The joy of indulgence

May 28 2009 Buckinghamshire Advertiser

GREG BURNS eats at Chesham Cottage Chinese Restaurant, 20 Church Street, Chesham. Tel: 01494 771 810

WITH time to kill before a Chesham Town Council meeting, I headed down to Chesham Cottage Chinese Restaurant to test their recommended buffet deal with a colleague.

At £10.99 the restaurant has a large selection of traditional Chinese dishes to choose from and we sat down, ordered a Carlsberg beer and called over the waiter.

We asked: 'So I can choose anything on this menu?' We were told that we could order four main courses which would come after a plate of mixed hors d'oeurves consisting of prawn crackers, spring rolls, spare ribs and wontons.

Not looking to get too full, as I wanted to make sure I had the energy to put pen to paper in the council chamber, I was slightly daunted when the tray was brought out.

And my fears were founded because the starters were slightly too greasy and stodgy and made me fear for the four main courses we had ordered - shrimp chop suey, roast pork Chinese style, crispy shredded chilli beef and sweet and sour chicken.

But before we could begin those we were brought the delicious crispy, aromatic duck which was as far from greasy and stodgy as food can get.

I am possibly writing with bias at this point as this course is my absolute favourite and the Chesham Cottage did not disappoint.

Time for mains, and I was pleasantly surprised at just how beautifully they were cooked. They were light and easy to eat with the crispy beef a particular recommendation.

At just under £11, the buffet deal is undoubtedly a fantastic bargain, especially when the portions and the food is so good.

But as with any buffet, the danger is with ordering drinks and be careful to check prices before ordering wine.

You also find yourself eating more than normal because of the sheer volume and that can lead to over-indulging.

But when the food is this good, I wouldn't blame you if you did.