Camflava- A cheap experience!

With great reviews from The Herald,The List and The Evening Times flattering it as a 'must-try destination for Southside diners' serving 'authentic african' food, I was very excited to have a Camflava discount sent to me via MyGroupOn. MyGroupOn offers great discounts on dining and much much more and is extremely useful if, like me, you like nice things on a budget! Check it out at http://www.mygroupon.co.uk, and no I am not being paid to sell the site, they are simply great! Anyway, the deal offered to me was a three course meal plus wine apparently worth over £70 for the bargain price of £28. I confirmed straight away and printed out the voucher to take along to the restaurant with us. I then phoned to make a reservation for the following week but was told that no reservations were necessary.

With this in mind, and as the voucher stated that the restaurant was open from 10am until late daily, when my partner and I turned up at 4pm on a very rainy Tuesday afternoon, we were suprised to see the corragated iron shutters down and locked. I quickly phoned the number on my voucher and was informed that they did not open until 5pm. Then, when I tried to reserve a table for that time, I was told that 6pm was the earliest time I could reserve a table. Putting this down to changes and slow internet updates, we reserved a table for 2 at 6pm and wandered off to The Brooklyn cafe for a light snack and some very tasty milkshakes. After this, and some light window-shopping through Shawlands, we arrived at Camflava just before 6pm.

After climbing the stairs, we found ourselves in a very long white corridor with an empty reception at one side covered in leaflets for Camflava's caberet nights. We looked around a little and then continued to a dimly lit and seemingly empty bar area over looking an empty dining area and a distant darkened stage. After waiting 5 minutes and then calling 'hello' twice, a voice from a table in the bar area answered and a man in a white t-shirt and jeans approached us, gangster gait et al. After stating that we had made a reservation, the man ignorantly asked if we "wanted a table for two?" and told us to pick which ever table we wanted. I was rather wet and tired from walking around in the rain. and so picked a table to the back and side wall beside the radiator. The tables were simply dressed in white with fake brightly colored chrysantheums centred in red sand filled glass vases, white sideplates and glasses with brightly colored thin napkins crumpled and stuffed inside them. These were on the tables that were set- the majority of the restaurant was half-completed with only side plates and tablecloths! Stereo-typical 'African' art adorned the walls with flags and pieces of thin bamboo seperating the dining area from the bar and walkway. I did like the chairs though!! They were simple black, elegant, well-made and designed.

unset tables and pretty black chairs

Hanging my coat over the radiator as it was not asked for, we were given our set menus and offered a choice of red or white wine. We chose the red wine and, to my dismay, were promptly brought a bottle of Echo Falls. I should not need to comment on this more as the picture below, and the fact that I left an almost full glass behind when leaving, should convey all. The £2.99 bottle of the same available in my local Londis was of a better date.

tacky decorations, cheap salt sellar and awful wine.

The menu was a choice of 3 starters, 5 main courses and 3 desserts, varying from the interesting sounding plantain stirfry to the more common beefburger (menu), including vegetarian options. I chose the Peri Peri chicken wings to start, as I have a not-so-secret penchant for chicken wings, and my partner chose the plantain stirfry. Another couple arrived just after we had ordered and stated that they had booked using the same deal as us. This eased us slightly as we had been beginning to fear that we would be dining alone for the entire evening!!! Unexpectedly, and a little annoyingly, their order arrived before ours and we were starting to get rather ravenous before our starters arrived.

Instead of my starter being marinaded in Peri Peri as I was expecting, I was served two perfectly cooked chicken wings with a dollop of Peri Peri sauce on top of them, placed on a bed of slightly worn iceburg lettuce.

Peri Peri chicken wings

The bright orange Peri Peri sauce was a very tasty mix of tang and spice, and the chicken wings were tender to the bite with a crisp to the skin. They were, however, unseasoned and there was not enough of the sauce to cover the meat. The lettuce was as iceburg lettuce is- watery, crunchy and extremely unimaginative, and undressed.

My partner's plantain stirfry was again extremely simple. The plantain was cooked so that it retained a bite, which gets a nod from me, with onion and peppers that were a little overcooked. The whole dish was quite greasy and could have again been improved with seasoning or some sort of spice or sauce.

greasy plantain stirfry

For main courses my partner, having a very large appetite, especially for such a slender man, had ordered the Peri Peri chicken. It described itself as a char-grilled half chicken served with char-grilled sweet potatoes and Peri Peri sauce. I ordered the Coconut rice which was written as rice cooked with african spices and mixed vegetables in coconut milk, with slices of chicken breast.

