Dinner at one of the most iconic buildings in Wales, The Millennium Centre is sure to be a special occasion. Walking across Cardiff Bay in the evening to be greeted by the sunset glinting off the copper roof and you cannot fail to be impressed. Cardiff Bay has undergone major rejuvenation within the last 10 years and is now one of the Top 10 tourist attractions in Wales. The opening of Ffresh Restaurant is sure to draw the crowds too.

 

If you’re fed up with the chain restaurants that Mermaid Quay has in abundance, take a short stroll to the Millennium Centre where you are guaranteed a warm welcome by the friendly staff.  We took our seats in the modern and spacious Lounge Bar for a pre-dinner drink and a chance to peruse the menu. It’s difficult to make your choice when you’re faced with so many mouth watering alternatives...it’s a difficult job, but someone has to do it! We opted for the 2 course menu, which we decided to have as a main course and a dessert.

The table we were shown to was directly opposite the Welsh Assembly Building. With a
great view of the restaurant (great for people watching) which is very open and you can see directly into the kitchen via the pass. Our main courses arrived accompanied by 2 large glasses of wine which were chosen off an extensive by the glass list. I opted for the Seared belly of pork, braised pigs cheeks (a personal favourite) and a croquette of ham hock with sautéed red cabbage and cauliflower puree. Truly delicious, with great flavours which all came together beautifully. Pork can sometimes be overdone and dry, but not the case here! Really moist and the cheeks were wonderfully tender having been braised to perfection.  My wife had the Halibut and clams with shredded beans and leek and chive sauce. A generous portion of Halibut that had been pan seared to perfection and placed in a sauce of creamy richness with sweet clams. It was obviously a winner judging by the emptiness of the plate!

Our desserts followed after a decent break which is always nice as you don’t feel as though you are being hurried out the door. I chose a blast from the past with a homemade Arctic Roll and Raspberry jelly (who doesn’t like jelly?). It tasted divine, a real hit of vanilla ice cream with juicy raspberry jelly hearts and a tangy raspberry coulis underneath. I was transported back to my childhood with every mouthful. We also had the cheeseboard which was included in the price. This was a pleasant surprise as on so many menus it is as an additional supplement. So well done Ffresh. A lovely selection of artisan cheeses with a homemade spicy chutney on the side. 

Of course this sort of quality dining comes from chefs whose experience speaks volumes. Kurt Fleming formerly of the award winning Bell at Skenfrith, and Shaun Hill of the Walnut Tree in Abergavenny which has just recently been awarded a Michelin star. With this sort of quality at the pass and a very affordable 2 and 3 course menu, take a break from the norm at Cardiff Bay and enjoy a meal at Ffresh. Quality sourced ingredients and a very warm welcome.

For more information and for details of how to book, visit the Ffresh website: http://wmc.org.uk/index.cfm?UUID=C707A059-E0C7-0F68-DB58E17D04F744C7

 

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