After months of preparation the restaurant within the Orchid Hotel in Bournemouth is now open to the public as well as hotel guests. The quality of food produced by their Michelin starred chef Jean Gyseman is something quite rare in Bournemouth if it wasn't for the fact that they deserve to grow in reputation I would be keeping this food destination to myself.
Every dish served was beautifully presented and delicious to boot.
This was my chosen starter aptly named 1000 Leaves of Crab, it consisted of layers of delicate Tomato, Dorset Crab, Guacamole and Vanilla Oil.
As the 15milefoodie I love the fact that the menu features local produce such as Dorset Crab and I noticed the Asparagus featuring on another starter was from Sopley Farm a few miles away.
For me this dish was almost to pretty to eat and I can see that it will soon become a firm favourite with the guests.
Our main courses consisted of Duck Margret and the Chef's Signature Hake complimented with a really lovely French Melbec.
At this point I really should of said "no, thank you" to the offer of dessert but if you had seen the food coming from the kitchen I'm not sure you could either. We both decided to go for the Strawberry and Rhubarb dessert a combo I had never tasted before but it was seriously good and I will be trying my own version at home.
The chef is in my opinion an artist too and I would definitely recommend viewing and then tasting his work so next time you have a special occasion don't forget to look up No. 34 within the Orchid Hotel.
No. 34
The Orchid Hotel
Gervis Road
Bournemouth, BH13DH
01202 551600