. Info: 01446 735300