Finally! Our little town of Northampton is expanding with exciting new places to dine out, last week I delighted to be invited to the preview of Turtle Bay which is the new kid on the block.
A little background for you, Turtle Bay first started in Milton Keynes (not awfully far from us) and their tasty Caribbean food, knockout rum cocktails and funky décor fast won the heart of diners. Gradually the chain has spread and for the first time ever, I got to try some of the signature dishes for myself.
Fortunately, I was able to take a plus one with me, so I invited Graeme which was brilliant because it was a night out together and the first time I’d taken him to this kind of event. He, of course, made himself useful, by tasting the alcoholic cocktails (I was driving). He rated the ‘Koko Colada’ which was coconut rum, dark rum, pineapple, coconut syrup & cream, grated nutmeg and I tried a sip of ‘Reggae Rum Punch’ which sit’s in the ‘knock your socks off’ category. I was really impressed with the number of non-alcoholic drinks and really enjoyed the ‘Berry Smoothie’ which is Raspberries & pomegranate, condensed milk & fresh cream.
Whilst we were enjoying our drinks (don’t forget there’s two for one on cocktails during ‘happy hour’ which is 11.30 until 7pm) some sample platers came around for us to try. I tried some of the Jerk nuts, which were seriously tasty and some of the pitta bread and sauce from the platters, I’m a carb addict at heart.
Shortly after we were seated and got to try tasters of the main courses including Super Food salad, which was the perfect mix of greens with a citrus dressing. Goat Curry which Graeme really enjoyed, but it was just a touch too spicy for me. But I did, however, really enjoy the tender Jerk Chicken and crispy sweet potato fries. A nice touch was the fact that we were all seated on long table’s which meant I got to catch up with local blogger Amy and meet some new bloggers too.
As many of you know, I’m a brownie snob and I’m delighted to report that Turtle Bay didn’t disappoint, perfectly rich dark chocolate brownies and creamy, fruity mocktails make me feel very happy indeed. I loved the Passion Pie, which was like a meringue pie made with fresh zesty passionfruit instead of the traditional lemon.
Overall, I think that Turtle Bay has done a fantastic job in bringing some Carribean flavour (and rum!) to the heart of Northampton and I can’t wait to return and try more of the food.
Have you ever tired Turtle Bay before?
Katie
x
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