J
Had a lovely lunch here on a day trip to the isle. The Three Buoys is just a leisurely 15 minute walk from the hover port in a lovely location overlooking Appley beach.
The service was impeccable - very friendly and efficient. The food was outstanding and the menu was varied with interesting elements on a solid foundation.
The beer battered fish and chips was delicious with the best peas I've ever tasted mixed with spinach and a tartare sauce stuffed with capers. Perhaps too many capers for those who aren't fans of capers, but tasty nonetheless. The fish was lovely and the batter was tasty and not heavy or greasy.
I had the sea bass fillets with a red pepper pesto, sweetcorn velouté, coconut jelly, charred pak choi, black sesame and red chilli. There were also some unannounced spring onions and herbs, which complemented the dish beautifully. The coconut jelly cubes were lacking in cocunut flavour and the sliced red chilli was a little too much for my taste. It contrasted too heavily against the lighter red pepper pesto and sweetcorn velouté in my opinion, but it was no trouble to separate the few slices from the dish.
The sea bass fillets were cooked to perfection and were packed with flavour from the pan. Moist and flavourful with a firm skin exactly as it should be. The chargrilled pak choi was outstanding too and both this and the fish were the stars of the show.
We had some exceptional moules marinière as a starter. They weren't on the menu, but we were accommodated when we asked for them. The mussels were fresh and juicy, cooked just long enough. Too many places serve overcooked mussels, but this isn't one of them. The sauce was plentiful and ridiculously tasty, if a little too much cream used (for anyone watching their waistline). This was accompanied by the best garlic bread I've tasted. The portion was very generous for a starter too.
I had a local ale to accompany my sea bass which went very well together. There was so much flavour in the fish and pak choi that a light white wine would be too bland in comparison I fear so I was happy with my choice.
I was hoping for a little more seafood on the menu when I first saw it as I was in the mood for a seafood platter or similar. Had I looked up the menu beforehand I might have gone elsewhere and I would have missed out on one of the best meals I've had in some time. It goes to show that a good restaurant can take a somewhat regular dish and turn it in to a memorable one.
I wish I hadn't been driving later that day as their gin and tonic and wine selections were very tempting. I will be sure to come back with an overnight stay next time.
At £21 per head this was exceptionally good value. I love that service wasn't included nor suggested and I hope the staff do well on tips because they absolutely deserve it.
I can't recommend the Three Buoys enough and remember the meal vividly as I write this several days later.