Restaurant Review: Isabels, Ashley Cross, Parkstone (From Bournemouth Echo)

Restaurant Review: Isabels, Ashley Cross, Parkstone

12:00pm Friday 2nd July 2010 in

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FROM its gold lettering and dark curved windows, Isabels has a mysterious appearance amid Ashley Cross’s other dining experiences.

Inside the décor is dark red and very intimate, with cosy booths offering privacy for that business deal or marriage proposal.

After being promptly seated by the particularly friendly waiting staff, my partner and I were presented with a mouth-watering selection of canapés as we slavered over the menu.

There is a separate vegetarian section, and a three-course bistro menu is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The main menu offers predominately French cuisine and a joyous selection of dishes.

This upmarket restaurant has two |sittings and we plumped for a later table in order to secure an intimate booth – highly recommended. Both being famished, we proceeded straight to the main course without further ado.

My vegetarian companion decided on the Tarte d’épinards au Roquefort (spinach and Roquefort cheese on a crispy base in a mornay sauce).

This proved savoury and delicious and arrived in an impressive tower formation.

With a hankering for fresh seafood, I chose the Sole Isabel that consisted of fillets of sole layered with thin sheets of homemade pasta and topped with a shellfish and cognac sauce. It proved a good pick and every inch as delicious, and it was presented with loving care on the plate.

We also ordered extra vegetables: baby new potatoes, French fries, creamed swede (much more glamorous than it sounds), crisp spring cabbage and tangy carrots.

When you want a treat and something special, Isabels is just what the doctor ordered. The candlelit atmosphere is complemented by the superb service that was always very helpful and pleasant.

Our meal came to a very reasonable £37.55.