Another month and therefore another chance for us to explore CardiffÔÇÖs independent eateries as we head to The Gutsy Goose on Crwys road for the second of QuenchÔÇÖs food evening. Despite having to battle the elements to get to the restaurant, everyone remained lively, eager to be let loose on the sizable menu and see what The Gutsy Goose had to offer.

Dominating the small and perfectly cosy restaurant, the crowd of self-confessed foodies and simply hungry students indulged in some classically British dishes, cocktails and food hedonism before heading home full and with only a small dent in their pocket. Considering we had the restaurant exclusively, arriving at the same time and therefore dominating the restaurant, the service was excellent; quick, efficient and friendly and therefore hard to fault.

The menu itself is centered on British classics such as pork belly, fish and chips and lamb, served beautifully as well as being an ample portion. Giving in to dessert also seemed a wise (isnÔÇÖt it always?) choice, with the appearance of more British classics including sticky toffee pudding as well as cross-Atlantic cheesecake, ensuring that the menu catered to a range of tastes. DonÔÇÖt just take my word for it; here is what some of the attendants had to say about their experiences at The Gutsy Goose.

The pork belly was really tasty, with soft fat that melted in the mouth and a gravy that was not overtly rich, which was good as the crackling on the pork was already salty enough. The vegetables were rather run-of-the-mill, but they were cooked to perfection and not overcooked or soggy. The only other thing I would say is that the sea salted creamed potatoes were somewhat bland, though the pork and gravy combined packed enough punch for the potatoes to simply serve as a stomach filler.

┬áThe generously-sized sticky toffee pudding was another winner. It was somehow not particularly sticky or toffee-ish, but that didn’t make it any less delectable. Perhaps the pudding┬ácould have been a little┬ámore syrupy and a little less spongey, and the sauce a tad creamier and toffee-tasting, but the sweetness of the whole dessert was immensely satisfying anyway.

All in all, a wonderful and value-for-money meal.

– Zenn Wong

 

I have always been really eager to try the Gutsy Goose and it certainly didn’t disappoint. For starters I had the mushrooms with the blue cheese and chorizo on toasted bread which was absolutely beautiful, and the delicious, rich creamy texture continued into my mains where I enjoyed monkfish on a bed of noodles in a cream, chorizo and chilli sauce. The monkfish was nice and meaty, however it lacked just a little bit of seasoning. The wine was lovely, and the ambience of the small venue was equally as nice. Would definitely visit again!┬á

-Victoria Chandler

 

With the gastro-pubs and restaurants of Cathays usually being so focussed on offering lost cost, low quality food for students, I found the Gutsy Goose a refreshing experience. Providing fresh tasty food, in a cosy atmosphere, The Gusty Goose is definitely a venue where as a student I would be prepared to pay more. The burger was on point, with crispy onion rings, delicious seasoned beef and a beautiful home-made chunky salsa, it was perfection within a bun.

 

– Kieran Patel

 

IÔÇÖd heard great things about The Gutsy Goose and was really looking forward to eating there as I love to try new and independent restaurants. IÔÇÖm pleased to say that I was not disappointed. I looked at the menu online and had been wondering what to have for a good week beforehand. Everything sounded delicious and there was something on there for every taste and mood. When the evening came around I played it safe and went with the Gutsy Goose burger. When everyoneÔÇÖs food came out I was terrified I would regret my decision and fall victim to the dreaded food envy, but I couldnÔÇÖt have been more wrong. The beef was cooked to perfection and my chosen combination of cheese and onions toppings on the burger worked together beautifully. The homemade salsa was a lovely touch too. I also swapped the potato fries the burger was served with, for sweet potato chips, the best decision ever as I quite literally got a bucketful of tasty salty sweet fries, with the perfect crunch. The whole evening was great; the staff were helpful and friendly and the atmosphere and decor added a touch of class to the evening. I had such an enjoyable night, and was so desperate to try more of the menu, that I immediately booked a table for the next week when my mum was visiting. I couldnÔÇÖt recommend The Gutsy Goose anymore, the perfect venue for delicious food at affordable prices, giving you the chance to indulge in a little foodie luxury and forget that in reality youÔÇÖre a struggling student.

– Julia Niblett