Joyce M.
Yelp
I'd hop crags and rivers for the Rivaner Riesling from Luxembourg alone. However, it was hearing about the lovingly paired plates explained by the proprietor, who was lovely; personable and gushingly enthusiastic about the food, that got me salivating before seeing a single piece of seafood.
But more about our waiter, the owner; even though I'm at the table at a restaurant, I always want the sale. Tell me about the provenance of what I'm about to attempt not to wolf down in 30 seconds. As if it doesn't last long on the plate the story will stay with me and his did, along with the mouthwatering memories of this place.
I had the bream and it was brought brimming with pride, placed elegantly in front of me, precisely perfectly prepped.
From the hearing that bream's story; being hooked in the North Sea by an independent fisherman, to how it was lovingly locally filleted with finesse and dressed by the chef and shown just enough flame to crisp it's once scaly skin, keeping it's milky flesh 1% opalescent and full of flavour, it sang with delicate pan Asian flavours.
My fellow diners enjoyed robust, local fare like Bury black pudding, sweet with smoked pancetta and Razor clams. Once again, razor sharp precise timing to cook seafood like this is required and for such a busy floor. That claims credit, even if just for the clams.
Now one thing. They wont cram you in like sardines. BOOK AHEAD! There's something special about this place. It's simple, warm and elegant as is the food and if the board outside says 'FULL', which they usually are, it's worth the wait. You'll feel fabulous when you're sitting inside when you're just as full and you'll too be Hooked as the sign outside guarantees.
