Our Sicilian Night and forthcoming Provencal night

[Paul henry]

A hugely successful night to rave reviews again. We were booked out with 8 new, new guests as well as our lovely regulars. We were brilliantly supported by the wonderful Delissimo Italian delicatessen in Basingstoke as well as the equally wonderful Newlyns Farm Shop near Odiham / Hook. The night was not without it's dramas. We had placed a firm order for our Cornish Sardines (Pilchards) only to be let down at the last, last minute. Our brilliant head chef Eve got on the case and replaced via internet for next day delivery. Cost including delivery was 4 times higher, but needs must etc. When arrived had not been gutted or scaled or filited.

 

Now, Eve is alergic to all fish so not only was I cooking the dish of Sardines stuffed with herbs, anchovies etc I was now going to have to prep from scratch. 2 hours up to my amrpits in fish bits. Not nice, but had to be done, I learned a lot and the reult was very well received.

 

Our Provencal night on the 6th of May is a sell out again, and I am hugely looking forward to a real feast of provincial cooking and lovely ingredients. We have some new and some loyal returnees. An excellent mix. Menu includes: Real garlic bread, 48 hout confit of duck, an amuse bouche as always, a choice of Boeuf Daube or Coq au Vin, Provencal Cheese board followed by Tarte Tatin or Warm Olive Oil cake with lavender and figs. etc, etc, etc.

 

I recently found this quote by J.R.R. Tolkein:- " If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." How very true.

 

Philosphy and Food, what more could you want. LOL!

 

Paul Henry

 

 

[msmarmitelover]

I've had some dramas like that in the past Paul! Well done anyway!x