Restaurants and stuff

Really? Don't get the Bavette 'hype' - I thought it was distinctly average, and over priced.
The only dish I really enjoyed was the Cervelle de Canut, which is just a snack.

 

I've not read the review it was behind a pay wall, but been a few times I think they do what they do very well. Just a few dishes done well. Service has been great whenever we've been, but agree it's on the pricey side but it's the wine that seems to bump it up. I don't think they have anything much under 40 quid. Good for us because it's relatively local! Bit of a walk to Granvilles then a short walk down Town Street. There's a few decent places to eat

 

Going to Emba on Sunday, which I'm looking forward to.

 

I've completely missed that one. Looks like it's the same building that used to be the Owl, or very nearby. Looks interesting. Let us know how you get on.

 

Yes, Liz Cottam's new venture.

 

I meant to post this before but forgot. Back in April we had lunch at the Paradise Cafe at Daleside Nurseries, Killinghall, outside Harrogate. The chef is Frances Atkins, who previously had a Michelin star at the Yorke Arms, Ramsgill. I actually went there nine years ago, when she was there, and had their tasting menu, which I thought was overpriced and not very good.
By contrast, our lunch at the Paradise was fantastic. Generous portions, beautifully cooked food and reasonably priced for the standard on offer. I’m not surprised that Jay Rayner raved about it last year. I will definitely be going back again before too long.

 

Wow, that looks good for a garden centre

 

Yes, it’s certainly on a different astral plane from your average garden centre caff.

 

Coincidentally, we were in York recently and I thought of this place on the way home for some reason. Wasn't sure it was still going, so good to know.

Ate at the Star Inn the City in York. Steady-away, possibly gone a bit down-hill since we first visited but decent enough.

In the evening went to Brew York and got amongst some of their Korean food. Good gear.

Absolutely nowt to do with Bradford but had a few days in San Sebastian last month. Outstanding scran.

 

Can't eat anywhere in Lyon without it being offered, personally I love it

 

Welcome back

 

Jay Rayner reviewed it about a year ago when he was still writing for The Observer. I was put off going by some friends (whose judgement I trust) who said they were disappointed and that the service was a bit off. Perhaps I should give it a go and judge for myself.
Incidentally the same group of friends and us really enjoyed Sunday lunch at the Yorke Arms when it was owned by Frances Atkins. It went downhill a lot after she sold the business, even though she still had some involvement. It wasn't a tasting menu when we ate there.

 

I went to the Yorke Arms in 2016, when she was still there. It was an evening tasting menu that I had. I thought the courses were far too tiny, even for a tasting menu, and overpriced for what they were. But the lunch I had at Paradise Cafe recently was fantastic and the service was spot on. I couldn’t fault it on any level.

 

It’s probably irrational but can’t bring myself to eat there, I’m afraid. I loved the old Angel at Hetton, with its great pub ambience and its fantastic bar meals that were the equal of what they served in the posh dining room. You could go walking in the Dales and turn up in your walking gear for a great meal and a proper pint in a proper village pub bar.
I hate that the new owners have gutted it and turned it into a trendy aircraft hanger. I actually drove past it today and it looks like they’ve replaced all the windows and surrounds which makes it look even more sterile. But it’s obviously doing good business because the village was clogged with cars, so I’m obviously in a minority on this one.

 

How was Emba?

 

The bits that weren't a blur, were very nice!

Got 12 months of discounts and benefits to work through for making a donation for her crowdfunder set up - so will be there regularly.

 

I'm told I never shut up about how good the XO prawns were. Allegedly the Uber driver said he was going to go and try them, just so I'd shut up.

 

grand cru in birkenshaw has been sold and is currently closed with no update on the new owners plans for it but the previous owners have said anybody with vouchers will still be honoured hopefully it will reopen soon as we were booked in for xmas day

 

Good to know. Was thinking of where to go for a decent Sunday lunch and wondered about Grand Cru.

Ended up, as per, at the Shibden Mill Inn.