The Food Wanker

I’ve been meaning to get to Sands for a good few months now, the offer of tacos, cocktails and house made ginger beer seemed like a match made in heaven! 

But, given I live in Jersey, the 15minute drive from town had so far proven too much to overcome, “All the way out West?!”

Then, they announced a smash burger, and I decide enough was enough, and I needed to visit.

Enlisting the assistance of the one-time “Producer” of an award-winning podcast (We’re Drunk And We Know Things, available wherever you get your podcasts) to act as my driver, and to help me not look too weird when I order too much food, on a heavily rainy July lunchtime, I made my move.

As cloudy and rainy as it was, it’s still lovey down there, but with that unbeatable sea-view, it would be idyllic if the sun was out.

So, to the food.

Barbacoa Tacos

Home-made corn tortilla, a little crema, perfectly cooked pulled beef, pico de gallo, coriander. Simple, carefully put together, and bloody delicious. The waiter suggested Tabasco, which I will eat with everything, and he wasn’t wrong. I would prefer a little more heat, but that’s not for everyone so I totally get why this is a little more accessible. 

Smash Burger

Soft potato roll (I think), well seasoned patties, gooey American cheese, pickles. Another simple and well executed banger! Whats not to love? Comes as a double, I could have eaten 3. Had we not ordered all the other food, of course. 

We’ll be coming back to this next week when I’ll be looking for a winner in the current Smash-Burger War that is threatening to tear our tiny island apart! (I’ve read that good writers build tension).

Chicken Burger

Battered and fried chicken thigh that was still nice and juicy (literally no way to writing that that doesn’t sound gross), some pickles a la American fired chicken sandwiches and a little slaw for good measure. Really enjoyed this, came on the same bun as the Smash, but again I felt like it needed some OOMPH, maybe some hot honey? Some hot sauce? Regardless, good burger! 

Cubano

Roast pork, pickles and some cheese on a toasted and pressed baguette, not a conventional Cubano in some respects but pretty tasty. Unfortunately it felt a little flat (see what I did there), could use a little more cheese, and some pulled pork! Again, just needed a bit more OOMPH! That said, we ate all of it! 

The Drinks

You will likely have heard that Sands make their own soda, and I am here to tell you, they are legit. Arguably too legit to quit. Which I do not say lightly. I had the best Ginger Beer I’ve had in Jersey, and perhaps ever. My compatriot, who is more of a regular went for Pineapple & Eucalyptus which is OUTSTANDING. In fact I bought a load of bottles to take home with me! I’ve been told they have some in Awabi as well (a mark of good taste there) so if you see them don’t hesitate! 

So overall my trip to Sands was great, and I’ll definitely be heading back for an evening to try their cocktails. As I mentioned I think a couple of the bits we had could do with a bit more going on flavour-wise, maybe a house hot-sauce would amp it all up a bit? 

Regardless, the food is great, the location is great, the staff were all friendly, helpful and seemed genuinely quite excited about the plates they were bringing out, if you haven’t been, do!