Some Stamford Treasures

NOW I've found my new favourite place, Stamford. This is the prettiest town we have come across yet, though there is plenty of competition! Stamford is picturesque with a river, bridges, old old old houses, cricket in the green, water lilies (think Monet) cobbled roads, Wisteria strewn walls, stunning gardens, vibrant shopping and of course it's own beautiful churches. However to be fair, most towns whether large or small have a beautiful church or at least ruins from a church.

Walking up a street we passed ASK Italian and spied through the huge windows someone tucking into a lunch that looked too good to pass up. It was a little chilly outside so it was nice to step inside to a sunny and warm interior.  We were whisked to a table up by the kitchen and before long our Butterfly King Prawns were sizzling away in front of us.  We also ordered a rocket salad, with parmesan and balsamic, and olives. These were some of the best prawns we have had in a long time and that's saying something when we have come from the land of King Prawns (Australia).  They came in a small sizzling hot cast iron pan which had been drizzled with olive oil and then had rounds of baguette placed in the bottom that had turned crispy by the time they were ready to eat. I succumbed to the bread, it was too much for my will power. We finished our lunch with a well made macchiato each, just the right way to end our meal.
We have since returned to ASK Italian and had the prawns again pre a dinner of pasta for Number One and a beautiful chicken salad for me. We were not disappointed the second time or the third time we went back. I think this restaurant is definitely a favourite for nice clean tastes, great atmosphere and excellent service.

Finding the Wildwood

There are so many beautiful villages within a one hour drive of us that I am not sure we will ever get to see them all.  However we recently repeated a great experience by heading to Oakham for lunch.  The first time we had been was a Saturday and the town was alive with markets, people and loads of great little shops to explore. However, that is not the case on a Sunday! Only a couple of shops open, no markets, no people but we did find the Wildwood Kitchen which we had spied on our previous visit.  This looked like a great place to stop for lunch and we were right. After striking up conversation with the people on the next table we were reassured that this was a good decision, their meals looked good and they gave them the thumbs up.

There was pasta, pizza, burgers and more on the menu. We were both after something tasty so both ended up having burgers; a lamb and chorizo one for my man and a deconstructed portobello mushroom and haloumi one for me.  There was no fuss when I asked for the burger less the bun and I think I got some extra salad as well. I am amused that in the UK we have only found Haloumi deep fried. In Australia we eat it grilled (on the Barbie) or pan fried (with no fat). Here's an opportunity to reduce some fat on the plate!
We sat at a table in the front window of the restaurant which gave me sun on my back, a view of the cooking in the wood fired oven plus a chance to people watch on the pavement outside. Service was great, attentive and quick. We just had sparkling water with lunch but if we'd chosen a wine, beer or spirit then it was all on offer. There were a good range of people in Wildwood Kitchen that afternoon, including couples and families and the place seemed to cater well for everyone. Our meals were tasty, affordable and we would definitely stop here again.  This would be a great place to take friends.

Roastit Bubbly Jocks

Sometimes if feels like we know nothing about anything in this new land that we have come to. That is especially true when it comes to cafes and restaurants. To start with they are often hidden behind unassuming doors and shop fronts, tucked away where you have to pop your head around the door to take a look. It's too cold to sit outdoors in Glasgow and there's not much space so very few places have outdoor seating to identify them.
Anyway.... we happened to walk past Roastit Bubbly Jocks around 3pm on Sunday after walking around car yards for hours and having nothing to eat.  Something caught our eye, this little place had an inviting look about it. Best decision we made all day!
We just needed a tasty morsel to get us through to dinner (we were going out with friends and family) so we ordered a starter each. I had a twice baked goat's cheese souffle which was divine. Light and fluffy with enough substance to satisfy me. The big man had a plate of smoked salmon with bread and was very happy with his choice.  But, the thing that caught my attention, apart from the fabulous roasts served up at the next table, was the gin menu on the wall.  I'm partial to a gin, especially on a hot summer's day and apparently the weather we had been experiencing in Glasgow is equivalent to a hot day in Glaswegian terms; there have been women walking around in strappy tops while I wear my down jacket zipped up to my chin!   Anyway, back to the gin. We decided it was Gin Oclock somewhere in the world and that we would have a wee drop with our starters.  I had a Millers with strawberries and he had Caorrans with apple slices. Oh yes! We had made great choices.  That little gin added some rays of sunshine to our day and we happily celebrated our afternoon nibbles.
Roastit Bubbly Jocks will see us again.  Next time I shall reserve space for the Roast Beef.  The atmosphere is congenial, the furniture is well used, the service was excellent and the staff had a great sense of humour.  We loved it, we'll be back.