IT started with the very best of intentions.

I had arranged a food review at the pretty Chequers Brasserie in Cookham Dean and my plan was to meet friends afterwards in Marlow for an evening of cocktails.

Dressed to the nines in an unforgiving little black dress, I vowed to obey my permanent diet and like many women before me, graze on a selection of their finest foods but without indulging too much… oh dear.

As soon as my friend and I stepped foot into the quaint restaurant, we felt totally at home and relaxed in this country idyll setting.

Adding a giant dose of personality to the venue was front of house, Carlos Loureiro, who really stole the show with his charm, energy and total love of food - and he swept us both along with him.

His passion for their fine fare led us to knocking back a fabulous glass of Pinot Grigio from Venice which we enjoyed outside in the sunshine, taking in the delights of the picturesque village of Cookham Dean.

Then the menu… My friend, who also wore a LBD, chose the Chargrilled Swordfish Steak and Nicoise Salad Style (£15.95). I selected my all-time favourite, the Moules Mariniere, (£11.95) which came with chips. Trying to be a good girl, I asked if there was something else to accompany my mussels. Carlos recommended a Tonka and carrot puree.

My fellow diner said the swordfish oozed so much flavour that she didn’t need any sauce - it was thickly cut and a substantial meal which complemented the salad. She remarked that that olives were the best she had ever had.

Also served with our mains were a couple of slices of some very addictive olive bread, that I vowed just to try but couldn’t leave alone, plus naughty Carlos bought out a dish of chunky chips "just to try".

My portion of Moules Mariniere was so big I thought there would be a landslide on my plate. And they were just incredible. All too often mussels arrive with too much sickly creamy sauce. The chef ensured there was the perfect amount to give it a rich flavour without it being too cloying. The Tonka and carrot puree was so tasty that we could have eaten more.

Then there were the chips… we tried one each - they were a delight, crispy outside with fluffy innards. I couldn’t help myself but eat most of the bowl. Carlos excitedly told us about his favourite dessert wine that we had to try, the Chenin Blanc natural sweet 2009. As he uncorked it and I took a sip, I knew it would be a little too saccharine for my companion who is more of a savoury girl. However for me, someone with a very sweet tooth, I gulped back the nectar-like liquid. For dessert, I had spotted the Iced Nougat Parfait with Mixed Berries. My friend and I were content with sharing that dish, but our host told us to taste a couple more to get a better view of their dishes.

Big mistake. He bought out the most magnificent coconut panna-cotta, watermelon, passionfruit Curd and shortbread - and not only that but the Chocolate Brownie and Vanilla Ice Cream.

I must confess, dear reader, that I hoovered up all the dishes - bar three mouthfuls my dining friend helped with. They were pure bliss on a plate - total heaven.

By now my little black dress was groaning at the seams and I slipped my jacket back on to hide the indulgence.

Carlos and the team at the Chequers Brasserie all had a part to play to ensure we had the most incredible experience. I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I’ve had in a long time.

The diet starts again tomorrow… The Chequers Brasserie at Dean Lane, Cookham Dean 01628 481232 or see chequersbrasserie.co.uk