IT'S a long time since I received such an effusive welcome at a local restaurant. But then it's not often you are welcomed by the owner herself, and the fact that Lisa's has been running for 18 years speaks for itself.
The ambience of this packed French restaurant hits you the moment you walk in, and the feeling this will be a positive experience is reinforced when you hear French accents.
The very reasonably-priced set meals also help to make the visit a very palatable night out.
While the menu is adventurous, making choosing more taxing than usual, some dishes sounded more delicious than they actually were.
My starter of baked avocado, spinach and crab meat wrapped in filo pastry with blue cheese sauce was disappointingly bland and mushy.
I suspect the avocado and spinach were too watery for a pastry that did not have enough bite and I could hardly taste the crab.
But my husband Michael described his special, chicken liver sauteed in port and honey, as 'heaven on a plate'. I agreed after stealing a forkful.
Then it was my turn to swoon as my main of pan-fried calves liver with bacon, mash and sauteed onions was superbly cooked, just off pink.
Michael said his breast of duck with orange and ginger sauce went down very well, although I found it a bit chewy. Yes, I do taste his food.
Both were very generous portions and well-presented, without being pretentious.
As usual we were too full for two desserts so shared a chocolate terrine topped with grated white chocolate and chocolate sauce.
It was nice, not a word I'm partial to, but to be honest I have tasted better. It didn't have the rich velvety depth you expect from a chocolate dessert.
The service was great, attentive without being pushy and there were little extras like toothpicks - you have to use them even when you don't need to - and tea and coffee included.
There is a set dinner Friday and Saturday of £18.95 for two courses and £20.95 for three. From Tuesday-Thursday it's £16.95 for two and £18.95 for three courses, with set lunch menus too.
Lisa's plain facade belies its cosy interior, which Michael described as a 'bit like the Tardis'. In spite of a mixed bag, I would certainly be happy to sample some of the other dishes Lisa's has to offer.
