After having had a great experience here 2 years ago I thought it was time to finally return and try the frequently praised Saltstation menu. Despite really wanting to love it, I have to say I didn't. Initially I was impressed, the new deck looked great, service pleasant and attentive. Firstly, I had vivid memories of the super fresh bread straight out of the oven. This time is was cold and stale tasting. Probably prepared for the lunch sitting. Secondly our white wine was not cold. I am a pretty forgiving critique and I would generally overlook minor details like this, but in conjunction to the disappointment that then followed I feel it is relevant to mention.

The first 3 out of 5 courses were disappointing to say the least. In thought and execution. It is supposedly the summer menu and all of the three first dishes were meagre portioned hot broth based dishes. All were seafood, which I would usually consider to be perfectly appropriate for summer, but on a 40 degree day 2 hot soups and a hot saucy pasta was not warmly welcomed. Secondly the execution of these dishes was also not good, with the shellfish being over cooked, the orecchiette tasting like lumps of rubber and flavors uninspiring.

The meal was somewhat redeemed by the lovely 5 wines paired with our meal 4th and 5th course which was the steak and chocolate fondant. The steak was perfectly cooked and fondant exactly how I remembered it from my last visit.

The most frustrating thing was even though we ordered the degustation menu and what we understood to be the "best" of the a la carte menu, we were experiencing food envy from the dishes that were being presented around us. Luscious salads, cold prawn and truffle dishes which would have been far more appropriate for the peak of summer. As much as my memory of Salt has been tarnished by my last visit I do have hope and am curious to return and order a la carte.