When it comes to loving or hating the summer I am, like most things in my life, sitting firmly on the fence. Don't get me wrong, I love a good BBQ, it gives me perfect excuse to live on ice-cream for several months at a time and the summer months usually coincide with me having a rather long period of time off work.
On the down side, my 'English skin' as my mother calls it (she means pale) will never tan, I have virtually no appropriate clothes to deal with the soaring temperatures and I definitely don't enjoy the sun waking me up in the early hours of every morning.
However, despite my misgivings the summer months bring in a whole host of exciting new options on the food and drink front and what could scream summer more than a new menu at the beautiful Alma de Cuba?
If you've been with me for a while you'll know this wasn't my first time at Alma, I went for a bloggers event late last year- see here. However, bloggers events are a completely different ball game to actually going somewhere for dinner. So not only was I excited by the prospect of a romantic dinner for two, I couldn't wait to get my mitts around the new summery options I'd been eyeing up on the PDF menu in work all week.
After cocktails the starters were, on my insistence, ordered to share. The Fish Taco (£6.50) delivered bags of flavour and colour with stacks of crispy white fish, creme fraiche and crunchy 'Caribbean' slaw. Our second option, Sweet Potato and Chorizo Croquettes (£7) were rich and creamy with a good dollop of thick garlic mayonnaise and peppery rocket on the side.
Alma are famous for their steaks so my guest went for a Sirloin (£21.95) with fries, tomatoes and green chimichurri- a refreshing mix of herbs, garlic and olive oil. Beautifully charred, it was sweet, soft and smoky and completely justified its rather hefty price tag.
Whilst I was also tempted by the steak, our waiter persuaded me to try one of their bestsellers the Mojito Lamb Rump (£18.95). Now that fella deserves a raise because I'm not a huge lamb lover (it's probably my least favourite meat if I'm honest) but the whole thing was really, really good. Granted, it tasted very little like a mojito, but the lamb was so tender and with sides of sweet onions, crispy potatoes and buttery greens it was a total winner in my book.
Dessert didn't disappoint either. Whilst my date's Chilli Chocolate Brownie (£6) fulfilled all it's brownie duties (thick, fudgey, rich) I was secretly thrilled with my Kalua Mocha Macaroon (£6). A giant, gravity defying meringue filled with all sorts of good stuff (chocolate, cream, coffee) served with the most incredible mocha ice-cream. I'd bathe in that ice-cream if I could. (Alma, hmu?)
If you fancy trying out the new Spring/Summer menu at Alma for yourself, I'd definitely recommend going on a Tuesday when you can get 2 courses each and a bottle of house wine for £19.95pp.
Booking details - here.
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