McDonalds – Cardiff
There’s not really much to write about a McDonalds breakfast – they’re fairly standard across the country. All three of us had a Bacon Roll Meal this morning, and it was enjoyable enough. Of course, there are better bacon rolls to be had, but if you’re looking for a quick and cheap breakfast you could do a lot worse than McDonald’s. I should also say that I rather like their hash browns – but maybe that’s because it’s really the only time I get one!
Waitrose – Aylesbury
Before we arrived at the house, we headed to Waitrose to get some goodies and have a bite to eat. Dad had a Roast Beef and Horseradish sandwich on beautifully soft white bread. He commented that the plentiful beef was cooked perfectly and the sandwich tasted strongly of fiery horseradish, giving him just the kind of kick he enjoys. Mum and I decided to share – each of us having half a Bacon and Brie Panini and half a Cheese and Onion Toastie. The panini was well filled and included a delicious chutney, while the toastie oozed cheese from between the slices of white bloomer. A good value lunch which easily rivals the products available in high street coffee shops.
The Akeman – Tring
We first visited the Akeman in Tring just over a year ago, on the second last day of our holiday. After a week of indulgence, we chose fairly healthy dishes and ate only one course. When we decided to return to the area we all agreed that we would have to return to the Akeman and enjoy their delicious food again. So tonight we headed back to the bar and restaurant, and this time we definitely didn’t have just one course!
To begin, mum and dad both enjoyed lightly coated, crispy calamari with a creamy garlic mayonnaise. The calamari was pretty perfectly cooked and the batter was light and delicate. Despite calamari being one of my favourites, I didn’t regret my own choice of Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Mozzarella and Pesto. Three perfectly cooked spears of asparagus were topped with gorgeous mozzarella and wrapped in the crispy prosciutto. Topped with rocket, balsamic dressing and pesto, this whole dish was a delight from start to finish.
Dad then enjoyed a perfectly cooked Steak with Coffee Madeira Sauce and Wilted Spinach, Roasted Leeks and Pickled Cabbage. The coffee Madeira sauce was an interesting twist on a classic, and dad said that he could definitely taste an almost roasted coffee flavour. Alongside his tender steak, dad enjoyed a bowl of crispy, salty and perfectly cooked fries. Next to me, mum had ordered Pork Belly with Mashed Potato, Broccoli and Apple Sauce. The pork belly was, in her words, “just brill” and she figured that the creamy, smooth mashed potato was the best she’s ever tasted. I too enjoyed the delicious mashed potato alongside my Lamb with Shallots, Tomatoes and Pumpkin Pesto. Every single bite was amazing – the lamb was perfectly pink and the pesto complimented the meat perfectly.
We were full, but not too full to order from the tempting dessert menu. Dad was drawn to the Grilled Pineapple with Sugared Pecans and Salted Caramel Ice-Cream. The slight saltiness from the ice-cream, he said, tempered the sweetness of the pecans and pineapple, creating a beautiful, light dish. Mum decided just to plump for three scoops of quality ice-cream, choosing vanilla, chocolate and salted caramel. The chocolate was rich and silky, while the other two flavours were lighter and more refreshing – as hard as she tried mum was unable to pick a favourite. And me? Well, predicatbly I went for the Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice-Cream. I was served two huge triangles of dense brownie studded with white chocolate chips. Despite the heaviness of the brownie, it was absolutely gorgeous and silky smooth.
Overall, there were no complaints about the food tonight. We can only hope we eat as well for the rest of the week.
Glasgow Food Girl 