Suntory Japanese Restaurant

We recently decided to try the newly opened Suntory Japanese restaurant in Northampton's town centre. Having previously never eaten Japanese apart from the odd taste of sashimi and sushi we were unsure of what to choose . We had been advised by a previous visitor there to try one of the set menus. This way we would get a good taste of lots of things. A little voyage of discovery. We opted for the Mixed Teppenyaki beef menu (it also came with a Fois Gras option). This gave us a chance to try meat as well as fish.
As each dish was placed on the table we got a very good description of it from the very knowledgeable and attentive waitresses. They had also checked beforehand that we did like sashimi.
Our first dish was a Pickled Salmon dish . Now I'm not a fan of salmon at all but I have to say I really liked this. It was so fresh tasting ( I find salmon a bit too 'fishy tasting' ). It was a very good opening to the meal. I was happy it was on the set menu as it would have been a dish that I would not have chosen to try. This way I had no choice but discovered that salmon can be made enjoyable.

The next course was the Sashimi. For those of you who don't know Sashimi is raw fish not as commonly perceived, Sushi. Contrary to popular belief the little rolls of fish wrapped in seaweed that you can sometimes get in the supermarket is Sushi . If you have never tried Sashimi and are put off by the thought of uncooked fish this is the ideal place to try it for the first time. The fish is so fresh and extremely good. It came in dish on a bed of ice. There was a selection of salmon, sea bass and tuna .Served alongside a little dab of wasabi, daikon strips and a shiso leaf. There was soy if you wanted to dip into that too. Once again I have to say that the salmon was terrific as was the sea bass. My favourite however was the tuna (which was served separately on the dish in a pot). This was absolutely fantastic. An absolute must to order next time off the main menu.

Next we had a hot bowl of Miso soup. A lovely soup with added seaweed. Possibly an acquired taste to some but I loved it.









After the Miso came Tempura fried vegetables along with a large tempura battered King Prawn . Wonderful light, crispy batter encasing a fabulous king prawn with aubergine and sweet potatoes. This was served alongside a spicy dipping sauce which even after dipping the tempura was still crisp.

The main so to speak was Teppanyaki Grilled Sirloin of Beef served with a bowl of stir fried vegetables and a trio of dipping sauces and Japanese style egg fried rice. The beef  and rice both cooked on a teppanyaki grill in sight of the diners. (You can book the table around it to eat and watch the cooking). The beef was cooked perfectly and was furthermore enhanced by dipping into the Terryaki,teppenyaki and soy sauce. Thick, sticky and really delicious.

We decided to opt for a dessert even though we were advised that they weren't authentic Japanese dishes. We went for the one they said that was nearest to a Japanese dish. A banana type pancake served with ice cream. It would have been nice to have something more authentic but however this was still tasty.
To finish we had a fantastic pot of hot Japanese green tea. This was a pleasurable end to a lovely introduction to Japanese food.

