****NOTE***** As many of us are dreaming of a quick getaway it may actually happen in the not so distant future so I have decided to republish some of my travel articles for you to stop dreaming and start planning(although I would not book yet). I thought I would start with my Jersey experience especially with the recent REAL HOUSEWIVES OF JERSEY making a recent splash on our screens.
I am a regular visitor to Jersey in the Channel Islands mainly because my parents live there. Perfect for a long weekend away and frequently overlooked as a travel destination. A 40 minute flight away and you can be on some of the best beaches in the world, temperatures typically 5 degrees hotter than the mainland and a whole host of Michelin star restaurants. All this in 9 x 5 miles of island. With all the fresh local produce that Jersey has to offer from the freshest seafood, the creamiest dairy and not forgetting the new potatoes this surely is a foodies dream. So as I have tried and tested most of the restaurants not the island over the years I decided to take my Knightsbridge based foodie friend for a culinary tour of Jersey for 48 hours of the finest food so come along with us !!!
FRIDAY 16.00
Leave from Gatwick. Unfortunately at the time of publishing Jersey still do not fly from Heathrow however this is due to change. But we make it in time for dinner! After settling in at my parents we head out to Mark Jordan On The Beach just a short walk away. We sat outside on the terrace on a warm evening with unparalleled views of the sea and the sun setting across the bay. This restaurant has a Bib Gourmand and was featured in the Tatler Best Restaurant Guide. I always feel if you are close to the sea then you really have to order seafood the saltiness in the air bring out the flavours. All the fish is local and the freshest I have tasted anywhere. I order the Brill with a crab tortellini on a lobster bisque while my guest ordered the whole grilled Plaice with a caper,prawn and cockle butter. Both dishes were outstanding and amazing value at £23 and £27 respectively. I left it up to my dinner guest to order a dessert to share a simply perfect raspberry souffle . Could not fault the food and service here and certainly could not find fault with the view. 10/10
SATURDAY 10.00
After our morning yoga , green juice and copious black coffee . We decide not to ruin our culinary lunch today by having breakfast so we head to nearby Noirmont Point for a brisk bracing walk along the cliffs. It always seems to be windy here so take a sweater. On the south coast of Jersey withfabulous views across the bay and along the coastline. Steeped in history still has several German bunkers and a Martello tower. It is possible to have a local guide give you a tour of the area which is preserved in perpetuity to the men and women of jersey who died in World War 2.
12.00pm
We head to St Brelades bay one of the most beautiful wide beaches on the Island. I could be forgiven for thinking I was in the Caribbean but with its huge empty beach with white sands …..it is better. But before we change into our beachwear we head to our next planned restaurant the infamous OYSTER BOX overlooking the Ocean. Always a “must do” in every Jersey/good food article. Super chic and minimalist interior.The menu could be written for me with lots of tartare, carpaccio, oysters and seafood and a good wine list too. I opted for one of the specials Hake with artichokes and cauliflower gremolata , my guest chose the scallops and pancetta with a pea and mint puree. All paired with a bottle of my favourite rose Chateau Minuty £38 very reasonable. We passed on dessert although the dessert menu was very tempting. But I AM planning on donning the bikini right after lunch. Once again , outstanding. Family owned since 1954 they also own the Crab Shack next door if you want more casual dining. 10/10
2.30pm
Hire a couple of sunbeds for £5 each (£35 each in Cannes !!) and sleep off lunch in the warm September sunshine .
4.00pm
Before organising our transport home we head to L’Horizon to the terrace bar for gin and tonics. A lovely spot overlooking the beach with glass panels to protect you from the wind whilst not spoiling the incredible views. Very cordial here and they ALSO have a great menu for lunch.
7.00pm
We opt for a very healthy clean light supper at my friends fabulous restaurant NUDE FOOD . One based in St Helier but we headed close by to the newly opened NUDE BEACH to check it out. right on the beach at St Aubins the restaurant is as light and clean as the menu. The menus is “light clean and uncomplicated” just how I like it !! We found it kind of refreshing to move away from the Michelin style foods and just have a simple healthy supper. No alcohol is served here. I opted for an Immune Boost (apple,carrot,ginger,turmeric and lemon) to drink £4.20. The Asian Poke bowl full off wonderful asian vegetables and brown rice £9.50, I topped with some grilled halloumi unconventional, I know, but there are no rules. As a clean eater I have always loved their food in St Helier but this new setting by the beach was off the scale ! The closest thing to heaven . Don’t be put off by the Nude Beach sign though you do get to keep your clothes on!!!!
Strolling back along the beach to home without feeling too heavy was great.
SUNDAY 10.00am
Our last day and I decided I wanted my foodie guest to sample another Beach Cafe . So we decide to power walk to the beach at St Peter ( well we have to keep working these calories off). Lovely and quiet and no one on the beach. This is basically a beach shack with a very extensive menu and the best full English Breakfast on the island. As we had another gastronomic lunch to look forward to we had two giant cups of coffee and a Portuguese bacon roll to share.
We board Le Petit Train Jerseys very own little train that accommodate up to 60 people to travel along the coast from Liberation Square St Helier to St Aubins. A 35 minute journey and for £8.50 a great way to see this part of Jersey.
1.00pm
I have two Michelin options for lunch today we opted for Oceans restaurant at The Atlantic Hotel, St Brelade . But a quick mention for Samphire in St Helier formerly known as Ormers. The chef Sean Rankin has since parted ways but already Samphire have earned their Michelin status back. Remains one of my favourites with stunning decor, exceptional food and service and a great Saturday brunch menu until 2 pm. If you are here for longer I would not hesitate to recommend.
Oceans restaurant is located within The Atlantic, listed status as a small luxury Hotel of the world.The sole one in Jersey. Overlooking a beautiful unoccupied swimming pool with further views extending across St Ouens bay. The hotel is up high so makes the views even more impressive. This elegant calm dining room is quiet. We opt for the set menu 2 course for £22.50 and 3 courses for £27.50. Starters of scorched and tartare Mackerel followed by pan fried salmon on a bed of smoked haddock and vegetables was divine. Only the desserts let the meal down with a take on ‘arctic roll’ which did not compete with the £1 one from all good and (otherwise ) supermarkets. Surprising from such an esteemed award winning restaurant.
We continued our exceptional bottle of Gavi down by the pool and as we had brought along our swimwear we lazed the afternoon away in the exceptional surroundings and absorbed the view. A few champagnes later we headed back home to get ready for our flight back to the mainland………. and a week of fasting !
HOTELS
There are a number of great “Luxury” Hotels to stay in Jersey. As I am not sure my parents can accommodate you all …….but you can ask !!
Here are a few good ones
- THE ROYAL YACHT ST HELIER
- HOTEL DE FRANCE ST HELIER
- ST BRELADES BAY HOTEL
- THE ATLANTIC HOTEL ST BRELADE
- L’HORIZON ST BRELADE
- LONGUEVILLE MANOR ST SAVIOUR
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: EVEN BETTER IF YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR 48 HOURS MIDWEEK TO MAKE THE MOST OF CHEAP FLIGHTS AND EMPTY BEACHES. EASYJET FLIGHTS FROM £40 PP.
BON VOYAGE
JOJO xxxxxxxxxxxxx