Reviewer Dinner 1 - Goodge Street

From Co-Founder James:
January 3rd 2012: the first working day of the year, and what better day to start a tradition which could well last through the generations, like the legend of Barcelo himself. I am of course referring to the inaugural Rate YOUR Nando's Reviewer Event, which saw a gathering of peri-peri-pioneers, chicken cravers, and no-nonsense Nandoers, in a desire to be scorched by the legendary grills of Nando's.

Proceedings began at an overpriced London pub opposite Goodge Street Nando's at around 6.45pm. This gave everyone a chance to get to know one another, and enjoy a drink before the feast which was sure to follow. The party was diverse, with a staple from North London, alongside far flung attendees such as Pompey Ranger all the way from Portsmouth, Will Bone from the newly Nando's-anointed Braintree, and recently appointed Technical Director Dan the Welshman. Drinks included a double chocolate stout (intriguing to read about, decidedly disappointing to drink), European lager, and soda-tap lemonade (just to get in the mood for a bottomless refill across the street). Before long, appetites had been suitably worked up, and the fearless contributors were led to the venue by the Rate YOUR Nando's co-founders.

A beautiful table for ten had been laid out at the rear of the restaurant, with more than enough room to spread out and await the proverbial African flames. Starter platters were supplied courtesy of the restaurant manager: the legendary Minty, while the intrepid Nandoer's decided what to order. Inevitably, no menus were needed, and there was soon a queue at the till. A complementary discount of 20% as a reward to all attendees went down a storm, and allowed for the peri-fect meal to be ordered at a better than perfect price.

So what did people order? The diversity was astounding; from chicken salads, to double wraps, to half chickens, to a beastly combination of a double breast burger AND half chicken from the chicken-destroyer Dom. A prego steak roll was even spotted at one stage. All the above were complemented by a wide array of sidelines, with peri-chips being the preferred option (invariably accompanied by perinaise, or regular mayo doused in Extra-Extra Hot Sauce). Faces and stomachs looked impressed, but the sprawling abyss of chicken carcasses was the ultimate testament to the quality of the food.

Before dessert could be served, a world exclusive took place: the very first (and surely not the last) Nando's quiz. This unquestionably questioning experience saw three pairs battle it out for the delicious prize of two free desserts. The tension immediately hit the intricate chandeliers, as debate raged over some of the answers. Where did the peri-peri chilli originate, which country has the most Nando’s, how many restaurants are there in the UK? All these curiosities were asked during the quiz, and only one team could come out on top. After a nail-biting reveal of the answers, the team composed of Pompey Ranger and Lozzy was declared the winners.

With the festivities complete, and the dessert plates removed by one of the delightful Nandocas, it was time for the first Rate YOUR Nando’s Contributor Event to come to a close. Chickens destroyed, stomachs full and satisfied, and (most importantly) new friends made, the group of fiery fortune-hunters disbanded into the night.