Dip and Flip

I have to admit I don't usually go out to eat burgers. That's not to say that I don't like them as I do . Its just that when I think of going out for a burger unfortunately my mind swings to McDonald's, which quite frankly controversially or not I don't actually think of as food. Well back to the good stuff. I was asked along to the preview night of a new opening of London Burger restaurant Dip and Flip. A new concept for me as the burgers are served with gravy. Well I went along enjoyed it and decided to return the following week with my husband and son as a paying customer to see if what I'd previously enjoyed  would be the same in a normal customer setting.
We returned on a Wednesday lunchtime and sat at a seat in the window. From here we could see the kitchen area where the food is cooked. I quite like to see this . There's no hiding. We perused the menu and eventually decided that we would all try something different so we could have a broad variety of the menu. We also hinted that we might be greedily having seconds as there were so many good combinations (who knew burgers could be so good?). We were advised that the burgers were cooked medium and asked if this was ok? Well we were happy with that and they came cooked perfectly. They are made from West Country beef which I have to say tasted incredibly nice.
To start my son and I decided on the eponymous Dip and Flip burger. These are a cheeseburger served with either roast beef or lamb dunked in gravy. Served with ketchup, mustard pickles and slaw. I had the lamb one and my son went for the beef. Well it was so good. The beef and lamb in tender thin slices sitting on a wonderful meaty burger dripping with rather good gravy with extra also served alongside in one of those old fashioned mini enamel pie tins everyone's grandma had so you can dip to your heart's desire . The gravy really is good. Made from scratch using beef bones, vegetables and herbs. Oh yes and a few other beef related secret ingredients then simmered for a long time. This is 'proper 'gravy. None of your gravy granules here. Also its served in a brioche bun . Now although there are those out there that aren't happy with the brioche burger bun I genuinely have to say that this is really a good one. Not sweet and doughy like some. In fact it goes with the gravy really well.
My husband opted for the Bacon Double Cheeseburger as he finds it really hard to succumb to the lure of bacon. Again served with that lovely gravy. He ate his before we could get a look in. I think that speaks for itself !! Alongside the burgers we tried the very naughty Squeezy Cheesy Fries. Again not something I'd normally have but let's just say I've now got a guilty secret pleasure!! Gooey squeezy cheese melted over seasoned fries. A perfect accompaniment to a good burger.
Ok. I did mention that we were possibly going to go in for seconds . Well although  what we already had eaten was quite adequate we knew we wouldn't be eating for at least another 8 hours so we thought that good enough excuse. Also we had to eat more for the purpose of this blog . Research is the key. (Our excuse anyway).

So round two went like this : I had to try the Bacon Cheese Burger as I didn't get the chance to try my husband's. Well I have to say I was once again happy. It's so nice to see that they didn't skimp on the quality of the bacon and put in some salty horrible stuff. This was instead good sized slices that were cooked just right, so that the fat has dissolved and left a nicely crisped slice. It went lovely with the huge slices of pickle which are a particular favourite.
My son went for the Green Chilli Burger. It was  good to see that they served what they meant. No skimping on the lovely pile of green chillies sitting on top of a cheese topped burger. This one will be mine on our next visit! Lovely!. The last one was my husband's second choice of a Fried Chicken Burger . Juicy chicken in a crunchy bread crumbed coating served along with the slaw and pickle again. I got a taste this time and have to say it was lovely although I think the beef burgers were so good that I'd stick to them.
There's quite a good selection of drinks to be had too ranging from craft beers  to cider .They also make rather  good thick shakes which can be made into Hard shakes with the addition of a bourbon shot. My husband tried one of the 'regular' (if you can call them that with the amazing flavours they came in) shakes, a Peanut Butter and Chocolate Brownie shake. The special. Wow! is all I can say. What a great, thick shake. Deliciousness in a glass. Highly recommended. Well to finish we tried a Pickleback shot which is a shot of Bourbon followed by a shot of the sweet pickle juice. Sounds wrong but it tastes pretty good.
All in all a great experience at going out to eat a burger . It was nice to see the cross section of customers that visited while we were there too. There were office workers ,a family, pensioners oh yes and us. So this is a concept that is so good that it appeals to all age groups.

With three locations Battersea,Wimbledon and Tooting (we visited Tooting) I can highly recommend a visit.

