The Bay Brasserie

When you are invited to lunch by a very good restaurant to try their new menu, it would be rude to say no, and rude not to write a review.
I haven't covered The Bay before in Café Shots, because it's a restaurant, but it is transforming itself into a Brasserie, so I think the point can be stretched.
The transformation though is all about style of eating, not quality of the food served. The Bay has always been a destination restaurant for high days and holidays, and that has been reflected in the quite formal approach to dining, especially on the evening menu.
But a new Executive Development Chef has joined. Bruce Rennie known locally from the Gurnards Head, and more widely from Wisharts, and other Michelin starred restaurants. And Bruce has introduced the Brasserie menu - same standard of food, but a more relaxed approach to eating.
I went with a friend; we sat outside on the terrace overlooking the harbour in the distance, and the flower-filled garden immediately below. Service was a little slow to start with. I had to ask for a pre-lunch drink, rather than being offered one as I joined my friend, but the restaurant was packed and it was all uphill after that. Actually, both Natalie and Monika were excellent ambassadors for the new style approach - friendly, professional, helpful - both delightful. Both Teresa & I ordered Bavette Steak with Café de Paris butter, which was delicious but I was torn between the steak, the lamb cutlets with spiced aubergine, or the roast duck with cherry jus. There is a great choice for fish lovers too, and the aromas from the next table were mouth-watering. Think they had the monkfish.
We pushed the boat out and had dessert. Dark Chocolate Delice for me and caramelised passion fruit tart for Teresa, though we shared both. The passion fruit tart was our favourite- sweet, sharp, melt in the mouth, but the Chocolate Delice was also all a chocolate dessert should be. Dark, smooth and rich. But the stand out taste sensation was the Basil sorbet which we asked to try because it sounded so interesting, and it was exquisite. One of the best things I've ever eaten!
Highly recommend the new Brasserie Menu, and look forward to future delights.
The Bay is on Briton's Hill Penzance.  01736 366 890