On a balmy Sunday evening, I was in the mood for something quick and reliable. I headed for Cafe Piccante on Broughton Street.

Famous for amongst other things having a resident DJ, which is something of an oddity for a chip shop, and for having one of their counter men being the holder of the world record for chip wrapping, they’ve built a reputation as a decent quality place.

I’d visited on a number of occasions, not least to try their famous chocolate bar tempura, but it had been a wee while since I’d been in.

I was in burger mood so ordered the Piccante burger, which offered jalapeno, chilli sauce and cheese topping on a beef burger. This was packed into a sesame bun and accompanied by chipshop chips.

The friendly counter folks soon had me on my way. I paused on the steps of the nearby cathedral to munch the burger. It was firmly in the “did the job” territory and nothing beyond.

The chips were really very good, though. They packed a good crisp exterior as well as fluffy potato goodness. They brought to mind the idea of going on a search for the best chips in the city; maybe that should be my next project.

So overall, Cafe Piccante was a very good choice for my requirements. The burger wasn’t great but the chips were very good. I’m sure I’ll be back for another visit, in due course.

Scores
Blythe scores Cafe Piccante
3/5 for food
2/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 12/20

I ate: Piccante burger (jalapeno, chilli sauce, cheese) and chips

I wore: linen suit

Total bill: £4.50