I'm not sure about you, but on payday day I like to celebrate the momentous occasion by having dinner somewhere I have never eaten before. This month it was the turn of The Rummer Hotel in Bristol. I have been for drinks here a few times and I was looking forward to trying their food.
We had booked a table for 830, which is a mistake on a Tuesday night! We entered the Rummer down one of the passageways of St Nicholas Market which was like a scene from a Dickens novel in the fading light with a chill in the air from the late September evening. This was in stark contrast to the warmth and glow of the restaurant. However, I did feel a sense of emptiness as we were the only people who were about to eat. And there was only two other tables having a drink. Is this normal for a Tuesday?, we asked. "we were full from 6-8" the waiter explained. So obviously it is an after work destination.
The food arrived promptly, I had a Salad of Mackerel with pickled Ginger. The dish was fresh and vibrant, however the decorative reduced balsamic was heavily used and did over power the delicate Mackerel. The main course was delicious, I opted for the Lamb with polenta cake, mushrooms and capers. I was intrigued to try the combination of the Lamb and capers. It worked... Well. The dish was rich yet had a freshness from the acidic capers and the Lamb was cooked to perfection. The addition of the earthy mushrooms complemented the other areas of the dish.
The meal was great, however I always get slightly paranoid when there is no one eating in the restaurant, so I would recommend trying The Rummer but make sure you book before 830!
Bon Apetit!
Thursday 30 September 2010
Sunday 19 September 2010
Upstate Steak
The Farmhouse Restaurant in Oneonta, New York is something of an institution. This restaurant offer great value for money, fresh ingredients and an excellent atmosphere. In an area where fast food chains tend to reign supreme, this homely eatery rises above all the grease and whisks the customers off to pleasure land!
The owner is a former wine merchant, this resulting in a long chat about his exciting, regional and good value wine list. However considering my other eating companions I had to choose wisely. While I was about embark on a local slab of red meat, my fellow diners were having fish, so I choose the Williamette Valley, 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir. I know, I know, why didn't I choose a New York State Pinot but they had run out!!
After the wine was poured it was time for the food. I choose the 14oz Sirloin Steak from a farm 3 miles down the road.
Cooked rare, this piece of meat was exquisite. The meat was so tender and sweet. My knife slid through the meat like butter. The vegetables that accompanied the meat were a slight let down couldn't tarnish the excellence of the steak.
To conclude, there is a stereotype of small-town America. That there are no good places to eat.... This restaurant put all the critics in their place.
Highly recommended
Cheers!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The owner is a former wine merchant, this resulting in a long chat about his exciting, regional and good value wine list. However considering my other eating companions I had to choose wisely. While I was about embark on a local slab of red meat, my fellow diners were having fish, so I choose the Williamette Valley, 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir. I know, I know, why didn't I choose a New York State Pinot but they had run out!!
After the wine was poured it was time for the food. I choose the 14oz Sirloin Steak from a farm 3 miles down the road.
Cooked rare, this piece of meat was exquisite. The meat was so tender and sweet. My knife slid through the meat like butter. The vegetables that accompanied the meat were a slight let down couldn't tarnish the excellence of the steak.
To conclude, there is a stereotype of small-town America. That there are no good places to eat.... This restaurant put all the critics in their place.
Highly recommended
Cheers!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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