When it comes to food and dining out – Reading isn’t at the forefront and that’s no a secret. Reading is a town in England known for its traditional country pubs, professional football club, lockside river walks and old English history. But if you’re looking for something a little more special then Cerise Restaurant, located on the ground floor of the five-star Roseate Hotel may well just be for you.
Settled into our seats and a tantalising amuse bouche later, we tucked into our first starter created by head chef Rajesh Maharjan and gosh was it good. Plump and perfectly seared Orkney scallops with yellow beets, sorrel, flavours of peach and samphire. All of the elements of this dish were great but what I loved most is they let the flavour and texture of those scallops do most of the talking and it really paid off.
If I had to choose one dish that felt a little weak (but by no means terrible) compared to the rest of our meal it would be this pressed lamb neck with smoked yoghurt, aubergine, charred cucumber and basil cress. Flavour wise it worked, but the terrine was far too dry and not as succulent as it should have been. If they can get that right, this could be a really excellent dish.
Main course were more delicious plates of food and we really couldn’t find fault in any. Himalayan salt dried sirloin of beef with celeriac, truffle potato, baby courgettes and red wine jus was an absolute dream. Whilst the oven roast duck breast with confit leg bon-bon, beetroot, plum, kale, parsnip and bordelaise sauce was something you’d expect to see and taste in a Michelin starred restaurant. As I said, we really couldn’t find fault.
I can’t quite remember what this next dish was, a pre-dessert of sorts but I can remember being so intrigued by it’s refreshing flavours, zesty fruits and punchy herbaceous notes. They love playing with flavours here and they get it right every single time.
We finished up on desserts, which I must say were a real highlight of our experience and really left us leaving on such a high. Desserts on the day were created by pastry chef, Josh Saunders and all I can say to Cerise is never let him go. Two stunning desserts which will melt your heart, the first of which was the most amazing apple terrine & blackberry cremeaux with burnt apple panna cotta and toasted ice cream – it will leave you salivating.
Followed by the best dish of our entire evening. Coconut & kalamansi cannelloni with Thai basil ice cream, green curry sponge and lemongrass cloud. Unusual and absolutely delicious. If they ever needed a signature dish to grace the menus – this should be it.
Not only is the food here at Cerise absolutely fantastic, but so are the cocktails and their espresso Martini comes highly recommended. Beautifully crafted, rich and with a generous shot of alcohol to feel that all important bite with every sip.
We had a truly fantastic meal at Cerise and having eaten here once before all those 8 or so years ago, it’s so lovely to see them going from strength to strength. Delicious food, lovely staff, perfectly crafted cocktails and a menu which won’t break the bank but still offer you a special, fine dining experience. Reading – we’ll be back!
I love the presentation, the scallop dish sounds divine!