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I had the pleasure of meeting Ken Hom, owner and founder of this chain of restaurants a few weeks ago, a real chef with a passion for food, and the delivery of fine food to customers nationwide. The Asian cuisine in the extensive menu is a reflection of the man himself, colourful, imaginative, well presented and prepared with passion.
This Yellow River, one of seven nationwide, can be found at The Oracle Centre in Reading, a centre transformed into a series of waterfront restaurants and bars which attracts visitors in their thousands night after night. Yellow River is one of the major attractions, with the menu, service and atmosphere combining to create a magnetic pull.
Christine, my partner in crime for the evening and I took our seats at a central table at almost seven thirty in the evening. It was almost ten when we left, and neither of us had even thought to glance at our watches. Within thirty minutes of our entry the restaurant was full, the excited chattering diners exchanging kisses, gifts, stories and jokes, all combining to create a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
That atmosphere was supported in no small way by the excellence of the staff, with manager Hok leading from the front with his enthusiasm and support for those unfamiliar with many of the dishes on offer. His humour and his professionalism ensured that we both had a memorable initial visit. Both he and his attentive staff ensured that everyone derived maximum pleasure from the Yellow River, ensuring that most would make a rapid return.
My, how owner Ken Hom would appreciate the efforts made by the staff to bring so much pleasure to so many, not once did I fail to see the staff smile and engage with the customers, actually enjoying their work.
Other restaurants please take note!
The food, oh yes, whilst I remember we were invited to appreciate the food, not just the humour and style of the staff and engage in people watching.
Christine, having just completed an assertiveness course selected the Yellow River Mixed Platter, ideal for two to share and enjoy, with a selection of chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls, sesame prawn toast, crispy pakora and a selection of dips. An ideal starter, relaxed, entertaining and enjoyable. There were many admiring glances from the multitude of customers arriving at this time, ensuring that the restaurant was full by eight o
Previous reviews...
Yang Sing
Le Raj
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Ivy - London
Forest Mere
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The Rainforest Caf
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San Marco
Sarastro
Pizza Express
Livebait Restaurant
Simpson's-in-the Strand Restaurant
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The Moghul
Zaffran
Barajee
Whittlebury Hall
De Vere
Hook Tandoori
The Teak House Thai Restaurant
The Bina
Mela
River Walk
Alcazar, Paris
Mali Thai - Reading
The New Inn - Heckfield
Forbury's
The Birch, Woburn
Fishworks in Chiswick
A Fish Called Walter
Cookham Tandoori - Indian Cuisine
Bistro Roque in Kintbury, Berkshire
Bistro Roque, Kintbury in the evening
Oasis
Eurostar to Avignon
Tea at the Ritz
Cilantro in Reading
Sultan Balti Palace
Don Beni, Italian Restaurant
The Compleat Angler, Marlow (MacDonald Hotels)
Dominos Pizza
Sizzling Wok
Manray
Alcazar
The Angel
The Italian Job
Hunters - Ireland
Marlfield House - Ireland
Dunbrody Country House - Ireland
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Alan McColm is QFOL's Restaurant Critic and Travel reviewer. Alan is working all over the country ... more
