Camino (Bar, Restaurant)

Dear Camino,

Thanks very much for dinner on Tuesday evening. I always find Tuesday is one of those odd nights in the week. Tuesday: just the sound of it is a bit dull, like March (as opposed to, say, Friday, or August). Anyway, it was great to come along and try out your restaurant. Haven’t had Spanish for ages. Saw that The Observer gave you ‘Bar of the Year’ not so long ago, too.

My guest commented on your location: fantastically close to Kings Cross station, and very easy to find. Though I have to say when we went under the archway into the courtyard, Spanish rustica it was not, even though your website suggests otherwise. Your exterior looks very corporate but then the restaurant is housed in a larger modern development. So glass and stark black window frames are very much the order of the day (or hopefully not, in a restaurant). Anyway, the signage and the big upturned barrel outside indicated that we were in the right place.

I liked the look of your bar. It was the first thing we saw when we went in. The rustic is there after all; a tempting cool basement-feel with lots of aged wood. Intrigue beckoned, but we didn’t go in. The intrigue had to wait. We were hungry: to the restaurant!

Your tables looked inviting, at the side of the room, near the windows. The low ceiling added a degree of intimacy that I enjoy when eating out in public. The cushioned booth looked comfortable too. However, sitting in the centre of the restaurant - though I can see its advantages being close to the kitchen and bar - was a vaguely perplexing experience. Largely due, I think, to the clear glass dome of St Paul’s proportion above us. The light shone down and produced either the hint of a spacecraft hovering overhead or a very large spotlight, on us, for the duration of our meal. Though I’m not completely unfamiliar with spotlights, my guest is. I told him to calm down. He did and, eventually, so did the spotlight, as the sun began to set. Much more intimate. I’ll think I’ll ask for a window seat next time.

We liked your menu though, lots of choice. And I see that you also do breakfast and brunch. It was great to see that carafes are available along with the usual glasses and bottles of wine. All very Spanish, and quite rightly, too. Sadly, the tapas wasn’t quite right. Granted, the crevettes were juicy and well cooked, but the chorizo had no spicy kick; the pan con tomate was just that (cold bread with bland diced tomatoes); and the aioli? I’d suggest a quick nip to the shops for garlic - the aioli we asked for as an extra when the Mixto tapas platter arrived with no sauces had no garlic in it; or none that I could decipher.

My guest told me that his rib-eye steak was generously sized, tender and juicy. He said it was very good. He said he’d only ever eaten one other steak that equalled it. An avid meat eater, he is a man who knows steaks. I tried it. It was good, very good. Lovely tangy blue cheese sauce on the side too.

I would like to say that the puddings continued with aplomb but sadly, they didn’t. Perhaps I’ll try the almond tart next time. I was looking forward to the Leche Merengada (cinnamon, star anise and lemon zest ice cream) and Horchata (Spanish tiger nut ice cream) - mmmm. I don’t think they were homemade though. You can always tell a homemade ice cream. That’s not to say that all good ice creams are homemade. But you understand what I’m saying.

Still, the service was excellent, even though the restaurant was full. And you had a small party in, on a Tuesday. I also hear you’re opening another restaurant in West Ferry quite soon. No doubt, you’ll be very busy there too if the steaks are anything to go by.

So thanks again. Although we did find the tapas and puddings a little Tuesday (and March), the steak was definitely Friday (and August). I see that you also have live music on from Thursday to Sunday. A cool eclectic choice: reggae to samba, Arabic to funk. Music would be good on a Tuesday. It would definitely help to make it a little more Friday.

Sincerely and with warm regards,
The lady who loves (homemade) ice cream
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