The Rise Restaurant Terrace & Bar, York

Situated in the Grand Hotel, York The Rise restaurant is actually a new building that rises out of the Grand.

If you wish you can dine outside on the terrace and see York's famous walls.

I heard the way the food is served is the Yorkshire version of Tapas.

They recommend 5-6 dishes per 2 guests. Think a la carte/small plate and you will get the idea.

Dishes are cooked as your order arrives in the kitchen, which means that your food is served when it is ready and in no particular order.

You can if you wish still get the same dishes from the main menu and have them served to your table all at the same time.

It has to be said that service and the food was of a 5 star quality.

It was a pleasure to be served by smiling, professional and knowledgeable staff who actually gave the impression that they wanted to be there.

They all worked as a team too.

It was a pity though that the staff did not have name badges on their uniform, but I did get the name of our server, Ozlem who really made a difference.

But what of the food?

Everything from start to finish was beautifully cooked. You can see your food being cooked in the open kitchen.

The starter of locally baked bread from Haxby was served with Netherend butter, a delicious start for what was to come.

The sweet potatoes served with walnut pesto and Parmesan made the potatoes stand out rather than them looking and tasting bland.

The Rise House Salad was fresh and tasted and looked like it had just been prepared.

My poached breast of corn fed chicken was tender, whilst my partner's grilled tiger prawns were described as "excellent"

With tempting desserts such as Buttermilk Panna Cotta served with Yorkshire strawberries and sorbet and almond and rapeseed oil cake they really have come up with a superb menu.

It was a pleasure to see that when the coffee arrived, the sugar cubes came with tongs alongside them. So many places these days seem to think it is acceptable to use your fingers.

Not once were we addressed as "guys" either, but always Sir or Madam. Whoever has trained the staff has obviously had high standards and done a good job.

They have definitely risen to the challenge.

The Rise, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Telephone: 01904 380045
www.theriseyork.co.uk