Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2009 | Page 112

life FOOD & DRINK Seafood Heaven A la carte licensed restaurant With authentic Italian cuisine and a great selection of vintage Italian wines Dine in a cosy and romantic candle-lit atmosphere and enjoy our friendly service Open for dinner 6 days a week (excluding wednesdays) Also open sunday lunchtimes TEL: (01983) 811 966 30 ST. THOMAS’ STREET, RYDE The Ale and Oyster at Richmond Villa emerged from the former Richmond Hotel on Ventnor seafront in June 2008 and this speciality seafood restaurant and bar is fast becoming a favourite place to eat and unwind. “It was a little old fashioned and needed bringing into the 21st century both in food and aesthetics,” said Jackie Milne who manages this family run business with her stepson and head chef Darren Harrower, chef Jaime Riand (29) and restaurant manager Kelly Kullander (27). The team were formerly at the Crab and Lobster in Ventnor town, but Jackie had particularly wanted to run a 112 seafood restaurant on the seafront. Having formerly worked as a commercial interior designer, creating the look of the Kingsview apartments and the Rex Piano Bar, Jackie made a fantastic job of creating a sympathetic and comfortable atmosphere for drinking and dining. Seafood and fish are the speciality and most is sourced on the Island, with all crab and lobster from local fishermen and all fish from British waters. You can also choose from a range of meat dishes with all meats from Island producers and fresh vegetables, salads and herbs sourced locally when possible. “We have two young ambitious chefs who enjoy varying the menu – it changes all the time according to the seasons and availability,” said Jackie of the restaurant that The Island's most loved magazine