Michelin Star Reunions at The Atlantic Jersey

Any time away from Jersey seems like too long for me… I know it’s to do with the fact that Becca lives there and I don’t get to see her enough. But there’s something so incredible about the island (and its restaurants) that makes me so excited to get back there. In full appreciation that it had been far too long since we’d seen each other that we decided to celebrate in style and booked a table at Michelin Starred Ocean Restaurant at The Atlantic Hotel.

After a slight delay with my flight we arrived just in time for a massive hug, a rushed change and a dashed drive to The Atlantic Hotel, arriving bang on time for our reservation. Still being in full summer when I was there the sun was just beginning to set, meaning it was the most gorgeous golden hour light throughout the majority of our meal.

As we sat down our waiter for the evening brought us an amouse bouche of beetroot and goats cheese macarons. Light, crisp and full of flavour these were a real treat!

The presentation at The Atlantic Hotel, from what I saw of the hotel, our meal and Angie’s stay there, shows that everything has been thought of. I loved that the amouse bouche and butter were served on rustic rocks which reminded me of the coastal setting of the hotel itself.

No toast or celebration is complete without champagne and so we ordered two glasses of Tattinger champagne to toast best friends finally being reunited. A dry, crisp champagne that was just what was called for for a special occasion.

The head chef, Mark Jordan, is extremely well known for honest, simple food. Not only does he have Ocean Restaurant, but also runs Mark Jordan at The Beach, a more casual restaurant alternative that I have my eye on for my next trip!

The sommelier offered to match our wines with our courses that evening, which was much appreciated as we both felt we would be switching between meat and fish dishes – and on different courses! I was starting with a meat course and so had a lovely rich white wine to accompany my dish.

Never one to resist the pull of a good steak tartare, especially at a Michelin Star restaurant, I happily ordered this beautiful dish.

Topped with fresh oysters from Jersey and served with a crisp thin and a little caviar this was an outstanding, and beautiful dish.

Becca also opted for a meat based starter and had the maple baked foie gras terrine, Jersey apple and cider jelly with toasted brioche. An equally beautiful dish that Becca lapped up happily.

I’m sure you all have a friend with whom you share a similar friendship; the fact that no matter how long has passed, or what’s happened in the intervening months, it feels as though you saw them just last week. I loved catching up with Becca, hearing what’s been happening with her at work, at home and hearing what her travel plans were, and telling her everything that I’d been up to since we last saw each other.

As always happens, we had spent so much time chatting away that we had barely noticed that enough time had passed for our main courses to arrive.

Becca ordered the roasted rump of lamb, served with parmentier potatoes and a tarragon jus, which the sommelier paired with a delicious red wine. The meat itself was perfectly tender and cooked to perfection.

My dish, however, was served with a much lighter wine… In fact, it was another delicious, crisp champagne!

I had ordered the Jersey cod, served with capers, shellfish and a side of perfectly creamed mashed potato.

I think I could eat Jersey fish all day long… It’s so fresh, packed full of flavour and from what I’ve seen, perfectly plated.

By this point, as we’d had a late dinner sitting, the light had well and truly faded and I was left trying to make the best of the evening darkness! Ever two ladies who love dessert and yet who are utterly unable to pick which ones we want… We ordered two to share!

Firstly, the 55% Valrhona pavé with coco nib streusel and praline ice cream was a rich, indulgent dessert that was just right for two girls who are addicted to chocolate!

Add to that, it was absolutely beautiful.

Our second pudding was a raspberry millefeuille, or layered raspberries with thin, sugary discs in between the delicious fresh fruit.

I’ve not stayed at the hotel itself, but I can imagine that it’s the perfect place to relax after a decadent meal at Ocean Restaurant. The Atlantic is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a group of hotels that regular readers will know I look to for many of my overseas trips. I can easily see myself returning to this hotel in beautiful St Ouen’s bay for another girls weekend away!