We went to Cassons for the first time on Valentines Night. Therefore it was a set meal but no less for that. It is easy to find on the A27 and parking is right outside the Restaurant. On entering one was immediately welcomed with smiling warmth, our coats taken and hung in a cupboard away from possible food smells. We almost glided to our table the service was so smooth, passing mainly tables for two (Valentines) all covered in beautiful crisp, clean linen.

Two glasses of champagne were ordered, a plate of exquisite canapés arrived, the champagne taking a little longer, and we settled into our romantic evening with melting parmesan biscuits and little salmon tartlets. At this point we asked to move to another table as the nearest one to us was for 6 people and they were ‘sound drowning’ us. They moved us with no problem at all and we settled in again.

The menu was perfectly balanced between fish, vegetarian and meat. We started with a deliciously crisp tart filled with spinach, warm smoked salmon and King prawn surrounded by a brilliant lemon hollandaise, and seared scallops wrapped in pancetta. I asked if it were possible not to have the pancetta and as with everything else it was no problem. It did arrive with pancetta but within seconds they realised their mistake and were back to replace it. We moved on to perfectly pink fillet of beef with béarnaise sauce and fillets of local bass infused with lime and dill. It was full of the right flavours and exquisitely cooked, but I am not a great one for having everything on my plate however beautifully it is presented. Perhaps a little choice of indulgence or a salad would be welcome. However, the wine list was excellent, with a range of choice and prices with a few half bottles, and we were, therefore, able to have both red and white.  There is also an interesting bin end selection at the back, not to be missed.

Normally we do not get as far as eating pudding as well, but as the menu was a set price we became ecstatic over their descriptions of these sweet delights, and chose white chocolate filled with dark chocolate mousse with passion fruit sorbet, and crème brulee with a basket of orange and Grand Marnier sorbet. The puddings were ecstatic and the sorbets a brilliant addition to them. There was a good choice of cheeses if one preferred.

The restaurant was very busy and may have contributed to the rather slow service, but the ambience and the food were superb. We shall definitely go back.

Reviewed by R.M. on 28th February for The Good Food and Good Restaurant Guide

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