Some folk get excited when they see the new Autumn/Winter Argos Catalogue.
Turning the glossy pages of treasure, in search of the Christmas section generally happens about – ooh September, and we’re on Santa watch from there. So when we were invited to meet up with the best Nottingham food bloggers for Christmas Dinner at The Rocket at Saltwater, we hopped on to the Polar Express for 2000 miles to see what the modern city centre restaurant could tempt us with this Festive season.
When I say Polar Express, strictly speaking I mean the NCT bus, but that matters not, happening in the restaurant was Chriiiist-Maas (sorry – i have to do that in most Christmas features I write) The wall was decked with…erm…decorations and our table laid with crackers. We really had stepped into Christmas.
I love receiving Christmas menus and choosing what I’d have (sad I know) but the lucky bloggers didn’t need to decide, the good folk at Rocket treated us to each of their stunning starters.
Jerusalem Artichoke & Potato Soup, a vegetarian option, with white truffle oil & fresh bread. A rich delicious soup which surprised some anti-soup bloggers and turned out to be one we’d all recommend.
We were given the Chicken Liver Parfait with apple and saffron chutney, rocket and toasted brioche in three different styles of presentation to decide which should be one served to diners.
Another favourite from the selection of full size starters was the Grilled Goat’s Cheese on toasted brioche, with aged balsamic vinegar, caramelised red onions, apple & cranberry chutney, a beautiful combination of flavours.
Finally there was the White Crab, Grapefruit and Chilli Rillette served with spring onion, mango ribbon, avocado salsa & pane carasau. Not my favourite, but no complaints from the hungry bloggers.
As the wine flowed and our wastelines expanded, in typical Christmas fashion, the main courses were quickly bought to the table. Credit to the chefs for getting all the dishes out at the same time. I struggle to get a simple Sunday lunch ready at the same time.
Bloggers favourites were the Iberian Belly Pork; slow roast honey glazed belly pork with a honey & thyme red wine jus, Pan Roasted Turkey Escalope; wrapped in Prosciutto like a huge pig in a blanket with cranberry & walnut stuffing and cranberry Madiera jus. Another unexpected favourite was the Festive Nut Roast; walnut & sundried tomato nut roast with roasted vegetable jus. Some of the bloggers were apprehensive about a vegetarian Christmas dinner, but this one proved that they can be fab too. We also tucked in to the Chargrilled Rump Steak and marinated soy and ginger salmon Fillet. All main courses are served with roasted root vegetables and roast new potatoes with not a sprout in sight – woo hoo!
Crackers pulled and bloggers slipping further down their chairs, we begin with the desserts. No sign of the traditional pudding, instead a delicious lighter trio. Warm Chocolate Brownie served with Vanilla ice cream and kumquat jam, Limoncello Panna Cotta served with black cherry sauce and cigar tuille biscuit and Vanilla Pod and Manuka Honey Cheesecake served with winter berry coulis. Puddings not your thing? Yes you probably are strange, but there is a Cheese Board on the menu too which we tried. Cheeses include Saint Agur, smoked Applewood Chedder & Brie with roasted pepper and tomato chutney, oat biscuits, sliced pear and grapes.
I’d never actually thought about going to Saltwater for a Christmas dinner, but the evening definitly changed my mind. With food like this you really will wish it could be Christmas everyday. A 2 course lunch is priced at only £19.95 or 3 courses for £24.95, so it really is great value. We can’t guarantee there won’t be any family arguments but it’s certainly less stressful.
Pass the Quality Street would you….Merry Xmas Everybody.
For more information visit: www.rocketrestaurants.co.uk
Call: 0115 9242664
By Tanya Raybould
Food Editor
@foodnottingham
@tanyalouiseray
