Rick Stein's Long Weekends.

Every now and then, I seem to suffer acute hunger pangs. Not simple hunger but the need for cooking and sharing food. Especially when I watch really good cookery programmes. There is a multitude of these any time of day or night and every day of the week. Sadly many of them do not have much to do with food. A few glorify kitchen violence while others promote overeating. 

A new cookery programme has stirred in me that love of food that first made me get into a restaurant kitchen instead of sticking with ship design.
I discovered Rick Stein in the mid-eighties just after I had opened Krimo's at Seaton Carew. I
immediately became a fan of his. The reason might have been because I had felt some sort of kindred spirit when I found out that he, too was a self-taught chef. 

Over the years I have watched him travel the world, cooking many national dishes and simplifying them for the home cook. He always does it with integrity, humour, and utter respect for local traditions. His own restaurant business is thriving, having spread from the Cornish seaside village of Padstow all the way to Australia. 

His latest offering goes by the title of Rick Stein's Long Weekends.
A few of the locations he visits are off the beaten track and never previously advertised or thought of as popular holiday destinations.
A couple of weeks ago, as I was flicking between television channels, I stumbled upon his visit to Thessaloniki, in Northern Greece. As I happen to have visited that port during my sailing days back in the late Seventies, I enjoyed watching the entire programme.
When I realised that it was part of series of episodes, I decided to click on the automatic record button to watch them in my spare time.
What a joy it has been to discover the various cities he has visited! From Copenhagen to Bordeaux, Reykjavik to Lisbon, etc...

As I watch him with eager eyes, mingle with the locals, visit food markets, eat and drink in restaurants where local ingredients are cooked with love, I sit there, salivating and dreaming of hopping on the next plane to, Lisbon to savour some juicy sardines, Thessaloniki to enjoy an octopus salad, or Cadiz, to devour a slow roasted shoulder of mutton.

How I would give up everything to travel the World on a neverending culinary tour.
I would go from city to town, village to hamlet, from North to South, East to West, sampling local foods cooked by chefs, housewives, amateur cooks, and stall holders. Anyone who would let me break bread with them while sipping some tea, coffee, wine or beer.
I would share my table with anyone who would dine with me and regale me with tales of their faraway life and traditions.

As the programme ends, I close my eyes and I am immediately teleported to a Vietnamese beach at sunset to sit drinking beer with the locals while the aroma of grilled fresh fish mingles with the smoke from the barbecue.
A click of the fingers and I am in a Madrid food market, hopping from stall to stall, tasting morsels of freshly baked breads, marinated meats, pickled vegetables, colourful olives and sipping full-bodied Rioja.
The next minute, I will be wolfing down the lightest pizza Marguerita in the World, to the sound of Tarantella, in a noisy Naples backstreet.

And when I am no longer able to travel, please leave me inside a French wine cellar with enough cheese and bread until the day I die.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b078dj4l/episodes/guide

Staff profile: Garry Llewellyn

Age: 25
Position: Assistant-Manager
Joined Casa del Mar: 2010

Job History: I started working in JD Sports at 16 working on the footwear department the money wasn’t great but the 25% staff discount came in handy. When I turned 18 I started working in a pub as a glass collector before moving onto working on the bar. I then joined casa del mar in 2010

What I like about working here:  First of all I like the customers without them there would be no job. I enjoy getting to know regulars, even knowing what they will be eating and drinking before they order.

Working in casa has made me a better cook at home, although I don’t work in the kitchen I have picked up many tips and great ideas also Chris and Luke are always happy to give me advice

The staff here are more than just work colleagues they are friends even some who have moved in stay on contact. I met my partner shelley working here and we have been together 3 ½ years and she recently gave birth to our first child Thomas

Other full time staff members Laura, Chris And Luke are really close friends so much so that Laura and Chris who are also a couple will become Thomas’s godparents in April.

Favourite Dishes: there is so many great dishes to choose from but if I had to choose it would be the deep fried brie with red onion marmalade followed closely by merguez sausages

Favourite Holiday: although I have had many family holidays as a kid and even as an adult I would have to say Bulgaria in 2013 with shelley. We stayed in a 5* hotel all inclusive the food was to die for as were the cocktails.

Krimo says: Since joining Casa del Mar, Garry has evolved in so many ways. His organisational skills have moved him up from waiter to assistant-manager in a few short years. Getting together with Shelley and becoming a father to Thomas are two cornerstones in his life that have made him mature so quickly.

Staff Profile: Daniel Mamby

Age: 28

Position: Second Chef at Portofino

Joined the restaurant: 2002

Job history: I started as a pizza chef and worked my way up the ladder over the years. I like the fact that I have made lots of great friends for life. We have a great working atmosphere.

Favourite dishes: I basically like everything we make at Portofino. Although I love our Peppercorn sauce my favourite dish has to be loin of lamb with mint-scented mash.
Favourite holiday: Cancun (Mexico) in 2013 where I met my Mexican girlfriend, Stephanie. 

Krimo says: Dan was promoted as second-chef when Chris Wilkinson moved to Casa del Mar in 2010. Since then, Dan has become Noel's right hand man, capably deputizing in his absence.

When he gets down to work, Dan is very often in a world of his own.
On a Mexican holiday, he met his Latina sweetheart, Stephanie.

Staff Profile: Shelley Balderson

Age: 30
Position: Assistant-manager at Casa del Mar

Joined the restaurant: From the day it opened on 23rd January 2006

Initial job: I was initially trained to work as a barmaid then within a few weeks, I became bar manager. I then progressed to front of house.

Job history: Prior to Casa, I did the night shift at Asda. Adam, who often came to the supermarket after his evening at Krimo's, asked if I  would be interested in working at the Tapas Bar before it even opened.

