Pleasantly Surprised

Last night was an evening of catching up with old friends and where better to do this than one of our popular local restauarnts, Dine on the Rowe. Jason Rowe certainly knows his stuff when it comes to delivering tasty morsels, and over the last couple of years we have sampled many a tasty morsel indeed. Yum yum with bells on.  In particular we favour his wonderful sharing boards where we get to choose several dishes of food to share, Tapas style, and have never been disappointed with our selections.

One of the nicest things about visiting the place is being greeted warmly by 'Andrew' who has worked front of house for quite a while now. He along with all of the other staff is a credit to the place. Then last night when we arrived we noticed that a new chap has joined the team and there he was looking very stylish in a great jacket the like of something I haven't seen before. Very cutting edge - we approve.

I now want to describe my main course at the risk of salivating over my desk as I recall the experience. The menu said 'Haddock in curry spice and soda water batter with Bombay potatoes'. A little voice in my head said 'this could turn out to be a new and exciting adventure - go on - go for it' . So I did. And guess what? It was everything I hoped for and more. Visually stunning and a great combination of flavours and textures. It's no wonder the place was full with such high quality food on offer.

The desert menu promised yet more culinary delights and we opted for 'Mulled burnt cream with mincemeat dodger' or words to that effect. I wasn't sure about the 'dodger' bit until it arrived and voila! Just like a traditional jammy dodger but far more appropriate for the season. The pastry was melt-in-the-mouth perfect. Buttery and light. The burnt cream was a great Christmas version of creme brulee. Heaven on a little plate.

On our way out, Jason emerged from the kitchen to say hello. He looked as though he'd just done 5 rounds with a giant turnip. He spends his working day in the 'engine room' creating his masterpieces and toiling in pursuit of excellence in order that his patrons have a memorable dining experience. Well done Jason and team - we'll be back

Farewell Jeff

Yesterday was a sad day for our family. We attended the funeral of my oldest friend's father, Jeff. The service was conducted by the vicar of the church Diane, and Jeff and his family have been a part of this church for 45 years or so. Likewise Diane, although she hasn't always been the vicar there. She used to be a teacher and changed career some time ago. So as she steadily progressed through the service, it was more than apparent that she was trying very hard to maintain her decorum as she described a man who was well liked and long accepted as a solid part of the flock. Jeff was a quiet, shy man and when she described him as having a dry wit and a twinkle in his eye that struck a chord with us all. How true, how apt.

But there's more. He was also part of the church choir and the town male voice choir and guess what? Yes, his fellow choristers had turned out to sing for him and there was a vacant seat with a hymn book resting open upon it, Jeff's place. It was a beautiful service and an elegant send-off and I am so glad that my family and I were part of it. Farewell Jeff, we won't forget you x

Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy

A few months ago I came across a book that I coveted for some time called In Search Of A Masterpiece by Christopher Lloyd. The cover declares it to be 'an art lover's guide to Great Britain and Ireland' and the accompanying blurb begins 'if you happen to find yourself in Hull, Cork or Dundee, what paintings should you go and look at ?'. The more I read about this book the more I relished the idea of getting my hands on a copy. I mosied on down to one of my favourite book shops, Waterstones, and found it in no time. Oh what joy! It was a delight and before long, it was mine. I keep it out on the dining table at home and dip into it on an adhoc basis, when time permits.

Before I go on I have to point out that another aspect of the book that thrilled me is that it covers the wonderful Ferens Art Gallery in Hull. An often overlooked feature of the city that some locals don't appreciate or have never even visited. I implore you, take the time to go there and you won't be disappointed. 

So this Sunday morning, as I wandered around the house in a leisurely fashion I paused to dip into the book and came upon the above painting by none other that David Hockney. I doubt there is a single sole in the whole of the country who has not heard of this iconic artist. He is a local lad, Yorkshire through and through. The story behind the picture is tinged with sadness I'm afraid. Mr Hockney was a good friend of Raymond 'Ossie' Clark and Celia Birtwell and acted as best man at their wedding in 1969, his gift to them being this portrait. Funnily enough, the cat was never actually called Percy, it was 'Blanche' but he thought the former name to make a better title. I guess that's what one may refer to as artistic license. The three met through art school and unfortunately, the marriage was short lived and even more tragically, Ossie Clark was murdered in 1996. But to this day, Mr Hockney and Celia Birtwell are still dear friends and she continues to sit for him. Somehow, I doubt that Blanche aka Percy is still around though. I am adding a link to an article about Ossie Clark 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

A while ago we were lucky enough to spend time in North Yorkshire and this included 3 hours on the Nth Yorkshire Moors Railway pullman dining service. We travelled to Egton Bridge one lovely summer day with our walking friends and booked into a delightful little hotel called Broomfield House. We have returned several times since. It's the kind of place that feels like home but with service ! You arrive, drop your bags, and sit on the terrace drinking good wine as the stress levels diminish. Oh and the occasional steam train whistles happily by at the bottom of the garden. Toot Toot. 

Then a couple of hours later you get all glammed up ready to board the train in a nearby village. We've done this twice now and it is a joy to see that everyone makes a real effort to dress for the occasion. I don't mean ball gowns and tuxedos, unless you wanted to, but good old fashioned glamour to add to the sense of occasion that this is. The carriages are delightful and bestowed with little posies of flowers and smart, well dressed tables. You feel as though you are stepping back in time and notice how happy and joyous everyone appears to be. The food is good and the staff extremely efficient. 

We returned to the platform the following day during a circular walk that we had done and I was lucky enough to be invited onto 'the plate'. I took the above photo as mr Chief Engine Driver prepared to leave the station. The funny thing was that my 3 walking pals didn't realise I had disappeared and had no idea that I'd been privileged enough to board the engine until the picture was produced. I reckon they thought I'd just gone for a mosey in the souvenir shop for yet another batch of postcards. So if ever you feel like doing something completely different on an evening, make plans to indulge in this wonderful service. Oh and here is the link to the website - North Yorkshire Moors Railway