When’s the last time you sat down to a three-course dinner? A proper, relaxed evening meal when you chose exactly what you wanted from the menu, rather than compromising with the rest of your household? Or, even better, you treated yourself if you’re dining solo? The new ‘Menu Delivered’ service from Petis Pois allows you to do just that. Hidden away on Ship Street, this French bistro serves classics with a twist, and the menu is divided into nibbles (starters), meat, fish, veggie dishes and sides, just as it would be if you were dining in-house.
Last Friday, my partner Tommy and I ordered a three-course treat. Starting with ‘nibbles’, I chose the goats cheese croquettes , which were golden, crisp and filled with salty, warm cheese. Tommy went for duck rillettes with toasted sourdough and pickles . After crisping up the bread with a few seconds in the toaster, he smothered the rillettes (a bit like pulled duck pate) onto the toast and topped it with cornichons. Portions are generous, so there was plenty for me to try too.
For mains, I chose one of my all-time favourites: Bouillabaisse. A meal in itself, my stew was packed with big chunks of hake and plaice, with shell-on mussels, salty samphire and potato, crowned with a huge tiger prawn. The broth was thick, rich and deeply savoury – no need for extra seasoning here. I also ordered a mixed salad , which included sweet chunks of red and yellow beetroot, and a zappy house dressing. Tommy ordered the pork belly , which was melt-in-the-mouth soft with perfectly crispy crackling. It came with roast garlic mash, greens and gravy , which was served in a pot on the side.
For dessert, I opted for crème caramel , which had bitter-sweet runny caramel as well as crunchy caramel pieces. Tommy chose a twist on a strawberry cheesecake : a sponge-like base, cheesecake filling, big strawberry chunks and strawberry gel topping – a perfect finish for summer dining.
Menu Delivered is available lunchtimes and evenings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (12-3pm and 6-9pm). You can order through Deliveroo , or collect direct from Petits Pois restaurant – to place a collection order, call 01273 911 211. Everything arrives hot and ready to eat, so you could even grab your paper bag and take it the beach (just don’t forget the cutlery).
