Friday after a very filling Thursday night was a two cups of tea to wake up affair. I'm going to completely ignore the walk through breakfast and get to the hop into the car to go and get Reece piece. I had arranged to pick Reece up to go to the Saints shop. I had my eye on buying a shirt. As it turned out Reece also made some purchases for me and I ended up with a toque, saints car sticker and a mug with my name on it. All in all a very successful shopping expedition. After becoming Premiership Champions earlier this year the club have a collage on the stadium glazing and here is the old man standing on the spot. The actual front view appears on a previous blog.
Next stop was back at Samantha's and then a frantic chase to try and find pumpkins. In hindsight trying to buy pumpkins on Halloween night probably not the wisest move. Tesco failed dismally but then Kim spotted some remaining at Sainsbury's, so it was to Sixfields we flew, sending Reece in to make the purchases. He emerged a little later somewhat concerned at the smallness of said items and squishy areas. Beggars cannot be choosers so we took the six back for inspection then carving in earnest. The carving tool were purchased in Canada in anticipation of the carving contest to be held at Debbie's Sunday coming. Samantha, Reece and Myself in action.
The real effect of the all the hard work only really evident when candles set a flicker and the lights dimmed. From left to right Reece, Me and Samantha.
The afternoon turned to evening and Kim, I and Reece left to pick up Iwona. Amazing just how many kids were trick or treating in Grange Park. I never remember it being so busy. We picked up Iwona and then made our way to the Plough for Dinner. We arrived to a warm welcome from Tasha and Jess and drinks in hand were shown to our table. Barely seated a minute Marcus arrived with a bucket of Champagne for us, on him, to celebrate our being there.
It was such a lovely gesture and a very good Champagne to start our evening. Kim even shed a tear. The menu was spectacular and it took us a little while to decide.
In then end I opted for the pan seared wood pigeon breast with smoked pancetta beetroot and hot Cumberland jus. Smoked Haddock and Scottish Mussel Chowder for Reece. Kim and Iwona had the Rosemary and Garlic Studded Camembert with Toasted Ciabatta, home made red onion chutney, and root vegetable crisps. Mains, 18oz T Bone for Reece, Iwona the Root Vegetable Risotto with Boursin and Kim the Sea Bass with Smoked Bacon and Cabbage Colcannon and Fennel Cream. Pan seared calves liver with red onion bacon and spring onion mash for me. All very well me telling you, here's some picture evidence.
Fantastic meal, no pressure on time and visit to the table from the whole home team. Jim, Jess, Tasha and Marcus. Will recommend to everyone with ears. Now going to put a piece on trip advisor not because I am chefs father but because the experience was awesome.
Great pumpkins!! Cannot tell they are mushy in places.. :)
ReplyDeleteDavid very impressed by the food!