What I like about working here: I love the team I work with. We have a really good relationship and are all like friends rather than work colleagues. The customers make the job worthwhile. I have forged friendships with a few outside work.
I also met my partner of three years, Garry while at Casa and we are having our first baby together in the next few weeks.
And what would I do without Laura! She keeps me sane when working with Garry. Haha!

Favourite dishes: It has to be Pollo con Champinones (minus the mushrooms, Yuck!) Greek salad, meat paella, deep-fried brie and Chilli con Carne, just to name a few. I'm a growing girl and I like my food, hehe.

Favourite holiday: It was last year with Garry. We went to Bulgaria for a week. It was amazing. I miss the cocktails.

Krimo says: Apart from being my proof reader, Shelley is that person you want around you because she does not miss a thing.
She has been a great help since Day One, when Casa del Mar opened for the first time on the Marina.
She had a maternity break to have her son, Dan.
When she came back to work after her leave, she and Garry, our other assistant-manager became an item, and once again by the time you read this, she will be off on another maternity break, as the couple expect their first baby together within the next few weeks.
The staff love her even if, when it comes to work, she is quite strict. Outside work, she is the life and soul of the party.

Krimo's last couple of days...

These are photos of happy, lovely customers of Krimo's last two days.
(30th and 31st October 2014)

Krimo's served its last meal on 31st October 2014 after 29 ½ years.

Most of the people in the photos have been regulars for many of those years. 

The evening reminded me of New Year's Eves at Seaton. What an atmosphere!
Thank you all for a great time. 

                         

 

Staff Profile: Laura Caygill.

Age: 23

Position: Manager at Casa Del Mar

Joined the Restaurant: January 2010

Initial Job: I was initially trained to work on the bar on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Job History: When I was at college I worked in a fish and chips restaurant in Seaton Carew and the Staincliffe Hotel.

What I like about working here: I like getting to know the customers and having a chat with our regulars. I love working with Garry, Shelley and all of our boys and girls. We have a great team!!

Favourite Dishes: Chicken à la Crème and deep fried brie are my faves, but the Chicken à la Crème has to have no mushrooms, I'm very fussy!

Favourite Holiday: My first girls holiday to Magaluf when i was 18 was great and then the Domincan Repbulic last year.

Krimo says: Laura has a naturally sparkling personality and a great smile. She is great with customers, especially kids. She has gone from strength to strength since joining Casa del Mar nearly 5 years ago.
Her and Chris, our head-chef got engaged over a year ago.

Congratulations!  

The Final Countdown...

Krimo's countdown has started. We will cease trading on 31st October 2014.
Twenty nine and ½ years have flown by but I remember just about everything about those times. 
The first evening, 4th May 1985 when Karen, family and friends were still painting and decorating at 6.30pm when we had bookings for 7.30pm. 
I was in the kitchen putting the final touches to the food. 
The first guests began arriving. I showed Karen how to take an order from the first two tables then headed back to the kitchen to get on with the cooking. I did not raise my head until around 10.30pm. 
The entire family helped out. Alison was serving food. Her future husband, Dave pulled pints. Lisa and Leslie babysat Adam who was only 3 years old then. We fed and watered THIRTY PEOPLE. It had felt like the five thousand.

I counted our takings for that night. £347! This was more than the restaurant I had just left to open mine, took in an entire week! 
As I did for the next few months, once the kitchen was cleaned down, I drove the staff home in my rickety old Fiat.  
By the time I came back home, our flat above the restaurant, Karen was fast asleep on the settee, a glass of white barely touched still in her hand.
Half and hour later, one well-deserved glass of red down me, having wound down,I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. 

Then I wake up one day and nearly thirty years have gone. 
Alison and Dave got married at the restaurant at Seaton. Their first child, Evie (19) has worked at Krimo's since 2010. Alex (14) often loved helping slice carrots in the kitchen.

Lisa whose speciality in the early days was making desserts confessed that every night she had worked, she rewarded herself at the end of the shift with a huge banana split laced with Crème de Menthe.

Leslie joined the army to become a chef and married a chef, Jen at the new Krimo's on the Marina. He now runs his own successful cleaning business.

Adam first worked at Krimo's then McDonald, back to Krimo's, helped me open Casa del Mar, ran it for 3 years and then opened his own Flix Movie Café in Church Square.
He and Hayley, Krimo's manager for a few years, got married and the latest addition to the family, Isaac came along over two years ago.

And the rest is History.

Winding down...

As we wind down for the last few weeks at Krimo's, I have been drafted in to do some real work now that a few of our managers have left us for greener pastures. Zoe at Boots and Nicci at Seaton Carew Golf Club.

Beside attending a full time University course, looking after two daughters Rachael, (6 years at Krimo's) still finds time to come in to help run the bar and restaurant.
Granddaughter, Evie who has also found a job at Boots, is staying on until 31st October, our last day. She has become the person who looks after the details of running a restaurant from organising rotas to bossing me around.
The rest of the waiting skeleton staff, Amy Cowan, Laura Buckle, Megan Ross, Beth Greig, Rebecca Twist and Hannah Llewellyn have all astounded me by rising to the challenge of working short-staffed.
In the kitchen, Colin has also lost two young chefs and he and his team have also stepped up a gear.

As for me, apart from my dodgy left knee giving me a lot of bother by the end of the night and having to resort to wine to numb the pain, I am enjoying being back on board even if it is only for a few short weeks.
Whenever asked about Krimo's imminent closure, I try my best to explain the reason, quoting my advancing years, the end of the lease, etc... More often than not these "excuses" fall on deaf ears.
"Where are we going to go once Krimo's has gone?"
Portofino and Casa Del Mar draw varying responses. From the inability to climb stairs to being unfamiliar with Spanish tapas.

Those who have never been to our other two eateries reluctantly say:
"Ah, well we'll give them a try."

I am overwhelmed...

by the comments I have received since the announcement of Krimo's future.

Here a selection...

