turtle bay caribbean, leicester.

having been to the fantastic, fun and fiery launch night of the newest caribbean restaurant in leicester, turtle bay, i was keen to return and try out their dinner menu. the launch night atmosphere was absolutely buzzing; everyone chatting, laughing, dancing to a live band and helping themselves to platters packed with caribbean tasters. a really relaxed, party ambiance which reflected the character of the restaurant.

on the other hand, this party feel meant that i didn't really try much food or take any pictures. who wants a foodie blogger muscling in on a plate of tasty looking nibbles and saying "sorry, stop can i take a photo please?" i must say i did sample some delicious sweetcorn fritters and curried goat for the first time which were both divine, crunchy and fresh tasting. but how did they do for an evening meal?

i began with a refreshing and tangy rum punch made with orange with passionfruit juice. after much deliberation - largely based on the fact i'm terrible for having seafood for starter and main - i went for chilli fried calamari followed by mo' bay chicken with rice 'n' peas. my other half chose a lamb patty and double dipped steak also with rice 'n' peas. the starters are actually called cutters which can be shared like nibbles with cocktails or had as a starter - a little like street food.

i thought this spicy calamari was a really generous starter at £4.95. the chilli kick was complemented by a mango mole and lime and coriander mayo. for me, lime and coriander is the perfect marriage.

the patty, also at £4.95, came with a choice of either lamb or saltfish. they were like a spicy turmeric pasty packed with lamb and scotch bonnet and drizzled with a herby mayo. so yeah, a bit spicy for me. i loved how they came in a sort of parcel which continued the street food vibe.

this main couldn't have been more perfect for me. i love complex spicy flavours but i can't deal with the heat, so on the waitress's recommendation i went for mo' bay chicken. for £9.95 this was a chicken breast, creamy jerk sauce, plantain, salad and a choice between rice and peas or sweet potato mash. i actually expected white rice and green garden style peas - so this wholesome brown rice and kidney bean medley was a welcome surprise.

the double dipped steak with a caribbean slaw looked lovely! i didn't even get a look in and this was about the best picture i could quickly snap ;) we also shared dumplings and jerk cheese chips - which actually worked. the dumplings were great for lapping up the creamy jerk sauce too.

rather than pudding we finished off with a couple of speciality rums, which come with ice and lime to tailor to your tastes. 

and i just found out they do takeaway... oh dear! have you ever been to turtle bay? or have any other caribbean recipes or restaurant recommendations? 

check them out online at turtle bay or follow on twitter @turtlebayuk :)