My partners plate came simply as stated with half a small chicken and the same peri peri orange sauce as my starter dolloped on top. It came with four halves of a sweet potato, not the sweet potato that we are familiar with, but a white variety which tasted very like a normal potato but with a slight tang.

Peri Peri Chicken

Again, the chicken was cooked to perfection but was unseasoned and with too little sauce. The 'sweet potato' was extremely bland and there were no greens, salad or alternative veg to soften the dish or add flavour. It was very much bland meat and one bland veg, and although my partner cleaned his plate, he was not impressed.

My coconut rice came as a bowl of what looked like savoury rice, and tasted very similar.

Very greasy and sickly Coconut Rice with 80s cubes of carrots.

Overly greasy and very salty, the rice appeared to have been cooked in sweetened coconut with a jerk mix heavy on pepper. The chicken through it was tender and tasty, although the peas and sweetcorn tasted as if they had come straight from a frozen packet. Cubed carrots mixed with the rice had a slight bite, but were so '80s that I had to giggle. The portion was a great size but I have to admit that I felt a little sick after eating it, especially mixed with the very cheap wine.

After main course plates were cleared, my partner and I both agreed that we would certainly have not paid full price for our courses, and that we could not even say that they were worth the hugely discounted price. For a restaurant not that long open, we would have thought that they would be using fresh ingredients and innovation along with tradition african recipes to excite people, get people talking and gain them a good reputation! The bland, uninspiring, uncreative and not very African dishes had left us extremely disappointed.

Not liking to give up hope though, we ordered desserts and both choose the crepe de banane, which alongside a selection of icecreams and fresh fruit seemed the most exciting option. I noticed, at this point, that the other couple had left rather quickly- never a good sign! The menu described the crepe as a banana flambayed in dark rum wrapped in a crepe, with icecream and butterscotch sauce. What arrived made both of us laugh out loud.

Crepe de banane with the hilarious neopolitana icecream

It both looked and tasted like something from a 70s/80s greasy sidewalk/roadside cafe. The crepe was both firm and soft at the same time, as though made from some kind of reformed plastic instead of dough. It tasted like it had come straight from a very cheap packet, and the banana inside, whilst warm and comforting, was very sweet and mushy with no flavour of rum at all. The butterscotch sauce was a light tasteless syrup, and the icecream was 45p plastic tub neopolitana, which harkened back to our childhoods- and not in a good way. The light dusting of cocoa powder seemed like a last resort to give the dessert some flavour or class, but was futile in it's attempts.

Needless to say, we left our voucher, grabbed our coats and left,  passing comments about the extremely tacky dancefloor and the possibility of the restaurant being a show for something far more fitting to it's sleazy bar and stage. It's sports nights and 'Miss Africa Scotland' nights definitely define it more than it's food.

Camflava deserved neither tip, nor thanks, and I was actualy glad not to be asked how everything was by a member of staff, as I would not have been able to find the words at that moment. We left without goodbyes but with certain good riddance, and the promise to never go back.

J x

No. 16 Lunch of Yum

  Yesterday was one of those days.  Those days when you wake up and say 'hmm what can I possibly do today.'  The weather was awful.  Overcast, cold and windy.  My husband and I looked at each other, and I wondered out loud if No. 16's menu had changed yet. That sealed it.  We hadn't been out to lunch in ages.  I scurried off to get dressed, while my husband made the lunch reservation.  No. 16 it was!
   So we braved the cold to go for lunch.  I must say,it was worth it.  We were sat at the back under the stairs.  It's one of my favourite spots in the small restaurant.  I like the small corner, it makes me feel quite safe.  
   We've been going to No.16 quite frequently in the past year and a half, that the staff have come to know us.  We're always treated wonderfully, and the staff really are fantastic.  Every meal is a pleasure. 
   We started by ordering two small glasses of the Rioja Artesa, and a bottle of still water.  The Rioja never disappoints.  
   For my starter I ordered the Warm Puy Lentil and Goats Cheese Salad with Roasted Beetroot, Figs and Mint.  My husband ordered the Curried Cream of Celeriac Soup.  While we waited for our starters we were offered the usual Rolls and Parmesan Oil and Balsamic Dip.  The bread with the oil and balsamic is always my favourite part of the meal.  It's lovely.  I want the dip for my home to eat with all of my bread. 
   The starters arrived and looked amazing.  My husbands soup smelled amazing, and looked delicious as well.   So I helped myself to a sample.  It was amazing.  I do love celeriac though.  The husband ate every last bit.  It was tasty.  My salad was delightful.  The lentils were served in a pile on the bottom of the bowl with a big chunk of goats cheese just sitting off centre.  There was a few pieces of beetroot and sliced fig scattered about the lentils, and chopped mint mixed throughout.  I ate every last lentil.  Beetroot, figs and goats cheese are three of my favourite foods. Put them all in a salad together and they just will not last.

