Your LIFE: BY ELK, IT'S GOOD; FOOD AND DRINK EATING OUT Dundonald favourite serves up fantastic value.

Byline: JILLY BEATTIE

THE Elk has long been a favourite for civil servants, travelling salesman, families and cosy romantic liaisons.

And in that respect not much has changed over the years because it still suits just about everyone who comes through its doors.

But of course this popular restaurant on the outskirts of Dundonald, Co Down, has kept up with the modern world, with revamped interiors and a modern, accessible menu. In fact the best thing about The Elk, apart from the friendly staff, is that every meal is freshcooked.

We started with the Buffalo Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomato Tart and the Caesar Salad, both at pounds 4.95.

The tart was delicious, with the sharp sweet flavour of the tomatoes slicing through the mild Mozzarella. The pastry was light and the egg filling with the cheese and tomato was a perfect combination and just enough to whet the appetite for a main course. The Caesar Salad did just as it said. Prepared with cos lettuce, smoked bacon lardons, parmesan cheese and freshly cooked croutons, it was fresh and light with a lovely tangy dressing.

For our main course we tried the Lasagne and the Pork, Honey and Mustard Sausages, both at pounds 7.25. The lasagne was a simple dish perfectly cooked... and as with the best of the tomato and meat sauces, it has had time to rest so the flavours were rich and full.

The white roux sauce was smooth and mild, and the lasagne retained its shape. Served with chips, salad and coleslaw it was a hearty meal that didn't need a starter.

The Pork, Honey and Mustard Sausages were served with creamy home-made champ, a grilled tomato and Armagh apple jus - and considering the speed they were eaten it's safe to say the sausages were tasty in the extreme. The mustard gave them a little kick and the honey took the sharpness from the mixture.

Combined with the champ, served with freshly chopped scallions and butter, it was a simple meal but perfect in terms of flavours and presentation.

Of course when you're filled to the gills there's nothing else for it - dessert.

The Elk Chocolate Brownie, served with hot chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream, did everything it was meant too and there's something very naughty and magical to a chocolate lover about chocolate served with hot chocolate served with ice cream. Perfect.

Then there's The Elk's Guinness and Chocolate Cheesecake - creamy, chocolate and with just the slightest hint of Guinness, the cheesecake was very enjoyable.

Both cost pounds 3.95 and were worth every penny and the risk of indigestion because the main meals are enough for anyone to enjoy.

Our meals cost a total of pounds 28.30 and we just enjoyed a jug of iced water. Diners can enjoy two courses and a bottle of wine for just pounds 25, choosing between starters, main courses, side orders, and puddings.

The choices are superb and value-for-money cannot be faulted. Of course after a bottle of wine, it's best to grab a taxi.

The Elk is at 793 Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald. Tel, 02890-480004.

MENU

Buffalo Mozzarella and Sun Dried Tomato Tart pounds 4.95

Caesar Salad pounds 4.95

Home-made Lasagne pounds 7.95

Pork, Honey and Mustard Sausages pounds 7.25

Elk Chocolate Brownie pounds 3.95

Guinness and Chocolate Cheesecake pounds 3.95

TOTAL pounds 28.30

CAPTION(S):

BEEFED UP: Home-made lasagne

Article Details

Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
Title Annotation:	Features
Publication:	The Mirror (London, England)
Date:	May 26, 2007
Words:	573
Previous Article:	Dad raped me.. then Mum let him move back home.
Next Article:	Your LIFE: READY FOR A GRAND OLD TIME? FOOD AND DRINK PUB SPY Duke of York, Belfast.