Afternoon tea at the Haymarket Hotel, with John Barrowman, London, 25th January 2014

The main reason for us spending a few days in London was because at some point before Christmas without really knowing much about it I'd paid for me and Mom to join an afternoon tea event hosted by John Barrowman.

We've been John Barrowman fans since we saw him in "Sunset Boulevard" in about 1995. Since then we've seen him live on quite a few occasions (touring, panto and in "La Cage aux Folles") and enjoyed watching him in Torchwood. Essentially he's been putting on a few special events to help promote/fund a new album that is going to be released later in the year.

I'd been quite stressed about what to wear, so was pleased that my outfit choice sat comfortably in the middle of what the other guests (all female apart from 3 men) had chosen. We were greeted with a glass of champagne on arrival and then moved through to the tables. For about the first half an hour John moved round the tables giving everyone the chance to have a picture taken with him and signing autographs. Through this period tea and cakes were served, I was concentrating on other things and so forgot to take any pictures of the food. I do remember that the scones were very nice. I had a bit of a conversation with the woman sitting next to me who'd come to London especially for this from Germany! Other people had come from USA and belgium.

Scott (John's husband), was also there and spent time talking to each table. Whilst he was clearly not as natural at such things as John, he is still gorgeous, seems like a nice bloke and him and John are certainly great together. Gavin (John's manager) was also around and he was probably the person who was most interested to see the programme we's brought from when we saw John in "Sunset Boulevard".

After everyone had had a photo opportunity there was a Q&A session, where people asked predictable questions about when/if he was going to be touring/appearing on stage, to slightly more personal questions about whether him and Scott would like to have children. Scott and John also sang a short duet of "Any dream will do".

It was a lovely afternoon and he'd clearly made a number of peoples' dream come true. I wasn't sure about paying to go to such an event but he really is as charming in real life as he comes across on the TV so why shouldn't he be able to capitalise on such an asset and make people happy at the same time?

The selfie

John and Scott

John's website: http://www.johnbarrowman.com

More information about the new album and other events: http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/johnbarrowman

Pollen Street Social, London, 24th January 2014

After visiting the Churchill War Rooms, we worked up a bit of an appetite by walking to Pollen Street. We arrived a bit early and took the opportunity to have a drink at the bar before being taken through to our table. As we walked into the main restaurant we caught a glimpse of the kitchen and walked past the "dessert bar" where the pastry chefs could be seen in action.

The amuse bouches were presented in book and were a nice, light start. The bread was good, with a choice of a few different varieties.

Amuse bouches

I was pulled towards the set price lunch menu because of a Jerusalem artichoke soup starter (I have become slightly obsessed with Jerusalem artichoke over the last few months). It lived up to expectations and was served with very nice truffle ricotta.

Jerusalem artichoke and walnut soup, pickled pear, truffle ricotta

I chose cod served with couscous for my main course. Although it was good, it possibly wasn't quite as nice as the cod I'd had at Cafe Murano the night before, and the sauce was a bit reminiscent of a certain Fat Duck dish that I wasn't so keen on (basically here I'm moaning about a fish dish tasting fishy which is completely unfair and just my personal taste!)

Roasted cornish cod, cauliflower couscous, chilli, golden raisin and cockles.

The desserts on the lunch menu weren't jumping out and saying "eat me" so I decided to go for something off the a la carte menu choosing the one that sounded like it must have the largest number of calories: chocolate ganache, banana ice cream and chocolate coral.

70% chocolate ganache, banana ice cream, sesame crumble, Pedro Ximenez, chocolate coral

When I booked I mentioned that we were celebrating my Dad's birthday and there were two nice touches-a card signed by Jason Atherton (head chef) and a box which he opened on his birthday and was a very nice chocolate cheesecake and went perfectly with breakfast.

Birthday cheesecake

http://www.pollenstreetsocial.com

Cafe Murano, London, 23rd January 2014

We had a lovely lunch at Murano over the summer (that was before I started blogging but I took some pics that are so pretty that I've included them at the end of this blog). Since then we've spotted a few articles about Angela Hartnett who appears to have been pretty busy setting up new places over the last few months. Having read about Cafe Murano it sounded like a good choice to try with a friend during a trip to London. I booked a few weeks in advance but the main restaurant was already fully booked for the time we were looking at so we went for the "bar counter" which sounded like it could offer a bit of a different experience.

Unfortunately my friend was held up due to unplanned issues on the Victoria line (not sure who thought it was a good idea to pour concrete into a control room??!!). Whilst waiting I tucked into some nuts/olives and my first glass of rose and got to watch the bartenders at work (who also took our orders and served our food). This included Sam who was very friendly and helpful throughout the evening.

