The Pearl is a Chinese restaurant in the leafy suburb of West Bridgford. It has the advantage of easy parking, and if you fancy a drink prior to your meal, you can call in at the "Stratford Haven" (next door) where you’ll be able to choose one of their many real ales. If you prefer it, the Pearl has its own lounges where you can sit and have a pre-meal drink and a chat with friends. Indeed, there is a real feel of a "city" wine bar about the place, with a downstairs formal table and chairs area, or upstairs, a more relaxed mezzanine lounge with more comfortable chairs and a separate bar.
A group of us went for a Friday night meal, and although not packed out, it clearly was a popular venue. Most went for one of the Pearl’s set menus (providing a selection of dishes throughout the evening), but I went "a la carte", and whilst we were waiting for the food to be prepared, we enjoyed a fine glass of Tempranillo. Although we’d pre-ordered our meals for 7pm, they clearly didn’t begin preparation until they knew we were good and ready–-just as well, as one of our group didn’t turn up until 7:30. The restaurant is well separated from the bustle of the bar and was calm and peaceful–-until our party arrived.
I started with a sweet-and-sour hot soup, and it satisfied all three criteria. It was piping hot, was incredibly spicy, and had an unobtrusive fruity taste. To look at it wasn’t the most inviting of dishes, but the taste was superb, and I soon forgave its appearance.
A large communal bowl of rice followed, accompanied by a personal supply, and then my monkfish with ginger and spring onions arrived. It was served on a griddle platter and arrived sizzling at my table. Beautiful, large bite-size pieces of white fish with full sound accompaniment–-what a great main course. And the taste? Well, it was divine–-almost melting in the mouth, with the flavours slowly releasing on my taste buds. Even the spicy soup had not desensitised me to this aromatic sensation. A full-bodied merlot set off my meal, and my glass was regularly topped up by the waitress (my boss paid for the wine, and there was a plentiful supply!).
I didn’t bother with a pudding but managed to sample a range of others'. The traditional Chinese restaurant pudding, banana fritter and ice cream, was there alongside caramel apple with sesame seeds, mango, coconut, and a rich chocolate mousse. All were very tasty and well-presented.
The coffee was a bit of a let-down, but the complimentary whiskey served at the end of the meal was much appreciated. Overall, the service here was excellent, with staff appearing at exactly the right moment. We were not put under any pressure for the move and spent over 5 hours enjoying our food and drink.