Galvin La Chapelle - Restaurant Review.

We ventured here for a Birthday Meal and were not disappointed. The restaurant is steeped in character. Set in an old chapel with exposed beams and brick, it creates a magical environment for a culinary experience.

The staff were very attentive creating a relaxing environment, with the sommelier being particularly knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed a very nice 2010 Chianti which I would recommend to anyone. The restaurant seemed to attract a range of customers, including some very well behaved children which didn't spoil the atmosphere (although this was at lunch time).

The food itself was very nice, with the menu being one of the primary reasons we initially chose to venture here. Each course was well presented, cooked, and seasoned and I couldn't fault any of the food I sampled (see pictures below).

However I did feel it lacked that 'Je ne sais quoi', with the food being similar to *some* non-Michelin starred restaurants of which lack the hefty price tag. With so many Michelin starred restaurants in London, I'm not sure I would rush back but equally I am glad we went.

If you are looking for a culinary experience in the heart of London, with décor to match it's fine menu and great staff, give La Chapelle a try.

Pizza!

As we had some mozzarella left over from Mother's Day we decided to make pizza's during the week. It was very fun to do, and we both could see why kids enjoy it so much. The topping was a passata and bbq mix and we marinated the chicken in bbq sauce first and cooked it off in the oven. We then added sweet yellow pepper, red onion, bbq chicken, mozzarella, black olives and a little bit of cheddar.

 We made some wedges too. They are some what of a staple for us as we always seem to have potatoes lying round. Spices, oil and put into the hottest oven you can conjure. We like them with soured cream and sweet chilli sauce. Tasty!

Mother's Day

It was Mother's Day on Sunday. Unfortunately I couldn't go home seeing as I work full time these days, but as my girlfriends mum lives quite close we made dinner for the family. We had mozzarella and tomato puff pastry tarts to start. For main we had duck breast, with a blackcurrant and red wine reduction, celeriac and potato dauphinoise, braised red cabbage and asparagus. And for dessert we had tiramisu. It was really lovely and we were really pleased with how it all turned out. 

Lamb Tagine

Lamb & Aubergine and Red Pepper Tagine, Moroccan Cous Cous, Chunky cucumber, tomato, red onion and mint salad, Pitta Breads and Yoghurt.

Courgette & Feta Pasta.

Gino D'Acampo courgette, feta and balsamic pasta with salad. 

Recipe can be found at http://ftb.coinsdata.co.uk/home-maker/first-home,-first-meal/fusilli-con-zucchini-alla-scapece

Roast Belly of Pork

Roast belly of Pork with Fennel Seeds on a bed of root vegetables, herbs and garlic.

Roast belly of Pork, roast potatoes, glazed carrots, creamed leeks, celeriac, parsnips and cabbage.

The Punch Bowl Inn and The Daffodil Hotel

For her birthday I surprised the girlfriend, by taking her away for a night The Daffodil Hotel in Grasmere. The hotel was really nice, the bed was huge and the views were lovely. Grasmere also seemed like a really lovely place, with some really quaint shops and restaurants. Unfortunately we were only there for one night, but we would definitely go back to the area.

We didn't eat at the hotel (we had a sandwich in the bar, which was nice) as we had been to The Punch Bowl Inn for a celebratory lunch. The food was lovely, I had butternut squash soup to start, followed by the duck; and the girlfriend had black pudding to start, and the same main course. It was a really lovely place. Cosy and quaint, and the food was really tasty. Below are a couple of pictures of our starters.

So, we have had a lovely couple of days and a really nice birthday weekend. It has certainly helped to blow away those January blues. The only problem is that now, I just want to go on holiday again!