The DCA has long been a favourite haunt of mine whether it be popping for a glass of wine and to watch a film with friends after work or for a casual supper.
I have always loved the menu as I find it incredibly difficult to decide what to eat as there are so many unusual and interesting combinations of flavours. To add to the choice, The Jute Cafe Bar changes their menu seasonally so I couldn’t resist popping in for a girly catch up with a friend and to sample the offerings this winter.
Although the dining room is large with high ceilings, on a dark evening, there is still a sense of cosiness due to the delicate lighting and large windows reminding patrons of the contrast between the bitter cold outside and the warmth within. I always try to get a table close to the glass wall between the cafe and the art studio next door as it is intriguing and provides a unique people-watching experience during dinner.
Although the staff are always very friendly, I have often observed that they are, at times, too efficient – my friend and I were busy catching up and neglecting our menus and were asked several times in quick succession if we were ready to order making us feel ever so slightly rushed. I am certain that this is well-intentioned attentiveness as some customers may be packing in a meal before a film for example but on this occasion, we were settled in for the evening.
To start, I ordered the plum and honey duck breast salad. The meat was tender and succulent and was really complimented by the watermelon. I had been drawn to the description of the accompanying charred radicchio although I was sadly disappointed by the reality of a soggy leaf which had been doused in a sugary syrup.
My friend opted for the calamari and pork belly combination, the textures of which were crunchy yet succulent. Her observation was that the accompanying salad could have been enhanced by some dressing but this didn’t detract from the dish too much.
I thoroughly enjoyed my sea bass main course due to the varied components of the dish. The chorizo croquette provided some welcome stodge, the mussel cream added the richness and both were cut through by the tangy red pepper and onion relish.The sea bass was almost an addition rather than the main focus of the dish but was nevertheless well cooked and succulent.
My friend chose the grilled salmon fillet with risotto and was very pleased with her dish. This is a much more simple compilation of…you guessed it, salmon on a bed of risotto but both were cooked well and were comforting and very filling.
Our desserts were a slight disappointment as my lemon and ginger cheesecake was dry and the flavours were subtle to the point of nondescript. The raspberry sorbet served with it however was packed with tangy berry flavour and I would have preferred a whole bowl of this on its own. Leanne’s elderflower crème brûlée had such promise but its subtlety was completely overpowered by the pineapple compote and coconut shortbread and the floral flavour was lost completely.
The Jute Cafe Bar is welcoming to all whether it be celebratory groups, couples looking for romance or a family hoping to relax and eat with their little ones. The menu is confident in catering for all tastes and levels of hunger and despite the ever-growing number of fantastic new eateries in Dundee, The DCA will remain my well-loved, hassle-free go-to restaurant for a relaxed bite to eat.
Info
Price: Starters: £4.75 – £6.95; main courses: £10.50 – £17.95; desserts: £4.95 – £6.50
Value: 8/10
Menu: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Total: 39/50
Info: The Jute Cafe Bar
Address: DCA, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DY
Tel: 01382 909246
