One of the greatest joys in life is going out for a nice meal. Because let’s face it – food is a gift from the Gods. So when Staff Writer Claire got the opportunity to do just that at Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill, she thought she’d won the lottery. Here’s how she found her experience…
WARM WELCOME
Walking down the streets of York in the middle of November is always a beautiful sight to behold. From the late-night shoppers pottering in and out of the moonlit shadows, to the glow of the famous Christmas lights that shine on every corner.
Unless, of course, you’re walking down Coney Street at 3am on a Sunday morning. No amount of rose-tinted baubles can make that look pretty.
Anyway, I digress. The streets of Walmgate were most certainly the former of the two scenarios, and the entrance to Loch Fyne only enhanced the atmosphere. With the front of the restaurant looking like something out of London’s Knightsbridge, we were impressed to see the service matched.
Maître D’ Anna greeted us and took us swiftly to our table next to the restaurant’s grand Christmas tree, and alongside a large window overlooking the River Foss. We gave our drinks order, were presented with menus, and were then left to take in the relaxed, yet luxurious, ambiance.
Our waiter, Jay, was fantastic. He was extremely attentive to his tables, and didn’t leave anyone too long, or not long enough. While we perused the menu, Jay made sure we were fully aware of the specials, and what was still available to order. He also gave us recommendations, and offered us ‘My First Oyster’ – where oyster-virgins are able to give one a try completely free. My husband and I declined however, as we’ve both suffered tasted oysters before (not at Loch Fyne I may add) and weren’t too keen. It’s a personal thing. The texture. Shudder.
ORDERS UP
Starter
Potted mackerel and toasted granary bread (that evening’s special)
Main
Poached Loch Fyne smoked haddock with mashed potato, wholegrain mustard cream, peas and spinach
Dessert
Chocolate tart with Baileys mascarpone (although I swapped my mascarpone for cream)
And my husband’s order consisted of:
Starter
Salt and pepper squid with sesame seeds and chilli jam
Main
28-day aged 10oz British sirloin steak with twice-cooked chips, baked field mushroom, onion rings, and béarnaise sauce
Dessert
Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream
FULL TO THE BREAM
The highlight of my meal was definitely the poached smoked haddock dish. I’ve never experienced such moist and tender fish. The flakes simply fell away from each other, and the smoked flavour was subtle yet prominent. The mash and vegetables were cooked perfectly and complemented the fish, both in flavour and texture, wonderfully.
However, the stand-out element of the dish was the wholegrain mustard cream. I’m not a huge fan of mustard with fish, so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. But it was more like a thick and creamy Mornay sauce with a little mustard mixed in. The balance of flavours was spot on for me, and certainly not overpowering. The overall eating was delightful and everything worked together perfectly. My only note was that I had to leave some of it to allow room for a dessert – although that was probably because I’d stuffed myself with thick slices of delicious bread earlier on.
The potted mackerel was pleasant – the flavours, again, were strong yet not overpowering. Personally I found the dish a little dry as the mackerel was chunkier than your traditional pâté, and it could have been enhanced with a third element such as a horseradish cream. But of course, that didn’t stop me eating it all.
Finally, the chocolate tart. Oh, that chocolate tart. The contrast of the flaky crust with the smooth, rich chocolate filling. I can’t explain just how amazing it was. If you’re a chocoholic like me, and enjoy juxtaposing textures, this is most definitely for you. I imagine the thick Baileys mascarpone would be a fantastic match, however I had cream with mine, and again, it was wonderful.
Needless to say, my husband loved his meal. I (of course) stole bits off his plate and I can see why he enjoyed it so much. My favourite part of his entire meal was the vibrant kick of the chilli jam that came with his salt and pepper squid. His sirloin looked like a fabulous cut, but he chose to have it medium (I’m a rare girl… in more ways than one) and so it was overdone for me. But cooked perfectly for my husband.
A FYNE PLAICE TO EAT
Okay, I didn’t have plaice (it’s not even on the menu), but when there are opportunities for double puns in life, you take them. I didn’t have bream either (that one is on the menu), but that didn’t stop me earlier on. #CantBeTamed
But it is just that. A fine place to eat. It’s finer than fine in fact – I’d highly recommend it. And not just for the food. The service you’ll receive is absolutely second to none. I can safely say I’ve never had better service in any other restaurant, from both Anna and Jay. Their knowledge of the dishes was faultless, and you could tell they genuinely took pride in their work.
With lunch set menus available through the day as well as the evening set and à la carte dinner menus – and kids’ options, too – Loch Fyne is a fine place to eat – day or night.
Hooked? Click here to book a table at Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill Restaurant York
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