FOODIE WEEKEND

I have just returned from a wonderful weekend away. My husband is now back to fighting fit after hip surgery, and with a very busy time ahead work wise for him, we decided to give ourselves a nice treat to set us up for the busy months ahead. We booked a B&B in Dorset and planned to discover the Jurassic Coast. Lots of walking during the day and treating ourselves to nice eateries at night.

First on the list was Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage. I have watched him on TV and was excited at the thought of visiting his HQ restaurant. I am still looking forward to it! Hubby managed to book his Canteen place in by mistake. Not that this was a problem as it was really good. A lovely relaxed atmosphere, excellent service by a team of young staff who all knew their stuff.

An amuse bouche of mutton heart croquette was served to us. Not something I have ever eaten but have to say it was very tasty. Very much the texture and flavour of kidney I thought. Starters of mushroom soup and fish chowder went down very well. For mains we both chose an indulgent duck confit with the creamiest mash I've ever eaten. Greens always are tough and didn't really work for me, but everything else was delicious. I had to back away from desert as I was full, but hubby had a plum compote with homemade vanilla yogurt. Of course I had a spoonful, mmm! A great success and would recommend it to anyone.





Next night we headed to Hix Oyster and Fish House. Wish I'd had a look at the position of it before I put on the high heels! I knew it was on the coast, what I hadn't bargained for was the taxi being unable to drive down to it, leaving us with a very steep walk down. The heels were very high, the hill very steep, so it was a precarious walk, or should I say stumble down, but nothing was going to keep me away.

Another relaxed and informal place. Menu reflects seasonal and local produce, mainly fish. Who can resist local hand dived scallops, sweet and succulent. Mackerel with squash sounded interesting, and the fish was really delicious but unfortunately squash was way undercooked, however staff acted well when I pointed this out, and after dinner drinks were brought to us with chef's apology. I looked on as my husband tucked into a beautiful sea bream. Worth the effort of it being on the bone. Messy but not a problem.

This time I couldn't resist a jelly made with cider and blackberries. It was so good. A bread and butter pudding was also really yummy but step too far for hubby as he just couldn't finish it..

So all in all another successful night. Pity it was dark as Hix's has the most wonderful views over the water. Note to self, go earlier next time.





Third night saw us head inland to a beautiful 13th century coaching inn. tuckersarms.com. It came with thatched roof and inglenook fireplace. A classic English pub with a beautiful traditional interior.
We had been recommended this by the B&B and they were not wrong.

The food choices were mouthwatering. But by now we were down to one course. The past few days had taken there toll. Especially when you factor in the cream teas and lunchtime crab sandwiches, well you have to don't you? Fish pie sounded good and hubby settled for that. I had scampi which was good, but on reflection should have opted for a seafood salad, I think I had just overindulged all weekend. But hey it was fun doing it.

All in all a successful weekend. Relaxed, fun and of course full of delicious food. What can be better. We justified all the walking offset some of the calories, not.