Red Cabbage

We visited Red Cabbage last year for my birthday, and again this year. I still haven't forgotten the first time I had venison there, a few years ago. It's almost become a tradition to visit the Red Cabbage on/around my birthday for Venison!

We started with their complimentary appetiser, marron broth. I'm not really a fan of seafood, especially soups but this was alright. There were some small pieces of celery in it to add a little crunchiness and a little lift.

My main was the Hay Smoked venison, interestingly we were not asked how well we wanted it done, it was served medium rare (which I don't have any issues with). Often venison can be quite heavy and thick and rough but I found this well grained with a sweet feel. I normally ask for a little extra salt and I feel that just finished off the meat. It was topped with thin slices of beetroot, speckled with small pieces of cheese.

As a side we had the house cut chips with the chili/tomato sauce. The oil was crisp, fresh and light and was so thin it nearly felt baked. Rosemary flecks and seasalt completed among the best chips I have had. For greens we had a pear, roquette and hazelnut salad.

The desserts were vaguely described, mine was a soft almond biscuit base (frangipane), with cherry jam and soft pistachios. I found this quite delicate and flavoursome, without being heavy.

Red cabbage is always a bit on the expensive side, but serves fine-dining food. Four and a half stars.