"Oh Krimo, this brought a little tear to my eye :(Good luck with what comes next, and hope Casa and Porto continue to thrive :) x"
"Sad news Krimo.... Let's hope whoever takes over will keep up the excellent reputation the restaurant has :)

"Good luck Krimo. Have a great future in whatever you decide to do."

"Sad news but wishing you both all the best for the future. Pleased we will still see you at Portofino and Tapas xx"

"Well deserved longevity and i hope that one day i can be a good waffler too :-) xx I hope i can visit there before December x....Don't be sad be proud x"

"Good luck on your new journey :))"

"Good luck... Enjoy your semi-retirement had excellent meals and enjoyed the atmosphere there celebrated my 50th and was made most welcome each time we visited..... I will certainly be having a meal before you go Krimo..."
"WOW my friend .... good luck in your future plans .... :)"

"Well done on all your achievements!! Amazing Restaurant! Amazing family business! Lovely family and fantastic employer! Will not be the same but I hope someone can carry on the success of Krimo's. thank you for employing me, twice! Thanks for all the lovely meals and lovely custom!! We wish you all the best, now you both deserve to rest :-) love Michael and Jeanette xx"

"My first ever job was at Krimo’s .. 4 and a half years and I have to say I loved every minute .. 
Met some of the best friends I ever had through Krimo’s and you and Karen and Adam were great bosses.
Much luck for the future Krimo and Karen and I hope whoever buys it will continue the good name x x 

"Wow - that is a shame Krimo Bouabda, but you must be so very proud. Steve and I will never forget your kind gesture in Portofino's, when we returned from our around-the-world trip. :) You have certainly earned a few nights off! We wish you the best of luck xx In the meantime, are you taking reservations for your closing night? I think Steve and I would like to be a part of it, regardless of when it is. We will of course, continue to support Casa del Mar and Portofino as we always have - but Krimo's takes some beating in the town xx",

"Good luck my friend. You will be missed"

"Such a shame Krimo, but you and Karen certainly deserve a sometime off. I remember my fist day at Krimo's in August 1999 like it was yesterday, that opportunity you gave me and skills and experience I gained really helped shape the person I am today and were invaluable in me becoming a Police Officer. Wishing you both lots of happiness x"

"Oh my goodness what a shame. My husband and I first visited your restaurant at Seaton Carew on one of our first dates many, many years ago and have been loyal customers ever since, celebrating many occasions with you over the years. Our daughter is your number one fan and we are so disappointed that you are putting the business up for sale. You and Karen deserve some years to chill and enjoy your retirement after many years serving the finest food to the people of Hartlepool. You will be sadly missed and I have just called and reserved a table for tomorrow night as we need to enjoy your fine food as many times as possible before you go!! Wishing you lots of luck and many happy retirement years xxx"

"You have worked hard and kept a good reputation in this town top man"

"Have liked this, but not to see you go. You have set a high standard to be maintained by anyone who takes over, Krimo."

"Can't believe it's actually going to happen, this place has been my family since I was seventeen so not only have I seen it change it's seen me change and grow as well !! Will be missed xx"

"Aw sad times but makes perfect sense for you. Lots of good times and celebrations spent at Krimo’s with Adam and our friends."

"Hi, Krimo sorry to hear you are closing Krimo’s my family and I have enjoyed your hospitality down the years from your beginnings at Seaton hope you enjoy your partial retirement hope to see you again soon."

"Best of luck Krimo. Being one of those many teenagers you have employed over the years I fully appreciate the amazing contribution you and karen have made to the Hartlepool community. Loved working at seaton, such good times and I wish you many more when you do eventually have a little rest. Xx"

"I remember my mam and Cliff and The Coliseum back in 85. You where a good chef then mate. You must have been a good waffler to to put up with Cliff. Good luck for the future mate."

"Sad day for Hartlepool but wish you & your family the very best for the future!"

"How sad. I remember the days when I used to wash and iron your tablecloths right back when you started in Seaton Carew x your family will be missed on the marina xx"

"Understandable. Enjoy your lighter workload and keep the match reports coming."

"Having delivered your fruit and veg for many years for my family before I emigrated down under I got to say I loved going to Krimo's either delivering or going for a meal, the staff have helped give make a happy relaxing atmosphere where some restaurants in town don't have"

"All the best Krimo! Was a great place to work, probably the best working environment I've worked in, met some cracking people including yourself, Adam , big Colin , Colin , Tracy, Madge, Lydia, Ben, Jimmy, Kevin, Christopher and loads more. Fantastic place to eat as well! Definitely the end of an era in the town!"

"Can't believe your going to lose the BRAND"

"Sad news! every good wish for the future with everything else. At least we all still get to see you around. So that's good news! Love to you, and all your family x"

"Carole would like you to wait closing till after June if you don't mind Krimo so when we come over to visit we can come down for a meal"

"A difficult decision no doubt Krimo. I totally understand that priorities in life change over time and wish you all the very best for the future and hope that you can take time for yourself to enjoy all that life has to offer you in the coming years. It was a pleasure working with you for those years at Tees Valley Maria. xx"

The End of An Era...

Krimo's present lease comes to an end in December and I have no intention of getting tied to another 10 or 15-year extension, having just turned 61.

I have decided to let go of the reins and allow others to carry on the good work that has been put into Krimo's by our faithful staff of many years, thousands of youngsters who earned a few quids while at college, Karen who was thrown in at the deep end on our opening night and me, a cowboy chef and head-waffler for the last 29 years.

Most of our regulars know the following lines by heart: 
"Krimo's Restaurant was opened on 4th May 1985 by Krimo and Karen Bouabda with a mere £250 and bucketfuls of enthusiasm."
Twenty nine years on Krimo's is now uniquely placed by the Marina lock gates to continue attracting customers from all over the region, the country and the world, as Hartlepool goes from strength to strength.

