On Saturday night the new owners of Phileas Fogg’s in Ventnor – Mark Randerson and his family – were kind enough to ask us along for a meal.
Those familiar with Ventnor may well have seen it sitting on the corner of the High Street, but perhaps not tried the restaurant under its recent new management – Mark and Lindsay.
Fresh, local produce
One of the notable changes at Phileas Fogg’s is that all ingredients used in the preparation of meals are now not only fresh, but are sourced from local suppliers and producers.
It’s something that Mark tells us has been noticed by many of the restaurant’s regular diners.
Food from around the world
The original concept of food from around the world has been retained – Phileas Fogg was the adventurous character in Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days.
Mark and his team have tuned the selection of dishes, so if you’ve been before, your favourite dish has probably been retained. If you haven’t been, the selection available should please you.
We enjoyed …
We enjoyed the light touch of Salt and Pepper Squid and the Thai-spiced Fish Cakes for starters.
Main courses include classics like prime Isle of Wight steak, through to the more exotic dishes like Tandoori Seabass via Pork Normandy.
The full menu is online and there’s a changing board of daily specials.
VB recommended
On the strength of the meal we had there, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend eating at Phileas Fogg’s.
The opening times under the previous owners was a little erratic – something that Mark though was important to straighten out. Currently they’re open Tuesday – Saturday from 6:30pm
VentnorBlog special offer
As you know, VB always tries to give you more. We’ve agreed with Mark that until 31st March 2012, if you mention the ‘VentnorBlog special offer’ while placing the order for your meals, you’ll get your deserts included in the price – giving you three courses for the price of two (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers).
Given how delicious the gooey chocolate brownie with ice cream on our visit, you’ll have a big smile on your faces.
A love for Ventnor
Mark is a very amiable character, quick to smile, with a welcoming approach. He’s head chef, preparing the dishes, but somehow finds time to chat with the diners as well.
He came to Ventnor a year ago with his family, deciding to make the Island their home. He couldn’t do anything else he tells us, as having never been to the Isle of Wight, they fell in love with the place as soon as they saw it.
His family has been in the hospitality world for generations, with him growing up in the B&B that his parents ran, paying regular visits to the hotels run by both his grandparents and uncle and aunt.
Five-star background
It clearly got into his blood because after his catering qualification, Mark worked at some of the countries finest hotels. It was five star quality the whole way with his early work being done at Clarridge’s, The Ritz in London, followed by The Balmoral in Edinburgh.
He brings that pedigree with him, but don’t be put off thinking that it’s going to be over-fancy, they’ve created a relaxed, informal atmosphere with friendly staff and a reasonably priced menu.
Location
It’s an unmissable location, on the corner of Ventnor High Street.
For bookings please telephone: 01983 855 500
Phileas Fogg’s Restaurant
11 High Street
Ventnor
Isle of Wight
PO38 1RZ
Please support Phileas Fogg’s Restaurant – by them and other companies sponsoring features and taking advertising, they enable you to continue to read VentnorBlog for free – Ed
