Rouille

TEL:01590 642340

Now closed, Phil & Janine now run The Crown in Everton

Visited July 2004

Milford on Sea, just along the coast from Lymington, has retained its village atmosphere and near the green, which is the hub of community life, is Rouille. I have just moved into the area and am delighted to find sophisticated dining which today has been shared with the other three "ladies". A wonderful start to the second half of our dining year!

Phil & Janine, the owners, have been in residence for almost a year and are obviously very comfortable with the service they are offering. This agreeable feeling is passed on to the clients, we had a very warm welcome. In the intimate bar area Janine efficiently produced our G&T's without delay, nice glasses, loads of ice & lime, as well as lemon, just what we needed after battling the storms through the forest! We were also asked which water we preferred with our lunch, sparkling, still or tap? A nice touch especially as it was poured ready for us when we sat at the table. What a joy to see tables displaying crisp white linen set up in twos and fours (or more if you wish) with picture windows giving a view onto the street. ( Good for people watching... mmmm I wonder who that Rolls Royce belongs to...)

During the day there is a wide choice offering excellent value: a set 2 course lunch £9.95, 3 course lunch £12.95 or for that something different, the a la carte menu. We did a bit of pick and mix, in the name of research; our starters included Seared Scallops (see left) served with a lemon & mint dressing, Deep fried breaded Brie served with a red onion marmalade, Soup of the day: a piping hot concoction of Pea & mint, and Salmon, Crayfish & wild mushroom Terrine served on a roasted pepper & basil salad. We were all impressed by the flavours!

The main courses chosen were Grilled Lamb Cutlets served on a rosemary mash with a redcurrant jus (potato optional for those on that Atkins diet!), Pan fried Breast of Chicken coated with a red wine & oyster mushroom sauce, and Pan fried Calves Liver served on a mustard mash with a shallot, bacon & red wine jus. A bowl of vegetables including mashed carrots, French beans, broccoli and new potatoes complimented these well presented & delicious dishes. Very generous portions.

Two of us have a sweet tooth which was satisfied by a rich ( & to die for!) Sticky Toffee Pudding served with vanilla ice cream & Apple and Blackberry Crumble with hot custard. (There are usually four spoons at the ready though! Today ran true to form.)

To accompany our meal a couple of bottles of a really unusual & gluggable House White (sorry cant remember the name, so unusual I'd never heard of it) and coffee with mints to round off a delightful meal in very relaxing surroundings. It was definitely a "smiley" day for us. What more could you ask for, delicious food, beautifully served & presented in attractive surroundings. Must mention that as well as Janine the young waitress is also very charming.

Janine & Phil are striving to achieve a reputation for being different in all aspects of their restaurant, the food, the wine, the service & the presentation, they are well on their way to achieving it. Try Rouille for yourself, it comes highly recommended! Its a lovely area to visit during the daytime but also a good venue for that special dinner.

Booking is advisable especially at the weekends. Open for lunch, Tuesday-Sunday noon - 2.0pm (Sundays only a la carte), Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday 7.0pm until late. Closed Sunday evening & all day Monday.

Cost:£ £ £ £ £

Yummy Factor 9/10

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The higher the "Yummy" factor, the better the food & service. The higher the number of £ signs the more expensive. ( Roughly one £ sign = £5 per head )

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