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Over Excited with the Standards…Every year we get excited about new additions to the dining scene in Dorset and Hampshire, and each year we get excited about visiting those restaurants that have been making a mark in the area for a number of years, those confident in their position – but this year we are overwhelmed and over excited with the standards, the adventures of the senses, the quality of service and the level to which proprietors and chefs have elevated their businesses to, new venues and established alike! This year you will notice an even greater influence of local produce on the menu than ever before, more foraged ingredients, more meats, fish, cheeses and wines proudly labelled; Dorset, Hampshire, New Forest, Solent et al… The genius here is the self-perpetuation within the two counties, literally promoting the Dorset and Hampshire food chain. We also see a far greater number of local wines served alongside those from internationally renowned vineyards, a welcome development! To our restaurants we say; fantastic, fantastico and fantastique to our diners we simply say Enjoy! Chewton Glen HotelEmerging through a canopy of trees one will find these sensational suites nestled in ‘Chewton Bunny’, a wooded valley just meters from the main hotel. TiienNot many restaurants make such an impact in such a short space of time but Tiien Thai Restaurant has done exactly that! Opened in January 2011 Tiien now repeatedly welcomes regulars, recommendations, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, hen and engagement parties! BoatshedThe Boatshed is chic, the décor is cutting edge and the building unmistakable! So, let's drop anchor and get into that dining experience! LimewoodIt's a beautiful approach to Lime Wood and one that defies the hotel's youth. A classic meandering drive through the grounds providing a full view of what Lime Wood is today - with however a clear definition, even from a distance, between the original 'pink' Regency building and the new lavish extension. Patrick's RestaurantsIt’s all about Ashley Cross these days and Patrick’s is one of the originals! The restaurant and bar have been attracting locals and those visiting the area for over six years now. The dining and entertainment offerings have only got better! TerraVinaWhen you have the highest of profile hotel and restaurant proprietors with an esteemed provenance in the hospitality industry there is always the fear that this reputation could cloud the actual product. Rather like a case of the Emperor’s New Suit. So here we have Hotel Terra Vina – and we have Gerard Basset! Good news for us, (and for Gerard too no doubt), TerraVina is no Emperor’s New Suit – believe it! The JettyFinding a stunning hotel on the waters’ edge with views to die for is one thing! Finding a restaurant within its grounds that reflects the quality of the hotel, yet operating as an autonomous site is another. Cue the Christchurch Harbour Hotel and ‘the jetty’ restaurant in Mudeford, Dorset. 18121812 to 2012 – thankfully two hundred years later we are blessed with one of the best all round venues in the area. Cha ChyThis is a superb Indian restaurant! One of a group of three stunning south and south East Asian restaurants in Bournemouth all run by the same company (see Tiien and Indian Ocean). The quality shows and Cha Chy is the most recent addition to the stable. The EdgeFor those of you well-travelled diners out there with a few miles under your belt (and therefore perhaps a few inches too) think in terms of Spagos, the Sanderson, Aria and Blues and then add The Edge to that list. What do we look for in a venue; location, view, welcome, ambience, décor, service, menu, wine list and value? Agreed – good! Well usually one would be fortunate enough to enjoy six or seven out of our wish list of nine, however The Edge has a full house! Indian OceanWhen one arrives at Indian Ocean on Bournemouth’s West Cliff you are pleasantly welcomed by the glass frontage, bright environment, modern red and white décor, keen to please service, and when one sees the list of famous faces that dine at Indian Ocean you would not be surprised to see a red carpet too! FusselsWe do like to keep an eye on what is going on in our neighboring counties here at Enjoy and we have watched with keen interest the development of the delicious rapeseed oil brand Fussells! The Watercress CompanyWatercress has literally crept up on us in the last decade! What used to be thought of as an unwelcome garnish now headlines on the menus of the top restaurants in the UK and on the continent! Watercress RecipesMental note – super-food watercress should be on your weekly shopping list – it’s not the poor cousin to rocket and lettuce anymore – prime shelf positions, big business in the UK and Europe and basically it’s delicious and very, very, very good for you – result!
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