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I’VE never been a great fan of the Bistro-style of eatery because overpriced food often comes a poor second to a venue’s look – a case of all front and no substance – so it’s heartening to be proven wrong on occasions.
Thankfully my cynicism did not get in the way of a wonderful eating out experience at The Royal Golf Club’s recently-opened fourth public dining outlet, Repartee.
One of my favourite chefs on the island, South African Executive Chef, Paul Gindra, and his team, have pulled out all the stops to create an appetising menu which is incredibly good value for money.
Repartee may mean the art of making witty conversation but there is something seriously sensational to shout about concerning the clever light Far East-flavoured fare on offer.
We’re all getting a bit bored with the word ‘fusion’ being bantered around; Chef Paul prefers to call his creations with a European twist as Modern Asian.
They are fresh, light and hearty and the key is in the taste. The folk out on Thursday evening appeared to be enjoying a good chat and a few drinks in cosy comfortable seats whilst enjoying the superb views across the greens and lakes of the golf course, whilst others wishing to chill out and relax under the stars gathered on the outdoor terrace.
They will not have been disappointed by the orders they made from the menu either. The good lady wife Kathryn and I sampled a selection of goodies starting with the Tom Kha Gail Soup – chicken, coconut, chili, mushrooms and lime, full of aroma to hit the senses yet still offering a subtle kick afterwards at only BD2.500.
The Thai Shrimp Curry (BD 5.500) was a step in a similar direction with basil, coconut milk, red curry and coriander, interestingly presented with basmati rice in the middle of the dish.
For beef lovers there were a couple of offerings not to be missed, one, in my opinion, the ‘stand out’ dish of the night which I will come to later, and the other a Beef Basket (BD3.500) containing beef tataki, sesame skewers, dumpling with sweet chilli and a superb soy dipping sauce alongside.
The Spicy Chinese Ribs (DB5.500) were lip-smacking good and came with a staggeringly large-sized potato chip cooked by a ‘secret method’ and resulting in mouth-watering delivery.
The Crispy Belly Button (BD4) I predict will become as legendary as the breakfast butty the golf club serves at its sister Café T outlet by the driving range.
Alternatives to red meat include a Chicken basket (BD3) and a Seared Salmon & Sweet Chili Crab (BD9.500) dish with cucumber and rocket salad with lime dressing.
Whatever you choose on your visit, please make room for the triumphant Tenderloin of Beef Teriyaki (BD10.500) cooked to a medium rare perfection, easily sliced and of melt-in-the-mouth consistency, served with smoked garlic and ginger mashed potatoes and crisp vegetables, unlikely to be bettered in the most expensive fine-dining restaurant.
The Wonton Kisses (BD3), a clever deep-fried delight with banana and chocolate filling alongside a spicy custard dipping sauce, is on the dessert menu, alongside a stunning Green Tea and Coconut Panna Cotta (BD 2.500) which is well worth an extra session in the gym the following morning!
Check out the introductory promotions and happy hour offers. The adult-only Repartee is open Monday to Saturday from 5pm to midnight, dress code is casual.
To book a table call 17750777.