Puy Lentil and Goats Cheese Salad

 
  We had to wait just a little longer than usual for our mains, but a large table had just put in a dessert order and another table was about to get their mains.  So this was fine, we know the kitchen is small and we weren't in a hurry.  The wait was worth it though.  We had both ordered the Roast Chicken with Roasted Root Vegetables, Black Kale and a Red Wine Sauce.  It was one of the best chicken dishes that I've had at No.16.  It was perfect.  The chicken sat on a bed of black kale and a parsnip puree.  There was roasted turnip, celeriac and carrots scattered around the chicken, with the red win sauce drizzled around the plate.  We also ordered a side of the Sweet potato and Lemongrass Mash.  The mash is amazing, and I highly recommend that you order a side if ever you find yourself at N0.16.  The lemongrass was mixed throughout the potatoes and was seasoned perfectly.  It went surprisingly well with the chicken dish.

Roast Chicken with Roasted Root Veg and Red Wine Sauce

    The main course plates were pretty much clean when we were finished.  Every last morsel eaten.  So I was pretty full when the dessert menus were brought out.  I had to have a dessert though.  One had caught my eye before I had even decided on my starter or main.  So I ignored my stomach and ordered the Black Currant Iced Terrine with Poached Plums.  My husband ordered the Chocolate Tart with Peppermint Ice cream.  Our server said that I had made a very good choice with the terrine, and that my husbands choice was also good.  I think mine was better though.
  The desserts arrived,  and my husband wanted mine.  Not a huge surprise.  He only ordered the tart because he wanted the ice cream.  I didn't bother to try the tart, only because I'm not a big fan of chocolate tarts.  I never have been.  I did try the ice cream and it was delicious.
   My terrine was delightful.  It was actually a parfait, sliced like a terrine.  I adore black currants, and there was just enough tartness to cut through the sweetness. It was the perfect texture, just as a parfait should be. The spoon cut through with ease. The plums went nicely, and were perfectly poached.  I ate most of it, but my husband attacked it as well.  I could have eaten the whole thing by myself, but I like to share.

Black Currant Terrine with Poached Plums

 
   As both desserts were completely devoured, we decided to forgo coffee this time.  As it would have been the final nail in the coffin for the stomachs.  So we paid out bill just in time to head outside into the bitter cold and rain that had just started.  At least we were able to go out there will full and happy bellies.

M.

The Mystery Market

  Five years ago the members of J.A.M. encountered a lovely market at St. Enoch's Square in the city centre.  It was wonderful.  Filled with lovely foods and treats.  It vanished overnight.  Countless hours searching the internet yielded no information on this market. 
  Then this Thursday past, it mysteriously appeared once more.  Once again it was a chance encounter.  The right place at the right time.  I was thrilled to see it again after five years.  This time around I am certain it appears for Oktoberfest.  Though once again the internet and Glasgow City websites have failed me.  I still have no idea what this market is for, or exact dates for it's reappearance.   It was enjoyed while it was here though.
  The first stall I noticed was the Italian sweets stall.  Row after row of the most delicious looking nougat.  I was ecstatic.  Nougat is my love.  I adore it, and have since I was a small child.  The thought of choosing between dozens of flavours pleased me greatly, and resulted in much squealing.  There was chocolate mint, ameretti, limoncello, strawberries and cream, candied fruit, almond, pistachio and the list goes on.

The many varieties of Italian nougat.

I ended up choosing the Harvest Field Berry flavour on my first trip to the market.  It was delightful.  A  combination of freeze dried berries and freeze dried berry powder and almonds.  The nougat itself was so airy.  It was almost dry, but still slightly chewy.  I was in heaven.  I am now on a mission to recreate this flavour.

The berry nougat.

  Only the nougat was purchased on the first tour of the market.  It was more of a scouting out what was there.  On the Saturday I was back.  The first thing I did was to make a beeline to the Dutch pancake stall.  I am in love with those fluffy little pancakes.  I could probably live quite happily on nothing else.  I ate almost nothing else when I was in Amsterdam if that gives you any idea of the love I hold for these little gems.  You could buy them in a size small or large.  I opted for the small, because the portions were quite large.  There were a variety of toppings to choose from, but I like to keep it simple.  Icing sugar and lemon juice.  They were perfect, and I was satisfied.  

