At His & Hers we have been honoured to visit and review some amazing restaurants across England and on one occasion a lovely establishment in Edinburgh.
Feature by Jean Hill
We have interviewed some quite famous chefs alongside some lesser known talents, all doing wonderful work. It has always been fascinating, informative and creatively exciting and I have collected some impressive and really useful cook books along the way. I have learnt a good deal about provenance and the crucial importance of good quality food beautifully prepared.
We discovered cooking processes, routinely used, that took infinite care, skill and were time intensive. Eaten in a matter of moments, yet so much appreciated. Totally worth the effort, but with implications because of ever rising food prices and the spiralling cost of energy. Businesses have a six month cap on energy prices (that had already risen somewhat), but sourcing great quality food from Europe has become a little more difficult and more expensive. So a tricky time ahead.
Hospitality has been a successful growth area where excellence was almost always the crucial aim, not wealth. Restaurant owners and chefs will usually explain that profit margins are inevitably small. One chef explained to me that there is a finite amount that people normally choose to pay for their meals, unless it is a very special occasion. So menus are designed around those expectations.
Hospitality has been wonderfully good to us, helping us to create some very special memories. We have enjoyed glorious dishes whilst chatting, enjoying the moment. Often there is a backdrop of lapping water and blinking lights; sometimes dappled park-land or urban destinations. It seems to me now, that there were always overhanging trees in the frame. Much to be grateful for. Hospitality could use our support right now.
Some memorable restaurant visits
The Olive Tree
We regularly eat at The Olive Tree, New Brighton, where they serve up as good a Sunday roast as you could wish for. Apparently the lasagne is pretty fine too and the desserts are to die for: passion fruit cheese-cake is my particular favourite.
The Nook
We often lunch at The Nook in West Kirby. They do a brilliant breakfast menu – I love their goat’s cheese, beetroot and apple on ciabatta; such a great combination of flavours. They do tapas on a Friday evening and it is delicious.
The Metquarter has a great food hall and we discovered an interesting recent addition:
Ferguson’s Bakery
Something new turned out to be something quite special. I knew about Ferguson’s Bakery sourdough bread, which is first rate (as is the focaccia). The rest of the menu was a revelation.
The menu is well thought through; diverse and the delicious bread, is often the base from which to create some of the memorable dishes. There is Shakshouka (rich tomato and pepper stew) with vegan, vegetarian and meat options. The soup on offer on the day was roast butternut squash, carrot and lentil, which was slow roasted vegetables blended into a rich creamy soup. I chose cream and Stilton roast mushrooms, which was served on sourdough focaccia. The Stilton worked beautifully with the strong mushroom flavour and the burnt lemon dressing was inspired.
The 360 Sky Bar
The Sky Bar is situated within the INNSiDE Hotel (Melia Group). Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant is on the ground floor, it stretches into an extensive elegant space and serves great regional, Italian food that is meticulously sourced.
We are headed for the 18th floor where afternoon tea is served in the 360 Sky Bar. Stunning views enveloped us as we moved through the Bar. The afternoon tea was delectable. The atmosphere is magic.
The Watering Can
Greenbank Park is a fifteen minute drive from the city. The Park is utterly beautiful. There are sweeping trees, beautiful foliage and lush green lawns.
The venue is an integral part of the Park. The bar area boasts intricately crafted wooden cabinets in a glorious conservatory setting. There was a sense of total relaxation in an idyllic setting.
The lunch menu consists of small plates, rather fancy sandwiches and larger dishes. I started with sautéed king prawns, spicy tomato salsa and bloody marie rose sauce. The prawns had a wonderful crunchy, yet succulent, slightly spicy taste. Great food: great atmosphere.
Much to appreciate that has enriched our lives over the years.
Ferguson’s Bakery: 078354423839
https://ginodacampohotelsandleisure.com/
The Nook Café: 0151 6253011
