Exploring the Unique Flavors and Vision of Sam's Montpellier
When it comes to dining in the charming town of Cheltenham, Sam's Montpellier stands out as a gem in the culinary scene. This popular restaurant has recently received accolades and nominations, including a prestigious casual dining foodie award. To delve deeper into what makes Sam's Montpellier a standout dining destination, we sat down with Sam, the creative force behind this establishment.
Q: Congratulations on all your recent nominations and the casual dining foodie award!
Sam: Thank you. It's truly an honor, and we're thrilled to receive recognition for our efforts.
Q: In your own words, what makes Sam's unique?
Sam: Sam's Montpellier offers a dining experience like no other. It's all about creating your own culinary journey. You can choose from a taster menu, shared dishes, or main courses, allowing you to curate your dining experience. We prioritize good food and excellent service while maintaining a relaxed and casual atmosphere. We take pride in offering high-quality ingredients, top-notch wines, and a variety of beverages. It's challenging to describe precisely because it's an experience you have to savor.
Q: So, you'd call it a self-curated dining experience?
Sam: Yes, precisely. We're not pretentious; instead, we aim to provide an enjoyable and personalized dining adventure.
Q: What particular dish or course on the menu at the moment would you recommend to any new customers?
Sam: For newcomers, I'd definitely suggest trying our pistachio parfait. It's consistently one of our best-selling dishes and has become something of a signature here. It's unique and offers a flavour profile you're unlikely to have encountered before. However, I must say that all our dishes are exceptional. We change our menu every three months to keep it seasonal and introduce new creations to explore.
Q: Could you pick out three words to describe Sam's or the type of food that you serve?
Sam: I'd choose three words: relaxed, quality, and flavoursome. People often comment on the distinct and delicious flavours of our food.
Q: What do you enjoy about Sam's location in the Courtyard and Cheltenham in general?
Sam: Montpellier Courtyard is a wonderful area—it's somewhat tucked away, creating a unique hub within Cheltenham. The district is filled with independent shops and exudes a vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to be, and we feel right at home here.
Q: What's your vision for the future of Sam's? Any exciting ideas on the horizon?
Sam: Our vision is to continue building on the Sam's brand and keep growing. We're excited to be associated with events like the Jazz festival and are looking forward to getting involved in the Literature Festival. Our focus may shift toward hosting more events, and for the Jazz festival next year, we plan to book even more acts. This year, we're testing the waters as a venue for the festival, depending on the weather and other factors. It's a free event, and we hope it adds to the vibrancy of Montpellier Courtyard.
Q: What about the Literature Festival? When is that happening?
Sam: The Literature Festival usually takes place in October, and it's even more extended than the Jazz festival. We'd love to host talks, book signings, and other literary events. We're open to collaboration, so let's touch base closer to the time, likely in autumn.
Q: Receiving recent awards must mean a lot to you and your team. Any comments on what it means for Sam's?
Sam: Absolutely. It's gratifying to see that our hard work is paying off and that we're doing things right. Recognition like this is fantastic for the whole team, as we all put in a lot of effort. Cheltenham has a vibrant food scene with numerous fantastic restaurants, so being recognized among them is a great feeling. Sometimes, when you're in the thick of it, it feels like all you do is work, so it's wonderful to get some acknowledgement.
Q: Can you share some insights into the journey Sam's has taken to reach this point?
Sam: The journey to this point has involved countless sleepless nights and a fair share of trial and error. When we first opened, I had certain concepts in mind, which have evolved over time. We've learned to adapt to our customers' preferences and listen to their feedback. While we've remained the same restaurant at our core, we've become very different in terms of our offerings. We're constantly changing and evolving, from our wine list to our cocktails and even our interior.
Q: Any final thoughts or comments you'd like to share?
Sam: Well, it's exciting to see the Courtyard coming back to life, especially with the imminent opening of a milkshake bar. We're looking forward to the energy and vibrancy it will bring back to the area.
Sam's Montpellier continues to evolve and innovate, offering a dining experience that's unique, relaxed, and brimming with flavor. With its commitment to quality and a dash of creativity, it's no wonder this restaurant has garnered accolades and captured the hearts of diners in Cheltenham. To experience the magic of Sam's for yourself, visit their website here and plan your visit to this culinary gem in Montpellier Courtyard.