Barry
27-07-2012, 16:38
Whilst on a recent visit to Conwy in North Wales, ostensibly to visit friends and, inter alia to pick up some bottles of the Conwy Brewery ‘Honey Beer’, I took the opportunity to sample the culinary delights offered by an establishment I had heard about “through the grapevine”.
Run by a jovial Italian and his charming Croatian wife (who does the cooking) and situated in a delightful 18th century lodge house, the restaurant because of its size can only cater for a very few guests. As such the menu is table d’hôte rather than à la carte. But this all the better, as it means you are eating the same as your hosts who of course eat with you.
So to the food and drink: a Kir cocktail aperitif, followed by a delightful starter of spinach and mushroom crêpes served with a selection of green vegetables. The accompanying wine was a fine 2006 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
The entrée was a superb Tournedos Rossini, cooked to perfection, and served with green vegetables, sautéed potatoes and glazed carrots. A splendid 2005 Haut Médoc accompanied this course.
To finish my hosts offered a selection of fresh, seasonal, fruit and a fine cheese board, the latter being a perfect way to savour and enjoy the rest of the Médoc. Like all good restaurants the quantity and quality were just right; I felt replete, neither feeling too full, nor wanting more.
By now you are probably wondering where this delightful hostelry is. Sad to say I cannot give details as guests are by strict invitation only. All I will say is the owners are keen music lovers and posses an excellent audio system (using 15” Tannoy Gold speakers in Lockwood cabinets, powered by a bespoke valve amplifier), and are always interested to meet other enthusiasts. So if you are one such, and they get to hear of you, you too may be offered the opportunity to sample their generous hospitality.
Run by a jovial Italian and his charming Croatian wife (who does the cooking) and situated in a delightful 18th century lodge house, the restaurant because of its size can only cater for a very few guests. As such the menu is table d’hôte rather than à la carte. But this all the better, as it means you are eating the same as your hosts who of course eat with you.
So to the food and drink: a Kir cocktail aperitif, followed by a delightful starter of spinach and mushroom crêpes served with a selection of green vegetables. The accompanying wine was a fine 2006 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
The entrée was a superb Tournedos Rossini, cooked to perfection, and served with green vegetables, sautéed potatoes and glazed carrots. A splendid 2005 Haut Médoc accompanied this course.
To finish my hosts offered a selection of fresh, seasonal, fruit and a fine cheese board, the latter being a perfect way to savour and enjoy the rest of the Médoc. Like all good restaurants the quantity and quality were just right; I felt replete, neither feeling too full, nor wanting more.
By now you are probably wondering where this delightful hostelry is. Sad to say I cannot give details as guests are by strict invitation only. All I will say is the owners are keen music lovers and posses an excellent audio system (using 15” Tannoy Gold speakers in Lockwood cabinets, powered by a bespoke valve amplifier), and are always interested to meet other enthusiasts. So if you are one such, and they get to hear of you, you too may be offered the opportunity to sample their generous hospitality.