A Memorable Day

Saturday 25 June proved a memorable day; seeing our dear friends Peter & Pamela proves an amazing tonic. I'm not saying that it cures my miscellaneous aches and discomforts but, it does help one to bear the discomfort a bit more easily. Half an hour after their arrival in town they called around to visit and sup with us.

Peter joined me in the kitchen as I completed preparations for tomorrows lunch, as yet unchristened though I'm sure it will prove immensely satisfying. The four of us then partook of one of our favourite beverages, the exquisite 'Taittiinger', respected and appreciated by this gang of four.

Our guests had booked a table for us at a local Brasserie at the Cedar Court Hotel. The starters were all very satisfactory but, the main courses left quite a lot to be desired in the 'portion' department, a tad more than those godforsaken days of nouvelle cuisine. Despite the menu stating that main courses were served with potatoes, or salad, or green vegetables the haddock that Helen and myself had, (supposedly topped with a crispy welsh rarebit ... in actuality a pleasant coating of cheese sauce), arrived with a couple of leaves of Rocket and un petit peu of sliced tomatoes. When the waiter's attention was caught, he explained that if you wanted potatoes one had to specifically order it; something of a discrepancy with the message at the foot of the menu. We weren't asked whether we wanted salad, or potatoes, or green veg. The portions are a definite minus as far as I'm concerned but, they did arrive with a bowl of elongated, fully jacketed new potaoes reminiscent of dog poo. They tasted quite fine however.

The wine with this meal was a full-flavoured South African Chenin Blanc with subtle floral and lemon notes. Peter and myself were quite taken aback at it's sweetness on first approach, no doubt some of the sweetness was more marked following our dry Taittinger aperitif. Unfortunately my general stamina and discomfort levels required a fairly early return home, but, the evening was the longest time I have managed to be out anywhere for at least the past eighteen months! I have no qualms regarding the quality of the food at this establishment and, they also proferred an interesting wine list.

Later in the evening, Helen and I enjoyed coverage of Coldplay's set from Glastonbury. What can one say; electrifying, mesmerising ... sheer professional artistry, Chris Martin's vocals and stage presence were second to none that I have experienced over many years.

We look forward, once more, to the company of our bestest friends for Sunday afternoon lunch.