Lunch at The Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon

I have been fortunate to go to The Old Bridge Hotel on numerous occasions, for a variety of different purposes and whatever the event, this venue never ceases to impress. The Old Bridge has a fantastic reputation, and has grown to encompass an award winning hotel, restaurant, bar, boutique wine shop and a business centre. Owned by John Hoskins M.W. it is no surprise to see such a strong wine list including a large selection offered by the glass. In fact, their list was recently awarded the 2010 AA's Wine Award for the best U.K. restaurant wine list. Their shop also boats a selection of wines to try thanks to their enomatic wine-saver system that allows them to preserve up to 24 wines at anyone time to try. You simply buy a tasting card (like a pay as you go credit card) and swipe it to receive tasting measures of the wine you fancy. 

Today I nipped in with a colleague for a quick business lunch and we both ordered steak ciabatta's with fat chips and a garnish of salad leaves off their 'snack menu'. We were asked how we would like our steaks cooked and I opted for blue (as always) and my colleague ordered rare. We ate in the bar and the service was friendly and very efficient. The whole atmosphere at The Old Bridge oozes calm and professionalism. The presentation of the ciabatta's was faultless and the steak melted in my mouth. Inside the sandwich and accompanying the steak was caramelised onion and wholegrain mustard; it worked beautifully. 

I shall certainly be popping back and recommending The Old Bridge Hotel to others. 

Guinness marinated rump steak.

On Saturday night we went to some friends for dinner. When we arrived and were told that the steak we were going to have barbequed was currently marinating in Guinness we both raised our eye brows. How wrong we were, the beef was delicious. The simple marinade contained Worcester sauce, garlic, crushed black pepper corns, brown sugar and Guinness. It was an absolute revelation and something we will definitely try ourselves. 

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Brut 2002, West Sussex

Produced in the traditional method, this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from West Sussex never fails to impress. We enjoyed a bottle of the 2002 vintage this weekend with friends in glorious sunshine as an aperitif to a bbq.

A beautiful colour with persistent and elegant bubbles this sophisticated sparkler emits hints of toast and citrus (orange, lemon and lime) concluding with a very dry finish.

Appreciated by all!

Brasserie du Boulingrin, Reims

Specialising in huitres and fruits de mer, this well established (1925 to be exact) Reims Restaurant was filled with locals and tourists alike on Tuesday night as we made our way to the table we had (sensibly) pre booked.

Whilst browsing the extensive and very French menu, we enjoyed a bottle of the fine Dampierre Brut Grande Cuvee Champagne – an excellent start to the evening and a wonderful aperitif. With drabs of Champagne remaining in our glasses we shared a platter of delicious, fat and very fresh oysters – these were the biggest that any of us had ever seen and I enjoyed every single mouthful. The boys shared an order of pigs head terrine that smelt wonderfully of garlic and was served with a tasty caramelised onion marmalade.

More oysters followed for one of our party, whilst I enjoyed a main course of chargrilled lamb chops served with an old favourite of mine; gratin dauphinoise. Other mains enjoyed at our table included duck breast in a redcurrant sauce and a creamy skate number. All were knocked back with a soft and fruity Beaujolais from the 2005 vintage.

The interior was typically French-bistro esq with a nice atmosphere as you sat penned in next to other friendly dinners.

We had a lovely evening at the Brasserie du Boulingrin and I can see why it was recommended to us by our local contacts. I would not hesitate to pass this recommendation on to others.
 

Cafe du Palais, Reims

Situated opposite both the Palais du Justice and the theatre, this family-run restaurant established by the Vogt’s in 1930 is now run by the fourth generation and is undoubtedly one of Reims most celebrated venues to watch the world go by.

With an extensive Champagne list, excellent food and friendly service this Cafe surely deserves its esteemed reputation.

On this visit to the Cafe du Palais we enjoyed a bottle of Taittinger Brut Prestige Rose.

Little Chef – Kettering West

As a child, I was a huge fan of the Little Chef. It epitomised the memories of family holiday journeys – scampi and chips, cherry pancakes and those sticky lollies you got when you finished your food. (Am considering seeking damages for my subsequent gluttony!)  I was intrigued to see that Heston was revamping this now tacky chain; the documentary was great viewing. I was interested to see that that prat CEO has now left the company…

I was therefore thrilled to find an excuse to stop off for breakfast (and on the way to the Good Food Show too – result) at Kettering West; one of the Heston Revamped branches.

A hugely positive experience. The decor was suitably 1950s retro diner whilst seeming to keep the the Little Chef of my childhood. The staff were friendly, informative and attentive. Better than that (as an ex-waitress myself) they seemed cheerful. We were offered freshly squeezed orange juice on arrival and the coffee was perfect.

We ordered an Olympic Breakfast and a good old Early Starter. Both were smaller than I remembered but hey, so are Wagon Wheels. The quality of the food has definitely improved ten fold. The black pudding was ‘Award Winning’ and the bacon clearly local and tasty. As sausage conisseur’s (no pun intended) we were however, disappointed. They were not crap quality but still resembled more of a chipolata than a banger for my liking!

On reflection, I totally buy into this refurb and think it should be rolled out to all of the branches. The price, quality, service are vastly improved and definitely worth a stop (enroute or not). Can’t wait for an excuse to try the lunch and dinner menu’s.

