Colette's is a fine dining restaurant located inside The Grove. Head chef Russell Bateman won National Chef of The Year in 2014, so this is a unique and enjoyable experience to be able to enjoy a range of dishes prepared by a chef with such an accolade.
We sampled their tasting menu, which is simply entitled "Symphony". Each dish arrived looking and tasting absolutely superb, we also opted for the wine pairing.
The first dish from the menu was Foie Gras, which was Landes Foie Gras, with Prune, Plum, and Brioche. The dish was presented like a piece of art, and the Foie Gras was smooth and delicious. The wine pairing was a glass of Framingham Classic Riesling, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2011. A juicy citrus wine, with orange, ginger, peach, and lemon peel flavours.
The next dish was Beetroot, prepared with Heritage Beetroots, Nasturtium, Hazelnut and Goat's Curd. A superb blend of flavours, we were more than happy to send our dishes back clean. This was paired with a glass of Vinum Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2011. A wine with strong camomile and honey aromas, a well-rounded body and a delicious taste.
Scallops were served as the next course. They were Diver Caught Scallops, with Oysters, Celeriac, and Apple. The scallops tasted incredibly fresh, with a juicy, meaty taste and texture. Paired with Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2012. A quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon with strong herbal notes and exotic hints of elderflower and guava.
Next, a palate cleanser of Sorbet was bought out. It was a Cucumber, Lime, and Yogurt Sorbet, incredibly refreshing and with a punchy kick of flavour.
"The dishes were executed to perfection."
This was followed by Line Caught Sea Bass, accompanied by Mussels, Salsify, Leek, and Hazelnut. Another dish that tastes incredibly fresh and rewarding. The dish was rounded off perfectly with a glass of Lyeth Sonoma County Merlot, Sonoma, California, 2011. We were really impressed with this wine, it had a depth of flavour and the overall balance was superb and worked very well with the Sea Bass.
Next was Venison, with Pumpkin, Chanterelles, Brussels, Walnuts, and Mulled Wine Jus. A perfectly cooked cut of Venison, and the Brussels were delicious. This was paired with a glass of Domaine du Grapillon d'or, Gigondas, Rhone, 2012. A great meat wine, deep ruby red in colour and with aromas of red fruits. It had a slight hint of pepper and spice on the palate, very enjoyable.
The next dish was a piece of Vacherin, with Jerusalem Artichoke, Raisin, and Hazelnut. Vacherin is lovely cheese when accompanied with the right flavours, the Raisin and Hazelnut was perfect. Paired with Louis Roederer Brut Premier, Champagne, France, a rich champagne packed with fruitiness and very rewarding on the palate.
Moving on to the dessert dishes, we had a serving of Apple Tart, with Almond Ice Cream, and Apple Caramel. A wonderful blend of Apple and Almond encased in a crisp and light pastry. A glass of Mount Horrocks Cardon Cut Riesling, Clare Valley Australia, 2013 rounded off the meal. It's a fresh and tangy wine, sweet and most enjoyable with desserts.
We ended the symphony with a Pear dish. Served with Star Anise and Chocolate Mousse, Madeleine, Poached Pear, and Pear Sorbet. Catching Pears in season means they have a strong flavour and sweetness, making them ideal in dessert dishes. We finished up with a glass of Domaine Rotier Gaillac Doux Renaissance, Gaillac, France, 2011. A wine with a long-lasting punchy flavour that includes citrus fruits and floral notes.
Experiencing Colette's is a must for anyone staying in The Grove as a guest, and I strongly urge anyone else to visit for an evening of fine dining. The dishes were executed to perfection, and the eclectic range of flavours throughout the evening was a pleasure.
The Bill: £89 per head