The Half Moon Melplash

This is my third visit to The Half Moon at Melplash in Dorset since  Karl and Suzie Bashford took over. I'd previously eaten at their previous pub in Powerstock so knew just what a high standard of food to expect. Although it was a cold winter's January night the pub was busy with diners.
 After ordering our drinks at the bar we were shown to our table next to the very inviting log fire. A lovely feature of this traditional country pub. Looking at the menu to choose our meals was difficult as there are so many fantastic dishes to choose from .This is always our dilemma when we visit as the menu also is quite seasonal so there is always something new to try. The prices too are very good with starters ranging from £6 -£8, main courses £12 -£18 and desserts all around £5-£6. Great value for good food. We were told that the langoustine had ran out but it had been replaced by a bream dish. (nice to have an extra choice in replacement).
As I had the delicious Dorset snails on my last visit I opted for something different this time and went for the Deep Fried rabbit with Southern Spices and aioli whilst my husband chose the West Bay Crab on toast. My rabbit was fantastic. Tasty chunks of rabbit covered in a really crisp coating with a lovely hit of spiced heat. Nothing overbearing but just right, along with a very perfectly garlicky aioli.
My husband's crab on toast was a generous portion of both white and brown meat (no skimping) which was fresh and so tasty. A simple but lovely starter.
Happily contented with our starters we soaked up the atmosphere and the warmth from the lovely fire until our main courses arrived. Now this is where I was very happy indeed. Belly of pork is a favourite of mine and I find it hard to resist when I see it on a menu. I was so right to have it on this occasion (as did hubby). I can honestly say this was one of the best belly of pork dishes I've ever had!! It was served on a bed of champ mash, along with a homemade faggot and cider apple sauce.

Well where do I start? Sat on top of fluffy creamy champ mash the pork was cooked to absolute perfection. Tender and tasty with the fat on top cooked until it was a thin layer of crisp ( a bonus). I've had some shockers in my time- soggy crackling and chewy pork. Not at all at The Half Moon. The crackling  a generous crispy slice of perfection served on the side. Also the homemade faggot was wonderful . Tasty, light, seasoned well and a nice addition to the dish with the cider apple sauce giving a nice fruity tang.  An all round wonderful dish. Totally recommended if it's on the menu when you visit. My husband also ordered a side dish of creamy ,cheesy cauliflower cheese which he devoured along with his mains. We also ordered a portion of the dripping chips for no other reason than these are just too good not to have although due to the very generous portion size of the main course a side isn't really needed.

 After a rest we ordered our desserts. Once again what to choose? Again there was another addition to the menu a flour less orange cake. After being tempted with this I eventually went for my first choice,  a real standout dish which was a wonderful flavour combination for me. A Rum and Nutmeg Creme Brulee which  tasted as good as it sounded . Very nice. This was served with one of Karl's homemade ice creams Camp Coffee flavour, one of my favourites. A perfect end to an absolutely delicious meal. My hubby had 2 scoops of ice cream ,one of his favourites which as it was his birthday they put a candle in . A lovely touch.

 All in all we had a fantastic meal with good, attentive service. If you are in the area ever give it a try. If you're not in the area its worth travelling to in order to sample the amazing food on offer.

A Box of Fish, Fish Recipes and Crabstock

I was lucky enough to recently be sent a box of fresh fish from the guys at  Andy's Kitchen and  Crabstock Fish Festival . They asked me to create some recipes that would hopefully help to get more people eating fish . The following recipes have been made from seasonal fish freshly caught. You can adapt them if you want by changing the fish you use. Enjoy.



Pollock with Pesto and a Black Garlic Crumb

Pesto sauce
1 medium bunch basil
1 medium bunch parsley
1 clove garlic
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons ground almonds
salt and pepper to taste

Crumble
3 cloves Black garlic (available mail order from South West Garlic Farm)
30g stale breadcrumbs
1 large pollack (or 4x 150g -200g fillets)

If you have a whole fish then first of all carefully fillet it and trim it, removing any bones. (You could ask your fishmonger to do this). Then cut it into 4 equal sized portions.
Next make the pesto by putting the basil, parsley, chopped garlic, 3 tbsp.oil and the almonds into a blender. Add a little salt then blend until you have a smooth paste. If it is quite stiff add a little more oil but not too much that it is runny.

To make the breadcrumbs crush the garlic with the back of a round edge knife to a paste. Slowly work this into the breadcrumbs until mixed thoroughly.

