I was so disappointed with Glen Carlou this time around. I have been here 2 times before and was very impressed. I decided to bring someone that has never been here but as Murphy's law would have it our experience this October was less than underwhelming.

The lamb served for mains was grey, dry and tastelessly presented. I don't understand why they even bother to tell you the lamb will be done medium if it arrives in uneven chunks of grey, dry, flavourless overcooked lumps.
The peas that came with it was SO overcooked that they were rock hard, dry and shrivelled. The only okay thing on the plate was a piece of fondant potato and a small blob of garlic aioli. I absolutely did not enjoy this meal in the slightest. It was some of the worst prepared meat & veg I have ever experienced in a restaurant.

The tomato and bocconcini starter was just "meh". It tasted of tomato and strawberry, no other flavour. It was pretty on the plate but there was nothing to it. The tomato water that was in the description was not visible on the plate at all... if it was there, I missed it, even after looking for it.

The green pea soup starter looked pretty but tasted just okay. Nothing special about it, however, the chicken skin crisps tasted rancid. No self-respecting chef would have put that on the plate had they tasted it beforehand as the fat tasted totally rancid. The soup itself was ok but the pressed chicken thighs were the tastiest part of the dish.

The desserts were good. The creme brulee was a bit warm which affected its texture but it was a very warm day in Paarl and it probably just sat out on the counter too long. It made it seem like it was right on the verge of splitting. The ginger ice cream that I scooped on top saved it. However, as a general impression, I enjoyed the dish.

The dish of the day was the two pulled pork croquettes we received as an amuse bouche, which sort of makes me sad since they start off with this and then its all downhill from there.

The pre-dessert of chocolate mousse spoons with strawberry was very good quality dark choc mousse. I have no complaints here. It was delicious.

The wine, as always, was very affordable and tasty.

The service was a tad slow (we waited about 45 minutes between our starter and our main) but it was a busy day and did not mind it too much. Our waiter was generally attentive and polite.

I am saddened by this experience as I genuinely enjoyed Glen Carlou before (I even bragged about it to others) but with so many new and exciting places to try I doubt if I will be returning here. It just seems like too much of a gamble.