Today the weather was quite appalling, with torrential rain and a gale. We had booked to go to Collaton Fishacre, a National Trust property near us, where there was to be a talk on the Art Deco contents of the house, with particular reference to the Lalique glass, which I am particularly interested in. My hubby had to take several detours because of trees down and floods blocking the road, and when we eventually got there, there was a sign by the gate at the top of the long drive informing us that due to bad weather, the house and gardens were closed to the public.
Very disappointing. However, after a very bad night, I was extremely tired and couldn’t keep awake during the drive, so perhaps it was for the best.
On the way home, my hubby suddenly said, “We’d planned to get lunch out today anyway, and as you are tired, why don’t we go to the Drum, so you don’t have to think about cooking?” I thought this was a very good idea, so that is where we went.
This time I managed to remember to photograph each dish! I was quite impressed with myself, because eating and photography don’t usually occupy the same small space in my brain…
My hubby chose “Oven-baked button and portobello mushrooms in a garlic and cheddar sauce.” This was served with toasted ciabatta.
I chose the same starter as last time because I liked it so much: “Chickpea and pine nut falafel with spiced red pepper dip and toasted ciabatta.” Here it is, as it arrived at the table.
With the chiabatta removed, exposing the falafels:
I think the falafels contained spinach, giving them their green colour. They were utterly delicious, and the spicy red pepper sauce was quite fiery. This reminded me of our time in Israel, and how we used to buy “the best falafels in Jerusalem” at a small street vendor’s stand just outside the Damascus Gate. Falafels and hot spicy sauce with a bit of green salad, packed into a half-pitta pocket, eaten on the fly. Unforgettable.
For the main, my hubby chose “Chicken coconut curry,” served with turmeric rice.
I chose “Spiced roasted cauliflower with coconut sauce,” served with giant couscous.
This was very delicately spiced, and the flavour was generally sweet. The cauliflower was roasted whole, and the couscous contained some raisins and chopped dried apricot, giving it a Middle-Eastern flavour. The dots of coconut sauce were quite delicious. A subtle and interesting dish. I think I could make something similar if I tried.
We both opted for the same dessert, my hubby choosing the “mini” version to accompany a cup of coffee, and I ordered the normal one, and a separate Americano to finish. Actually I could have had the same as him because the smaller version was quite enough, especially as we’d had starters. Anyway, this was mine: “Vegan caramel biscuit cheesecake with cinnamon biscuit base.”
Again, absolutely delicious.
We both came away satisfied, but not feeling over-stuffed. The portion sizes are sensible, unlike in some restaurants where they give one far too much.
I dropped off again in the car on the way home, and had another sleep after tea. I only got about three hours’ sleep last night.
By the time we got home the rain had all but stopped, and the wind had certainly dropped. In the evening we heard the odd firework going off – I wonder how many firework parties were cancelled because of fears about the weather. More peaceful for the animals, at any rate.
Even though I was so tired, it was a great day out, and by suggesting such a nice meal at the Drum, my hubby redeemed what might otherwise have been a total wash-out of a day, in more ways than one!
