Jul
18
Tassili at The Grand Hotel, Jersey
Posted in Where to Eat & Drink Now
Found in an intimate dining room within the luxurious Grand Hotel, Jersey, and overlooking St Aubin's Bay; Tassili is a Michelin Starred restaurant that offers experimental taster menus prepared to a high standard of artistic presentation with service to match.
Upon our arrival, the waiting staff were very friendly and made sure to keep us happy at all times, refilling our glasses of water whenever they began to run empty, brushing any crumbs off the table cloth between dishes and always asking how we were, without ever feeling routine or uniform. They did, however, feel at risk of becoming a touch invasive but always remained hospitable and relaxed. With aqua themed decor of subtle pinks and blues and vases containing floating flowers that complimented the stunning view of the bay ahead, the restaurant itself indeed felt luxurious.
For our meal, we took part in the award winning Tasting Menu; A seven course experience boasting flavours and presentation to rival the best restaurants this side of the globe. First off, along with some freshly baked bread with both salted and unsalted butter presented on a stone and a lovely glass of champagne, we had a delightful Smoked Haddock Amuse Bouche that, with its lovely creamy, buttery texture, was so smooth it felt almost unnatural.
Next up was Goat’s Cheese served with Iberico Ham and sour dough crisp. Mixed with the accompanying Marcona almonds and peach, the cheese made for a beautiful starter. A second starter of Foie Gras served with smoked duck, peanut butter and black chocolate may sound strange and bordering on the Heston Blumenthal but was very nice indeed.
After a small pre-dinner dish of Turbot with Crab Mayonnaise which was one of my personal highlights, we were treated to the most perfectly cooked best end of Lamb with Crispy Tongue and Haggis, that, when all mixed together along with the Ewe’s Cheese and Sorrel, made for a taste experience like no other. And just before being handed a beautiful looking Strawberry Cheesecake, we indulged in the perfect Mango and Passion Fruit Coulis that could have been enjoyed many times over. As for the Strawberry Cheesecake, it was creamy, smooth and full of flavour. And, like every other dish we were served, it looked like a work of art for which we dared to disturb. Upon finishing the cheesecake we were offered a beautifully presented pot of tea and chocolate selection which made for a lovely end to a lovely evening.
With its friendly staff, amazing service and, genuinely, artistic presentation the likes of which I’ve never seen, this may not be the best place for your average dinner. Instead it’s a culinary experience that perfectly rivals the likes of the Fat Duck and other tasting restaurants, if a little closer to normality. So if you’re ever in St Helier and feeling the need to experience a work of culinary art at its best, go to Tassili.
Written by David Hart
http://www.grandjersey.com/grand-jersey/tassili.html
