We were recently invited along to try the new menu at Turtle Bay, Newcastle and having only been once before and had a rather ‘burning’ experience I was dubious over whether or not I was going to be able to cope with the Jerk filled menu!
On arrival we were shown to a table and our drinks order was taken, as it was only 2 pm I skipped the cocktails and opted for a large coke. I love the novel way this was brought out and have decided I want all of my drinks presented this way from now on – how cute is that little mop cap! lol
After looking through the menu I noticed a change since the last time in that there was 3 different jerk flavours this time! Classic Jerk (spicy), Pineapple jerk (fruity) and Coconut jerk (creamy) – praise the lord they didn’t have to bring me out a plate of mayo in a smiley face like last time (long story)
Opting for the Garlic & Chilli Pit Prawns for starter (whole shell on king prawns grilled over a jerk pit, tossed in a herb and chilli garlic butter with roti flatbread) I was not disappointed. Very flavorsome with not too much heat and I loved the roti as it had soaked in a lot of the garlic butter – very moreish! You have to like getting in there with your hands too as there really is no other way to eat king prawns than to get in there and rip those shells off with your fingers. Thankfully we were brought a water dipping bowl for use after the starter!
Stuart chose the Duck rolls (Slow roasted shredded duck, with sweet onion, soy sauce & chilli, stuffed in toasted rolled flatbread, served with sour orange chutney), which apparently were nothing like expected. He did comment that he had been expecting a spring roll type starter and had never had spicy duck spring rolls before. There was a little heat but nothing too much and again these were something he would order again.
When it came to mains I was a little torn as I am not a curry girl, I don’t really like spicy foods and I detest coriander…
After looking through the menu I settled on the Jerk Pit Salmon (crispy skin salmon, served with coconut rice n peas & a super green salad with choice of jerk glaze), I opted to follow through with the coconut glaze and presumed this would be the less spicy of them all.
The salmon was cooked to perfection with a deliciously crispy skin, the salad had a lovely light lemon dressing and the coconut glaze was indeed not too spicy. The rice however was a little too spicy for me and I had to leave most of it – by this point my nose was running from the heat! Sorry TMI!
After much deliberation Stuart chose the Jerk Lamb Rump (grilled & jerk marinated lamb rump, served with Caribbean slaw, sweet potato mash, green seasoning, sweet onion chutney & choice of jerk glaze) Again he chose the coconut glaze and declared the whole meal a huge success, not too hot, the potatoes were creamy and the slaw was the freshness needed against the heat of the green seasoning.
We were advised to get the sweet plantain side dish to try and at first I was a little dubious as I have never tried it before and presumed it would be like potato…how wrong was I! It was a deliciously crispy, chewy savoury banana flavour which we will definitely be having again!
Full to the brim and ready to head home we were then presented with the dessert menu…who can say no to pudding!
One banana & toffee cheesecake and one very heavily laden with rum chocolate pot (it certainly hit the back of my throat and would tip anyone over the legal limit!)
The coconut ice cream that came with my chocolate pot was delicious and I need to try and make my own!
Overall we loved our meal but the dishes are limited for those who don’t like spicy foods. With most of the starters being priced at £5.10, mains from £7.00 to £16.95 and desserts all £4.95 the menu is very reasonable considering it is in the middle of Newcastle town centre.
XOXO
Debbie
We were invited to try the new menu for purposes of the review. All views and opinons are our own and genuine.
Oooh that cheesecake looks delicious! I really need to find a local Turtle Bay as I love this sort of food. I’d want to try the salmon but also curry goat and jerk chicken. It’s great that it comes in 3 different flavours now. I wonder if they had festival as a side.
This post brings back memories. I went to Turtle Bay for the first time last Christmas and LOVED everything I had!
Okay, why did I read this post while hungry? Everything looks sooo good! I will have to try this place if I’m ever in Turtle Bay.
You had me at garlic chilli prawn!!! Must check this out if I’m ever in New Castle!!
Love the sound of them garlic and chilli prawns yum. I’ve been meaning to try out turtle bay but not got round doing so.
I thought I’ve seen everything to make me hungry – and than there were the dessert photos! My sweet tooth is quite strong and your photos aren’t helping *running off to the kitchen to rustle up an improvised dessert*
Oooooh these look tasty! I don’t think we have a turtle bay nearby, sad times!
One just opened near us but we’ve not been yet! LOOKS Fab!
Wow! Everything looked so good! Especially the ice cream and plantains. Two of my favorites! Great post!
Your photos make the food look so appetising! I am really hungry at the moment and your blog post just made me feel hungrier! Thanks x
Those prawns look stunning. I would love to try them and also the duck rolls they really have filled it with duck haven’t they.
We have a Turtle Bay opened here but I haven’t been yet. Need to change that after reading your review