Celebrating in Churt

One of my favourite things (and my one weakness) is the espresso martini. It has to be the perfect way to finish a meal. So, when Mirinda suggested we go to Bel and the Dragon (Churt branch) tonight, after ringing just about every restaurant in a 20 mile radius, it was the first thing that went through my mind.

Fantastic

The reason we went out for dinner was because tomorrow is the anniversary of our arrival in Britain. 19 years ago we turned up and started on our shoestring. And look at us now. Who knew.

Anyway, every restaurant Mirinda rang was booked solid – there were some with 6pm slots but that’s just way too early for us – and even Bel and the Dragon only had a 9pm table. We took it and duly turned up, ready for the feast.

Rioja in hand

Looking over the menu, we were amazed at how many lo-carb options there were. Okay, it was a case of ditching the chips for a few of them but there was nothing really integral in a meal…which was a very pleasant surprise. Not that we really worry too much for our Traditional Celebration Meals but it’s better to go without when possible. Naturally that didn’t extend to dessert.

I started with yellow fin tuna, very thinly sliced and draped over beetroot with little droplets of wasabi dotted around the plate. I’m not usually given to a lot of wasabi but it worked really well with the tuna…well, except for the final mouthful which had me sneezing for a bit. (I wonder how many other people go into a fit of the sneezes after ingesting too much wasabi.)

Mirinda had the scallops. I think they spoil them by adding bacon but Mirinda claims I’m being pompous.

Main course was chicken Milanese, something I’m not sure that I’ve ever had before. It featured an egg and black truffle shavings and creamed spinach, all of which are favourites. It was delicious. Mirinda said her steak was perfect as well.

Dessert was bombe Alaska for two.

Given this was our 19th UK anniversary, we figure we’ll need to do something extra special next year for our 20th.