Once my friend arrived shared a plate of cured meats to start. Then trying to convince myself I was being healthy I ordered cod with lentils for my main course. Any serious plans to be good were ruined when I was tempted by two desserts which we both shared.

There was a great atmosphere and sitting at the bar meant you got great service without it feeling at all intrusive-the staff could top up glasses as they were passing etc. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and definitely somewhere I'd recommend.

Nice water bottle

Cod, castelfiorito lentils, salsa verde

Pannacotta, orange

http://www.cafemurano.co.uk

And here are a few pictures from our lunch at Murano, July 2013:

Burrata and courgette salad

Veal and "croque monsieur"

Raspberry jelly, white chocolate ice cream, berries

http://muranolondon.com

The Hand and Flowers, Marlow, 21st January 2014

Just a pub in Marlow...

I've wanted to go to The Hand and Flowers since before Tom Kerridge became a TV star (well sort of-it was after seeing him on Great British Menu but before he had his own show). I've been to another Michelin starred pub and although it was nice I wasn't blown away (the pub in question did lose its star not long after). So I was intrigued to see what a two Michelin star pub would be like (the only two Michelin starred pub in the UK). We had also very much enjoyed a Tom Kerridge/James Martin double act at the Good Food Show in Birmingham before Christmas. Unfortunately since Tom has become more well known trying to get a table is becoming increasingly difficult. We booked quite a long way in advance for a latish weekday lunch.

We arrived a little early and just about managed to find a table in the bar, which was already a plus compared to The Fat Duck (which doesn't have any extra room for chilling pre or post meal). This gave us even more time to ponder the menu (having already been spent quite a lot of time pondering online), and have a drink.

Hand and Flowers ale

We were taken through to able table in a cosy corner and had even more time to ponder the menu. Perusing a menu isn't something I'm particularly used to-most of the time I go for tasting menus or have limited choice on a lunch menu. But here the lunch menu (although very good value) is really pretty restrictive and having waited so long to get a table I guess it's natural to want to get the full experience so it had to be the a la carte menu.

Whilst still pondering (the service wasn't particularly speedy which was fine as we wanted a leisurely lunch but could have been a little frustrating if you'd had less time) we were brought some white bait and sour dough bread. We could here the orders being called out in the kitchen although unfortunately not the West Country twang of Tom. 

I actually found my starter choice relatively easy-two of the dishes contained fois gras (I've now tried this twice and really don't get it), a few others contained ingredients that I'm a little suspicious of-smooked eel, scallops, and pig's head. So I was pretty much left with the salt cod scotch egg. Not surprisingly this was salty, but that was balanced by a red pepper sauce.

Salt cod scotch egg with red pepper sauce and chorizo

However, maybe by restricting my choice I was missing out? A friend was being a little adventurous and went for the crispy pig's head and said it was possibly the best starter he has ever had!

Crispy pig's head with rhubarb, pancetta and chickweed

I did feel like the main course was a big decision though. Looking at the menu online before the trip I was pretty sure I wanted to go for the duck dish that had been chosen as the main course for the 2010 series of Great British Menu. However when I was actually there was a venison dish that sounded like it had a lot of interesting components. It was lovely, the only slight disappointment was that I wasn't sure what they meant by carrot cake/whether it had been forgotten. We also had side dishes of Hand and Flowers chips (possibly the best chips I've ever had) and buttered brussel tops (which he made to look very appealing during his recent Christmas TV show).

Wiltshire venison and Hand and Flowers carrot, game ragout, lime, toasted lentil dahl and carrot cake

Hand and Flowers chips and buttered brussel tops

There were a few interesting desserts. I went for Hand and Flowers chocolate and ale cake with salted caramel and muscovado ice cream. It came with a little shot of ale as well, which was a nice touch (although concerned me slightly that together with the glass of wine I'd had I might end up being over the limit). Whereas a friend opted for a very pretty "Dragon's eye" tea, I had "builder's tea in a mug" although we all agreed that the mug was a bit too nice for a building site. Again just a little disappointingly you had to pay extra for petit fours.

