Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews and Food Musings

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Fed up with celebrity chefs drizzling sauces over undercooked pieces of meat? I am!

I regularly dine out and am happy to share my restaurant experiences, and musings on food with you.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Pork Chops and Stuffing



My good chum Derek Stott, of D and D Family Butchers, cut me these magnificent Sussex pork chops.

I roasted them on top of a bed of my herb and onion stuffing.

They were bloody marvellous!

Saturday, July 20, 2019

English's of Brighton



Restaurant

English’s of Brighton
29-31 East Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1HL

☎️ 01273 328645

Overview

Eva and I have been going to English's for many years, and have always had a great time there. Last night was no different!

Ambience

English's serves a great selection of fish and seafood.

As per their site:

"English’s of Brighton is the oldest seafood restaurant in Brighton, and you’ll find us in the heart of the Lanes, nestled amongst its famous winding streets. The Leigh-Jones family have been here since 1945, and we’ve seen some familiar faces come and go. Pop in and take a look at our hall of fame and you’ll find signed photographs of Charlie Chaplin, Lily Savage and Judy Dench, amongst others -  or ask our staff about the ghostly gentlemen in an oversized top hat that can sometimes be seen walking through our kitchens.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional plate of seafood, or in the mood to sample our contemporary twist on classic dishes, our expert staff will make sure you order the right meal for you, with a wine to match perfectly. We offer a unique dining experience, and can accommodate parties of all sizes, from an intimate table for two to a restaurant wedding reception. In warmer weather there is no better place to dine than on our covered and heated terrace. Enjoy plates of fresh seafood, fine wines and warm sunshine, and watch the world go by with live jazz or opera playing regularly. Or take a seat at our stunning marble-topped oyster bar, where you can join us for a platter of oysters or a decadent three-course meal."
Menu

The menu has an excellent selection of seafood, fish, steaks and chops.

Service

As per usual we were very warmly welcomed, the service from all the members of staff was (as ever) very friendly, personal, efficient and professional. We were even presented with a couple of glasses of champagne, on the house, when we sat down.

Food

Eva started with the potted shrimp served with bread, dill, crème fraiche, nutmeg and cayenne. It was moist, flavoursome and lovely way to start the meal.

She then opted for the lemon sole fillets which came with parmesan potato puree, spinach, bacon and mushroom cream. The dish was delicately flavoured, no one element overpowering the others, and was thoroughly enjoyed by her.

I started with half a lobster thermidor, which came in a light mustard sauce. Bloody marvellous, next time I might have a whole one!

I then had the 10oz Sussex pork chop on the bone with chips and peas. It was great, the chop was tender, succulent and flavoursome.

The bill, which included, service, Bollinger and several flaming sambucas came to £219.

Overall Opinion

We love English's, and will most assuredly be going again!

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

A Crime Against Nature - Cherry and Chilli Diet Coke!


This is clearly the creation of Beelzebub!

What worries me is why the hell is it sitting in my fridge?!

Monday, July 15, 2019

The Bayleaf Brighton



Restaurant

The Bayleaf Brighton
48-49 St James Street
Brighton
BN2 1RG


☎️ 01273 626 900

Overview

Eva and I have been to the Bayleaf three times now, and have had a great time on each visit; Saturday night was no different.

Ambience

The Bayleaf is a modern, vibrant Indian brasserie on the hub of St James Street.

As per their site:
"We are able to offer a variety of authentic dishes from all regions of India to suit individual requirements. Our extensive menu contains specialities from all regions of India, specialising in Tandoori, Khorai & Fish dishes. A private function room is available for private parties or conferences for up to 30 people.
Our secret lies in sourcing out fresh ingredients along with decades of experience in the Indian food industry. Our Chef meticulously mixes and blends the spices and herbs to create mouthwatering dishes for you to indulge and enjoy every time you visit."
Menu

The menu has an excellent selection of Indian dishes including the staples such as Madras, Vindaloo and Korma etc.

