Our first blog adventure of the New Year took us to the UKs smallest county, Rutland. As we were staying close to Rutland water so we decided to go there for a stroll around on our way down.
The weather, whilst not sunny or particularly warm, was at least dry, so we were one of many folk out for a walk either alone, with family or with a furry companion.
Exercise duly taken, we jumped back into the jalopy with the intention of grabbing a bite to eat in the town of Oakham itself. As they say “best laid plans” and all that jazz, my concentration-span-of-a-gnat kicked in and we were soon turning into the carpark of The Noel at Whitwell.
What a little gem that turned out to be; we were just after last orders for lunchtime food but because we only wanted light bites the Chef very generously let us place our order. The premises themselves are very stylish inside with their pale carpets and luxurious deep red drapes, lightshades and napkins that are shown off by the dark wood tables.
A lovely gentleman showed us to our table and gave us a few minutes to get our breath back, before taking our drinks and food order.
His Nibs opted for the Lincolnshire sausage and caramelised Red onion sandwich on white bread with salad and I decided to have Mushrooms on Granary toast. Also on the menu in the side order section was the intriguingly named East/West spiced chips, and we just had to see what they were all about.
The Man Birds sandwich was a real belly busting affair with two hefty Sausages snuggling in amongst a thick bed of caramelised onions. He was thoroughly enjoying it, saying how great the sausages themselves tasted in between mouthfuls.
My own dish was equally lovely with plenty of quartered mushrooms in a creamy sauce lying on top of a thick slice of toasted granary bread. I couldn’t tell you the last time I had Mushrooms on toast, and it was fantastic to rediscover this simple pleasure, especially since it had been done so well.
The East/West spiced chips were very tasty in their own right, with nice crispy outers revealing soft fluffy inners, but when you added in the 5 spice and paprika coating they transformed into something a smidge spectacular. It never ceases to amaze me how a simple twist can have such a large impact on a dish; I might try this at home next time we have chips :)
When the gentleman came to enquire if we would like dessert it absolutely twisted my heart to say no, but with it being lunchtime and knowing that there was a three course dinner to come that night, it had to be done.
There were several other tables of diners in as well and a family group comprising grandparents, parents and grandchildren which was lovely to see. I can imagine that at night it would be a lovely place to enjoy a meal and perhaps a drink or two. Hot Wings deserved here, most definitely.