While I will soon let go of Krimo's, entrusting the place to whoever acquires the business, I shall continue to help run our other successful restaurants, Portofino and Casa del Mar with renewed enthusiasm.

I wish to thank Hartlepool for giving me, all those years ago, a chance to succeed and make a livelihood out of things I discovered I loved, such as cooking, serving people or simply waffling.
This is something I would never have been able to do without the support of the town's people, many of whom have become great friends and some of the most loyal staff an employer can wish to work with.

There are a few months left yet before I hand over the keys, so, for those who have never dined with us, please come and see why we have lasted so long at the forefront of Hartlepool's restaurant scene and for our loyal regulars, please understand that my staff and I will continue giving you nothing but the best until the last minute.

When eating out...

We asked you a few questions about eating out... 

Here are a few of your comments. 

*All restaurants should offer water with a meal, customers should be given a choice of tap or bottled to suit their preference. House wine should be highlighted for that evening similar to specials so it can be changed when needed.

*I think that all restaurants should offer free water, perhaps not calling it tap water lol 

*We often eat out and like to try different dishes, don't ask about low calorie as we go out to eat for either a special occasion or just a treat!

*Have visited Krimos quite a few times, the staff are always on hand to explain what a dish is and if they would recommend it, also they will recommend which wine to have with a certain dish.

*Wouldn't rate higher or lower on the tap water, as we go for the food.

*Always pleased with the service, the food and the atmosphere, thank you .    

*Fan of Portofinos always lovely.

*I always enjoy eating at krimos. The food is moderately spiced and flavoursome to suit my taste buds.               

*We can increase rankings of your website in search engines. Please reply back for more details.

*My husband and I enjoy trying new dishes then I try to replicate them at home, sometimes with a slight alteration according to the ingredients I have to hand. I enjoy cooking and often create recipes, as I did tonight for our Shrove Tuesday pancakes. It is a treat when we eat out so I'm not particularly calorie counting. I prefer to live by the old adage that a little of what you fancy does you good.

*House wine is generally a sign of a good restaurant if it is good quality.

*Eating out is a rare treat, so when I do choose a restaurant I always go for the best quality I can afford, anything else is a bonus. 

*I rank good quality food, reasonable prices and ambience as important. Krimo's ticks all the boxes! A great restaurant!

*As a Coeliac I would like the menu to be clearly marked Gluten free where appropriate.

*I will try anything once.

*I love trying new foods but i also like my favourites too, like duck and lamb dishes both fantastic in krimos        

*I find if I am eating at a good restaurant the house wine is usually a good one.I have found this to be very true at Krimos and Portofinos.

*We rate restaurants by quality of food, not quantity.

Your Valentine's Day

We asked you how you celebrate Valentine's Day 

Thank you for sharing:

*Valentine’s Day is still a special day even when a couple have been together for a long time.It should always be celebrated.

*We can increase rankings of your website in search engines. Please reply back for more details.

*Usually me and my boyfriend would celebrate Valentine’s day by booking a table at a well known restaurant.

*Just having a great meal with my wife at Krimo’s. Duck special was lovely.

*I have cooked a meal this year as my Husband was working late, we do enjoy eating out. This year we have been married 43 years and on March 10th we are celebrating our son's 40th Birthday and as you are closed on Mondays we have booked Krimo’s on 11th March for 13 of us including 5 of our Grand Children ranging from 8- 21 years old, we are all looking forward to our meals.

*We need a special day in the year to show our loved one just how much we do love them.

*Come on don’t be shy with that chicken liver pate get that stuff in and around my mouth ouffffff!!!

*My husband and I never celebrate Valentine's day because it's our anniversary on the 15th and also we don't need one day to tell how much we love each other, plus we have two young children and struggle for a babysitter except this year we are free on the night.

*We don’t need a special day to show we love each other – it’s every day.

*It is very important to do something with a loved one on Valentine’s Day. Sometimes we lead so busy lives we forget how much we love those most dear to us.    

*I'm not at home for Valentine’s Day I'm stuck in the North Sea on a oil rig away from my wife so I've booked a meal at Krimo’s for Saturday 22nd for us both for some nice food and drinks it's going to be a date night for us can't wait see you soon.

*Portofino's last week for surely the best starters and pasta in town...looking forward to next time.

*We have never been to a Krimo’s restaurant before and would love this chance to go :)            

*Krimo's always a good choice for a romantic occasion.

*I have put 'cook a meal' because we are with friends on this date. It has taken sooooo long to set a date when we can all be together (they live next door) and it is their turn to cook! We are supposed to be having an Italian night as we all went on holiday to Lake Garda last year and they promised to do this. Watch this space!!!

*Husband not that romantic so I will cook.

*Hubby works away so normally i have to wait to go for a meal when he gets home:-(

*Looking forward to any opportunity to mark and celebrate my relationship with the most wonderful man in the world :-)

Your Favourite Cuisine...

We asked you the following question:
*When eating out, what cuisines do you usually choose?
Italian, French, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Other...

It seems that you cannot get enough of sunshine food. The research you helped with in November revealed that most of you are in love with Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.

Your taste for Italian food was three times as popular as that of the nearest, which was Indian.

Although most cuisines have a lot to offer, Italian carries such a range of dishes that it never fail to cater for all sorts of tastes.
Our own Portofino has, for the last 16 years proved very popular with diners of all ages. It is a favourite among families with both parents and children always managing to find something to their taste, from a simple Margherita Pizza or Spaghetti Carbonara to a more elaborate chicken or steak dish.

I, personally love the simplicity of Italian dishes, many of which can be labelled as "fast food" in the true meaning of the phrase. A risotto or a pasta dish takes no longer than fifteen minutes to prepare from scratch. A pizza, providing the base is ready will take less than eight minutes in a normal oven.

Here is a selection of your answers.

