My faithful black labrador, Riley, is used to being taken anywhere and everywhere. He hops eagerly into the car as soon as the boot is open and has so far been enthusiastic about everywhere he’s been. I am, however, always on the lookout for places to go that he will truly love and Monikie Park seemed to fit the bill and it just so happens, there is a Mediterranean cafe I have been meaning to try right in the middle of it.
Riley is a regular at coffee shops in Broughty Ferry and has stayed with us at both Malmaison in Dundee and even the exquisite Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh. He adapts to new surroundings so very easily so long as we are with him but what better place to go for lunch than a country park. Woof.
I am ashamed to say that I had never visited Monikie Park before last week although I had heard great things about it. Just a short drive from Dundee but worlds away nestled amongst the glorious Angus countryside, this park has so much to offer.
As I pulled in, I was fairly alarmed at the £2.70 parking charge which seemed steep at first but when comparing it to the car parks in the city centre, the price is great value and I would much rather spend my day here than a shopping centre any day. The car park was fairly busy and there were adults and children buzzing around in wetsuits and joggers seemingly excited about their activities.
Sailing, kayaking, rowing, windsurfing and fly sishing are just some of the offerings at the park which is open most daylight hours but I had my heart set on a good old-fashioned dog walk and a spot of lunch with a friend.
Cafe Byzantium is located just beyond the car park and housed in a lovely old stone building. There were plenty of tables outside which would have been our first choice but the sky was getting greyer and so we admited defeat and headed in to the cosy dining room.
We were greeted warmly and offered a selection of tables. We chose one in the middle of the restaurant and sadly only one other was occupied which always makes the atmosphere a bit lacking. The decor is modern and clean with some lovely decorative features and we could just about spot the pizza oven from where we were sitting.
Although we ordered other drinks, we also both had a glass of good old tap water which seemed very fitting considering the reservoir at Monikie Park was created to supply the City of Dundee with fresh water and it wasn’t half bad.
After my physical exertions on the walk, I was in the mood to carb-up and so ordered the halloumi and portobello mushroom burger. It was served in a fresh brioche bun and the salty halloumi and earth mushrooms were complimented perfectly by the sticky homemade chilli jam which had a really pleasant kick. The overall burger was juicy and hot with a selection of textures and tastes and I devoured it.
It was served with skinny fries which I always prefer ordering rather than chunky chips as the name just makes me feel less guilty.
My friend opted for the kizatma which consisted of aubergines, courgettes and peppers, sauteed until soft and topped with feta and garlic Greek yogurt. It was served with bread which was just as well as there was a lot of the tangy yogurt dressing to mop up. The dish was simple yet due to the freshness of the ingredients was really lovely and just the right size for a light lunch.
The rest of the lunch menu consisted of salads, more burgers, paninis and of course the home-fired pizzas. Although on paper, these seem like common items, actually Byzantium make them stand out. The quality of the ingredients is high and care is taken in the preparation so that each customer receives something individual rather than mass produced. The prices for the lunch menu are also very good value and there aren’t many places left where a pizza would cost as little as £5.95.
Byzantium is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays both at lunchtimes and in the evenings. At lunchtime, the feeling is very casual, both with the food, coffee and cake offerings and the atmosphere of being a cafe in a country park. In the evenings however, the cafe takes on a more upmarket personality as the menu tightens its tie and prepares to show its customers something a little bit different.
The dinner menu is more deeply Mediterranean including Greek and Italian meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. The descriptions are more refined and dishes such as rack of lamb, mixed grill and meze platters are offered. The prices do increase in the evening although it is still possible to pick up a pizza for £8.95.
My friend and I had a lovely lunch in a casual cafe in the park with great quality food. I would be very interested to visit again in the evening to see how Byzantium comes to life along with its menu although I might bring Mr Kerry along rather than Riley next time to see if he enjoys it as much.
Info
Price: Light bites: £3.00 – £5.95; bigger items: £5.95 – £9.00; evening main courses: £8.95 – £21.95
Value: 9/10
Menu: 7/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Total: 37/50
Info: Cafe Byzantium
Address: Monikie Country Park, Monikie, DD5 3QN
Tel: 01382 370970