If heaven was a pancake, this would be it.

 
  Once I was finished my pancakes it was off to the sausage stall.  So many varieties of salami to choose from.  It all sounded delicious.  There was a hazelnut salami that intrigued me greatly, but I did not choose it.  I chose the Garlic Salami.  Not exciting no, not really.  It was delicious though, and I ate almost the entire thing to myself.  It was perfection.  The outer skin was salty, which I love.  It was smoked just enough. The garlic flavour came through, but not too strongly.  How I wish it could be bought everyday!  I would be the size of a house, but it might be worth it!

The many sausages.

 

 

 

The garlic salami.

   Now that I was filled up on pancakes, and had my little garlic salami treat tucked away safely to eat later, it was time for more nougat!  I had a pretty good idea as to which flavour I was going to choose.  As I got to the stall I noticed the swarms of people milling about in front of it.  Oh yes there is much to look at.  The many Italian biscuits, and chocolates on offer is extraordinary.  Much to gawk over.  I was annoyed, because there was no room for me to make my quick purchase.  So I waked on by.  Took another stroll along the market in hopes that when I made it back to the Italian sweets, the throng of people would have left.
  I walked past stalls selling Grilled Wild Boar Burgers, Spanish Tapas, Bratwurst, Jerk Chicken, Noodles.  Everything you could imagine.  Stalls selling items for your garden.  Soaps, jams, mittens, jewelry, candy, and fudge. 

A stall that sold dried fruit, candied fruit and nuts.

   As I made it back to the land of nougat I noticed that the crowd had thinned.  I grabbed my wedge of Limoncello Nougat.  It was a lemony yellow colour and was filled with candied lemon peel and almonds.  The limoncello flavour was quite subtle, but was enough.  The texture was slightly different from the berry nougat.  It was stickier and not as airy.  A denser nougat.  It was still very good, but the berry wins out for sure.

Limoncello Nougat.

   Overall, I was very pleased with the mystery market.  I really that I find it again next year, and that I don't have to wait another five years before it's reappearance.

A piece of the market.

  

  What I am about to share has nothing to do with the market, but this lovely little item arrived in the mail this morning and it's loveliness must be shared.  The item is a package of Hakodate Wine Red Wine Caramels.   They are a kind of caramel from Hokkaido Japan.  I ordered them about a month ago from Japan, so I was quite pleased to see them this morning.  Oh the food items in Japan, they please me greatly.  So many amazing things that you just never see here.

The caramels in their box.

  I ordered a few other small items as well.  Such as the Shirokuma Ice Drops, and the Raspberry and Passion Fruit Kit Kat.  The Shirokuma ice drops are one of the many flavours of Sakuma
  Back to the caramels.  When I opened the package the smell of grapes hit me.  In a pleasant way though.  The smell made my mouth water just a little. The caramels were individually wrapped and in neat little rows.

Purple caramels in rows of two

   I was quite excited to try these.  They've intrigued me for awhile.  The smell just about sealed the deal for love.  I unwrapped the little morsel and popped the pinkish purple square into my mouth.  The texture was similar to taffy.  The taste, oh how creamy and smooth.  At first it just tasted like grape candy, and then the flavour began to change.  The wine flavour began to come through, and the after taste, well it was just wine. These may end up my new favourite caramel.  Though there is a seaweed variety still out there to try....

Creamy red wine caramel delight.

  M.

