Hurrah for Cosmo, Derby! I don’t know about you, but when the heat arrives – and don’t we always go from freezing to ‘fry-an-egg-on your-car-bonnet temperatures’ ?! – my appetite goes out of the window and I look like a right hot mess!
Thankfully, it was the evening of Cosmo’s 12th Anniversary at its Derby site, and His Nibs and I had been invited along to join the celebration, which meant two things: firstly, I wasn’t going to have to cook and, secondly, there was going to be all manner of tasty dishes on offer.
Sid (Derby Cosmo’s manager) and his team, as well as the ‘big-wigs’ were waiting to greet their invited guests in the private function area, and then members of the serving team sat us all down and got drinks sorted out. Water was already on the tables and goodie bags that, among other things, had a snazzy woven shopper bag in. After the welcoming speeches had been done, the team swiftly brought out appetizer platters from the various Chefs that featured those irresistible Bao Buns that I always go mad for: edible, pillowy little clouds of delicious magic are how I refer to them! The Man tucked in to the crispy shredded Beef, and Duck in Orange sauce, and I feasted on smoked Salmon ribbons.
When we’d bought our raffle tickets to raise funds for the Invisible Friends, and Derby Children’s Home charities (both supported by Cosmo), The Man and I headed out to the restaurant to check out all the stations of cuisine from around the world. I know I’ve said it before, but there is literally something for everyone here; no doubt this is why multiple generations of families can relax and enjoy a meal together.
His Nibs made a bee-line for the Teppanyaki station, where Chef was already cooking up a storm for diners. Lots of Scallops and Steak were piled on his plate and he went off for accompaniments. I had decided that I was going for fresh, light flavours and made my way to the Sushi station; in no time at all I had a wide selection of Sushi (Ebi (shrimp) Nigiri, Cucumber- and Tuna- Maki, and Uramaki), pickled Ginger, Wasabi, and Wakame (Seaweed Salad) on my plate. My next stop was the fresh Salad counter, and this was presented beautifully with all the colours of the rainbow to tempt diners. I had crisp Cucumber and Tomato, Artichoke quarters, Olives, and Coleslaw piled high and headed back to tuck in.
I would love to say that I remained virtuous for dessert, but you all know that wasn’t going to happen! I had fizzy Cola Bottle and ‘Fried Egg’ sweets, with some Popcorn and a square of Raspberry Cheesecake to conclude my meal…and jolly tasty they were, too. The Man also fell from grace with his choice of soft-serve Ice Cream in a mini cone, with sweets, Coconut and Passionfruit cake, and Chocolate and Walnut cake.
The charity auction and raffle concluded the evening, and we were lucky enough to win a couple of bottles of wine. Saying our goodbyes, we headed home with huge smiles on our faces. Cosmo Derby, it was an honour to celebrate with you; no doubt we’ll see you soon!
To find out more, head to www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk and hit the ‘restaurants’ button to find your closest venue; Derby, obviously, for us. The pricing structure is written under the ‘lunch’, ‘dinner’ and ‘kids’ headers. Click on ‘Derby’ to find the ‘book a table’ tab for online reservations, or ring 01332 295300. Cosmo Derby is open Mon-Thurs 4.30-9.30pm, Friday 4.30-10pm, Saturday Noon-10.30pm, and Sunday Noon-9pm.
