‘Eggs in Hell’ at Highcliffe’s Tides Cafe in Lymington road is more like ‘Eggs in Heaven’ thanks to culinary skills of owner Nadine Frost
THE owner of a new Highcliffe cafe hopes to create a “little hub for people with a calm, relaxed atmosphere and good food”.
Nadine Frost, who runs Tides in Lymington Road, says she wants to provide customer service “like it used to be”, making “each customer feel like they are the most important person in the building”.
She opted to open a venue in Highcliffe because of the village’s strong sense of community.
“I came to the Highcliffe Food Festival, which has really grown into a great event; and my auntie lives here, so I am very familiar with the village,” said Nadine, who grew up in Bransgore but now lives in Bournemouth.
“The town is a really up and coming area with lots of good restaurants and lovely new shops opening.
“I felt it was just the right place for Tides and it has certainly proved to be so far. Everyone has been so welcoming, from other business owners to customers. We have had people saying we are a ‘great addition’ to the high street, which is so nice.”
On the menu are breakfast dishes including full English and all-day brunch options such as Tides Crispy Feta Egg with avocado and honey salsa, Eggs Miner – eggs on muffins with hollandaise sauce, crispy bacon, black pudding and rocket.
Another slightly alarming sounding option is Eggs in Hell, or poached eggs in a fiery tomato sauce with Tides signature potatoes, spinach and feta.
Vegetarians are well catered for, with avocado on sourdough toast with toasted sunflower seeds, pomegranate, rocket, lime, and chilli flakes. Or there is a wild garlic mushrooms on toast option.
Dishes can be altered to make them vegan, adding: “If it is within my capabilities, I can also make something special for them.”
Nadine’s intention was to create a “casual and stylish eatery” which offers “good, fresh, hot food.”
A professional cook for 20 years, she told the A&T: “Hot and fresh might sound like they should be givens, but that’s not always the case and its one thing I am very particular about.”
The other thing she insists on is “well sourced products like proper sausages – I pay more for better ingredients. It’s important to me that every component on a plate should be as good as each other”.
She added: “Food is love. If you love cooking it shows. I love food and I love cooking, which is why I think so far customers have been very happy.”
Nadine started her hospitality career as a washer upper at the tender age of 13. She left the restaurant trade at one stage to concentrate on interior design for hotels, and the decor of the cafe was a clear focus for her.
Tides is licensed, so customers can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or cider with their meals. Diners can even have a buck’s fizz with breakfast, which makes the cafe an ideal spot for a celebration meet-up.
As well as a good range of hot and cold drinks, the menu also features smoothies including Ava Go Go, made up of mango, spinach, broccoli, coconut, ginger and lime; or Coco Loco, a blend of mango, pineapple, coconut, lime, and mint.
Tides is open every day except Mondays, and Nadine is planning to open up in the evening soon, with extended opening day times in the summer.
