River Cottage Canteen, Finale to National Vegetarian Week

River Cottage Canteen Bristol is probably a little known, little gem. The newly established progeny of the successful Axminster canteen is set to rise in popularity, if not for the good tasting, honest grub then for the league of more sustainably aware and environmentally sound restaurants popping up throughout the country. Unlike some of these restaurants, River cottage doesn't pang of pretentiousness but instead provides a great, no fuss, reasonably priced and family friendly place to eat. 

To celebrate the end of National Vegetarian Week and Bristol Veg Fest, we dined at River cottage. Also in celebration, RC Bris made a very brave move and declared an all vegetarian menu for the whole day. I'd like to hope that not only vegetarians sampled its delights, but also that meat eaters were able to taste some great vegetarian food to satisfy any pallet. Although I myself was joined by two meat eaters I can't help remembering the moment when dinning in a gorgeous vegan restaurant in York, a family of 'meat eaters' sat down, peered at their menus and promptly left again... I think the lack of mysterious pulses and whole foods and also the safety blanket of 'chips on the side' make RC an ideal place for a first veggie dining experience.

River Cottage Bristol's informal dinning area and welcoming staff made it a real pleasure to eat out. The service was perhaps slow at times but easily forgiven as they're still finding their feet. Their 'open kitchen'  or 'food theater' is a love it or hate it thing but the bustle and array of ingredients really added to the relaxed atmosphere. Now down to the food! It was fresh, flavorsome and in some cases, down right beautiful. Among the starters were aubergine and feta parcels and fava bean falafels. Pickled racchio pizzas and freshly made flatbreads were all baked in the stone based oven on display. I'ts a mean feat to achieve such a degree of satisfaction when the food actually tastes like its doing you good, but River Cottage managed it. With their ever changing menus in time with the seasons, they won't fail to get returning customers. So if you're looking for somewhere refreshingly local, environmentally conscious and down right tasty it is definitely worth a visit. 

Eat local, Eat seasonal, Eat well.

Small Cook xx

Felin Fach Griffin- A Critique

The Felin Fach Griffin lies nestled between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, with such gorgeous countryside you'll be happy to know the food lives up to the scenery. I guess you might describe the Felin Fach as a Gastro-pub, with it's relaxed atmosphere supplemented with fine dining, however, I'd prefer to describe it as a good food done well, minus the pretension. 

Inside lies sumptuous sofas and comfortable dining spaces, the warm rooms with intriquing art works and furniture give an unique and quirky atmosphere. One of the most refreshing things about this restaurant is that the food is sourced with sustainability and seasonality in mind. The menus change from day to day, which is one of the best gifts you can give a customer who is likely to return again. 

My menu was as follows:
                                           Oak Roast Salmon Fishcake with Garlic Aioli 

                         Cornish Hake Fillet with a Clam butter, New Potatoes and spinach 

                                           Creme Brulee with Homemade Shortbread

The highlight of the meal for me was the Hake fillet, the delicate flavour of the fish was complimented by a sweet butter sauce and the clams were delicious. It's the first time I've ever tried them but I will definitely be doing so again. I often find Creme Brulee to be hit and miss at most restaurants I visit, either being to sweet or to eggy. I have to be honest and say this was spot on, rich and smooth, the custard held its own but was not too firm, the topping was light and caramalised well allowing for that characteristic and satisfying crunch when you tuck in. The homemade Shortbread was delightful adder extra, rich in butter and perfect in crunch.

All in all I really couldn't fault it, the dining was homely and comfortable and you were warmly welcomed. The chef had clearly thought about the menus, which I think really makes a difference, to know that the produce has been carefully considered before its put on the plate. The Felin Fach Griffins website describes itself as enveloping you in a big cuddle and sending you to bed with a smile on your face, it did just that, I'll be back again. 

Small Cook x