Unsatisfied after the relative disaster of our trip to Pod Lososiem, we decided not to give up hope and to venture back into the Old Town for a late Sunday Lunch. It was a cold, wet day that reminded us of home in Belfast and in turn made us grateful for the usually dry weather here.
On the few nights we have been out for drinks, Cico has been a regular stop for cherry vodkas and Szarlotka cocktails, but we usually breeze through the Bistro style ground level and down to the downstairs lounge that is all moody neon lighting, white furnishings and huge, bed-like couches that stretch the length of the room.
Today we stepped inside and found the bistro fairly busy for a Sunday afternoon – young couples, families and a few groups of friends eating and drinking to the music ranging from 50s swing to laid back beats. We took a seat at one of the chunky dark wood tables and sank into the plush dark brown cushions that could furnish any modern trendy bar anywhere in the world.
The menu is long but with clear specialities – including a long pasta menu that we didn’t sample. The classic cocktail menu is also extensive and at around 17PLN (£3.50) are cheaper than the same drinks in Belfast. We got through a Margarita, a variation on a Gimlet and an apple Martini and all were well prepared.
On to the food, then. Unfortunately there was a slight order mix up and one prawn dish was substituted for another – but no harm done as the waitress apologised, the lower price was charged and the sizzling prawns were delicious and served with a fresh salad and garlic bread.
Breaded Camembert may not be the most sophisticated dish around – but the cheese was hot and gooey and the accompanying cranberry sauce was sweet and sharp.
The first main was a slightly random combination of pork roulade stuffed with leek and cheese, a feta and pesto salad and a mushroom risotto. Although the flavours didn’t really make for a coherent plate, each individual element was perfectly prepared. The mushroom risotto was rich in flavour with the right combination of creamy softness and texture.
The second plate was a modern take on the very traditional Polish ingredients of pork, potato and cabbage. Here succulent pork ribs doused with a honey mustard sauce were placed on a sour cabbage slaw and served with a creamy mash – could there be a more comforting combination?
By this point we were beyond stuffed and dessert was out of the question – the selection looked fairly typical but we’ll be sure to go back and try a couple...
Instead we closed the meal on a very sweet, dessert-like ‘White & Green’ white chocolate and pistachio coffee and a refreshing ‘Bangkok’ herbal tea.
In Cico we have found a new regular spot – good food, good drink, well priced and great ambient music to relax to.
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Cico: Come In Chill Out bar and restaurant
170 PLN (£35) for two including three cocktails, one fancy coffee and one speciality tea
Gdansk
ul.Piwna 28-30
