I’m very pleased to be sharing some exciting Hampshire foodie news on FoodTeaLife today. A pop-up restaurant is coming soon to the Emirates Spinnaker Tower and it really is set to be something special.
I was lucky enough to be invited to preview the pop-up experience high above the ground and sample the some of the dishes. I was pleased to learn that locally sourced produce takes center stage on the fabulous seven course menu from award-winning chef Stephanie Moon. There was fresh fish and seafood from Johnson’s Enterprises and trout from Chalkstream Foods as well as meat from Southsea butchers, Buckwells. Even the desserts featured local suppliers including ice creams and sorbets from the fabulous Minghella’s on the Isle of Wight and delicious Fordingbridge Fudge too.
Talented Chef Stephanie Moon at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower (image courtesy of Stefan Venter and Emirates Spinnaker Tower)
Chef Stephanie Moon had very high praise for Hampshire’s local suppliers too. Describing the seabass from Johnson’s Enterprises, she spoke with passion about its freshness and how it just shone!
It was lovely having the chance to chat to Stephanie, who hails from Yorkshire and represented the North East in the BBC’s Great British Menu. I couldn’t resist asking her for her thoughts on the hotly debated issue that is #foodporn (taking photos of your food in restaurants). She gave a perfect answer saying, “I’m honoured if someone wants to take a photograph of my food but I’m equally as honoured if they just want to dive in and get stuck into eating it”.
Chef Stephanie Moon praising Hampshire’s produce
Stephanie has an impressive career to date including The Dorchester and 5 star hotel Park Hyatt in Sydney, so it was real privilege and pleasure to sample her food. You can see her full menu for the pop-up venture here – but I thought I’d share some of my favourites from the night below too…
Canapé: Cauliflower, summer truffle oil and sweetcorn “eggs” with brioche soldiers
This was just one the delightful canapés on offer – I loved dipping the little brioche soldier!
Starter: Seared scallop, Isle of Wight crab, Solent seabass, butter lettuce, tomato, fresh peas, borage, wood sorrel
Everything about this was just perfect – the presentation, the flavours – it was exquisite!
Main course: Hampshire South Downs lamb cutlet, sticky braised lamb, bon bon
Carrot anise puree, fèves, courgette, potato terrine
– This I dived straight into and didn’t photograph, luckily I was sent this beautiful photo of the dish…
Image courtesy of Stefan Venter and Emirates Spinnaker Tower
To finish: Fordingbridge sea salted caramel fudge, Lavender fields chocolate fancies, Fresh cherry crackle, Pimms’ lollipops with sherbet dib dab – these all came after the main dessert like little petit fours and were simply irresistible!
Who could say no to these delights? Beautiful image courtesy of Stefan Venter and Emirates Spinnaker Tower
Although I’ve picked out some personal highlights – I can honestly say that every dish was delicious and cooked to perfection. I felt the menu was just the right blend of creative and comforting. The dishes had the wow factor and were beautifully presented, whilst still being simple enough to let the quality and fantastic flavours of the local produce shine through.
Being high above the ground, close to the top of the 170 meter Spinnaker Tower was pretty spectacular too. Arriving at 6.30 meant we got to see the sun going down and watch as night fell all around and lights started to twinkle below. I’m certain it will make a magical occasion – perfect for a special celebration. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
Views from the Spinnaker Tower as the sun went down
Sky Dining with Stephanie Moon will be hosted on Friday evenings from Friday 22 July to Friday 12 August 2016. You can find out more and book your table here.