So excited was I, my choices for starter
and main were selected days before we
were due to sit down.
We were windswept and hungry when
we breezed up to the maître d but were
warmly and enthusiastically welcomed
before being ushered to our sea-facing
table. Shortly afterwards we were each
recommended a cocktail which we
gladly received – a black margarita and a
cucumber sour, both were delicious and
were good for warming us up.
We were then given two types of bread
and scallop popcorn. Our waiter explained
that the orange coral (the roe) was used
to flavour the popcorn and I have to say,
there wasn’t much leftover and it’s a great
pre-starter because it’s not too filling.
Naturally I had chosen the scallops and
Louis knowing I had ordered crab for main
course opted to have some for his starter.
The much-anticipated scallops were
caught off the coast of Brighton and
marinated with mirin, skewered with
lemongrass served with sesame, coriander
and smoked chilli jam. The jam was
captivating and Louis felt compelled to use
the remainder of the bread to scoop what
little was left - so literally the slate they
arrived on was wiped clean.
traditional rack of lamb. I’d never had the
pleasure of dissembling a whole crab
before and looked at my nutcracker with a
small amount of trepidation.
On arrival, I did wonder h ow on earth I was
going to make my way through so much
shell but with the aid of the nutcracker and
an enthusiastic boyfriend, the experience
was messy, funny but very enjoyable.
Again the flavours were spot-on. As well as
the main body of the crab all the legs were
mixed through the sauce and it’s fair to say
I went through quite a number of napkins.
Louis’ rack of lamb was marinated with
olive oil and mint which he had served with
chips and a side of green beans. The lamb
was beautifully pink, melted in the mouth
and the accompaniments worked well.
To soak up our mains, we were
recommended the slightly pricey, Pian
Di Sito Fiano (£34 for 500mls) which was
crisp and refreshing.
Other main course options include a range
of local market fish such as plaice, brill,
dover sole and lobster, a range from the
grill including chargrilled rib-eye steak, surf
and turf (fillet steak and tiger prawns), pork
belly glazed with Manuka honey.
Despite being more than sated, we were
naturally compelled to try the desserts
and we were strongly recommended the
Valrhona chocolate fondant with banana,
honeycomb and malted milk ice cream
which Louis gladly plumped for while I
opted for the rhubarb with ginger sponge
and tonka bean cream. Although struggling
to get through it all, both were so delicious
- we managed - just about.
To finish off the meal and feeling decadent
we sampled some port – which was the
perfect ending to a spectacular dining
experience.
GB1 really is a special restaurant and the
staff were extremely friendly and helpful –
and attentive without being overbearing.
For a Monday evening, it was busy. The
elegant surroundings provided us with
wonderful ambience and we hope to return
in the not too distant future.
By Liza Laws
The crab starter came with one of my other
great loves – avocado. It was shredded
and mixed with crème fraiche, lime and
black pepper accompanied by smoked
salmon, luckily I was allowed to sample a
bit and it didn’t disappoint.
Other starter options include pulled ham
hock and brown shrimp, Bramley apple
and pork puffs, sweet and sour pickled
beets, Golden Cross Sussex goat’s cheese
parfait and crisp onion and fish soup
including a selection of local seafood,
white wine and herbs.
Passionate about anything from south-east
Asia, I was drawn towards the Malaysian
crab while Louis plumped for a more
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