Restaurants

[Nickslikk2112]

Being as we were going to Brum to see Rick Wakeman, Mrs S suggested we make an early weekend of it and pay a return visit to Purnell's restaurant - can't believe it was 2016 when we first went.

It's kept its Michelin star since then, but we've eaten at better 1* places since, All the dishes are well done and have interesting flavours, but nothing stands out - apart from the Desserts. I'm more of a savoury man, but Glynn's Burnt English egg custard surprise "10/10/10" which made the Great British Menu Banquet one year is stunning. Can't say cold custard does anything for me, but this is stunning, served with a Pistachio Ice cream and Beignet. The Mint Choccy Chip is no slouch either, served with full on Prog Rock dry ice

[Slim]

I thought a thread for restaurants and other eating establishments might be in order.

Today, 'er indoors and I went to a place called Stella's Kitchen, featured in a Hairy Bikers episode about a year ago, for lunch.

Sad news this morning that Dave Myers (left) has shuffled off this mortal coil at the age of 66, after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

As well as being well-known for cookery / travel shows, he and the other one used to present a rock programme on Planet Rock.

[Nickslikk2112]

Having been to Tommy Banks' Black Swan a couple of times - and his Abbey Inn - and enjoying it muchly, I used a trip to York to visit his Roots restaurant there to see how it compares.

It compares very well, head chef Will Lockwood - who was on the pass - does a very good job of interpreting his master's ethos, using lots of pickled and preserved flavourings.

Really enjoyed the two part crab dish with a crab custard and crab brioche toast, the asparagus with wild garlic and hazelnuts was stunning and the Hogget course was very good too, especially a meaty stuffed morel.

Being as I'd signed up for a freebie drinks package of canned wine - just as good as a regular wine flight - I spent the extra for the optional scallop course, beatifully cooked scallop, a good buttery golden outside and just cooked sweet inside with a celeriac and spruce sauce.

Recommended.

[Nickslikk2112]

Third Michelin starred meal of the year last Friday. I'm getting out too much.

Kenny Atkinson's House of Tides in Newcastle, I'm expecting a disappointing experience one day, but this wasn't it. All perfectly serviceable poncey nosebag, really enjoyed the Mackerel and the Stone Bass.

The wine pairing served up an English sparkling wine with the opening Snacks (love the parmesan and truffle gougere) which is the first English sparkler I've had which smelled like Champagne, bone dry too. I also seemed to have had a free glass of 20 year old Tawny Port with the mandatory optional cheese course

Would I return? Yes.

[Nickslikk2112]

Friday night saw us slumming it in a non Michelin starred restaurant - and not a Pizza Express either - at NORD in Liverpool, it's in the old Littlewood's offices.

It was nice to be able to choose from an a la carte menu instead of a tasting menu where you get what you're given.

I started with Cheese Goujeres, they were good and cheesy, but not as light and fluffy as any Michelin starred ones I've had. Next up was Beef Tartare with Macadamia Nuts, very good. A main of Cod Kiev with Tartare sauce and crushed peas with chips, Could have eaten two. Then a pudding of Chocolate and Malt Mille Feuille. All for well under half of what we have been paying.

We would return.

[Fishy]

Had my first Chateaubriand the other night.. fkn awesome..and expensive but nevertheless.. superb..

[Nickslikk2112]

During our break in Norwich I took Mrs S out to Benedicts', saw the chef there on the Great British Menu years ago so had to try it out. He still has his Banquet winning dessert on the menu - Nanny Hunt's Trifle - Mrs S thought it was worth it just for that. I thought it tasted like Trifle.

Favourite dishes for me were a Lobster dish with Heritage Tomatoes flavoured with Vanilla and a pre-dessert of Fig Leaf Ice Cream, really good palette cleanser.

Only downside was we took the "Premium" wine flight and the sommelier brought out the "House" pairing for our main course. If my eyes were any worse I wouldn't have noticed they didn't match up with the listing. We got them changed though and were given a more generous measure

Highly recommended.

[Nickslikk2112]

When I bought tickets for David Gilmour, I told Mrs S we'd make a weekend of it, so searched out somewhere for a decent meal on Friday night.

After looking around I decided on a place called Kitchen W8, described as a "neighbourhood" restaurant - albeit a Michelin starred one - but which seemed reasonably priced.

I booked in for the tasting menu, but found when we arrived that we had come during their Game season and the menu was all game based. That was fine by me.

I was starting to get a bit bored with tasting menus, but this one really hit the mark. One of the canapés was Crispy Pheasant which was like the best Chicken nugget you've ever had. The Tortellini of Yorkshire Grouse came with the best Cep Mushroom sauce evah. The Ballotine of Partridge was well set off with spiced Pumpkin and Pickled walnuts. Finally the Roast Breast and Leg of Wood Pigeon was rich, deep flavoured and earthy, It was a bit much for Mrs S and I got a few more mouthfuls

Dessert was a Brown Butter and Hazelnut tart with Port Glazed Fig and Muscovado Ice Cream, which was not too sweet. Perfect.

Have to find a reason to return next October.