The New Love of My Life

  A few weeks ago I received a card in the mail advertising the Athena Taverna on Argyle Street. I went to their website, and looked for the menu immediately.  I was in love with most of the starters and dips.  The mains, only a few.  There is quite a lot of lamb on the menu, and I'm just not all that keen on it.  It and my stomach do not get get on well.  They tend to argue.  Then there was the dessert menu.  Now this menu is what sealed the deal for me.  There was one item that I was desperate to try.
  As I have stated, I received the card weeks ago.  Why have I just gone in now?  Well I generally shy away from Greek food.  Only because I am a gal who loves her rich foods.  When I go out for dinner I want heavy, rich, decadent foods.  Things I generally don't make at home.  Greek food I generally find too light, and I feel like I've missed out on something.  Not to say that I don't like Greek food.  I love it!  It's a cuisine that I've grown up with.  So I tend to stay away.  There have also been birthdays since hearing of this taverna, so more familiar places have been placed ahead of it.
  So finally, last night I got to go! Reservations made from the restaurant website with no problems.  I was very pleased when we walked in.  It's very small and dark.  I loved everything about it.  It was pretty, and despite it's small size, it didn't feel overly crowed. We were allowed to choose out seat, and chose the back corner.  This was the perfect spot.  Though I suppose, sitting by the window would have been nice as well.  We were greeted, seated and served by the owner (we're fairly certain he was the owner).  He was lovely and he knew what he was doing.  As the night went on the dining room filled up, and he took care of everything alone.  He did this with ease.
  Ordering was easy, as I had my meal planned a day in advance (I was really looking forward to it).  I had the Grilled Halloumi, a Crypriot goats cheese, as my starter.  My husband had the Kalamari.  We also decided to get a portion of the Houmous with pita to share.  The halloumi was three pieces of the grilled goats cheese and came with a small side salad.  It was perfect.  I have never had halloumi before, but I adore goats cheese.  It was so different from what I had expected.  It was so very salty, and firm.  I loved every mouthful, and I pine for it as I write this.  Another venture out may be in order very soon.  The kalamari was perfectly cooked.  It came with a sharp garlic dip.  It was divine.  The garlic dip went very well with my cheese in case you're wondering.  The kalamari came with a wedge of lemon, I did not touch it so as to avoid another flying lemon incident. The houmous was fantastic.  The pita incredibly fresh.  Every last bit of the starters was eaten.
   For my main I ordered the Vegetarian Dolmades with Greek Salad and Roast Potatoes.  My husband has the Pastitsio with Greek Salad and Roast Potatoes.  Since the starters were such a reasonable size (starters are generally just too large these days) we assumed our mains would be as well.  We couldn't have been more wrong.  When our mains were placed before us on the table our jaws dropped.  They were massive!  The biggest plate of food I have ever seen.  I didn't know where to start.  I went for one of the dolmades (rice and veggie stuffed vine leaf).  I moved one, only to realize that it was just on top of a pile of seven.  Seven dolmades.  To top off the seven stuffed leaves, there was a generous side of Greek salad and two big roast potatoes.  Once I maneuvered the stuffed leaf away from the pile I got to try it.  I was not disappointed.  It's taste I cannot place.  Cinnamon or mace.  Not entirely sure, but it was delightful.  The dolmades were cooked in a light tomato sauce and were steaming hot.  The roast potatoes, I wouldn't really call roasted.  They were cooked in a tomato sauce as well, and just fell apart at the lightest touch.  I wish to know how they were made, because I could live on those potatoes.  The salad was delightful, my only complaint....not enough green olives (I adore the little green things, so not much of a complaint only personal preference).  Now I tried to eat everything, but I'm only small.  I can only hold so much.  I felt as though I hadn't even touched the dish.  I ate four of the dolmades, and most of the potatoes and salad.  The rest I brought home, to eat as I write this!

Leftover Dolmades. A second meal.

   The pastitsio  is a kind of Greek lasagna.  I guess that's the best way to describe it.  It looked delicious, but was filled with lamb so I couldn't try it.  The pasta was long thin tubes that I have never seen before.  It's description was pasta and minced lamb topped with a bechamel and oven baked.  It was accompanied by the same roast potatoes and salad as my meal.  Every last mouthful of the pastitsio  was eaten so I know it was good!
  Now onto the delight that has changed my life!  Even though I was incredibly full I had to have the dessert I'd been eying up for weeks.  The Galaktoboureko.  I had to know what it was!  It was described as a Greek milk pie.  A milk pie!  I needed to know.  Yes I could have googled it ages ago, but I wanted the surprise.  Surprised I was!  I didn't know what to expect, and what I received, was nothing like I had thought.  It was a long rectangle with vanilla ice cream served along side.  The top was crispy, the filling like a set custard. It smelled of over ripe strawberries, and I found that it tasted exactly as it smelled.  A floral fruity something.  I still can't quite put my finger on what it tasted like. Even after googling and finding a recipe! If you know how an over ripe strawberry smells, then think of how that might taste.  It didn't taste like an over ripe strawberry, it tasted like the smell of one.  I fell in love.  This 'pie' is the new love of my life.  I will be making my own version very very soon.  I ate every last bit of that tasty life changing dessert.

Galaktoboureko with vanilla ice cream, and the new love of my life.

