The Virtue of the Vintner Restaurant (Vintner Restaurant)

Member Name: Amyrlin

Product:	Vintner Restaurant
Date:	10/09/01 (443 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: High Quality Fresh Food, Wonderful atmosphere, Friendly and effcient staff

Disadvantages: none

Before you read this review take a deep breath and relax, then consider what your ideal dining experience would be. Think not only of the food, but of the atmosphere and surroundings, the attitudes of the staff and the total experience. The chances are that there will need to be comfortable and relaxed surroundings, the ability to take as much time as you want to over a meal that is served without and rush, and to known that whatever you order it will be of the highest possible quality. There are few restaurants I have ever eaten in that have been able to provide me with an experience of this kind, but I have found one, tucked away in a side street in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

We found this restaurant when on holiday. The menu appeared to be varied and well priced. The table was booked by telephone, and even at this stage we started to see what the restaurant meant by the little slogan printed at the bottom of the menu saying 'a restaurant with a difference'. When we booked the table we were told that once the table was booked it was ours for the rest of the night, that there was only a single sitting regardless of what time you arrived. The restaurant opened at 5.30 p.m. and the last orders were taken at 9.30 p.m. We booked a table for 7 p.m.

When we arrived the restaurant was cool on a hot day and very relaxed. We were greeted by a very friendly man we later found out was the chef and the proprietor. He was happy to make recommendation not only for food, but also for wine. This restaurant has a wonderful wine list with something to suit even the most discerning pallet. The range of food was wide, with fish and meat dishes, include two different lobster dishes as well as a vegetarian menu not based on pasta. For the more adventurous pallet there was even crocodile filets. Prices for a main course averaged about £12.

The wine was served perfectly chilled, and even the wine glasses were a pleasure to drink from, with very thin rim
s and comfortable to hold. When the starters arrived; marinated salmon and Thai duck breast the first impression was the very generous size of the portions. The taste of the food was fabulous, the salmon was accompanied by a dill mayonnaise, whilst I am assured the duck was heavenly. As we were eating the starters the wine glasses were regularly topped up without any intrusion. We took out time over the starters and at no point did we feel hurried.

For the main course we had beef fillet medallions in a hot and crunchy mustard sauce. Again, the portions were very generous, vegetables and potatoes were served separately. The vegetables were also generous with several types, carrots, marrow, beans and others, all of which were fresh and tasted wonderful. The only problem with such a delicious meal and the generous portions is having room for a dessert, but when you can take as much time as you need this is worth making time for. The range of desserts is not as wide, but there are deserts for most tastes from rich and luxurious to light and refreshing, such as oranges in Grand Marnier.

We arrive at seven, and did not leave until eleven thirty. The whole experience was wonderful, and a look at the visitors book that is presented to everyone with the bill assured use we were not alone! The book was full of very favourable comments, all with a high level of enthusiasm as well a compliments.

If you wish to visit this restaurant then they can be found at 42a Flowergate, Whitby. I would strongly recommend that you book, this can be done by telephone on (01947) 601166 or by e-mail at reservations@the-vintner-resturant.co.uk. If you would like to know more then they also have a web site at http://www.the-vintner-restaurant.co.uk/. The guest book here gives a very good idea of the quality of the restaurant and the menu page gives prices. This is one place we will definitely be visiting again, and again and again……..

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