Chim Choo Ree — Restaurant in Hamilton

I was looking forward to experiencing Chim Choo Ree as its reputation is good and its menu looked exquisite online. I had the beef tartare the duck main and the pistachio panna cotta dessert with a couple of glasses of wine. My expectations were high and my review probably reflects the gap between expectations and reality and might be higher had I not had expectations. I'll say at the outset all of the food was delicious. We were given a complimentary amuse bouche to start which was very tasty and a nice surprise but probably served in the wrong type of serving spoon as it was difficult to eat it whilst looking elegant. I did expect more flavour from the tartare and crisper skin on the duck. One of my friends commented they would have liked more green beans on their main dish. Our main took forever to come out and when I walked passed the pass for a bathroom visit there were lots of plates lined up ready to go out. My dessert was delicious. Some of my friends were disappointed that the dessert options were slightly different to what was online and they couldn't therefore order what they'd planned on. We noted the dessert options were basically the same you get everywhere (brownie, panna cotta, bread and butter pudding, affogatto) I think we expected something different rather than just the same stuff done differently. Also every dessert at our table (three different ones) all had mint leaves on them, the mint leaves definitely did not compliment the flavours in my dessert so I wondered if they'd just put something on for the appearance without really finding something suited to each particular dish. All in all yummy but not the amazing taste sensation i was expecting so I probably won't hurry back as there are other places I'd go back to first, with similar dishes prepared, in my opinion...

Imaginative menu that brings a great twist to some of my favourites. Especially the Tartare. It was so difficult to choose because so many menu items were enticing to me! And the menu changes constantly as they use seasonal ingredients, which is something I love to see. Well curated, perfectly seasoned and nicely balanced.

Service was incredible. The waitress really looked after me by making sure I could still dine after having car troubles thus making me need to phone and say I’ll be late, but being so late that she had to double check if I was still coming.

She spoke knowledgeably of the menu and her love for working at this particular venue. Which sends a great message about the whole place. Also gave great suggestions.

I arrived late on a Tuesday night, so by the time I arrived, the last table were just leaving. The waitress made up for the atmosphere though, and allowed me to sit up on the bar for my meal and she provided interesting conversation which was not obligatory but greatly appreciated after a hard day.

Decor: very much my thing. The owners/chefs were inspired by Mary Poppins. Fun and creative space to fit the name.

Can hardly wait to...

The food here was absolutely delicious. Serving sizes are in the small end but design and flavor cannot be falted.

Unfortunately, a lot else can.

We arrived at 7pm with a booking for two and were seated instantly. A few minutes later we were asked if we wajted sparkling or still water. We were not told that sparkling would come in a 1L bottle that we had to pay $12 for.

We were asked for our drink order. I asked about a wine and the staff checked with the bar and answered my query. We settled on that wine. A few moments later a different server asked us for our drink order again.

We were served the wrong bottle of wine then told the wine we asked about is not in stock. After having to choose a new one, we finally got the current drink at 7.25.

A little after 7:30 we were finally asked what we wanted to eat. Our entree didn't come out until 7:45. Quite surprised to get 4 triangles of toast for the $12 we paid. Entree was, as stated earlier, very delicious but a very small serving with a high price tag.

Mains did not come out until about 8:20. We did not decide to stay for dessert for great we wouldn't make it home...