Restaurant Week Vibes: Serendipty

I grew eager to enter, so I rushed towards the gate. To the left and right is a beautiful garden view all arranged in a beautiful array of vivid green and flamboyant colours. I noticed off the distance a beautiful view overlooking the ocean. 

 

I continued up a small flight of steps towards the floor and noticed a rustic ambiance that felt very welcoming. Red and blue window shutters lined the wall. Blue rails ran across the balcony. I noticed that the tables had a beautiful arrangement of red and white tablecloths. I decided to walk into the building and I noticed the wooden tile floors next to what looked to be a proselyte bar. Hanging right about the wooden stools I noticed retro lights hanging just above. They are steel cones housing a large marble that sparkle as the light hits. What a beautiful place to grab a drink. They even had a wine cooler with an assortment of fine wines. I could see myself going there more often! 

 

I was greeted by an employee who called for Pauline, one of the owners. She was very welcoming. As I sat and waited on the vintage colonial couches, Pauline arriveed with a big grin and suggested that we take a seat outside. The food was ready! I guessed they were expecting me. 

 

I sat down in the chair and was immediately served a freshly squeezed mango juice from the sweetest mangoes they had to offer. It was refreshing to say the least. I paused to ponder my surroundings. I noticed that the once empty seats slowly became occupied; a group sharing a meeting, a family having their afternoon lunch, and a couple relaxing to the view. That place started to grow on me.  

 

They brought out a gorgeous plate. Lion Fish on a bed of pakchoy with a drizzling of beurre blanc sauce. It smelled delicious.  

 

I took my first bite and it was so simple in the best way possible. Salt, pepper and fish, that is all it needed. The quality of the ingredients spoke for itself. As I continued to delicately eat the fish, I blended the aroma and flavours with the pakchoy and the beurre blanc. It was to die for. So savory and umami with a sweetness of the fresh fish and pakchoy peaking through. You can really taste the standard of quality in every bite. 

 

Next I am brought out Panko breaded crab cakes on a bed of arugula. Plated on the side was an eggplant hummus. It was quite appealing! Garnished on the side were orange slices that I appreciated because they brought colour to the plate. I took my first bite and it was pure heaven. So moist, so sweet! The flavours were so aromatic. I enjoyed every breath as the flavours washed over my pallet. I then progressed to spread the hummus over the cake. It was simply delicious. It was like baba garnish met hummus and had a love child. It was a complement to the entire dish. There seemed to be a theme of garlic that could never be dismissed. I LOVE GARLIC, so that was a high note in my book. 

 

As I finished the last few bites, I was brought a Seafood Medley in a crème bouillon sauce with lemongrass and a side of garlic bread. I have to say that was the highlight of my day. Shrimp, mussel, delicately sliced grouper all cooked to perfection and drenched in the most amazing sauce I had ever eaten…I never wanted any bite to end. It wasn’t a medley...it was one of those jingles that you hear once and it gets stuck in your head for days. I couldn't stop myself from shovelling mouthfuls of the sweet savory, umami tang that accompanied every bite. The smell was intoxication; I was drunk with flavour. As I finished the last few bites, I couldn't stop myself from drinking the bouillon sauce. That was the coup de grace! I could put that sauce on EVERYTHING. Heck, I could have eaten that sauce alone and be content. 

 

After such a high note, I couldn't bring myself to believe it could have gotten any better…. Boy was I wrong.  

 

With quality steak, you should never cook beyond medium. I myself enjoy it medium rare. The steak was cooked to perfection.  It was accompanied with garlic mashed potato, crispy fried onions and seasonal veggies, so fresh, it would be a sin if there was any salt or pepper on them. Draped over the steak was a red wine reduction. With mouth watering, I took my first bite. So juicy, so simple, so as not to deceive you. The red wine added an acidity that played well with everything on the plate. Every bite was accompanied with either potato veggies or both. It was a perfect staple dish where I am from and it took me back home. There is no doubt in my mind that the steak was grade A; they knew what they were doing. Simple flavours, quality ingredients. 

 

Belly full and endorphins rushing, I was brought the last plate. It was a chocolate mousse so decadent and so rich that the only thing to cut the intensely delicious quality chocolate was the equally delicious strawberry syrup. The chocolate melted in my mouth with every bite. It was like eating a chocolate pillow with strawberry dreams. Again, simple flavours, quality ingredients. I couldn't have ended my afternoon any better if I had tried.

 

I wrapped my time by sitting down with Pauline and asking her about her trade. I really got along with her. She was so fun and inviting, I could have stayed all day. I highly recommend you watch the video below as she shares her passion for the culinary arts.