Anise, Sussex

The Anise is 'The Best Restaurant in Sussex'

28th February 2008, 4:19pm

'The best restaurant in Sussex' is how one restaurant critic recently described the Anise Restaurant in East Grinstead, which has already been awarded two AA Rosettes and is clearly heading for higher accolades.

Since the arrival of Executive Chef Matthew Budden late last year, the Anise Restaurant has been steadily growing in stature and reputation with its menus of simple and elegant food beautifully presented.

Restaurant Manager Richard Short, who has a wealth of experience in some top London Restaurants, heads up a team that is dedicated to enhancing the diner's experience.

Tartare of organic salmon, crab bisque, oyster ceviche and a cress salad, or seared diver caught scallop, braised pork tart, parmesan and smoked garlic are two of the starters on offer. While main courses include roast fillet of local Limousin beef, ravioli of the blade with rib and kidney suet pudding, or saddle of rabbit with mustard and spinach with confit leg 'Feuillette'.

Deserts include Bramley apple pannacotta, Granny Smith sorbet with a cinnamon doughnut or Valhrona hot chocolate 'biscuit', with saffron and tonka bean ice-cream.

The Restaurant also offers occasional five course gourmet evenings, the next ones being held on 5, 6 and 7 March. The following menu is a taster of what diners might enjoy:

Foie gras parfait with black truffle and wild mushrooms Or Blue cheese pannacotta, salad of celery, walnut and grape

Served with: Gewuztraminer 2005 Hugel et Fils

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Sussex Perry sorbet

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Saddle of local Southdown Lamb filled with roast garlic and spinach Or Grilled fillet of Brill, olive crust, saffron linguini Or Risotto of Jerusalem artichoke and chive pickled walnuts

Served with: Australia Treehouse Pinot Noir 2004 Pemberton, Muscadet de Sevre et Maine sur Lie 2006 Domaine Manoir DB and Red Bordeaux Clos des Menuts 2001 Grand Cru St Emilion CB

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Trio of Valrhona chocolate

Served with: Chateau Villefranche 2005 Sauternes CB

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Whipped brie 'en feuillette'

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Handmade petit fours

To book a table at the Anise, telephone 01342 337700 or visit www.felbridgehotel.co.uk