Been on holiday to Cornwall. Took mum & dad. Fancied a nice lunch. Went to Padstow. 9th September 2011.
Reports had been read and viewing of menus and prices at a certain number of Mr R Steins' establishments didn't really enthuse us. But Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 seemed like a good choice.
If you watched the 2011 Great British Menu, well he was the one who did the “trip to the fairground” dessert. (here it is £21 for two people – and about half a dozen of them came out whilst we were there)
So as Yorkshirefolk who appreciate “value for money” the three of us all had the Express set lunch menu (£17 for 3 courses).
We chose drinks, all were £4.50 though other choices at other prices were available, or matched to the menu for another £18 each!
mum a glass of white wine, villa rosa sauvignon blanc, chile.
dad a bottle of Korev Cornish Lager.
and a bottle of Doom Bar for me.
We also had a chilled bottle of tap water (no charge) on the table.
Home made breadrolls arrived (2 each in a basket) and some butter (could have done with more – didn't ask for any though!)
The starter came. Salmon tataki, pickled cucumber, soy.
This was very lightly smoked & seared salmon, and also included a little ginger, sesame seeds and micro salad garnishing.
Although it looks quite a light dish, it was a good amount. Very tasty and fresh. I'm not a cucumber fan but this was nice.
For the main, free range roast chicken, potato, creamed mushrooms. This also had buttered spinach with it.
The flavours here were superb. The rich intense gravy/jus against the creamy mushrooms and smooth mash.
The chicken was very good too. I did detect a hint of grit in my spinach but it didn't stop me clearing the plate.
For dessert, deconstructed orange cheesecake, marmalade, white chocolate crumble.
As it says really. The flavour balance was good, the marmalade tangy, the cheesecake “quenelle” rich and creamy, with real vanilla in it, the crumble “crumbly” and crisp.
The service was polite and friendly, not rushed or overly lagging either.
Overall excellent value for money, a very tasty and balanced meal (compare what you spend for Sunday lunch at your local!) and I would definitley go again.
One minor grumble, it was a humid day, and the cold beers and cold water bottles had condensation running off them onto the table, which dripped off whe you raised your glass. Coasters needed I think.
We did ring a few days before hand to book a table and recommend this course of action, as our first choice of day was full, so we just re-arranged our plans, the joys of being on holiday when you can do this.
At time of writing, one week after our visit, the lunch menu had changed to…
EXPRESS LUNCH MENU
beetroot carpaccio, chicory, crispy parma ham, parmesan. planeta rose, sciliy
ox tongue, purple sprouting, polenta chips, rosemary and anchovy. wildflower valdigue, california
apple and raspberry frangipane tart, chateau belingard monbazillac, france
2 courses for £13 ~ 3 courses for £17 ~ 3 courses and wine flight £35