Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2006 | Page 30

FOOD & DRINK IN THE NEXT ISSUE... We sell as many Pasties in the Summer as we do in the Winter... The Last Resort, Menu saved the day! The Chef: Mark Cramp Age:32 The Last Resort Shanklin Starters Change is in the air again at The Last Resort in Shanklin. Previously owned by Steve Wyatt, of French Franks, and more recently by Clive White, the restaurant is in yet another new pair of hands. So what’s on the menu? We went to find out… Raunchy Rigatoni, Pasta tubes entwined with bacon, mushrooms, served in a lively sauce of tomatoes and garlic with a kick of Red Chillies topped with shaved parmesan £6.50 The Last Resort in Shanklin turned out literally to be our “last resort” for this issue’s review, since we had already visited two other restaurants that were so disappointing we’re not even going to mention them! Warm Salad of vine Tomatoes, Back bacon and Mozzarella, entwined on a wholegrain mustard dressing sat on a crisp green salad. £5.50 What we found at The Last Resort was a bright, contemporary interior, with attentive waiting staff, and a tempting, wide-choice menu with around 12 starters, 24 main courses, a stone baked pizza section, and a selection of 13 sweets. The menu has a distinct Mediterranean influence, and the portion sizes are sensible. Main Courses Sautéd Chicken Breast with Mussels, Tarragon and Chardonnay £9.95 8 oz Rib-Eye Steak, nestled on caramelised red onion, Sautéd field mushrooms and Dijon sauce. £13.95 Desserts Amaretto & Orange Brulée £3.75 Baked Chocolate Tart and soft seasonal berries. £3.95 The Last Resort High Street, Shanklin Tel: 01983 875559 We’d heard that chef Mark Cramp had previously built a good reputation at nearby Foxhills in Shanklin, where he was awarded a Rosette for his culinary skills - so we had an idea that we might be in for a treat. The restaurant had a great atmosphere with a real buzz – which was another indicator of a good evening ahead. The tables are well spaced, but the favourite window tables are always the first ones to be booked, so take note. We found the service efficient and