Suz B.
Yelp
After the sad demise of Wok and Wine, we've been looking for another Chinese restaurant that's gluten free. I am happy to report that we may have found it!
Rendezvous is on Queensferry Street just two doors down from Wannaburger. Follow the red staircase up one flight and, as one other reviewer says, don't let that put you off. We booked through OpenTable and when we arrived a couple of hours later our reservation was in their book with the notes we always include about "one of the party being coeliac". They checked with us straight away and said to ask about any dishes as they'd be able to advise. Now, often people say that and don't quite get it but they were able to answer all my queries (of which there were many).
One lovely touch was to bring out, with the menus, a bottle of Tamari Sauce instead of soy, so I was really pleased about that. We had deep fried paper-wrapped prawn as a starter which was stuffed full of prawns and piping hot (although there was a bit too much grease when you bit into it). We also had a fried shredded chicken. I can't remember what it was called but it was lovely - again really hot and full of garlic and chilli. Nice and 'dry' too rather than oily.
For main I had Quick Fried Lamb with Spring Onion - lovely and fresh and not too glutinous. Husband had Duck with Black Bean Sauce which was a bit too gloopy for me, but lots of big chunks of duck. We ordered just one fried rice, which was plenty for two of us. We consumed endless rounds of Jasmine Tea, and the total bill was only £37. What a bargain!
It was a Sunday night and it got increasingly busy (we were there at 7pm). Always a good sign is also the amount of Chinese people that dine in, and this didn't disappoint. All the staff were really friendly and made the effort to suggest alternatives if what I wanted wasn't totally GF. They were also able to say that the chef could make a variation, to make it GF, which is always a nice touch. It just makes for a better experience as you know that they aren't just talking the talk.
The space itself is good with plenty of room between the tables - not cramped at all . It's a large area. The floor is clean, tables, chairs and curtains appear new and the overall décor is pleasing and modern. Again it doesn't look tired.
Husband has eaten here once a few years ago at the buffet lunch. He didn't remember it as being spectacular, but I'd go back to this place again for the a la carte. Wine looked to be very good value, with a choice of four whites or reds at under £16 a bottle. There were quite a few cocktails being ordered by other diners, so they know how to do more than just pour a pint, clearly.
Finally, they are promising to publish a separate GF menu and they said they'd be working towards making some more things GF. I'd coveted the chicken wings on the next table and the waitress suggested that in a few months they'd have a GF version. It's certainly going to get us to go back!
So, have we found a replacement for W&W? I'd like to think so. It's been in business since 1956 so it must be doing something right.