After a recent visit to a friends wedding in Dinard I was suffering post Brittany blues, so a friend recommended I check out a little corner of France in Farringdon: the East side Inn.
Bjorn and Justine van der Horst launched the restaurant just over a year ago. The husband wife team promised to serve top- notch food in a warm and friendly environment and the plan must have worked, they’ve since been a roaring success. Devoid of pretension the open plan interior has chefs and guests breathing the same air, the passion and dedication of Bjorn’s team can be watched first hand which has an oddly calming effect - or perhaps that’s the wine working it’s magic…
The Eastside has a fantastic in house Sommelier, Thierry Sauvanot, who chooses all the vintages from small producers. The wine list is one created with time and much care.
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Having grown up in Devon all my life, previously The Royal Clarence Hotel in my mind was always the most highly regarded establishment in Exeter, mainly for its unrivalled location in the Cathedral Yard overlooking the city’s impressive Cathedral. Back in the day Michael Caines was recognised as ‘the celebrity chef’ and was noted for his efforts in grand dining at Gidleigh Park, as word of mouth spread amongst local foodie types, this restaurant is considered one of the finest in the country, and holds not just 1… but 2 Michelin stars!
The Cathedral Yard
ABode Exeter Entrance
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Situated in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, arguably one of the UKs most scenic destinations, Bovey Castle is an extremely rare countryside treasure. Originally built by the WH Smith family as a weekend hunting lodge, the house now forms part of the exclusive Delancey Hotel chain and welcomes travelers seeking a unique luxury experience in the country.
Having heard so much about Bovey we recently organised a visit to see for ourselves what all the buzz was about. From the moment you drive through the impressive wrought iron gates and up the mile long drive you can’t help but feel you’re going back in time to 1900. In fact as you arrive at the front door you are greeted by staff in traditional country ‘plus fours’, which adds to the charm and character of the place.
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Posted by Paul Handley on Thu 17th June 2010 at 08:16 AM, Filed in Luxury Food
I am a bit of a pie fan. Also, sometimes I understate. Yes, I love my pies, I am the pie expert.
I have known of Simple Simon’s perfect pies for some time now. They have just released their “luxury larder” range. I was lucky enough to sample these pies and I am happy to report that they are excellent. Posh pies done proper.
I was lucky enough to sample seven of the pies from the luxury larder range, including Chorizo Sausage with Devilled Black Eyed Beans, Tomatoes and Goat’s cheese - A bronze award winner at the British Pie Awards 2010.
Other winners at this years British Pie Awards include Butter Bean and Brie (Silver) and the Cheese Board Pie (Gold). This got me thinking, How about serving a selection of these at your next dinner party? I divided my pies into four and my 3 guests and I had a really enjoyable evening, hosting our own “Pie Idol” or “Pie Factor” or “Britain’s Got Pie’s”.
Imagine a stress free mains course that invites guests to freely comment and discuss. What struck me as strange was our clear winner was the Butter bean and Brie Pie. This pie was so good that I forgot that I will not eat vegetarian dishes without a grumble. From me, High praise!
Other Pies in the Luxury range include Honeyed Venison Collops, Duke of Wellington Pie (complete with fillet steak filling!) and Chicken Fillets with Durham Cow Blue Cheese.
When you taste these pies, you realise that the finest ingredients have gone into each one. These are high end pies but surprisingly, the pies are very reasonably priced. The Ultimate Scotch Onion Pie is only £3.25.
Simple Simon’s Perfect Pies are available to purchase from selected stockists including Harvey Nichols, Waitrose and Peckhams. The full range is available online http://www.simplesimonspies.co.uk or by calling 01889 220 118.
This has to be one of the most exciting Michelin starred restaurants around. 21212, located in Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace, officially opened on 20th May 2009. It has not taken long to get that first star.
Paul Kitching had previously held a Michelin star for Juniper in Manchester, for eleven years before moving on to start his own dining experience, 21212.
The gourmet sample menu is simply brilliant. A quite staggering quantity of ingredients are used in each dish to create something spectatcular. A taste explosion every time. The highest culinary skill is used to great effect and manages to deliver astounding food that is also a lot of fun.
For instance, here is one of the starters - Beef Steak With Chips & Onions, Mushrooms, Egg & Streaky Bacon, Beans, Tomato Ketchup, Broken Blue Cheese & Pecan Tart, H P Fruity, Garlic & Parsley Butter….That’s got you thinking, hasn’t it?!
The five course gourmet menu consists of a choice of two dishes on the starter, main course and dessert courses, which is why the restaurant is named 21212 (with soup course and cheese course making up the 1’s). The above listed starter is one of two, with Chinese Style Fish the other, complete with a plethora of supporting ingredients again.
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