Place the pollack onto a very lightly oiled baking sheet and season . Then put a layer of pesto and then finish with the crumb.
Place into a preheated oven 180o fan /200oC /Gas6

Serves 4

Oriental Style Baked John Dory
1 John Dory approx 500g
3-4 Spring Onions
1 stick celery
1" chunk of fresh ginger,grated
1/2 red pepper
1/2 stick lemon grass (outer layer removed)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2garlic cloves, crushed

Make a few slashes through the fish skin ( not too deep, just enough to cut the skin) and put onto a very lightly oiled baking tray. Slice the vegetables into thin strips.
In a bowl mix the soy and fish sauces,the sesame oil and the garlic cloves.

 Mix in the vegetables until well coated in the sauce then lay over the fish. Put into a preheated oven
200o fan/180oC/Gas 5 for about 20 minutes until the fish is flaky and cooked.
Serve with egg noodles

Serves 2-3

If you don't like the fuss of fish on the bone just use fillets instead and reduce the cooking time

Crab Toasts 
2 - 3 slices of white bread
200g white crab meat ( or 2/3 white 1/3 brown if you prefer)
zest and juice of of 1 lime
1 spring onion finely sliced
1 small chilli ( or to taste if you don't like too much heat)
1/2 " fresh root ginger finely grated
1 egg white
1 tablespoon cornflour
30g sesame seeds
salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

If you are feeling brave you can buy a fresh crab and have a go at removing the crabmeat yourself. There are plenty of guides available on the Internet. If not the meat is readily available from fishmongers and supermarkets. I wouldn't recommend the tinned variety as it lacks flavour and can hold a lot of liquid.
Put the picked crabmeat (if doing yourself make sure there is no shell in it) into a bowl along with the lime zest and juice, spring onion, chilli, ginger, egg white and cornflour. Season to taste and mix together. Spread over the slices of bread and sprinkle over the sesame seeds. Press down firmly.
Heat 2-3 cm of vegetable oil in a pan. To check to see if it is ready for frying drop a cube of bread into it. If it sizzles then it is ready if not retry again with another cube of bread.
Carefully fry toasts on each side for 2-3minutes or until nicely browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Cut into triangles and serve with a chilli sauce.

Serves 2-3

Red Mullet with Rosemary Vegetables
1 small Red Mullet (approx 250g)
1/2 courgette
1/4 leek
100 g butternut squash
1 clove garlic
small sprig rosemary
parsley
salt and pepper
olive oil

 Fillet the red mullet ( or get your fishmonger to do this for you) .Cut the vegetables into thin strips and crush the garlic. Add some olive oil to a pan and stir fry the vegetables along with the rosemary for 3 - 4 minutes.Season. In another pan put a small amount of  oil and heat .Add the mullet skin side down (press down lightly with a spatula to stop it curling up) and cook for 1-2 minutes then turn over and cook for a further minute. Serve the mullet on the bed of vegetables sprinkled with a little fresh parsley.

 Serves 1

Barbecued Dover Sole and Prawns
 2 Dover Sole
about 12 large prawns
50g butter
1/2 teaspoon cayenne (adjust to more or less depending on if you like it spicier or no
t)
pinch nutmeg
lemon slices
fresh parsley sprigs
90 g packet Samphire

Soften the butter and add the cayenne and nutmeg and mix thoroughly.
Trim the fish of its tail and head .

Cut  a large sheet of baking parchment (enough to lay the fish on and be able to close the top into a very loose parcel) and lay one of the fish on top . Lay on the prawns then dot with half of the flavoured butter. Add a couple of lemon slices and a sprig of parsley. Carefully make a loose parcel from the baking parchment leaving a space for the steam to collect and seal at the top by wrapping over a few times. Make sure that there are no holes. Place on some tin foil on the barbecue . Cook for about  15- 18 minutes or until fish is cooked. Just before the end of the cooking time steam some samphire for 3 minutes.
When the fish is cooked turn out onto a serving plate and serve with samphire.