-Chicken a'la creme with chips
-love them all!!!!
-I mainly go for chicken dishes when I go out for a meal.
-I enjoy tapas because you can try lots of different dishes at the same time."
-Hard to choose as we have lots of favourite dishes
-My preference is for 'English' food however I love tapas and in particular the chicken which Chorizo (with not too many peppers.)
-Just to say thank you - we had a lovely night at Krimo's last friday evening for a colleague leaving work. 50% of table live out of town and all commented about how impressed they were with food, venue and staff service.  Thank you. Lynn
-I spent 2 years living in Italy so the cuisine is very close to my heart
-All good food is good
-Brown down chicken rice and peas, deep fried plantain, akee and saltfish are firm favourites although very difficult to find in the north east.
-Also love tapas :) and think the creamy chicken and mushroom is the best dish ever along with chorizo pate mmmm
-I am disabled and my husband Andrew is my carer and I would love to win a meal for my husband and I as a special thank you to him for taking care of me.
-We like to eat at any of these restaraunts ,we like to have a good choice of international cuisine regards Phill
-I prefer simple well cooked and presented dishes.
-I like the imaginative use of vegetables and salads. Fish and seafood are my favourites. I do not particularly like elaborate sauces."
-I have chosen Italian but I have a very cosmopolitan palate and love all types of food if it is well prepared and presented.
-"I am flexible what I eat but I like spices so I tend to eat Indian food"
-Like all sorts of foods, depends how I feel. :)
-"Spanish cuisine consists of a variety of dishes and a variety of lovely flavours that you are able to share with other people. It is also part of of the Mediterranean cuisine which people eat for healthy and balanced diet.
-Italian is another variety I always choose as you can choose from a variety of options with delicious tastes and textures."
-Love them all perhaps Italian is favourite.
-I enjoy many cuisines from around the world.
-Enjoy trying different cuisines
-Don't mind a nice steak either. Not really aware of any French restaurants.
-My husband and i love frech food but do not no of a restarant near by?
-Thai is a close second
-Deep fried brie is a favourite
-Love to try different foods
-It's difficult to choose one favourite dish, I like a wide range of food including spicy dishes. I chose French because of how their cuisine is steeped in a rich history of simple and elaborate recipes which are important to their culture. Anyone who is classically trained in French cuisine can so easily adapt to other styles of cooking.
-I enjoy most cuisine and am always willing to try new dishes.
-Anything on Krimos menu!!
-I like to try different foods from all over the world that I haven't had before and that I haven't cooked before.
-Being coeliac, I find chinese and thai more difficult to eat due to gluten in soy sauces (thai green/red curries aside). With Most mediterranean dishre it is a matter of good hygiene practices and simply asking, so I like Italian dishes as there are risotto's and often gluten free pasta available.
-Tasty and varied choice
Made with fresh produce and with personal pride
love to try all different types of food, however I think that the restaurant and service also needs to be taken into account for a great night out, dining at any of krimos establishments will quarantee a meal and night to remember
-Mediterranean/algerian is & will always be my no1 cuisine
-My favourite is tandoori king prawn masala.
-Still room for a good Turkish menu Krimo!
-...and of course a tapa (or two ) is a fabourite :)
"would you consider alcohol free cocktails as in mocktails....as in when we go for tapas in Edinburgh we can get these
I like a lot on the menu so really happy with Casa Del Mar"
-I love chilli n spice!
-Just love food.
-Thai fishcakes are a favourite of mine with sweet chilli sauce.
-I really like escargot and a variety of french cheese.
-"Merry Christmas Krimo and all your wonderful staff. Sandra and john"
-I usually go for potatoe skins for a starter and depending what mood am in i usually go for steak or carbonara.
-"Chinese - Crispy shredded beef, chow mien, curries
-Italian - lasagne, carbonara"
-Love lots of different foods.
-Portofinos is a fantastic place for any occasion the atmosphere will suit all ages. The staff are very polite & friendly, but most of all the food us Absoloeutly delicious and certainly well worth the money...
-Great food. Shame the hufc v ntfc result didn't go our way
-I enjoy well cooked, tasty food, eg Krimo's menu.
-If i had to sum up Italian food in one word, it would have to be BELLISSIMO
-Italian foods are great because of the  combinations of herbs and spices, fresh vegetables, good pasta and excellent cheeses. In other words,I choose Italian food because it is fresh and simple and healthy
-I choose Italian food because it is made with imagination and sophistication, pizza, pasta, spaghetti bolognaise, what is there not to love.
-My partner eats pizza and chips or a dinner everywhere we go, I like trying lots of different foods
-We love enjoy a variety of foods from many lands,provided the quality is first-rate and the surroundings and service are enjoyable.  Gluten-free food is essential for me as I have coeliac disease.
-Usually choose italian cuisine. Usually eat either chicken in white wine sauce dishes, or pizza.
-This will be our first visit as Mr & Mrs. x
-Would love to be chosen as the winner! i love Krimos

Your Comments about your Favourite Foods...

a typical british food that can be cooked in so many different recipes

A well prepared  dish,and great ambiance is my definition of a meal out. Both found at Krimos. Thank you.

Always had fab meals in all yr restaurants. many thanks x

Always very tasty when fresh and prawns and chicken dishes are a great combination

It would have to be a Krimo's fillet cooked medium-rare

Cant go wrong with a nicely cooked steak.

Chicken breast in a sauce with mushrooms.

Difficult one as I too am not a fussy eater - lamb would have been my next choice!

Difficult to pick just one, but steak, specifically fillet, is always at the top of my list!

Duck, pink with crispy skin.

especially Krimos pork and black pudding! nom nom nom  Have a celebration to look forward to - the sale of our house - booking next week for our treat and Can't wait!

Especially tapas seafood its amazing!

Fillet steak medium with just the right amount of pink. As a Coeliac I prefer my food plain but top quality.

Fresh fish well cooked- food of the Gods!

great relaxed venue Portofino. Keep it up.

