Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 029 2063 6465 / www.wmc.org.uk
Over recent years, Ffresh Restaurant has maintained a quiet reputation as one of Cardiff’s finest dining destinations, and although housed within the Wales Millennium Centre, it certainly doesn’t deserve to be forgotten as an excellent restaurant in its own right. Choosing from the a la carte menu, we were undoubtedly spoilt for choice; the inventive menu offering plenty in the way of intrigue and adventure.
My starter proved a game of two halves, with the duo of mackerel (smoked and sweet pickled) both exciting and challenging the palate. Accompanied with beetroot and dill, the presentation was wonderful, and the flavours beautifully balanced – although the pickled mackerel was not quite to my taste. My dining partner opted for a suitably flavoursome cawl which was packed with meat in a thick broth.
Moving onto the mains, selection was once again a tricky process. The loin of venison with accompanying fondant potato and shallot and thyme puree eventually catching the eye along with the grilled plaice with oxtail, wild mushroom and a slightly superfluous white truffle foam.
The mains certainly took the meal to a higher plane, with the succulent venison in particular providing a riot of complementary flavours. The shallot and thyme puree beautifully married the pink venison, and left me wanting more.
We couldn’t leave without sampling the deserts, and the panacotta with cranberry and orange compot caused plenty of excitement. As did the stunning glazed lemon tart which rounded off a fantastic meal with a zingy Brecon gin and lemon marmalade. With a seasonal menu providing a fresh and exciting range of dishes, Ffresh Restaurant demands a return visit. GARETH LUDKIN