Service

As per usual we were very warmly welcomed, the service from all the members of staff was (as ever) very friendly, efficient and professional.

Food

Eva started with the Reshmi Kebab (minced chicken and herbs and spices) cooked in a charcoal oven. This is a delicately flavoured succulent kebab, well balanced in terms of heat and flavour. She was more than  happy with it, as it was well presented and perfectly balanced in taste.

She then opted for the Chicken Pathia with rice, a spicy sweet and sour dish, that gave just the right amount of heat and depth of flavour.

I started with the Chicken Milestone, chicken with green chillies and onions. This was splendid, a good sized portion and very tasty.

I then had the Chicken Madras with rice, just the right amount of heat and spices made this a very balanced and pleasant dish. My side dish of Tarak Dal complimented it perfectly.


I rarely have desserts, but saw that the Bayleaf had a lemon sorbet served in a lemon on the menu...."old skool!"..I had to have that. It was great, and the lemon was a stonkingly large size too!

The bill, which included, service, Prosseco and several flaming sambucas came to £110.

Overall Opinion

We are very happy to recommend the Bayleaf, and will most certainly be going again!

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Brighton Beach Club



Restaurant

Brighton Beach Club
The Milkmaid Pavilion,
26 Kings Rd,
Brighton
BN1 2LN

☎️ 01273 206523

Overview

As it was such a lovely day, yesterday Eva and I went to the Brighton Beach Club for a very late lunch.


Ambience

As per their site:
"A fantastic two-floor pub and contemporary dining room that is literally on the beach next to the famous i360, with amazing outside terraces and unparalleled views across the sea. 

Join us for a drink, snack or something more substantial – you’ll find a wide range of tempting choices and our ‘Nippers menu’ will definitely appeal to our younger visitors! 

Thirsty? We offer a wide selection of wines, craft beers and specially crafted cocktails – or just sit and enjoy the view with a cuppa and a cake."
We sat at a table on the balcony overlooking the sea, and were bathed in glorious sunshine. Thus they are 100% correct about the location and view!

Menu

The menu has an excellent selection of dishes including, lobster, steak, pasta, crab etc.

Service

We were very warmly welcomed, the service from various members of staff was very friendly, efficient and professional. They well deserved their tip which, by the way, doesn't go into the management's pockets (as is the case in some establishments) but does actually go to the staff!

Food

Eva started with Smoked Hampshire Chalk Stream Farm trout, hot smoked salmon and asparagus, beetroot coulis and crème fraiche. She was more than  happy with it, as it was well presented and perfectly balanced in taste.

She then opted for the beer battered smoked haddock and chips. This too was excellent, the fish flaky and battered light and crisp. The tick cut chips were splendid, as were the Jersey Royals that we had as a side dish.

I started with the ham hock terrine with a dressed baby gem salad. It was absolutely lovely, a good sized portion and very tasty.

I then had the 28 day old Black Angus rib eye steak on the bone. It was splendid, cooked medium as requested. The meat was exceptionally tender, it cut like butter, and very flavoursome with just the right amount of fat.

The bill, which included, service, Pol Roger champagne, a splendid pecan pie, coffee and liqueurs came to £169.

Overall Opinion

Bloody marvellous in all respects!

We will most certainly be going again!

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

Monday, July 08, 2019

Gammon and Parsley Sauce



I bought a very nice half gammon joint from my good friend Derek Stott, of D and D Family Butchers, the other day and had it with parsley sauce.

Ingredients

-curly parsley chopped
-butter
-flour
-milk

Method

-simmer gammon for 20 minutes per pound
-melt butter and flour together, cook for a minute
-add milk on low heat, whisk until thick
-add parsley

Enjoy!

It was excellent by the way!

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Monday, July 01, 2019

Barbecue



My good friend Derek Stott of D and D Family Butchers, supplied me with an excellent selection of chicken thighs, pork loin steaks, home made burgers and his own sausages for my barbecue.

It was bloody marvellous!