I'M sure most people would prefer to think of themselves as having an independent frame of mind, especially when it comes to choosing where to eat. Call me contrary, but I don't like it when I'm told what to think.
 Stephen Wunke, a local businessman and the brains behind Pastarazzi, Club Globe and The Boat at Erbistock, tells diners visiting his website that Pastarazzi is 'Chester's undisputed number one restaurant'. Hmmm. A further peek at the website reveals a list of famous people who have dined at Pastarazzi during its nine years on Grosvenor Street. I pick up the 'phone and book immediately - well, if it's good enough for Kevin Kennedy, it's good enough for me. You can read all this for yourself of course, but I'll just say here that Pastarazzi was Chester.com's Restaurant of the Year in 2003, has a menu with over 60 dishes cooked fresh daily, a wine list that exceeds 70 labels, and claims to have 'impeccable service' and 'a unique atmosphere'. Fingers crossed there is a table for two available this Saturday night. I'm beginning to think that husband P and I would be fools to eat anywhere else. The problem is, when Pastarazzi says things like 'we make no apologies for our boast', some Cestrians are going to make it their aim in life to make sure it does. Looking back on our evening, there were some aspects that were good, some indifferent, but one or two certainly worth boasting about. If I was Stephen Wunke, I would boast about my staff. From the wine waiter recommending a lovely bottle of Pinot Grigio, to the small army of friendly waiting staff, they were all courteous and professional to a fault. Head chef, Tim Seddon, advocates the 'cooking as theatre' approach, with the kitchen on display to all diners and it sets the tone for the evening. The frenetic activity, as dishes are prepared, appeals to all the senses at once. | 
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