WORDS Laura Dauny
It’s glorious outside and your belly is rumbling, so instead of lunching al-desko or picnicking on a sweaty cheese sandwich it’s time to stretch those legs, dust off your sunglasses and choose one of the many establishments that allow you to fill your boots without hiding from the sun. To be honest, we are pretty spoilt for open air eateries, but this issue we are throwing the sunlight onto 5 of the newest dishes you can enjoy alfresco, whether you are out east, catching the western rays or maximising your lunch break in town.
KISMET CABANA
This rustic and globally inspired beachside favourite packs a punch that far exceeds its size and its new summer Shawarma special is no different; with Pulled chicken or Jackfruit and beans in a moorish sweet and spicy marinade jammed between flat bread along with beetroot hummus, iceberg tabbouleh and a side of sautéed sweet potatoes. That’ll keep you going until autumn! Watch out for live acoustic music from local acts so you can maximise the chill out factor while tasting the best of the world’s flavours.
GREEN ISLAND RESTAURANT
Green Island’s summer menu aims to wow by using the best of our rock’s summer produce. If you aren’t tempted by the stalwart seafood offering of local crab and lobster, then a flaming red bowl of chilled gazpacho or their light summer pork dish will no doubt tempt you. A roasted fillet of pork wrapped in Serrano ham served on a warm summer bean salad and pea shoot pesto; a perfect plate for a hot day. The restaurant terrace is relaxed and informal and looks out over Green Island beach, so once you have filled your belly you can paddle your toes in the water until your heart is content too.
THE LOOKOUT BEACH CAFÉ
With a view across the expansive St Aubin’s bay the Lookout is the perfect stop at any time of day with a menu packed full of family favourites and holiday treats. Throughout the summer season, keep a beady eye on their specials board which aims to make the most of the freshest produce their fishmonger can supply. Dishes will change daily to reflect the freshness of the ingredients but think grilled sea bass with dauphinois potatoes, seasonal vegetables with red pepper dressing, hand dived scallops with pancetta and tempura calamari with fries. Make sure to be quick or they may have sold out!
PIZZA PROJEKT
Crack out an Aperol spritz and prepare yourself for some strong holiday vibes as you venture towards the Central Market. Pizza Projekt’s permanent spot has outside tables at all times but this alfresco space really comes into its own at night once the Market has closed and the Projekt conquers the cobbles outside. The street has the feel of a French holiday find, but the pizza is as if it comes straight out of Naples. The first of their new specials, the Green Goddess, is a vegan dream but don’t let the v-word dissuade you. Packed with vegan pesto, artichokes, asparagus, onion, courgette spirals, hemp seeds and rocket, you may just have room left to tuck into their famous banana and Nutella sweet pizza for afters. But if a heartier option is calling you (or you are dealing with the previous days overindulgence of rosé), The Cure, chock full of scamorza (smoked mozzarella), rich baked beans, black pudding, prosciutto, peppered eggs and cherry tomatoes should get you singing again. With free vintage arcade games, a relaxed and always friendly crew and a BYO policy, you’ll be a regular before you know it.
LE BIERE ATELIER
A new tapas offering is changing what’s on offer at this bar which could have been transported from a pastoral, French village. If time in the sun has dried you out and you’re gagging for something cold and refreshing, then you could certainly do worse than ‘rehydrating’ with one of the many guest beers and ciders on offer. The little brother of La Bastille is, however, also now seeking to satiate your hunger. A small selection of sharing plates on a Mediterranean theme and a frosted glass of something hoppy make a nice change for a mid week lunch or a pre-dinner munch. With plates around the £5-£7 mark, take a friend (make sure it’s one you knows how to share) and go crazy. The chorizo roll is worth a stop on its own, plus you can indulge in some people-watching as the masses stroll by.
We are spoilt for choice for beautiful eating spots here, so wherever you spend your sunshine time make sure you are eating something delicious!