This fish can also be cooked in an oven if you don't want to barbecue it. 200o /Gas 6 for about 12-15 minutes or until cooked.
If you don't want to use sole you can change the fish to one of your choice.
Serves 2

Crabstock is a Unique Inland Seafood Festival bringing seafood to those who don't have fresh seafood on their doorstep. Its a chance also for people who have never sampled the delights of fresh seafood to have a try at some of the fresh fish on offer at the various stalls,vendors and demonstrations over the weekend of 25th and 26th July. So come and visit for more fish ideas and treats.

Sabrina Ghayour Supper Club

Recently I was extremely lucky to bag 3 seats on one of the last few  remaining supper clubs hosted by Sabrina Ghayour. Lucky in that within half an hour of these dates being released they were all snapped up. As a repeat visitor both my husband and I knew we were in for a fantastic culinary experience. This time we took one of our sons, who lives in London, along with us. He also is a fan of Sabrina's food after I bought her first published book Persiana. This style of cooking has now become a great favourite in our house since then with many of our own Persian feasts taking place.
The supper club was held in Sabrina's own home in London and consisted of 12 guests. We all brought along our own drinks for the night whether it was alcohol or not. The smell of the fantastic food wafting temptingly at us as we entered.  Whilst Sabrina was in the kitchen getting on with the last minute preparations and the cooking we were shown into her rather cosy lounge with some of the other guests who had already arrived. This was nice as we had a chance to get to know our fellow diners before our meal. It showed her great popularity in that not only had we travelled from outside of London but so had some of the other guests. One couple coming by bus from Cardiff and returning that night. As this had been the first supper club we had ever been to we were previously on the first visit unsure as to how we would feel dining with strangers but soon found that this is a fantastic way to meet people that you wouldn't ordinarily.
When all the diners were there we served a lovely cocktail to start (made non-alcoholic for those who were non drinkers) and then sat at the table to await 'The Feast'. I call this a feast as there always seems to be enough to fill you and then more.

 Firstly out came one of my favourites Maast o Khiar -Yogurt and cucumber with dried mint, Iranian golden raisins and rose petals along with a plate of flatbreads to dip. This is so lovely I could eat it on its own . Then one by one the other dishes appeared from the kitchen. Lamb, Herb and Sour Cherry Meatballs  served in a rich spiced tomato sauce (another favourite cooked at home). As last time these were in an ever so plentiful supply which was fine by us. The sauce is slow cooked and then the meatballs added and cooked some more so that the flavours are well developed to make it a delicious dish. Aubergine Chermoula a dish made from mainly aubergines with the addition of tomatoes, peppers and raisins with a sweet but savoury taste. A lovely vegetable dish  again which is extremely moreish. We also had a fantastic treat in the Vine Wrapped Baked Feta with thyme, lemon and chillies. I think most of us agreed that this was one dish that we didn't want to end . As each person tasted it there was noises of appreciation. We were  assured by Sabrina later that this was a very easy dish to make although the recipe wasn't in Persiana. It was most definitely one I shall consider making for the future even if only for Saturday night nibbles with wine. Last but by no means least on the starters was an Apple, dried Fig and Pomegranate Salad served with Mesclun Leaves and a pomegranate dressing. A lovely light dish that complimented the others.
 After we had eaten as much as we could whilst leaving room for the main course (quite a difficult thing as the food was so good you just wanted to keep on eating the plentiful supply that was there) we sat and chatted for a short interlude whilst waiting for the mains.
The mains well what can I say? If we thought there was a lot for the first course well the course was even more. First out was Khoresh e Ghormeh Sabzi which later we were informed later was a traditional Persian dish which we wouldn't find in the restaurants. Khoresh means stew and the sabzi refers to the herbs which were abundant in it. This was fantastic. The lamb cooked until tender in the stew packed with parsley,coriander and fenugreek along with sharp dried limes and kidney beans. It was a treat to be given this as its something that I really enjoyed. This was served with Chelow,Persian steamed Basmati rice complete with the delicious crispy tahdig crust. The lovely crispy base that occurs when cooking Persian rice. Which thanks to Sabrina's explanation my family now know about and I can no longer have it to myself as 'cook's perks'. But there was still more to come in the shape of a Courgette ,Potato and Saffron Kuku which is a baked frittata with potato,courgette,herbs and saffron (something that would equally be lovely made up and put in your lunchbox). Last but not least there was Mahi Shekampor which are whole roasted trout stuffed with a spicy,citrus-spiked herb and pine nut stuffing which went down very well not only with the vegetarian diner that was there but also with everyone else. This was my first taste of trout since starting to eat fish a few years ago. Previously I didn't like it at all but I found this dish extremely tasty and it would be one that I'd attempt at home.

