The Perry Vale

1 Reviews on “The Perry Vale”

• Melissa Thompson

  Forest Hill has been crying out for a new restaurant since we moved there nearly three years ago We’re spoilt for choice with amazing coffee shops, and decent breakfasts, brunches and lunches are easy to find.But with so many of the dinner choices offered by pubs or places better known for takeaways, there is scant choice for somewhere solely dedicated to dinner. So it’s been no surprise to see The Perry Vale, that takes its name from the street on which it’s popped up, constantly rammed in the short time it’s been open. But are diners going there to try it outlet curiosity, or because 5heyve already heard good things? We went on a Thursday. The bookable tables had all gone, but three big tables near the window were up for grabs as they’re for walk-in customers only.We started with small plates honey & mustard roast chorizo (3), and artichokes (2.50). So far so good. Great value snacks and that chorizo – sweet with a little kick of spice – were delicious.Then we went straight into mains. I ordered chargrilled picanha (17.50) that came with a choice of cafe de paris butter or peppercorn sauce and a watercress salad – but no chips. They had to be ordered extra, for 3. Why do restaurants do this?. Who orders steak without chips, aside from the health conscious (who are probably eating the fish option anyway), those doing the Atkin’s diet (a dying breed) or the ill-informed? It’ll always seem like a ploy to eek out more money from customers and on speaking to others, it’s not just me who doesn’t like it. I mentioned it to our waitress who said she’d pass it onto the chef, so watch this space perhaps. But the steak was tender and tasty, perhaps a bit overdone so it was more medium than medium-rare but that’s only if I’m being fussy. Anyway, my partner had seared mackerel with potato, horseradish & watercress with pickled cucumber (15.75). It was lovely, a great mix of flavours and pickled tang worked in harmony with the fish.There’s a good choice of dessert too. I didn’t look beyond the citrus madeleines with banana and yoghurt sorbet (5.50), which was lovely. Kate had Capricorn Somerset goats cheese (5.95) which was nice, though a section of cheeses is always preferable to just one. There’s a good wine selection too, and the service was lovely and attentive.I felt the slight nervousness of a place still getting in its stride but if this is where the team is at so close to opening. I’ve got high hopes for where it will be in a few months’ time.As long as they serve steak with chips, that is.

  November 18, 2015, 6:25 pm

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