The Review - Inside Story of Quality
Eating Out With Oliver, Yorkshire Post
Never judge a book by its cover - that could easily be one of those famous sayings from the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
It certainly applies to the Horoscope, one of Harrogate's more established Chinese restaurants. From the outside it looks smaller and less welcoming than it really is. Inside, it is a different story. Light and above all friendly, it is the sort of place where the staff make you feel at ease.
None of your regimented, hurried, order-book-in-hand, make-your-mind-up-quickly here. We were given a bowl of warm prawn crackers and a gentle smile and a chance to take our time. There's plenty to choose from in a menu of Cantonese fare which ranges from crispy duck, Chinese soups, Szechuan sizzlers, and set meals from £14 a head.
Main courses range from £5 to £8 and there is a fair selection of vegetarian dishes too. If you don't choose the set meals then it is good to sample a few of your favourite dishes. Satay Chicken Hong Kong style came to the table sizzling away. Served with peppers and onions the tender chicken strips were nicely spiced and the sauce not too thick. Sweet and sour pork was tasty but the meat was not as tender. The sauce was delicate and not too sweet.
Stir fry king prawn with straw mushrooms came with juicy large prawns and plenty of mushrooms with the sauce blending well with the egg fried rice. Stir fry beef with cashew nuts was a satisfying dish where the meat was tender and the cashew nuts and onions and carrots a crunchy combination. The waiters were attentive but not hovering around or standing over you. Deserts range from a selection of ice creams to fruit. We found room for a sweet - ice cream and pineapple fritters - and finished of with a pot of refreshing Chinese tea.
The Horoscope is a popular restaurant with families, and the female waitress had a certain affinity with children. The restaurant is comfortable and smart, with Chinese fans and drawings adorning the walls. The food is fresh and tasty. A meal for two with sweets and a couple of drinks (the wine list was a little pricey) came to just under £40. The Horoscope sends its diners away with a Fortune Cookie, which if you are lucky - as Oliver was - might say: "Prosperity will be knocking on your door." We will see.
It certainly applies to the Horoscope, one of Harrogate's more established Chinese restaurants. From the outside it looks smaller and less welcoming than it really is. Inside, it is a different story. Light and above all friendly, it is the sort of place where the staff make you feel at ease.
None of your regimented, hurried, order-book-in-hand, make-your-mind-up-quickly here. We were given a bowl of warm prawn crackers and a gentle smile and a chance to take our time. There's plenty to choose from in a menu of Cantonese fare which ranges from crispy duck, Chinese soups, Szechuan sizzlers, and set meals from £14 a head.
Main courses range from £5 to £8 and there is a fair selection of vegetarian dishes too. If you don't choose the set meals then it is good to sample a few of your favourite dishes. Satay Chicken Hong Kong style came to the table sizzling away. Served with peppers and onions the tender chicken strips were nicely spiced and the sauce not too thick. Sweet and sour pork was tasty but the meat was not as tender. The sauce was delicate and not too sweet.
Juicy
Stir fry king prawn with straw mushrooms came with juicy large prawns and plenty of mushrooms with the sauce blending well with the egg fried rice. Stir fry beef with cashew nuts was a satisfying dish where the meat was tender and the cashew nuts and onions and carrots a crunchy combination. The waiters were attentive but not hovering around or standing over you. Deserts range from a selection of ice creams to fruit. We found room for a sweet - ice cream and pineapple fritters - and finished of with a pot of refreshing Chinese tea.
The Horoscope is a popular restaurant with families, and the female waitress had a certain affinity with children. The restaurant is comfortable and smart, with Chinese fans and drawings adorning the walls. The food is fresh and tasty. A meal for two with sweets and a couple of drinks (the wine list was a little pricey) came to just under £40. The Horoscope sends its diners away with a Fortune Cookie, which if you are lucky - as Oliver was - might say: "Prosperity will be knocking on your door." We will see.