   My husband opted for the Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream for his dessert.  He thought he was being safe.Choosing something small and simple after that large meal.  Dun dun duuuuun! It was huge.  Three very large scoops.  He did manage to eat all of it.  It was very good vanilla, I must say.   He also ordered a cappuccino to go with his dessert.  He said it was one of the best coffees he has had in a long time.  Which made me wish I had gotten one. Even though I think my stomach would have jumped out of me,  slapped me across the face, then promptly marched away and out the door.  
  Another delightful meal, and we will most certainly be back.  We have to go.  I need that cheese and that pie in my life again.  Not to mention the Greek red wine that I am desperate to try.
Mx

The Flying Lemon

   The first post should be from all three members of J.A.M. it should, but this dining experience had to be shared.
     My husband took me out to Ingram Wynd for Canadian Thanksgiving last night.  This was my third time dining there and my husbands second.  The dining room reminds me of 1930's speakeasy meets Victorian charm, and I love it.  It's dark inside which is something I love in a restaurant.  I also love that you cross a small bridge to enter the dining room (This might be the little girl that still resides somewhere in my lower spine that has always loved bridges).
    We were greeted by the (I assume) manager, who has worked every time I've been in.  We were remembered and treated warmly.  Restaurants experiences are always so much more pleasant when there is some familiarity.   We were seated in the corner overlooking the basement level.  What I enjoyed most about our seat was that no one else was sat near us during our entire meal.  Ah peace.

    Now onto the meal!  I ordered the smoked mackerel and potato salad with rocket as my starter.  My husband ordered the  haggis, neeps and tatties tower with peppercorn sauce.  My salad was delightful.  The potato salad tasted like it has slices of lemon peel throughout.  This confused my mouth at first just because it was so unexpected.  It was very good though.  The vinaigrette that was drizzled on the plate I cannot place.  It tasted like balsamic, so my guess was a white balsamic vinaigrette?  It complemented everything on the plate nicely, and I could have just had it as a drink (yes it was that delicious).   

Smoked Mackerel Salad

    I can't really say anything from personal experience with the haggis, but I have been told that it was wonderful.  The peppercorn sauce contained green peppercorns along with the black, and was most tasty.  Every last bit was eaten, so I can only assume it was enjoyed.

Haggis Tower

   The mains!  I had the char-grilled swordfish with warm potato salad, dressed rocket salad and finished with salsa verde.  My husband had the roast pork belly with black pudding mash, green beans and a red wine and rosemary jus.  Let me say the swordfish was wonderful in every way.   It was cooked to perfection! I ate every bite of it.  The rocket was dressed in the same balsamic(?) vinaigrette that came with the mackerel, and it tasted like candy.  I was delighted.  However!  The fish came with a wedge of lemon.  I was always taught to never serve fish with a lemon wedge.  If a customer requested it, well then by all means.  This didn't bother me much as I do love lemon with swordfish.  I tried the fish with just the salsa, and decided "Why yes, I think I will have a squeeze of fresh lemon on my little fishy'.  So I picked up the wedge and began to squeeze.  Then to my horror and surprise,  the little wedge flew.  Oh how it did fly!  It soared through the bars onto the floor below, landing with a hollow splat.  I am unsure if anyone else in the restaurant heard it, but my husband and I sure did.  It just sat there.  A little yellow blob in a sea of black tiles.  I was speechless.  These things happen to me fairly regularly when I'm dining out.  I'm clumsy, I am.  Then the laughing started.  I couldn't stop.  I really didn't know what to do.  Thank goodness there was no one dining downstairs.   This lemons unscheduled flight left my fish lemon-less, but it was still delightful just the same.  Later on in the meal my husband went downstairs to rescue it.  It was placed in one of the empty water glasses, and with any luck no one will ever learn of it's flight.

Grilled swordfish and the flying lemon.

    The husbands pork belly was served on a bed of black pudding mash.  It had a piece of battered and fried pork rind (we think) as a garnish.  This garnish I have been told was tasty, but almost impossible to eat.  I did taste the mash and the red wine and rosemary jus.  These were delightful.  I could eaten a bowl of just that.  One black pudding mash with red wine and rosemary jus please!  I was told that the pork was a bit dry, but besides that it was very good.  

Roast pork belly.

   By the time we finished our mains, we decided that desserts were out of the question.  We were so full.  So we just had cappuccinos.  These came with delicious squares of tablet.  The tablet was all the sugar I needed at the end of my meal.  It was perfect, and so was the coffee.

Cappuccino and tablet. A nice finish to the meal.

   A most enjoyable Canadian Thanksgiving dinner.  Very nontraditional, but hey, there was a flying lemon!
M.