A last minute invitation to join new chef Dale McIntosh at the recently revamped Riverbank Truro was too good an opportunity to miss, especially given that it’s just a few miles from the Roseland. It’s impressive to think that we have so many wonderful places to eat so nearby and Dale’s impressive menu is now right up there with my favourites.
As soon as you walk through the door you are met with a stylish but relaxed atmosphere that is the kind of place where you could cosy up by the fire or bask in the sunny conservatory overlooking the water.
Our visit coincided with the introduction of a new season menu so we were tr
eated to a complete feast enabling us to sample the delights of last season and the latest dishes all at once. Proceedings kicked off with a breaded quail’s egg served with homemade ketchup to keep us going until the second round of treats arrived! We were totally spoilt with starters that featured an utterly delicious plate of pan seared mackerel with basil and beetroot, and another plate offering pan seared scallops with duck wing hash, black pudding and a duck jus. I could have survived happily without the black pudding, even though it was tasty, but the scallops and hash alone was a total success. After that it was time to pop a button or change into elasticated trousers!
Main courses stretched our bellies even further with a venison wellington for my husband, and a pressed belly of pork with langoustine for me. W
e were both a little full already but did the best we could to make a little room for these delightful dishes. The venison was served with a white truffle mash that was creamy and flavoursome, however be warned, the wellington features a generously sized portion of meat so you would require a hearty appetite to finish it all! The pork belly was tender and tasty, and a surprising but really pleasing partner to the langoustine which was braised in tarragon and drizz
led with a buerre blanc.
Dessert and cheeses followed and included an incredibly light and delicious sticky date pudding with Chantilly cream, a zingy champagne and fresh fruit jelly, and a wonderfully smooth dark chocolate tart that went down well with both of us.
Once known to some as the Barley Sheaf, the Riverbank Truro situated on Old Bridge Street, was a run of the mill establishment serving standard food until Dale arrived in April 2012 to work his magic. Staff were warm, welcoming and knowledgeable, and were pleasantly attentive without being overwhelming. Prices start from around £10 for a main course which is good value for money considering the high quality on offer. I am certainly planning another visit very soon!
To make a booking or for more information call Riverbank Truro on 01872 242 090 or log on to www.theriverbanktruro.co.uk
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