My friend Valerie and I went to Sienna in Dorchester, Dorset Saturday afternoon. We expected something a little bit special as we heard they had just won a Michelin star and we weren't disappointed. At £25 for a three course lunch we thought this extremely good value.
We were pleased on first impressions. The restaurant itself is 'small but perfectly formed.' A light, warm room, neutrally decorated with Sienna coloured furnishings (hence the name which originated from an alternative to 'Browns'). With just 5 small tables it made for a great service which was very friendly, informal, non-intrusive and discreet.
Lunch was an unhurried affair, and rightly so. You come here to savour, not eat and run. We were amazed to discover we had been there for three hours by the time we left.
We shared a 250ml decanter of Merlot Domaine Du Peras (VdP d'Oc). I won't attempt to describe the wine, Jilly Goolden I am not yet I don't just look at the alcohol percentage either. You'll just have to trust me on this, it's a good job they didn't give me the whole bottle.
It's the little details that mean alot. The canapes we started with acted as a teaser of what to come, savour the flavour...
CANAPES
Cheese and Onion Tartlets - perfect little light pastry cases contained warm melted cheese and spring onion filling.
Venison Brochettes - A skewer of perfectly cooked, juicy, melt in the mouth venison.
Salted Almonds - think these had been lightly toasted.
STARTERS
Me - Prawn bisque with butter-roasted tiger prawns and piquillo pepper cream
What I loved so much about this meal was the beautiful presentation.
The piquillo pepper cream was lightly spiced and had a beautiful rich creamy, almost mousse like texture.Valerie - Duck liver & foie gras parfait with Thompson raisins, verjus dressing & toasted brioche
MAINSMe - Slow-roasted Genesis Farmers pork belly with caramelised apple and parsnip puree
In the photo I really tried to capture the juicyness of the meat. It really was so lean, tender and juicy. The crackling was fine and crisp. The portion size was just right..Valerie - Wood-pigeon breast with potato gnocchi and baby beets
Valerie who is French and very discerning about food really enjoyed this dish.
DESSERTS
Tahitian vanilla cheesecake with blackcurrant jelly & poached apple
Artwork on a plate...Bitter chocolate tart with clotted cream ice cream and pistachio praline
Petit fours served with coffeeLemon Curd Tartlets - beautiful delicate pastry shells filled with slightly warm Lemon Curd filling lightly browned
Chocolates with Maple Syrup - very rich dark chocolate with a wonderful smooth maple syrup centre
Flapjacks - chewy and delicious
www.siennarestaurant.co.uk
36 High West Street
Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UP
01305 250 022
Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday
Lunch 12 - 2.00
Dinner 7 - 9.00
Reservations required