Had to pick Fish and Seafood as I always opt for your 'Fish of the day".

Has to be very fresh

Have always enjoyed your goujons (chicken), potato skins with dips and steak (with a sauce) when we come into your restaurant! There is never any room for desert............one of these days I will have one though as they look delicious.

hope im right I could do withbanother cracking meal at the tapas in fact thats where were going right now

How come I only get to pick one! agree with your comment - I love all food when cooked to perfection - that's why I love Krimos.

However I do love your scallops, they are my favourite ðŸ~ƒ xx

However, I love cajun salmon and pork dishes too :)

I absolutely adore prawns but lamb is a lovely meat too.

I am a great lover of Prawns, Salmon and Scallops, cooked in any sauce etc,as long as they are cooked by a great chef.

I am also right into Harissa and Chipotle pastes at the moment

I do eat meat but there are so many great vegetarian dishes to choose from these days. full of flavour and very nutritious

I find it has the best flavour and combines with the best sauces and at my age is better for me and digests better

I had a lovely Bellini on Friday lunchtime you cant bet a bit of beef

I like all the above except the fish and seafood, but lamb is my favourite.

I like everything!!

I like most foods and often like to try something new, fish and sea food are my favourite .

I like most foods but am partial to prawns, mussels and crab.

I LOVE ALL FOOD

I love eating fillet steak cooked med/rare with a blue cheese sauce on the side accompanied with home made chunky chips, grilled mushrooms and tomatoes. Yum!

I love Portofino's chicken dishes

i love seafood and eat it when ever i can in a restaurant because that's where it is cooked to perfection.

I love Tapas and fish and seafood dishes.

I love the lobster sauce and creamy cabbage in Krimos

I must admit, I would be more inclined to go for a chicken dish, as there is so much variety to choose from.

I prefer beef although my wife picks Chicken.

I tend to eat mainly chicken at home as most of the family like chicken and are not too keen on fish. So, to have a lovely fish or seafood dish is a real treat.

I would love to win this competition and visit your restaurant.

Im not quite sure what i'm supposed to comment on so ill just say Jensen Ackles. That is all. No I'm Kidding but chicken is a very popular food and is just perfect, so perfect in fact that there are businesses that rely just solely on chicken like KFC but I must say my favourite chicken is portofinos chicken because portifinos man.

It's difficult to choose one of the meats as a favourite as I enjoy all. It would depend on what the dish was (its accompaniments, sauces etc) and how I felt at the time! The only one I would not choose is Fish and Seafood! I like some vegetarian foods but I am a meat eater!

It's impossible to pick one really as it depends on the day. However, I'm particularly fond of slow cooked tender lamb.

It's so versatile

Lamb shank. Had several at the old restaurant in Seaton

love all the food at Krimos Restaurants,highly recommend the food ,and good service and friendly staff.

Love good food cooked well, but often like a vegetarian option

Love pork or is it the apple sauce?.

Love seafood but would also eat any of the above

Man cannot live by bread alone - but if there's cheese with it, that's OK!

most versatile in my opinion.

Nothing better than a juicy fillet steak

nothing better than eating fresh fish just caught that day..fruits of the sea!

pasta tastes wonderful with beef, I could happily eat it every day

Personally I would eat any type of food listed above as long as it is cooked properly

Personally would eat anything as long as it is cooked properly but if I were to pick, I would also go for fish and seafood

Pulled pork! What a treat! Nom :-)

Really hard choice but fish and seafood are a real treat

steak, is great, also like pork and chicken, turkey haddock, and vegetarian dishes.

Tapas is a great way to introduce children to different types of food. Its also a reminder of holidays in spain......

The slow cooked lamb tapas is to die for... but then again, they all are :)

There are so many different varieties of fish and seafood and so many different recipes to make. This is also excellent food for low fat diet!! yumyum!

Theres nothing better than a roast leg of lamb for Sunday lunch.I love the smell as its cooking.For me its the perfect roast.

This is so difficult, probably a good roast lamb or chicken and pasta dish.  I do also love seafood!

Very close call as I like most foods. Lamb & beef would come a close second, pork & chicken third & vegetarian forth.

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We went for a meal at casa del mar last Month and the lamb was to die for!

when I dine out fish and seafood are always my selection, a light,tasty and delicious meal like no other

When it comes to chicken, for me, breast is best, in a light sauce with plenty of vegetables.

With fat warm crispy crackling like my nana makes it !

Would just love to tackle a dover sole !!

Your Lamb Tagine is one of my favourite dishes.

your restaurant must be the best in hartlepool for sea food we have had it at your place and would love to get a chance to eat it again

Your favourite dish...

If you were to name one dish that you have enjoyed at least once, in one of our restaurants, what would it be? 
Below is a selection of the answers given by our regulars...