Hand and Flowers chocolate and ale cake with salted caramel and muscovado ice cream

I think this is a serious restaurant dressed as a pub  (and that isn't meant as a criticism). It actually offers a good way to experience Michelin starred food without the pomp and circumstance that sometimes goes with it (and annoys some people). Although you are still most definitely paying for it. Whereas the fat duck was all about the experience this place is all about the food, and they certainly serve up very good food.

http://www.thehandandflowers.co.uk/index.php

Annexe and the NEC, 8th January 2014

Annexe has been in and around the top 10 restaurants in Birmingham on Tripadvisor for a while now. We've had a couple of nice dinners there and have always fancied trying it for lunch when it does a very good value menu (£11.50 for two courses). To start I opted for melon and prosciutto which was accompanied by some interesting pickled raspberries. For the main course I had confit duck and leek tarte with sauté potatoes, and fennel, grapefruit and pistachio salad. The tarte was very nice, but I wasn't at all sure about the salad. Overall you can't really complain too much when you're getting freshly cooked food for £11.50.

Confit duck and leek tarte, saute potatoes, fennel, grapefruit and pistachio salad

http://www.annexe.co 

I don't think I was expecting to be blogging about a meal at the NEC but it was actually very good so I felt I couldn't really leave it out. I'd bought tickets to see Maroon 5 that included a two course dinner package. I had cod on risotto to start, the cod was cooked well and the risotto very tasty. For dessert I had chocolate truffle with Morello cherry ice-cream-it was difficult but somehow I managed to polish it all off.

The programme

Baked fillet of cod, sun-touched tomato risotto, pan roasted chorizo, mariner king prawns

Individual chocolate truffle, honeycomb crumb, Morello cherry ice-cream

Next up was the entertainment. We got out in time to see most of Robin Thicke's set, which was a nice (if slightly loud) warm up before Maroon 5, who put on a good show.

Purnell's Bistro, Birmingham, 2nd January 2014

Recognising that January can be a bit of a slow time for restaurants I have been doing my best to help the situation.

Just after New Year we popped in to Birmingham because I wanted to try the "Winter skate" outdoor ice rink. After being a little tentative to start I managed to let go of the sides, skate on my own and get up a little bit of speed. I didn't fall over at all and managed to avoid barging into the many small children (and few unsteady adults) that did tend to get in the way a bit.

Having worked up an appetite it was off to Purnell's Bistro for lunch. A sister restaurant to Purnell's, we'd been reminded about this place after reading a review by Tom Parker-Bowles just before Christmas, and it felt like it was on of only a few restaurants not still closed for their Christmas break. They had a very good value lunch menu but also some a la carte options that weren't too expensive. I was tempted by a Jerusalem artichoke veloute to start and pork belly with "Glynn's sausage roll" main course. Both were great, aware of recent Christmas excesses I managed to not have dessert, although the hot chocolate I did have probably wasn't low calorie!

Nice setting-in front of the new library, and the Christmas wheel

Managing to stay upright

Taking a break

Jerusalem artichoke and potato veloute

Honey glazed pork belly, smoked bacon mash, creamed cabbage, Glynn's sausage roll

Hot chocolate and truffles

http://www.purnellsbistro-gingers.com

Best meal of 2013

I know some people think taking pictures of food is a bit odd. I'll admit I do feel a bit self conscious taking photos in nice restaurants. But the advantage is being able to look back and remember exactly what you've eaten. Now I know I've eaten nice meals in a fair few restaurants prior to starting to take photos (including Hibiscus-the first ever michelin starred restaurant I went to, L'Autre Pied, Petrus, La Becasse and Purnell's) but I get frustrated that I can't remember exactly what I ate at them.

Anyway, I decided I'd come up with the combination of dishes from different places that would make my best meal of 2013, so here it is:

1. Amuse bouches:

This goes to Adam's, it's just slightly disappointing that you only get them with the 5 or 9 course tasting menus. It will be interesting to see if this changes at all now that the lunch menu seems to have substantially increased in price.

Beetroot meringue and goats cheese

Roast chicken ball

2. Bread
The Yorke Arms definitely gave the best selection of breads, including foccacia, cheese bread and olive bread with a choice of butter or olive oil. It was just a shame I spoilt it with fois gras.

Selection of breads

3. Starter
Another offering from Adam's. I'm pretty sure I'd never eaten Jerusalem Artichoke before this year but have become quite a fan. This was a light but very tasty starter, and I was pleasantly surprised the chorizo didn't repeat on me.

Jerusalem artichoke, chorizo, egg yolk

4. Fish course
More artichoke! This time with a beautifully cooked cod cheek at The Kitchin.

Seared cod cheek with artichoke barigoule

5. Meat course
A difficult choice with quite a few potential candidates including a duck dish at Adam's and venison at the Fat Duck. But I've gone with pork belly at Simpson's. I could have eaten the plate at least twice over and think I may have been heard to say something like "that was the best pork dish I've ever had".