After a brief interlude we were given some refreshing mint tea .This is a great after dinner drink when you  have perhaps had just that little bit too much as it aids digestion . We were all then asked who would like their dessert now or who would like to take it home with them. There was only one person who opted to take it home with them .They made the good choice because although the Spiced Carrot, Pistachio and Almond Cake served with rose water cream was absolutely heavenly it was also the defeat of many of us. It really is a wonderful cake which has no flour and is delightfully moist and not at all dry and served alongside the lightly perfumed cream I remembered why last time I really didn't want to take it home but half way through after eating so much food I also remembered why I took it home last time too.

At the end of the night we all waddled out of the door feeling very happy,full and content. Overall a truly wonderful experience. The food, the company and of course chatting to Sabrina herself who is actually really down to earth, very humble and friendly. If  you fancy trying out some of these recipes Persiana is  still widely available.
But why write a blog on a supper club that is no more you might say. Well although Sabrina will no longer be hosting supper clubs from her own home there will be chance to eat her wonderful food. She is not taking the restaurant route but is planning many pop ups both here and in Europe. She is also busily hosting new cookery classes where at some after being shown how to cook your new recipes you can then sit down and enjoy a lunch of them.
Also Sabrina will be at the terrifically foodie Taste of London this June demonstrating as a member of the Action Against Hunger charity.

A Last Taste of Sienna

A few weeks ago we made a trip down to Dorset especially to revisit the Michelin starred Sienna in Dorchester,restaurant of Russell Brown. With great sadness we found out that Russell plans to close in April ,12 years after opening. With this in mind and also with memories of the last  wonderful meal we had there just under a year ago,we decided we had to make a return visit before closure so we could enjoy Russell's magnificent culinary creations for one last time.
We made a reservation for a Thursday night and made our way to Dorchester where we were staying. On arriving at the restaurant we were once again greeted by Russell's wife,the very lovely Elena. We were shown to our table and given the menus to peruse and at once hit upon a problem!! There were so many things on the normal menu that we wanted but couldn't decide on. So we decided to opt for the 7 course tasting menu as this had some of the options on. Good choice. This was to be taken by the whole table which was okay with both of us. For those of you who have never come across a tasting menu it is a menu made up of lots of little plates. This way you get to try a multitude of dishes without eating too much.

Whilst making our choice we were brought out some tasty little canapes. Just the right amount to start the tastebuds tingling. A miniature Leek and Bacon Tart, crispy Cheese Straws and the most wonderful Goat's Cheese Truffle which to be honest if I were to be given a box of those instead of chocolates I'd happily devour. Now with our appetite ready for more we eagerly awaited the first course. This was Celeriac soup with caramelised apple served with a Cheese and Apple Muffin. I think celeriac tends to be one of those vegetables that is quite underused. It is not exactly attractive with its gnarled roots at one end. Those people who decide against it are missing out big time. This soup with its mild celery type flavour was perfect,silky in texture with hidden caramelised apple in it. Also the cheese and apple muffin was a perfect accompaniment, being light and fluffy much better than having bread with it.

