Blue Jasmine is my new favourite restaurant, unfortunately it's in Ocean Village Marina Southampton ( a lovely location) but a decent drive from Christchurch, were I live - but so worth the trip. The restaurant takes you on a culinary journey of contemporary South East Asian flavours, beautifully plated as you would expect in a fine dining restaurant.
Thanks to Southampton Bloggers for inviting me to sample the restaurant's Christmas menu presented for us in a unique canapé style. We ate in the private dining room that has the most beautiful fixtures and fittings - the first thing I noticed was the huge live edge resin table that had been set up for lunch.
We were introduced to Executive Chef Daren Liew who selects the best local ingredients, I noticed (Hampshire Pork and Isle of Wight tomatoes on the menu) and enhances them with spices imported from Malaysia, China and Thailand. Every dish placed before us was a master piece and a taste sensation.
Almond crusted popcorn black cod with spiced chilli mint.
Five Spice pork and taro beancurd roll with caramelised onion.
Wasabi prawn with golden ebiko
Mongolian Hampshire pork belly with apple salsa
Spicy ivory chicken with snow pea and macadamia
Steamed okra with fermented chilli and soya
Salted Borecole fried jasmine rice with ginger and edama
Ipoh white coffee, chocolate, coconut, pear and raspberry.
Ipoh, the city in Malaysia, is famous for its silky and strong white coffee used in this dessert known as the Snowman, light Choux pastry filled with white coffee cream and paired with raspberry and pear sorbet, absolutely delicious and created by talented pastry chef Iwona.
To finish the meal a pot of Jasmine tea served in the prettiest glass teapot, I really couldn't fault the whole experience and recommend that you book your table very soon.
The meal in this review was complimentary, all photographs and opinions are my own.
I can't wait to return with my family and as big fans of Asian food I know they will love it too.
Thanks again Blue Jasmine and Southampton Bloggers for the invitation.
Unit 3-4
Alexandra Wharf,
Maritime Walk,
Ocean Way,
Southampton,
SO14 3QS
02380 636387
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