I was late! (this isn’t unusual for me I must admit). I knew that Fork & Field in Chichester was on the opposite side of the town centre from where I normally park so I decided to try one which was closer. That appeared full and I had no time to go round and round looking for one so I went to another. I finally found a space but then couldn’t get my bearings. I tried my phone to give me directions but it was shouting out the instructions making everyone look at me and as it was new I couldn’t find out how to turn the blasted thing down. I eventually arrived 15 minutes late. Oops.
Thankfully my friend wasn’t bothered about my lateness and was already enjoying a nice glass of wine. She was sat in the conservatory area and the sun was shining…at last, it’s been such a long winter.
Once seated I was given three sheets of paper with various menus including the wine list.
There was a set menu priced at £12 for three courses, a bargain if ever there was one. I liked all that was on there but thought I should go for something that I really really wanted to eat and that was the scallops on the a la carte, the second most expensive dish in the restaurant, of course it was. I did save some money however by not having a starter.
I was a little disappointed not to be given any bread, most upmarket restaurants – and I would definitely put Field & Fork in this category – would offer at least a slice of fresh home baked bread served with whipped butter surely, but alas, we were not.
I was surprised when my meal arrived as I expected a large plate for some reason (mainly it being £18 maybe?). I had to remind myself that scallops do not come cheap. It was very nicely presented on a long green plate. There were five pakoras made from sweet potato and squash and not too spicy. They seemed very fresh and they were tasty too.
Balanced on top of the pakoras were the scallops which were delicious, beautifully cooked and the coriander sauce which came dotted on and around the scallops really added some flavour. This I’d have again.
My friend Linda went for the skate wing dish from the market menu. She was very happy with her choice and gave me a little to try as I’d never had it before.
Puds next. Being a rather greedy person I can never say no to an assiette of desserts if they’re on the menu and Field & Fork offer a ‘trio of desserts’. Well, how could I resist? Especially when I liked the sound of all the desserts and found it hard to choose just one.
They came, again nicely presented and served upon a long dish. A small shot glass containing a lemon posset with a wafer thin slice of pineapple came with a wooden spoon, which I didn’t like so exchanged it for a small silver one instead. I’m not sure why the wooden spoon came with it, all I could taste was wood.
Next was another small glass containing what appeared to be a trifle. A rather tasteless jelly containing strawberries and raspberries with a gooey meringue on top (not as good as the one I had at Wild Gastro @ Lilly’s mind) which would have been nice had it not had a gritty texture, it wasn’t silky smooth.
Last but by no means least was the chocolate one. This was by far the best and the only one I really enjoyed. A small crisp pastry case (which I’m hoping was made on the premises) containing a lovely chocolate ganache and a smooth, lightly whipped chocolate mousse on top and a clever chocolate tuile. None of the desserts appeared to be smaller versions of the desserts on the menu, just different adaptations of them.
We finished our meal off with a coffee each which sadly came with no biscuit nor petit fours.
The staff were very friendly and attentive. Field & Fork are tucked away just off North street and close to Priory Park and are in their tenth year.
Although I wasn’t impressed by my dessert (and was offered no bread), for some reason I still want to return.
Ambience 9
Service 9
Value 8
Quality 8
Return? Yes
Overall – 8/10
Living life, loving cake
A x