Pork belly, apple balls, onion sauce

6. Dessert
For taste and prettiness I've chose the dessert at The Yorke Arms-lots of little yummy treats.

A plate of Asian spiced chocolate Szechuan, coconut bavarois, passion fruit jelly, ginger meringue, sorbet, macadamia nut crumble

7. Petit fours
I have been known to have a coffee just to be able to try the petit fours. At Texture we had petit fours including a pistachio madeleine that I enjoyed so much I have been trying to recreate it in my kitchen.

Petit fours-pistachio madeleines, truffles, raspberry macaroons, minty meringue

Other awards:

Strangely none of the courses from L'Enclume feature in this compilation and I would actually say overall that was probably the meal I enjoyed the most in terms of the whole experience-food, wine, service and setting.

Friendliest one-off service would probably go to Murano, although it's nice (if slightly worrying) that there are now 2 restaurants in Birmingham I can go into and not have to tell them my name.

Best celebrity spot-Tom Parker-Bowles at Murano.

Best comedy moment was a friend spilling a bright orange amuse bouche/soup all over a white table cloth at Simpsons.

Best tasting wine menu-proabably The Kitchin, which they happily let two of us share and I haven't been at all influenced by the fact that the sommelier resembled Artem Chigvintsev.

Most special experience-The Fat Duck, I'm still not really sure what I thought about the Fat Duck, the food wasn't all to my taste but it was a very special (and expensive) experience.

The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill, North Yorkshire, 28th December 2013

Apparently Yorkshire has the more Michelin star restaurants than any other county outside London. Trying to decide on somewhere to eat whilst visiting a friend up in Yorkshire did however present a couple of problems: Yorkshire covers a relatively big area and a lot of good restaurants close over the festive period. On the plus side this did at least mean there weren't any difficult decisions to make-The Yorke Arms was the only Michelin starred restaurant that was open and not too far away. After the reservation had been made I noticed that it had been voted number three in the Sunday Times top 100 restaurants, so I was hoping for a good meal. After overindulging slightly on Christmas/Boxing day I'd even made an effort to not eat too much and go to the gym the day before the trip.

It was a reasonable drive away, but luckily there had been a pause in the horrible weather and the car journey through the Yorkshire countryside was very pleasant. First impressions were very good-a lovely building (an old hunting lodge) in a very pretty location, with a great Christmas tree in the doorway. We were shown through to the dining room which also had some nice festive touches.

The lunch menu had about four choices for starters and the main course and there was a good selection of reasonably priced wines by the glass. Whilst we were perusing the menus we had some very nice crisps and a mini cheese tart each. Then came an amuse bouche of pickled herring. 

Pickled herring

I'm not entirely sure what to say about the starter, what I am now sure of is that I don't like fois gras. From the description of the dish I was hoping it wouldn't be the predominant feature so I was a little concerned to see a relatively large chunk of it on the plate. It wasn't quite as bad as my first experience, this time there were at least some other nice components (pheasant terrine and persimmon) and as well as a small brioche there was a selection of breads to eat it with (although maybe I should have been braver and just left it and really enjoyed the bread?) So whilst I don't have particularly fond memories of the starter this is essentially because of personal taste.

Slow cooked pheasant press, fois gras, persimmon, gooseberry and brioche 

Selection of breads

For the main course I'd gone with sea bass with shrimps and a red wine reduction. I was initially slightly disappointed because my friend had gone with the duck and it looked very good (I'd been put off by the mention of liver). But I was very happy with the sea bass-it was cooked very well, the sauce was tasty and the portion size was very good. I was also please with my choice of wine-a glass of pinot blanc.

Crisp sea bass, papaya and lime, shrimp dauphine, ginger, red wine reduction

The dessert was the star of the show and one of the best I'd had in 2013-a selection of spiced chocolates and other treats-the dark chocolate balanced really well with spices and lighter offerings. I liked the idea of retiring to the lounge for drinks and opted for an interesting tea (orange and jasmine I think) and managed to find just enough room for the petit fours.

A plate of Asian spiced chocolate Szechuan, coconut bavarois, passion fruit jelly, ginger meringue, sorbet, macadamia nut crumble

Tea and petit fours

Overall we had a lovely lunch and it was a very nice last michelin-starred meal of 2013. The lunch menu was a pretty reasonable £35 and you could get a glass of wine for £6. I found out during some googling that The Yorke Arms and L'Enclume (see earlier blog) were two of the restaurants Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon visited during "The Trip"-I wonder what they thought of it...

http://yorke-arms.co.uk/index.php