I am still struggling emotionally big time.
But, I was well and truly spoiled by my husband and my family.
A restaurant my husband has wanted to try for a while is called Tredwells https://www.tredwells.com/ and is a Marcus Wareing restaurant.
I'd always looked at the menu and thought it was too confusing; how do I know whether I'd like every element of the dish when I don't understand what some of the ingredients are!?
He'd booked it for me, not just because it's on his list, but because he was sure he could change my mind as soon as I tasted the food!
Oh boy, he was right! I'd eat there every week if I could!
Upon our arrival, we were greeted at the front desk by two conscientious staff members (all who we saw that night were extremely conscientious). They took my coat to the cloakroom and led us to our seats. My first impression on entering the dining area was that it was more casual than I'd thought; there were a cluster of tables by the front window. We were led past these and to a slightly elevated booth at the rear of the restaurant. The seating was plush, the ambience was amazing and the lighting gave an intimate effect.
We quickly scanned the cocktail menu and selected one each. Whilst we were sipping these and perusing the menu, a member of waiting staff approached the table and spoke to us about a wine he strongly recommended. It was a bottle of red, called The Chocolate Block.
After tasting some, this delicious, easy to drink red got both of our approval! We ordered a bottle, the same member of staff proceeded to decanter some into the karaffe and swilled it around. Every 10 minutes or so, he came back and swilled it around; explaining that this was important.
Cocktails: Down the Apples & Pears Grey Goose Vodka, apple, pear, thyme
Bellini Peach, sparkling wine
It took me ages to decide what to have; there were several fish dishes on the menu and also chicken and steak. I'd quickly selected a Brixham crab dish for my starter whilst my husband chose a duck ravioli.
Both starters were the perfect size, and all the flavours just marry together so well - absolutely delicious.
Brixham crab, Nutbourne tomato, salted ricotta, crystal cucumber, verjus, sesame
Confit duck raviolo, sesame, peanuts, green chilli, pickled cucumber
For my main, I asked our waiter what he would recommend between the monkfish and the halibut. He expressed his preference; and confirmed both have quite a meaty taste.
I chose the halibu, whilst my husband decided to have his favourite - a steak.
We'd ordered several side dishes to share also, the triple cooked chips were possibly the best I've ever tasted!
Roasted halibut, summer vegetable fricassée, girolles, sweetcorn velouté
35 day dry aged Ribeye steak
From back: Grilled broccoli, toasted almond butter, capers
Triple cooked chips with hollandaise mousse
Grilled runner beans, romesco
The wine was exquisite; so smooth. The dishes were all amazing. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food. Personally, I didn't particularly like the sweet corn velouté. It was too much of a mixture of flavours for me, but when accompanying the fish, I felt it complimented the flavour of the fish.
We both saved a little room (separate stomach!) for dessert! Well, if I'd thought choosing a main was difficult; picking a dessert was even harder! Hence why I selected a trio of desserts. My husband saw the words 'peanut butter' and was immediately sold!
Peanut butter pudding, dark chocolate sorbet
Sweet Taste Of Tredwells praline chocolate tart, salted caramel soft serve, marinated pineapple & coconut mousse
Praline chocolate tart
As they presented me with my board of desserts, a plate was also brought out with "Happy Birthday" written onion chocolate sauce, accompanied by two salted caramel balls. I honestly could not choose a favourite dessert from those I sampled; all were melt-in-the-mouth and delicious!
We were not rushed at all through the evening, the serving staff all knew who had ordered which dish, which we felt was a nice touch. All were extremely attentive.
I now cannot wait to return!
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