"I took my partner to The Elephant for a birthday meal. Having looked at the Brasserie and the Tasting Menu, we opted for the latter which had the following courses. Amuse Bouche 'Risotto ' of squid and cauliflower Hand dived Bay scallop with Cornish air dried ham and apples Pan roasted fillet of halibut on parsnip puree with a spring onion and verjus butter sauce Fillet of pure bred South Devon beef fillet with cepe and artichoke mousse, beef is served pink) Light blackcurrant mousse with liquorice and creme fraiche or The Westcountry 's finest artisan cheese selection £7.00 supplement for cheese as an extra course) Chocolate, coffee and caramel mousse with vanilla ice cream Guatemela Estate cafetiere coffee or tea and petit fours It was recommended that we both ate from the Tasting Menu as it meant all the courses could be served together. Having never tried a tasting menu before, we were at first amused by the size of the portions presented and at one point joked that we would have to stop for a takeaway to fill up on. However, as the courses kept on coming, with just the right amount of time in between, by the end of the meal we were both quite happy. The ambiance was just right and the service was friendly and prompt throughout the evening. The food was superb and we could not find fault with a single course. This is fine dining at it 's best and though some may consider it an expensive night out, expect to pay more in a big city. The Tasting Menu is £45 per person and it 's worth it for a special night out. Judging by the quality of the food, we 're definitely going back to sample the Brasserie Menu. Two minor points however: I was disappointed that The Room wasn 't open, contrary to the website and I wasn 't told this when I made the booking. This has a different menu from the Brasserie but seeing as the Tasting Menu was on offer, was not an issue on the night. The option cheese course has a supplement of £7, however the amount on the plate was again of a small portion. I would suggest missing this unless you really like cheese. These two point did not detract from the overall the dining experience at all and I have to say it was the best meal we 've ever had in Torbay since moving here 6 years ago. Congratulations to Simon Hulstone and the staff who have brought in sophisticated culinary delight to a part of England that can be found lacking."
