Cambridge is one of the most civilised and lovely places to visit in the UK and yet there are only two Michelin star restaurants to satisfy refined tastebuds. Alimentum is one of the two – a small, discreet restaurant located on a quiet street near the main train station. With a sophisticated, oriental-feeling, black and red interior, this eatery suits both business meals and leisurely treats. Headed up by chef Mark Poynton, the kitchen presents food that is highly creative but miraculously reasonably priced (the affordable fixed price menu starts at £18.50 for 2 courses), making this wonderful dining experience accessible to all.
We were seated at the best table overlooking the kitchen, so throughout the meal we could spy on the chefs preparing the immaculate plates. It was great fun to see the foodie performance before the carefully constructed dishes were delivered to us. Prior to our chosen a la carte courses we were offered fluffy warm freshly baked bread, and mouthfuls of crispy pastry with pea shoots, feta and lemon. Then came the tiny tasters of butternut squash veloute with pickled mushrooms and pumpkin seeds, a silky comforting soup and a taste of the culinary delights to come. The sommelier kindly selected suitable white and red wines to go with our food choices.
The a la carte is well balanced with creations to suit every palate. To start we chose to feast on Quail Breast and legs, with broccoli, lime and peanut and Duck Foie gras mousse, passion fruit, walnut and spring onion. Both dishes had a hint of the orient whilst using seasonal British ingredients. Presented in a glass bowl the foie gras was incredibly rich topped with an assortment of textural garnishes ensuring every mouthful was different. The delicately cooked quail was irresistible – subtly flavoured meat with broccoli and peanuts, it reminded me of the flavours I tried in Thailand.
Our main courses were very decadent; Lobster, Duck breast, gizzard, carrot, anise and white port for my guest and Venison, Sweet potato, lentils, king oyster mushroom with pink peppercorn sauce for me. The venison was perfectly cooked and glistened with a coating of rich sauce; it was balanced with greenery and had a lovely range of textures. The lobster and duck was a feast for the senses, and an especially good choice for those greedy diners that can’t decide between seafood and meat. Both were cooked immaculately and dressed with a layer of thin carrots and garnished with a sprinkling of herbs.
After a surprise course of superior cheeses, we chose desserts. After watching the pastry chef decorate plates in the kitchen, I was extremely excited to taste the whimsical creations. We obviously picked the chocolate option, Fondant with raspberry and caramel (an absolute must) and for the second pudding went out on a whim with BBQ Orange Parfait, mojito and liquorice. They both looked beautiful, precariously poised on their platters. I was taken aback by the BBQ orange, sharp and a little bitter, the contrasting components are definitely unexpected, but after getting used to the unique palette of the dish I began to like the refreshing flavours. Chocolate fondant was delicious with a vibrant ruby red raspberry coulis.
As if a visit to Cambridge isn’t blissful enough, a meal at Alimentum will complete a day away in this beautiful historic city.
More information and book a table here.
