So on Wednesday night myself, Lauren and the in-laws headed to The Lantern in Belfast for a little celebratory meal (new job). Run by the very friendly Vijay The Lantern is located on Wellington Place, just up the road from our wonderful City Hall. The Lantern offers classic dining in a cosy setting and is priced for its location and quality of food - it is ranked 8th from 954 Belfast eateries on Trip Advisor - so it's definitely doing something right!
We went for the Pre-Theatre menu which runs from 5-7 (last orders at 6:15) and offers two courses for £16.50 or three for £20.50
There was a great selection to choose from too, I know some places which only offer 3-4 dishes on their EarlyBird/PreTheatre menus but The Lantern basically have their full selection!!!Which is great.
Starters
- Spiced Fish Cake, Capers sun dried Tomato Salsa
- Salt Chilli Squid with thai dressing and salad
- Goat Cheese Spring Rolls with Sweet chilli dressing
Mains
- Roast Chicken Supreme, champ, root veg & Wild Mushroom Veloute
- Thai Green Chicken Curry with rice
- Beef Burger in a Belfast Bap with rocket, relish & chips
- Glazed Pork Belly, Champ, honey glazed parsnip, cider soaked raisin
- Crispy Beer Batter Fish & Chips with mushy peas & Tartar Sauce
Desserts
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Creme Brûlée
- Lemon Posset
So for starter I went for the a Caesar Salad and the others went for the Salt n Chilli squid. The Caesar was very tasty, especially the croutons but after trying the squid I wish I'd went for that - it was sooo good! It came as proper calamari rings in a crispy coating and the sauce was amazing (deffo the best part) it t'was scrumptious. I think I actually like squid now; having feared it for 28 years I have allowed it into my life and I quite enjoy its company now, kind of like an uncle you don't really like, you know the one that slags you about everything but then brings you out for a pint at christmas and you think to yourself, you're actually alright mate.
For mains Sean (Laurie's dad) went for the Steak (£4 supplement but well worth it) it came with onion rings, chips, roasted tomato and a thick pepper sauce! Being the BFB I ordered him to cut me a slither, he gave me about a third of his Steak, I've never loved him more. Cooked medium (the best way) it was the two Ts, tender and tasty! The rest of us got the Chicken supreme, breast of chicken served with root veg, creamy champ and mushroom sauce - this chicken was good! It was succulent and when covered in that sauce it was a wee bite of heaven. Yummm. Lauren only ate half her champ to my delight.
Ok so that steak did come with a Tomato but Sean has a fear of any vegetable that isn't a chip so it was swiftly, with no grace at all, lumbered onto Carol's (Laurie's mum) plate, with enough force that it dented her champ - beautiful.
I was designated driver so while the other 3 tucked into some Irish Coffees I quickly, without hesitation, ordered Creme Brûlée - ahhhhh - this is my only negative - it was a warm dessert and the eggs had curdled so it was a bit like sweet scrambled eggs - but this was only a minor glitch in an otherwise superb night!
Final Comments
Vijay (the manger) was very attentive, he was friendly and welcoming and his personality shone throughout - I noticed that he greets all customers at the door and reminds them that The Lantern is Bring Your Own, so whenever you are heading down remember to stop off and get a few beers or nice bottle of Rose and more importantly - enjoy your meal!