*	Algerian Boureks, not something you can get anywhere else	*	Rachel	*
*	all of them! :)	*	Gavin	*
*	am rather partial to the smoked haddock rissoto - ticks all the boxes for me !	*	fred	*
*	Any of your Tapas all are top notch food	*	Phill	*
*	Any steak dish, haven't been to Krimo's for ages, must make a point of going back!	*	Joanne	*
*	Beef medallions on Valentines day.It was Divine!!!	*	dave	*
*	Bellini	*	Ann	*
*	Bellini- I have eaten it many times since I first tasted it at Seaton- just fabulous !	*	Gillian	*
*	Bourek  Bellini medallions	*	Stephanie	*
*	Cabrese pizza! The goats cheese is creamy and musky against the yummy herby tomato base.  All topped off with a little blanket of lovely peppery rocket.  Scrummy.	*	Amanda	*
*	Cajun Salmon  Tasty and spicy	*	John	*
*	Can't beat sirloin steak in peppercorn sauce!	*	Steve	*
*	Casa del Mar - the Pollo al Ajillo,  love the tender chicken and the garlic and hint of lemon in the sauce, great for dipping bread in.	*	Ann	*
*	Casa del mar. Prawns in chilli and garlic	*	Louise	*
*	Casa del mar. The chicken fajitas are amazing. Enough to ahre with who you dine with and enough to fill yoy	*	emma	*
*	Chicken a la creme	*	janet	*
*	Chicken a la creme	*	nichola	*
*	Chicken Algerian is amazing From portofinos	*	Becca	*
*	Chicken breast stuffed with king prawns and lobster sauce....	*	peter	*
*	Chicken Fajitas yum yum x	*	Leanne	*
*	chicken tangine at krimos, tasty, differnt, well cooked, presented brilliantly, never ever been disapointed and most other resturants dont have it on the menu.	*	carol	*
*	Chicken with king prawn in lobster sauce.  Dear lord I absolutely love it! Girlfriend birthday on 17th so get it ready for me again	*	John	*
*	Confit duck	*	RONALD	*
*	Confit of duck leg - Had me quacking with excitement! Absolutely beautiful :)	*	Lisa	*
*	Confit of duck on braised red cabbage. This is my favorite..I like to choose something that I would not cook at home, but as always I am spoilt for choice! long may you continue to serve excellent food at this lovely restaurant.	*	susan	*
*	Everything I've tried in the tapas bar :)	*	Tina	*
*	Fillet steak, cooked perfectly to melt in your mouth!	*	Nicole	*
*	Fish of the day.  Always well sourced and always fresh	*	Linda	*
*	Fish Tagine - amazing flavours and textures made this one of the most enjoyable meals I have ever had.	*	Pauline	*
*	Garlic  mushrooms are to die for.	*	Angela	*
*	Got to be 'The Boureks'!! Love the crispness of the pastry followed by the spicy flavours that hit your tongue once you bite into them - I could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Followed very closely by the Fillet Steak with the peppercorn sauce.	*	Gerald	*
*	grilled sardines	*	tony	*
*	havent eaten there YET?but going to hartlepool end of october?	*	julian	*
*	Home made pâté. Every time I come to Krimos I look at the delicious range of starters but know that when it comes to ordering I won't be able to stop myself asking for the pâté! It is quite simply the best I have ever tasted and I love that I can have it at home now too!	*	Joy	*
*	I always love your Fajitas so I tend to be a bit boring as I tend to stick them most of the time though I think I've tried most of them, decided to be adventurous and tried the Paella de Carne as I love paella when we go to Spain yours was delicious, your Calamares a la Romana also gets the thumbs up !	*	Anne	*
*	I like lots of dishes in your restaurants, but one of my favourites are the fajitas in Casa del Mar. I like all of the different flavours and textures all wrapped together in a tortilla. Usually I have chicken, however as a treat I occasionally opt for the king prawns!	*	Gillian	*
*	I like most dished at Krimo's but in particular the risotto. It is tasty , light and they will make it to suit my taste . Which is mostly vegetarian and no fish .	*	Marie	*
*	I like the appetizers best! They are a good forecast of what's to come and leave you wanting more. I have occasionally wondered whether to ask for a plate of them for a main meal. Oh- and I love the creamy cabbage. Why don't other restaurants offer cabbage? Down with broccoli, I say.	*	Chris	*
*	I love Casa del Mar. There is so much choice and variety.  The idea that you can choose a number of items if you are unsure which you would like. Then the option of buying a full meal of your favourite is great. dine with friends, we all choose a few different dishes which we all share. That way we get to sample the fab menu. No fav, all fabulous	*	Claire	*
*	I love the famous chicken lover pâté starter with red onion marmalade at Krimos - it's so delicious and one of my favourite.	*	Rachel	*
*	I used to love Portofino mussels when they were in White wine. Not sure if you still do them like this, when they are in season. You should add Moules Frites onto your menu (even though it's belgian)	*	Gail	*
*	It's difficult to choose, I've enjoyed meals in all the restaurants. However, enjoying seafood and being a simple sole (sorry), I really enjoy the tapas sardines with a squeeze of lemon on a hot evening, nowt better.	*	Martyn	*
*	I've never eaten at your resteraunt and I only live in Trimdon/	*	Quenton	*
*	Krimos Monkfish. Cooked to perfection and worked perfectly on the bed of creamy mash. Yum yum.	*	Marie	*
*	Lamb & Meatball Tagine. A claasic dish, especially now that the autumn and winter months are approaching. Fantastic with a full bodied red wine.	*	STEVEN	*
*	Lamb kleftiko I love slow cooked lamb but you do not have it on the Casa Del Mar menu any longer and you should bring it back!!! :-)	*	Philip	*
*	Lamb koftas at Krimos remind me sunny days and balmy nights	*	Lynn	*
*	Lamb shank!  Wholesome, plenty and cooked to perfection	*	Fred	*
*	Lamb Tagine	*	Paul	*
*	lamb tagine	*	maureen	*
*	LAMB TAGINE    REMINDS ME OF HOLIDAYS IN AFRICA	*	brion	*
*	lamb tagine - it is delicious!!	*	Judith	*
*	Lamb tagine .lovely spicy flavours ,perfectly cooked .yum yum .	*	Mavis	*
