We are all really excited to be back after our mid-winter break.
Of course it’s wonderful to have time out, to eat and drink with our families and friends, to relax, to read, even, in my case, to spend a little time on the beach…but after a few weeks away, we are now back at the farm and bursting with energy and ideas. I am recharged and looking forward to creating some new dishes. Arnald and Made alternate between despondency about the water-logging and optimism about the new growing year ahead. Philippa could mourn the plants blasted by the hard frosts last week or could see the buds and shoots already pushing towards Spring.
So before we start any new gastronomic adventures, a return this week to some old seasonal favourites. A plethora of bitter seasonal greens led by the wonderful Roman Chicory, Puntarella. We still haven’t quite cracked growing this ourselves so, for now, we have Puntarella imported from Italy. On sale in the shop or on the menu in the restaurant served in a traditional Roman fashion as Puntarella Alla Romana – dressed with Olive Oil, Seville Orange and Anchovies – simple but vibrant – a great palate cleanser. If you’re eating with us, why not follow this with Muntjac Chile con Carne, Thai Red Runner Duck Curry or Coq au Vin made with our own chickens? And for dessert, perhaps echo the starter with a tangy Seville Orange Tart?
On the seafood side, we are delighted to be taking a new delivery from Cornwall tomorrow morning – so lots of sweet fleshed Plaice and plump St Austell Mussels and Monkfish – both on the menu in the restaurant and available in the shop.
