Restaurant Review: Relish Epicurea

Remember how utterly impressed we were with Relish Epicurea when we mentioned them a few weeks back? Well Melanie and myself were lucky enough to return for lunch and try for ourselves what so many people have been raving about or rather relishing over. Alison Kern, the owner and well, the 'does everything' person welcomed us as we sat to begin our meal. We thought we would wet our appetites before the 'real deal' so started with a board filled with cheeses, cold cuts, fresh fruit and crackers. There is no doubt that cheese, really beautiful and well made, along with top class meats has to be one of best things on the planet. Give me a glass of wine, a piece of brie and some perfectly cured prosciutto and I will be in heaven right away!

The cheeses which we chose included Brie de Meaux, Apricot Stilton and Manchego Cheese; while the cold cuts were made up of Prosciutto and Salami. These were then accompanied by Grapes, Strawberries, English Cranberry Preserve, almond biscuits and 'Beer' Crackers. The cheeses were of superior quality and the Brie, wow was it creamy, perfectly tangy and went ideally with the cranberry preserve. Both of the biscuits along with fruit had just the right umph of sweetness which balanced out the saltiness of the meats and cheeses unconditionally.  

On to the next course we moved - We thought we would have one of their famed sandwiches so enquired which was the most popular - soon we were presented with one brimming with juicy pulled pork and hickory smoked bacon. Talk about a real man's sandwich! Butch, bursting with flavour and above all comforting. The fresh Ciabatta Bread soaked up the juices from the pulled pork allowing the sandwich to be moist and succulent. The arugula added a wonderful bite which was cooled down by the hints of mint in the quinoa . The potato salad had a wonderful mustard bite to it which enhanced the flavors in the sandwich. 

Meat is certainly the focal point of this dish with the sides being a complimentary contributing factor. The Lamb {imported from New Zealand}, was exceptionally seasoned with a salty tapenade rub and perfectly cooked medium rare. As you bit into the lamb, the flavourful juices were released. The sides which were simple and subtle included cole slaw, vegetables pickled in a balsamic vinaigrette and couscous with chickpeas. The delicate flavours really allowed you to out all your concentration into the lamb.

Such a simple yet indulgent feast! Price points for lunch at Relish range between US $9.00 - $ 30.00 so you most certainly get great value for money.