A Flirtatious Affair with Flavors
Hi seafood enthusiasts! Let me spin you a tale about the awesome time I had at none other than CINTRA Seafood and Bar in the gorgeous haven of St. Ives. Imagine being right by the Atlantic, with its beautiful blue waves – that’s the spot! This place just knows how to win over hearts and palates.
The setup was chill and simple, but they’ve got loads of tables right by the sea. And they’re totally nailing the service game and bringing out dishes with a good speed. And not forget the menu! A seductive dance of the finest ocean treasures awaited my eager gaze. Also, big shoutout – they’ve got a bunch of gluten-free options for those who need it.
What I Ordered:
Looks like I ordered too much, but remember, it is a tapas place!
Pan Fried Hake Fillet
They’ve worked some magic with the pan-frying, giving that fillet a crispy outer layer that’s as subtle as a lover’s whisper.
But you know what takes this dish up a notch? Right next to the hake, you’ve got this medley of seasonal veggies, all perfectly coordinated. They totally make the hake shine even more with their burst of colors and flavors.
Meckel Fillets
How the flavors come together so well? The Meckel Fillets had this umami vibes and a touch of brine that just hooks you from the first bite. And they go the extra mile with salmon roe, giving you that extra pop of ocean goodness and a bit of a fun texture.
Classic Oyster and Maple Grazed Pork Fillet
While the pork leaned a bit on the dry side, the maple glaze held onto the meat like a passionate hug, serving up a combo of sweet and savory goodness. Given that this spot is all about seafood, I’d say it’s hitting the mark just right.
Steamed Mussels
I’m not exactly the biggest mussel fan, but they did something magical. Those mussels soak up flavors that are seriously satisfying and so-inviting.
The broth was like a fragrant potion mixed with herbs and a splash of white wine, cuddling those mussels in a cozy hug and bringing out their amazing flavors.
I totally ended up using mussel shells as spoons, just to scoop up every bit of that soup!
*King Prawns
Just like the other dishes, the real magic was in how these flavors came together – it was subtle and sublime.
Pan Fried Scallop
The scallop was a tad dry, but it had this sweet aroma of the sea going on. That caramelized sear brought this awesome contrast in textures, showing off their technique.
Cornish Crab
I was digging into this ocean treasure. The Cornish Crab, all delicate and stuff, gave in smoothly to my utensil – a clear sign it’s fresh and got some serious care in a kitchen. I felt its coastal origin.
And again allow me to talk about their sauce, They’ve got this killer sauce situation going on – think a hint of citrus or a sprinkle of herbs – just enough to jazz up the crab’s natural sweetness without going overboard.
Truffle and Parmesan Chips
This was lacking in both truffle and parmesan flavors. Maybe they rolled with truffle-infused oil and some frozen parmesan, which, honestly, was cool by me since we’re talking about chips. (No offense, British cuisine!)
Conclusion:
CINTRA Seafood and Bar in St. Ives is a wild ride of flavors that wake up your palate. Picture the ocean as your backdrop and a menu that’s all about sea treasures – this spot’s like a hidden gem you’ll want to discover over and over. Get ready for a food adventure that’ll leave you head over heels for the whole CINTRA experience – trust me, I was there, totally under its spell!