Our next course was one of the dishes from the main menu.Duck Liver Parfait with Pickled Rhubarb,Onion and Rhubarb Chutney with Chargrilled Baguette. Wow! as a fairly newbie to rhubarb I was thrilled with this. What have I been missing all these years? The parfait smooth and light not at all like a pate which seems thick in comparison ,the pickled rhubarb and the chutney balancing up the richness of it. Also the baguette was thinly sliced therefore so again not filling you up but leaving you eating just the right amount. Once again a perfect dish.

The next dish a derivitive of another from the main menu , Butternut Squash ,Old Winchester Agnolotti with Sage Beurre Noisette. This is the type of dish which would make me happy to be a vegetarian. It had so much flavour ,the sweetness of the butternut squash coming through and not being overpowered by the sage. The pasta also was cooked to perfection.


The fish course was a delightful chunk of Panfried fillet of Cod with Chorizo,Lemon and Parsley. The cod so meaty and delicious sat on a small bed of greens with the slight spiciness of the chorizo to compliment it. Two little dots of  lemon and parsley intense in flavour just enough to give zing to the fish.
Next came the meat course and possibly my favourite (although when I think back I really think they were all my favourites) . This was possibly the biggest course but I was happy with that. Roast Rump of Lamb with Panfried Polenta,Smokey Aubergine Puree and Red Pepper sauce. What an absolute delight. This is the sort of dish which stops me being vegetarian. A magnificent tasting piece of lamb cooked pink served on cavolo nero (which I think is my favourite green). The iron of the cavolo nero complimenting the lamb perfectly,crisply cooked polenta instead of potatoes and the smokey aubergine (inspired by Sabrina Ghayor) finishing it all off . Yes I think my favourite. A perfect plate of food in every way.

Cheese course next and this was a bit of a challenge for me as it contained pear. Something I loathe. Its the grittiness of it that I don't like .But this year I have pledged to myself to try the things I dislike to just remind myself why I don't like them and to see if anything has changed. (although I still maintain sprouts are out of the question). Gorgonzola Dolce with Fresh Pear and Sea Salt Crackers. What can I say? As on our last visit the cheese is served at the perfect temperature to be able to taste it, not just removed from the fridge just before serving as I've had previously. Many a cheese board can be spoiled by it being served too cold.  I liked this pear,it was not gritty and came in two ways one a smooth puree and the other sliced with a few leaves and a dressing . It was delicious and a pleasure to eat. There was just enough of the creamy cheese which was accompanied by two beautifully crisp sea salt crackers.

Then we had a lovely little surprise a bonus course of a little glass packed with Rhubarb and Ginger Cheesecake.What a lovely bonus,a classic combination,not at all heavy .The sharp rhubarb and spicy ginger being tamed by the cheesecake.

The Desert course was sublime. Saffron,Honey,Raisin and Marmalade Sponge with Clotted Cream Ice Cream and an Orange syrup. This was a perfect final course as the sponge was so light it was a dream ,not at all the pudding that you sometimes can't eat because its just that little bit too heavy. The sweetness of the honey and raisins balnced by the marmalade sponge.The clotted cream not too rich to spoil the rest of the dish. A really good end to a good meal.

We opted for coffee to finish with and were presented along with it a lovely plate of petit fours and more wonderful flavours. A tiny Lemon Curd Tart ,Clotted Cream Shortbread and a Seville Orange Chocolate Ganache. The best way that I could have ended this fabulous dining experience. We left the restaurant having eaten the perfect amount,not too much that it was uncomfortable and not too little that we were looking for the local chippy on the way back. A skill indeed when planning a tasting menu.
Were we glad we returned before Sienna closes its doors for the last time. Most definitely. The quality,choice and experience was as perfect as the first time we went.
What next for Russell. Well he has embarked on a new venture which allows him to follow other pursuits within his field.He has set up a new website Creative About Cuisine which outlines his next moves which include demonstrations,teaching ,food consultancy and photography. The new website will include blogs from Russell and other guest contributors.
I'm also hoping that somewhere along the line there might be the possibility of the odd pop up restaurant so we can once again sit and enjoy a wonderful meal cooked by Russell.