Things to do, places to go...

Espai Sucre, Barcelona

coupleswithoutkids — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:22:44 +0000

On a recent trip to the beautiful city of Barcelona, when I was told that I was going to a restaurant that served on desserts I was more that a little apprehensive!

Generally speaking ,the dessert course tends to be my least favourite and I quite often opt for cheese.

But, believe me, Espai Sucre changed my view! 5 Courses of delicious and suprising flavours that included hints of the savoury was quite astounding!

Of course, the pedigree of Chef Jordi Butron Melero helps things along having been formerly at the number 1 restaurant in the world, El Bulli.

Even if you don’t have a particularly sweet tooth, pay Espai Sucre a visit.

Where else can you live your childhood dream of eating 5 desserts without your mum telling you off!

Tyddyn Llan Restaurant with Rooms

coupleswithoutkids — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:35:10 +0000

Driving through the Welsh countryside in the lashing down rain on a Friday evening is to be highly recommended – particularly when your destination is Tyddyn Llan at Llandrillo in North Wales.

Even in poor weather conditions Tyddyn Llan is nothing but warm and welcoming, a sentiment echoed by it’s owners and staff when you step inside.

Susan Webb is charming at front of house whilst her husband Bryan remains firmly in the kitchen. It’s a case of ‘aces in their places’!

The food champions Welsh produce and a better menu choice I have not seen of late.

An overnight stay is a must if want to enjoy the awesome list of (very reasonably priced) wines too!

Why not treat Dad for a slap up Father’s Day lunch at Tyddyn Llan – he won’t be disappointed (and will earn you lots of brownie points too!).

Bryan Webb’s Kitchen

coupleswithoutkids — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:21:14 +0000

Looking for a great Father’s day pressie for foodie Dad? How about a copy of Bryan Webb’s Kitchen?

This is not just any old recipe book (although it is packed full of simple and delicious recipes) but one man’s culinary journey and the people, places and cuisines that have inspired him.

A great cookery book and a great read too! What more could you ask for?

Treat your Dad this Father’s Day!

coupleswithoutkids — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:09:24 +0000

If you live in South Wales and are looking for something a bit different to send to your Dad for Father’s Day – look no further!

A delicious treat of fruit and chocolate dipped strawberries is bound to put you in his good books!

Are celebrity chefs stretching themselves too thinly?

coupleswithoutkids — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:29:46 +0000

On the day in which John Burton Race declares himself bankrupt I’m wondering whether so called ‘Celebrity Chefs’ have all gotten a bit too greedy and have spread themselves too thinly.

Gordon Ramsay has had to close some of his restaurants and Jamie Oliver has shelved plans to open more. Anthonay Worrall Thompson has also had some high profile publicity regarding the state of some of his finances.

However, I have recently been visiting some small, boutique establishments that remain constantly busy. Is this because they are concentrating on what they do best and consequently maintain the high standards and service that their clientele have come to expect?

Having been to a fair number of well know chef’s restaurants – and having had a great time I would add – the major disappointment is that the personality in question no longer cooks there!

I think I’d rather stick to places where the food and service is good and prices are not inflated in line with ‘celebrity’ ego!

Combe House, Devon

coupleswithoutkids — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:10:16 +0000

‘Wow! What a beautiful place’ was what we both exclaimed on the way up the drive towards Combe House country hotel in Devon.

We were very lucky with the weather – it being (very rare) a glorious summer day with barely a cloud in the sky.

We were very warmly welcomed by Ruth, Ken and their staff and, in fact given the full escorted tour of the property by Ruth – one of the most charming and gracious hosts you could ever wish to meet.

Whilst the rooms are luxurious and decadent, the food is what it’s all about at Combe House and we were not disappointed by the delicious 3 course lunch we enjoyed there. (A full review will be posted on our site very soon).

If picturesque, ‘chocolate box’ settings coupled with classic cuisine cooked with loving care and attention is your idea of heaven then Combe House is certainly worth a visit.

In fact, we can’t wait to go back again! Thanks to Ruth and Ken for making us so welcome.

June Food Events

coupleswithoutkids — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:25:50 +0000

Summer’s here and June is right around the corner (where did those first 5 months go??!!)

So, if you like food festivals, get these dates in your diary for the coming month.

I’m always on the look out for more things happening in the food world so if you know of anything going on where you live we’d love to hear from you!

Phew! Stinky!

coupleswithoutkids — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:55:50 +0000

Stinking Bishop cheese has just won the award for Britain’s stinkiest cheese at the first annual championship of smell.

Apparently it smells like a rugby club changing room! Doesn’t sound too appetising does it?

But, rest assured, the taste is delicious! (I’m speaking from experience).

The cheese gets it’s name from a pear variety called Stinking Bishop. It is washed in the Perry made from the pears.

Apparently, British artisan cheeses such as Stinking Bishop give some of the French varieties a run for their money – and I couldn’t agree more!

Fairyhill – Part 2

coupleswithoutkids — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:53:10 +0000

Having just spent a very long afternoon putting right things I did wrong on our website on the weekend (for the life of me I couldn’t work out what I’d done! Doh!) we have now updated our review of the fabulous Fairyhill Restaurant with Rooms on The Gower in South Wales.

Fairyhill are also hosting a wine tasting session on the 6th June - why not go along and join them?

Fairyhill

coupleswithoutkids — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:01:10 +0000

Had lunch today at the beautiful Fairyhill Restaurant with rooms on the Gower Coast (Reynoldston) South Wales.

A magical name for a magical place: a charming 18th century house set in twenty-four acres of parkland, tucked away secretly at the heart of the glorious Gower peninsula.

In glorious sunshine we took our pre-lunch drinks and canapes out on the terrace.

The food was quite simply fantastic which combines with a great atmosphere, peaceful surroundings and a fabulous welcome. Andrew and Paul are charming and attentive hosts.

At just £24.50 for the 3 course Sunday Lunch it is quite remarkable value for money too.

Definitely worth a visit and our full review will be on our website very soon. http://tinyurl.com/dz48cf