Impressive dining in relaxed surroundings

It may not be the most appetising of names but there is no faulting the food and ambience at the Foulsyke Bistro in Barmoor Lane, Scalby.

This is a gem of a find – word of it spread from the office to friends – in the time it takes to whisk an egg.

Booking was advised and duly done and a warm welcome awaited as we arrived on a Wednesday evening.

We were shown into one of the three rooms that make up the dining areas of the bistro, cafe and accommodation.

It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

Choosing from the main menu – after a good look at the specials board – I opted for chilled pearls of melon, summer fruits and refreshing elderflower sorbet £5.25.

It was a work of art on a slate – a glass of assorted melon, a tumbler of sorbet – so soft and refreshing – and blackberries.

My dining companion Jan chose the scallops and black pudding. Again the three stacks of juicy fish and pudding looked as good as they tasted.

We could have had pate, prawns or goat’s cheese – there is plenty of choice.

On to the main – we pushed the boat out and had steaks.

My rump was served with whiskey and mushroom cream sauce (£24.95) and Jan had a sirlon cut served with the same sauce (£26. 95).

They were both served with salad and handcut chips – a bowl to share which is more than enough.

The thick steaks were enormous and piled high with sauce.

Mine was cooked medium rare and proved tasty and juicy.

It was one of the best steaks I have ever had and the sauce was warm, rich and creamy.

Other main choices included hand-made beef burger with bacon and blue cheese in a brioche bun, side salad and sweet potato fries (£12.50) or roasted rump of lamb, scallion pommes puree, redcurrant and rosemary jus (£16.95).

Plenty of tasty options to ensure you go back – and the menu is changed on a regular basis.

We did not really have room for dessert but insisted on trying a sweet treat (£4.40 each)

We both opted for cheesecake with berries. Mine was raspberry and white chocolate and was pure indulgence.

Hot options included bread and butter pudding.

The Foulsyke caters for par- ties and asks their members to pre-order.

The daytime menu offers a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish including salmon and prawns, steaks and vegetarian options.

Roasted sweet pepper, Mediterranean giant couscous and grilled halloumi, £6.95, is one of the veggie choices.

The setting is rustic with a touch of chic. The service is excellent, unrushed and attentive. You can linger over coffee, tea or liqueurs in relaxing surroundings.

Our bill came to £90 – we both had three courses which included steak – and the cost included wine.

Now discovered it will not be long before we return – in fact Jan intended to book a table for the next weekend.

The Foulsyke offers an impressive dining experience – the food locally sourced – beautifully presented and tasting every bit as good as it looks.

Rating: 9 out of 10