On the 16th of June 2013 the family and I went to Pier64, a steakhouse, to celebrate Father’s Day. Pier64 is located in Penarth marina – a lovely setting made better by the lovely weather.
With Francis Dupuy (formerly of Le Gallois) at the helm I had high expectations. My expectations were elevated even further when I saw the prices for some of the dishes!
The menu has a good variety of fish, salads and meats and with us celebrating Father’s Day, I opted for the Chateaubriand, reasonably priced at £49.95 (between 2). The quality of the meat was excellent and cooked to perfection (rare), as were the vegetables, cooked al dente, and the rich dauphinoise potatoes worked well with such a lean meat. The red wine jus was beautifully flavoursome.
The meal was excellent and I enjoyed every element. The price is the only thing that would make me think twice before returning. The Chateaubriand is reasonable enough but with every other component: buttered greens £3; dauphinoise potatoes £3; foie gras £7.95; and red wine jus £2, I was parting with £41 for a main course – not to mention wine, water or dessert!
It’s worth noting that cheaper meals are available and they also offer a set lunch menu which is very reasonable. 2 courses for £12.95 and 3 courses for a mere £15.95.
It wasn’t me paying so I happily ordered the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, (£5.95) for dessert. This was perfect. Light sponge yielding under my spoon giving way to velvety chocolate. This, along with the ice cream provided a perfect end to the meal – and without being overly sweet either.
With Côtes du Rhône 100% Grenache Julien Mus (£24.95) and a double espresso for £3.75 it would have been cheaper for me to have eaten at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester – and they have 3 Michelin stars!
Despite the cost, Pier64 is an excellent steakhouse cooking top notch food. I’m looking forward to going again though I’ll most probably order something cheaper.
With Francis Dupuy (formerly of Le Gallois) at the helm I had high expectations. My expectations were elevated even further when I saw the prices for some of the dishes!
The menu has a good variety of fish, salads and meats and with us celebrating Father’s Day, I opted for the Chateaubriand, reasonably priced at £49.95 (between 2). The quality of the meat was excellent and cooked to perfection (rare), as were the vegetables, cooked al dente, and the rich dauphinoise potatoes worked well with such a lean meat. The red wine jus was beautifully flavoursome.
The meal was excellent and I enjoyed every element. The price is the only thing that would make me think twice before returning. The Chateaubriand is reasonable enough but with every other component: buttered greens £3; dauphinoise potatoes £3; foie gras £7.95; and red wine jus £2, I was parting with £41 for a main course – not to mention wine, water or dessert!
It’s worth noting that cheaper meals are available and they also offer a set lunch menu which is very reasonable. 2 courses for £12.95 and 3 courses for a mere £15.95.
It wasn’t me paying so I happily ordered the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, (£5.95) for dessert. This was perfect. Light sponge yielding under my spoon giving way to velvety chocolate. This, along with the ice cream provided a perfect end to the meal – and without being overly sweet either.
With Côtes du Rhône 100% Grenache Julien Mus (£24.95) and a double espresso for £3.75 it would have been cheaper for me to have eaten at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester – and they have 3 Michelin stars!
Despite the cost, Pier64 is an excellent steakhouse cooking top notch food. I’m looking forward to going again though I’ll most probably order something cheaper.
