It would be easy to attribute the wonderful afternoon we spent at Rosevine to the glorious views over Porthcurnick, the beautifully tended gardens, or perhaps to the Mediterranean feel of the gloriously sunny day we were fortunate enough to enjoy.Surely you can’t lose when you have such an incredible setting, and a fine period property from which to set out your stall?That would be very unfair however, to the very talented chef Tony Duce and the attentive team behind what was arguably one of the tastiest lunchtime treats we’ve had the pleasure of tucking in to.
We were already familiar with Rosevine having dined there once about two years ago and although we did enjoy our meal, we weren’t blown away enough to return. Something quite magical seems to have happened since we’ve been gone though, and both the menu and the food seemed to have stepped up a gear.
We had taken our two youngest children with us at the invitation of Rosevine, and we’re slightly anxious at how we might keep them happy whilst we waited.We needn’t have worried, there were crayons and colouring sheets aplenty, and once they had finished with those, there was a very well equipped play area, close enough for us to keep a check on them, but far enough away so as not to disturb the meal or other diners with lots of noise and excitement.If rain had stopped play, there was plenty do inside with a good quality games room full of toys and computer games.
Always one to keep it simple, my husband was delighted with his choice of Rib-eye steak, Brocks chips and mushrooms… The chips I’m told, may well be amongst the tastiest ever! I on the other hand, was a little spoilt for choice.Fortunately for me, the dishes I was struggling to choose between were available as starter or main size portions, so I decided to indulge myself with two starter dishes instead of one main course… for the purposes of research you understand, ahem.
My first treat was the Rosevine fishcake served on ratatouille with a drizzle of pesto.The texture of the fishcake was perfect, textured and rustic but not too lumpy and coarse.The delicious ratatouille was refreshing and tangy, the ideal compliment. Also at the table, was the fig and brie bruschetta with rocket salad.Served on a slate platter, every mouthful was alive with flavour, my mouth is watering just at the memory of it. Washed down with a really soft and fruity Italian Prosecco, I was one very happy lady.
The children enjoyed some open sandwiches, as well as a freshly prepared pasta with bolognese sauce and seemed pretty happy with their lot.
Having indulged myself with two lunch courses, I was a bit stuffed for pud, but we ordered ice cream for the kids and Tony’s chocolate brownie with white chocolate mousse to share. Again this was really well executed, the white chocolate mousse was really light and creamy, however, for me the whole combination was a little too rich and sweet. Perhaps I should go back one day and try it again with a cup of coffee to see if I feel differently?!
Prices at Rosevine start from £6 for starters, from £7 for sandwiches and light lunches and from £12 for main courses. Cornish slates to share are available from £25.Children are warmly welcomed, and diners can also indulge in a free swim in the hotel pool if they choose. For details or to make a booking call 01872 580 206 or log on to www.rosevine.co.uk