Hastings Handbook Restaurant Review
October 2007 -
Pissarro's
Restaurant, wine bar, pub, hotel, the South East’s premier venue for live jazz, blues and soul – what a fantastic amount to offer.
We are invited over for the evening to sample the restaurant and listen to Friday’s performers: the Curst Sons, an energetic Brighton-based Hillbilly Blues band, so we’re delighted to accept.
Our evening begins in the Absinthe brasserie, Pissarro’s stylish restaurant with the most comfortable chairs we’ve ever dined from. The atmosphere is relaxed and the décor welcoming – there’s no sense of being rushed. Our waitress is charming; she even introduces herself to guests by name. We pick from a good, rounded menu, including plenty of fish (several approved by the Marine Stewardship Council), options for vegetarians and a choice of popular meat dishes. The selection is international and there’s definitely something for everyone. We work our way around the world: Thai Fishcakes to start, Fresh Whiting Fillets and Cajun Pork for main, and Lemon Tart and Crème Brulee for dessert, with a glass of Cotes de Rhone besides. The fishcakes make a really good, punchy starter to whet the appetite, crisp and prettily presented.
The most exceptional dish of the evening is the Fresh Whiting Filet, chosen from the specials menu: so fresh it’s hardly fishy, pan-fried with potatoes, flakey and plump. The Cajun Pork goes down very well too – well spiced and tender, served on creamy mash. And I’m not disappointed by my all-time favourite - Lemon Tart. It’s really good, not too rich with a good pastry. The Crème Brulee compares well to the many others my partner’s eaten in his time, with a perfect crisp topping and good texture.
Sated after our delicious meal, we move through to the bar. The atmosphere is remarkably friendly and the bar staff on the ball. There are regulars, but everyone is made to feel welcome with a cheery ambience. The arrangement of stage and bar is gives a good view all round and cosy intimacy.
The only thing that’s missing from our evening is to be able to trip upstairs to bed – and if you can find an excuse, there’s a hotel room waiting for you!
A meal for two with wine costs around £50
Phone: (01424) 421363
Visit: www.pissarros.co.uk
Email: info@pissarros.co.uk
