St Helens Restaurant’s new owners, Steve and Tracy West, with their son, chef Jason West. Picture by Robin Crossley.
THE new owners of a favourite Island restaurant plan to impress diners with a foolproof combination of good food and a friendly atmosphere.
Steve and Tracy West took over the lease at the St Helens Restaurant at the beginning of December, convinced the talents of their chef son, Jason West, will make the business a success.
"The business came up for sale and Jason really wanted to do it," said Tracy, who has introduced new furniture and decor while retaining the restaurant’s blue 'seaside’ theme.
"It has always been busy in the summer but we want to bring in more customers throughout the rest of the season."
Jason, 25, has worked at the restaurant for the past two years, under renowned chef Mark Young.
Having now graduated from sous chef to head chef, Jason said he plans to build on the success of the restaurant and match Mark’s two rosettes.
"We will offer British food with a modern twist, good value food that people will enjoy," said Jason, who has worked as a chef since he was just 14. He spent nine years at the Royal Hotel, Ventnor, and trained at the IW College.
Jason’s menu includes tasty dishes such as pork belly, crab cakes, steak with 'proper’ chips and roasted Brownrigg chicken. He is particularly keen on making desserts and endeavours to use Island produce wherever possible.
He said: "I’ve always wanted to be a chef, since I was ten years old. I just enjoy cooking and giving people a great dining experience.
"This is definitely a new challenge and I can’t wait to get stuck in."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk