ECLECTIC the Kendal caf bar and brasserie has added yet another string to its bow.

Evening dining now features in a portfolio which also includes wines and deli produce, private parties and group dining, outside catering and special events.

Partners Rob Cocker and Nisha Pannu already have a sterling following for the daytime caf bar menu which might feature dishes such as warm salad of smoked bacon and black pudding in garlic butter; a hot sandwich of chicken, mozzarella and sun-dried tomato or camembert and cranberry.

Innovation in the kitchen continues with the new evening menu (which, like the caf bar, changes weekly). The menu I sneaked a peak at included made-to-order sushi; lamb, lemongrass and lime kebabs with a lemon dipping sauce; and udon noodles with stir-fried vegetables in a chilli, coriander and pine nut pesto with strips of sesame omelette.

I reckon it's safe to say the influence' that week was Japanese-cum-Chinese-cum Indonesian-cum-Thai.

The previous week the theme was French-Italian, said chef Nisha, who is nothing if not versatile. During the recent hot spell, she added grilled, marinated meats to the menu, char-grilled vegetables, seared fresh fish and summer puddings.

"And some interesting salads too!"

For information about menus and for updates on themed evenings, email: eclectic@aol.com

May 1, 2003 09:30