Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2010 | Page 149

food

Island Life - August/September 2010

Robert
Thompson
food reviews
Robert Thompson is the only
Michelin star chef on the
Island and we are delighted
that he has agreed to do
fair and balanced reviews
exclusively for Island Life
Photo: Head Chef - Charlie Bartlett & Aaron Bushell

The Garlic Farm food review
Arriving at the Garlic Farm Café it’s
pretty obvious by the number of cars
parked that they have got things just
right. We were immediately met by a
very friendly waiter who explained the
menus and specials before seating us
out on the terrace, very informative but
laid back, professional and welcoming.
Having looked through the specials
we had already decided what we were
having and our order was taken, drinks
served allowing us to relax in the sun.
The terrace is the ideal place to have
lunch with an awning that covers the
whole area should it rain, even better
that each quarter is operated separately
so people not wanting too much sun
can have their corner covered.
My first course arrived which was
a salad of wood pigeon with a black
pudding and chorizo skewer. The salad
had lots of flavour and certainly was of
good size but still remained light and
ideal for the hot day that it was – my
only qualm – the pigeon could have
done with slightly less cooking.
For the next course we had chosen a
minute steak with Ciabatta, mushrooms
and pickled garlic together with a
beetroot risotto with goat’s cheese.
The minute steak was nicely cooked
and looked really good sitting on a
large piece of toasted Ciabatta, lots
of sautéed mushrooms and fantastic
pickled garlic made for another great
lunch dish.

The beetroot risotto was very well
presented – a deep purple risotto with
rocket on top and nice golden breaded
goat’s cheese. The beetroot flavour
really came through and the goat’s
cheese matched perfectly, the rice
was slightly overcooked which made
it a little heavy going but the dish still
tasted very good.
Being quite full we decided not to
have dessert and instead enjoyed some
more drinks. Watching other tables
it was very clear that people were
enjoying the menu, from young to
old there is something for everyone
and it clearly showed from peoples
comments. By the time we had had
our main course the café was very
busy and most if not all tables were
taken – Despite this all the staff
remained professional and efficient.
The Garlic Farm Café certainly is a
place that I would go back to. With
all the careful planning that has been
put in, it really is a great place to
visit. It isn’t the cheapest place on
the island but the freshly made menu
and friendly staff warrant the price
charged. There are a large number of
specials to choose from as well as the
standard menu which has everything
from light bites to main meals.
Lunch for two - £39.60

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