I described the original Catch 22 in JBR as a pimped beach shack themed concept. I stand by that description. This second branch in La Mer looks great, incorporating all the graphic, neon funk of the original – and then some. But a pretty face isn’t enough these days, especially not at La Mer where every second outlet is a supermodel with stars (of the Michelin kind) in their eyes.
Like the décor and ambience, the food looks good, but my family and I were disappointed with the content. Before I continue, in their defence, let me point out that this is an outlet which has only just opened.
My Fish and Chips was the worst of the dishes we ordered. In fact, it is probably the worst F&C I have had…um, ever. I am not alone in thinking this, each person at our table confirmed the same. So I sent the rest back to the kitchen for the chef to taste. A polite, petite supervisor then came and offered me his apologies and some Moroccan Tea (as compensation I assume) but kept the item on my bill. Really?
Fish & Chips 
Although my son’s Lobster Bisque was tasteless and bland, his Buffalo Wings were really good. My daughter started with their Fried Calamari which were so good we all helped her finish them (I quickly put the picture on Instagram). Her interesting sounding Cheeseburger Quesadilla however turned out to be nothing more than a flat-wrapped meat patty with melted processed cheese – b o r i n g. My wife, adventurous for once, tried their Wood Smoked Chicken loving the smokey taste but finding the bird itself dry and overcooked.
If there was a silver lining to our experience at this new Catch 22, it was the service which we all agreed was friendly, accommodating and prompt. My thanks to the supervisor for his offer of tea(which incidentally I accepted) but buddy, the right thing to have done was to have omitted the item from the bill; it was obviously something which should never have left the kitchen in the first place. If I was not there with my family, I would have demanded this. Anyway, I hope this review and my rating will be a reminder to you to pay a little more attention to customer satisfaction.
So, until Catch 22 gets these niggling issues sorted, I would consider other options in La Mer.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from,
each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his
companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts
no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism.
What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on
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me on xerxes@dellara.com.