Hotel 53, 53 Piccadilly, York, reviewed by Jacklyn Swiecicki

Age Old Quality

Hotel 53, as the name suggests is a middle to higher priced hotel establishment set in the hauntingly historic township of York. However, despite being a cosy modern hotel, it also shares its Hotel 53 restaurant with the lucky public.

Situated just right of the hotel foyer, the restaurant itself is quite cosy, with table settings connoting a fine dining experience. Additionally, as expected, the staff are noticeably friendly, polite and impeccably well-instructed.

Whilst perusing the menu and dipping gorgeous complimentary cheese bread into balsamic vinegar and olive oil (a love of mine since a summer trip to Italy), I settled on the shallow fried crispy baby squid in a tangy lemon batter served alongside a tartar vinaigrette (£5.45). The batter was light and heavenly, quite beautifully paired with a tangy tartar sauce that had a desired homemade quality. Impressed by my seafood entrée, I opted for braised Monkfish wrapped in pancetta with tomato and fennel seed sauce, served on a bed of buttered linguine – topped with flakes of fresh parmesan (£14.95)! This mouthful was indeed satisfying, although less-so than my entrée. Whilst the waifer-thin linguine was perfection, I felt the Monkfish was overcooked and my pancetta was lacking in beloved crunch.

Without being too far discouraged by my Monkfish, I moved onto dessert. Being a hater of ginger, I daringly choose the saffron and Cointreau cheesecake on a ginger bread base with honey scented cream (£5.50). Omigod. This desert was indescribable. Each mouthful left me at a loss for words, but I will attempt to do my very best to illustrate how amazing this desert was. The cheesecake ginger base was not at all crunchy and hard, like many unforgiving cheesecake bases. Rather, it was moistly enriched with butter, creating a dense texture with a twangy ginger aftertaste. The ‘cheesy’ part of the cheesecake was so lush, so creamy, and so spectacular; I closed my eyes in ecstasy. The only thing to shake me from my stupor was the tart fresh cranberries served alongside to cut the richness of the cheese.

To top off the romantic ambience of Hotel 53, the Verdejo, Monte Palma white wine (£14.95) was a light and soft accompaniment to an overall outstanding meal.

Whilst the Hotel 53 restaurant is quite pricey, considering a pint of local pub lager will only set you back about £2.70 in York, the experience is well worth it. York is a memorable old-worldly destination and with dining treasures such as Hotel 53, it definitely warrants a romantic foodie getaway.

Hotel 53

53 Piccadilly

York

01904 559 000

Jacklyn Swiecicki