Braised Skirt of Beef

This is a simple recipe which takes some time to cook. It rewards you with a glorious tender hunk of beef that falls apart to the touch.

Roughly chop an onion or two, a couple of tomatoes, a carrot, a celery stalk. Season the skirt of beef and place in a heavy iron pot over a medium heat along with the veg, and a couple of bay leaves. Pour in a glass of dry vermouth. Once the alcohol has cooked off add a couple of pints of water, cover and place in an oven at 150°C for at least 4 hours.

Serve with mashed potato, seasonal greens and a little of the cooking liquid. 

FA Cup Final Day 2010

It was an early morning start from deepest Suffolk, after a late dinner the previous evening for allthe students that had left the College in the last couple of years.I drove to Stowmarket to get the early express train to London’s Liverpool Street. It was awonderful sunny morning. I had got some cheaper first class tickets.Straight into London and football fans were everywhere. Straight to Leicester Square and lotsof football fans here also. I went to Waterstones in Piccadilly to do some reading. They haveextended the restaurant on the 5th Floor, but I sat where you have great views of the London Eye,Big Ben and sweeping views across London.After doing quite a bit of reading and taking phone calls from China, Japan, Cheshire andBlackpool to discuss the Final, I set off for Texture Restaurant on Portman Street. London waspacked and there was a buzz because of the football and the weather was warm. I arrived at therestaurant which is run and owned by Agnor Sverrijon, the first Icelandic Chef to win a MichelinStar. It used to be a private home, a luxurious one at that. The service staff were very attentive andI went into the plush bar, where I decided to have a glass of Agraport ler cru NV Rose.It was served with crispy dried skin of fish, seaweed, bread and potatoes. They were very light,crispy and delicious. Texture is famous for its champagne and I noticed it had a massive range as Iperused the list. The wine list itself is excellent with a wide choice including good wines from Jura,Savoie and also New Zealand.They had an a la carte menu, 8 and 12 course tasting menu and a set lunch menu. There was a goodchoice across the menus, but I went for the set menu due to time.I ordered my food, the service staff were spot on and very informative.They called me through, the restaurant had high ceilings, great lights in the walls and a woodenfloor. The menu and feel of the space is Scandinavian.The staff brought out a pre-starter of fresh green pea mousse with mint tea granita. The flavourswere very fresh and it was served in a vessel similar to a sake cup. The starter was local Englishasparagus with snow parmesan and hazelnuts. These were garnished with peashoots and thinbiscuits. It was wonderful and the parmesan snow parmesan was magical and the taste sensations inthe mouth were exuberant.For the main course it was organic salmon, cooked to perfection with sorrel and potato. This againhad such great flavours and the presentation was unique. Dotted across the plate was some “ediblesoil”.I didn’t have time for anything else.I met Agnor and had a few words to say how good it was. It was excellent food and very attentiveand polished staff.It was then a mad scramble up to Wembley. When I got there, my friends had already enteredthe stadium. The atmosphere was fabulous, the match bizarre but quite unbelievable. I could notbelieve we had won the double after watching them struggle all through the 70’s and 80’s. It wasfabulous – the celebrations took so long and getting back on the tube such a nightmare, that I had toabandon my visit to Roka, one of my favourite all time restaurants. I headed straight to LiverpoolStreet, where I had a pint at Dirty Dicks, which is a sensational pub with its wide mix of clientele. Iwas surrounded by Chelsea flags at this stage which made a fitting end to the day, before I hoppedon the train back to Stowmarket.The celebrations continued the next day at the Leaping Hare Restaurant in Suffolk, where they havetheir own vineyard which I live next door to. This restaurant is rated one of the best in Suffolk, thisis wrong, it is one of the best in East Anglia.What a weekend, fabulous food, wine and football.

Friday Night Chicken Kiev

This is a great recipe to enjoy on a Friday night while kicking back in front of the TV.

To make the Kievs mix some crushed garlic, chopped parsley and soft butter together. Cut a pocket in each Chicken breast and fill with the butter. Close up the pocket as best you can. Beat some eggs and coat the Chicken Breasts before covering with seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake in an oven for 15-20 mins at about 170

Serve with home made thin cut chips and a leafy salad.

The Olive Branch @ Clipsham

The Olive Branch pride themselves on being very much a pub rather than a restaurant and this is very noticeable when you walk into the crowded bar. This is also reflected in the service which can generously be described as laid back, almost coming across as a grab a table if you can.

Armed with a glass of fino from the impressive aperitif selection we made our way to our table. The concise menu is heavily focused on local produce. With an excellent array of dressed up pub classics. The food was largely enjoyable. I had scallops to start which were cooked to perfection, followed by a steak. The steak was excellent but was let down by the limp chips which were a huge disappointment. What was equally disappointing was the response when we complained about them. Apparently the potatoes weren’t very good to make chips from at this time of year. If this is true then why is a Michelin stared chef trying to make chips from them when he knows that they are going to be substandard.

I can’t help feeling that the olive branch are victims of their own success. The simple food is (for the most part) cooked well, the wine list is strong and the setting pretty. Unfortunately the atmosphere is a bit too chaotic to truly relax and enjoy yourself.