Salthouse

Last night i went to have a wee birthday celebration meal at one of my favourite destinations in Ipswich - The Salthouse Harbour Hotel.  A rather lovely bottle of Rioja was chosen to accompany the complimentary bread and olive oil they brought out, both very nice.


I normally have quite a conundrum when it comes to chosing just one starter and main off a menu, but it was actually quite easy for me this time. There were lots of amazing things to choose from but it had to be the squid for me- served on a tomato, coriander and chorizo cous cous, it was delicous. Despite being hot it was so fresh and light, a perfect starter. The similarly delicous salt beef with Suffolk Mud mustard and a soft boiled egg was the other choice for the table.



The mains of choice were: perfectly cooked venison steak with wonderfully soft and seasoned dauphinoise potatoes and a great selection of veg to match,  and salmon fillet on a crab and coriander linguine- deep flavour in the linguine with the salmon maintaining a fresh flavour. I sometimes find that salmon can become very heavy and greasy, so it was lovely to try some that was beautifully cooked.



The desserts were very hard to choose from though, there were at least five things that i wanted to eat. Luckily, the last thing on the list was a 'selection of nano desserts'. A quick enquiry later and puds were sorted. Hot chocolate fondant with white chocolate and hazelnut ice cream and the selection of nano desserts, both to share. From left to right the (not-so) nano puds were; sticky toffee pudding, lemon posset, brownie, blood orange jelly, vanilla ice cream and vanilla pannacotta. What i really enjoyed about having such a range of puds to eat was that with each mouthful of something different, the flavour really contrasted against the previous and made you appreciate exactly what it was you were eating. Plus, they were all bloody marvellous.



Despite getting towards full, a cheese board had to at least be considered...and the consideration quickly turned into definite choice! I went for the Appleby's Chesire, Ardrahan and Innes Log. Quite a good selection actually with one hard, one soft and one goat and all being very palatable! In particular, the Innes Log was heavenly- so soft and smooth with a lovely goaty tang while being delicately flavoured. Must buy some very soon! And just to top it off, the cheeses were served with slices of fantastic sour cherry and walnut bread.


Having seen off the Rioja, a little something extra was needed before finishing the meal. The cheese came with a glass of port and i went for a cheeky little glass of champagne as a refreshing and special end to a very special meal. Hopefully it won't be too long until i'm back at the Salthouse...i'd book again for tomorrow night if i could!