Refreshing cocktails and inspired cuisine at the Trellis, La Samanna, offers an excellent night of fine dining.
My dining companion and I decided we would try the Trellis Restaurant at La Samana for dinner one evening. I was thrilled at the prospect as I have enjoyed many a fun occasion at this delightful spot on the island, but for some reason have not been there for a couple of years.
How glad I am that we went! The experience was out of this world and it is certainly somewhere we will dine at again in the very near future. Trellis offers the ultimate island fine-dining at this aptly named restaurant overlooking one of the most gorgeous bays imaginable.
The night we chose to go of course was a night of rain, this did not deter us in any way; it in fact made the night quite romantic. We experienced excellent service at our candle-lit table, the food was out of this world – the décor has changed since I was last there. The colour scheme is all white, which offsets the incredible turquoise sea and bright pinks of the bougainvilleas.
First up, we were offered our drinks and brought a basket of warm freshly baked bread rolls, the fig rolls were sublime! We were then presented with an amuse bouche that was so light, yet full of flavour (unfortunately, I was not able to capture the very essence of this dish – you will need to be there to try this) Scallop ceviche in a bed of mashed potato with caviar, simply heavenly is all I can say.
Our starters were foie grass (you know who chose that) and homemade gravlax served on a waffle with avocado guacamole, it was a fabulous dish, not too complex. The foie grass was perfectly proportioned; although I always wish for more, I could not complain with this dish. The garnish of popcorn was unusual, the dish memorable.
We also shared a roasted scallop dish; the scallops were served on papaya done two ways with a honey mustard sauce – delectable.
Our mains were amazing. I find I am so often disappointed with main dishes, I usually stick with a couple of interesting dishes from the starter menu but the menu at Trellis has some really interesting suggestions. I went with fillet of veal with octopus, candied garlic petals and wasabi flavoured arugula pesto. Seriously, what a terrific choice!
My companion chose the tuna hamburger with cucumber, capers and Béarnaise sauce. I wondered about this decision: Hamburger on a fine dining night? Well, his choice could not have been better; the hamburger was presented on an open-face bun (not the usual old hamburger type bread at all) with trimmings of caper berries and mesclun greens. It was quite, quite divine.
With not much room left, we decided to forgo dessert; that is, until the menus were put in front of us. Admittedly, it was with grave concern that we would let ourselves down and not finish a dessert each. We licked our plates clean is the saying, I think! Well, we did not do that literally, but I think we would have, given the chance.
All too soon, the “Mille Feuilles with raspberries and Bourbon vanilla ganache” and the “Valrhona chocolate tart with crunchy nougatine and chocolate sorbet” were gone. They were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal in the most heavenly spot one can imagine.
Dinner is served daily 6:30-9:45pm (please note that Trellis cannot accommodate highchairs; alternative dining options will be offered).
Then we were in for a wee special surprise – we had a tour of the acclaimed cellar, La Cave, which boasts one of the most extensive collections in the Caribbean. Wine tastings are held here as well as some very special, unique, dining experiences. Perfect for private celebrations or specialty group dinners, La Cave offers a unique dining experience in an atmospheric wine cellar. Curate your own tasting menu with an expert chef, complemented by the fine wines that line the cellar.
Belmond La Samanna
Trellis Restaurant
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Reservations: 084 50 77 22 22
084 50 77 22 22
Cuisine: French/international cuisine
Price range: $$$
Reservations: Recommended
Credit cards: Accepted
Children’s menu: Available upon request
Staff friendliness: *****
Service speed: *****
Restaurant cleanliness: *****
Food quality: *****
Value for money: ****
Ambience: *****