*	Lamb tagine because it is so spicy and different from most dishes served in a restaurant	*	Irene	*
*	lamb tagine, slow cooked and mouth wateringly good food.	*	yvonne	*
*	Lamb Tagine. It's addictive and it just melts in your mouth. It also inspired me to print the recipe off your website many years ago, and it is now one of my favourite dishes that I cook at home.	*	Stephen	*
*	LAMB WITH PRUNES	*	DAVID	*
*	lasange	*	JOSE	*
*	liver and garlic mash have never been anywhere that can repeat your menu with the liver cut so thin which makes it so tender and it does not lose its flavour	*	Terry	*
*	Liver and mash - at Krimos you make an ordinary sounding dish taste special.	*	Hilda	*
*	Mediterranean sardines.Just so tasty and cant always get them locally	*	Sylvia	*
*	Merguez sausages for their spicy ,meaty ness.	*	Tim	*
*	Mmmmm so many to choose from.  I would say one of many that stands out is the starter in Portofinos which is the crab with shallots and brandy. To die for.	*	Tracey	*
*	Morrocan tagine in Krimos	*	Emma	*
*	Mussels. Hard to choose really. Everything is so amazing. We are working our way through the whole menu. Never disappointed!	*	Lynda	*
*	My favourite is Lamb Tagine. So spicy and tasty and beautifully presented. Yummeeeeeee	*	James	*
*	Never disappointed with any dish however, I really look forward to the duck, cooked to perfection and not many can! For starter my other half would be devastated if the pork and black pudding wasn't on the menu! And at Portofino, I love the spaghetti Portofino! Salmon, prawns and tomato with cream, plenty rosemary garlic bread and white wine ðŸ'	*	Jet	*
*	Never had a bad one! all great	*	Trish	*
*	One dish ,that's almost impossible to choose BUT If I had too, THE BELLINI FILLET STEAK , been eating  this since 1985 never disappointed once , then on the other hand how about the !!!!!	*	HELEN	*
*	Orange and passionfruit cheesecake mmmmmmm It tastes so creamy and fruity and  zesty.I think its not that naughty because it must be 2 of your 5 a day!!Its a dessert that is light to eat without making you feel you have overeaten.	*	janet	*
*	Paella	*	Robert	*
*	Paesano	*	Christine	*
*	PAESANO it has a lovely rich taste and melts in your mouth DELICOUS	*	Beverley-Anne	*
*	Paesano, I have it nearly every time. Delicious!!!	*	Brenda	*
*	Pizza Volcanica Excellent spicy pizza, especially with some extra anchovies	*	John	*
*	pollo rosemary	*	pam	*
*	Potato skins and garlic dip... Simple yet very satisfying!!!	*	Alexis	*
*	Potato skins. -Wonderful. I then struggle to eat my main course because they are so filling.I promise myself I will ignore them next time but i cannot resist and order them again.	*	Ken	*
*	Rack of lamb perfectly cooked	*	Karen	*
*	Salmon in creamy leek sauce and the chicken and mushroom dish from casa del mar  lovely	*	Julie	*
*	salmon with honey and balsamic	*	Frances	*
*	Salmon with honey and balsamic vinegar is my favourite at Porto Fino.I always enjoy it because the fish is perfectly cooked, and the honey and vinegar are the best combination of sweet and sour without overwhelming the salmon with a sticky sauce.	*	Elizabeth	*
*	Salmon with leek and bacon sauce . Lovely flavours .	*	David	*
*	Seafood paella.  Fresh flavours and perfectly cooked rice and seafood. Love it!	*	Christine	*
*	slow cooked beef in red wine, vegetables and mushrooms. melt in the mouth beef, smooth rich wine and tasty vegetables, great meal,great taste,a meal to enjoy and I did	*	sheila	*
*	Slow Cooked Lamb for Sunday lunch.  Falls apart on the plate, absolutely fabulous taste.	*	Lynn	*
*	Slow cooked lamb tapas at Casa del Mar is melt in the mouth tender. Just thinking about it, I could eat some right now with some crusty bread.	*	Steve	*
*	Spicy lamb sausages in a tomato sauce at casa del mar, because they taste so yum yum yummy	*	Emily	*
*	Spicy merguez sausages... LOvely!	*	Andrew	*
*	sticky toffee pudding -  the first time I tasted one was in Krimos and I've been hooked since	*	dorothy	*
*	sunday lunch  just perfect	*	anne	*
*	sunday lunch just perfect !	*	anne	*
*	Thai Style King Prawn Curry and Rice......my favourite!!!  It never fails to satisfy!!!!	*	Brenda	*
*	The bellini, medium to rare, cooked to perfection, full of flavour, delicious.	*	Carol	*
*	The chicken stuffed with prawns and served with a lobster sauce is divine	*	Hayley	*
*	The chicken with chorizo at Casa Del Mar. I make it at home but not as lovely!	*	Helen	*
*	the lambs liver, a great simple dish but with a great flavour, the mash and garlic butter compliment it perfectly.one of my absolute favourite meals.	*	john	*
*	The liver is cooked to perfection ,the taste is superb. It compliments the atmosphere of Krimo's	*	Barrie	*
*	the liver pate with onion marmalade.  I love the strong flavour of the pate (much better than shop bought stuff) and the marmalade compliments it so well.	*	Carol	*
*	The Minted Lamb at Casa del Mar. I've never been keen on lamb, but I was part of a family group celebration where we had many dishes and I was prompted to try it. It was delicious and so tender. I've since ordered it each time my wife and I visit.	*	Neil	*
*	The roast beef on the Sunday menu is beautiful.	*	Robert	*
*	the salmon. It's always cooked to perfection (and, the complimentary bread of course!)	*	Andrea	*
*	The Tagine of Lamb.  It was delicious and tasty.	*	Mary	*
*	The tapas mmmmm	*	Gwenneth	*
*	the vegetable taggine.........its amazing, so many different flavours and perfect veg!	*	gemma	*
*	The vegetarian risotto - it was really creamy and tasty.	*	Angela	*
*	Too many to list!  However, I always remember enjoying Baked Alaska at your restaurant in Seaton as one of my favourites.	*	Julie	*
*	tortellini a la crème,is my fav it just transports me back to Italy.	*	sandra	*
*	Tournados Rossini - melt in your mouth steak with a wondefully rich sauce. Simply superb!	*	Gerry	*
*	You cant beat a Sunday roast and the last two I've had were absolutely delicious.	*	Brian	*