It is the time of year for reviews and “best of” lists. So here are my 5 best eats of 2019, plus a couple of extras because I couldn’t limit it to just 5. So, in no particular order:
Taco boys – Baby Bay, Polzeath, Conwall
Sometimes it is not just about what you eat, but about a specific moment in time when everything aligns and events transpire to make a magical experience. This was the case back in August when we we ventured to Baby Bay to try to find the legendary Taco Boys for our last breakfast in Cornwall and to catch some waves before we left for home. I say try because we’d already made one failed attempt to find the converted horse box parked up on a hidden beach earlier in the week. It was nowhere to be seen on that occasion and on asking a group of locals, sat outside their house scrubbing mussels, they suggested it was a myth! Not to be deterred, a bit of research later I established that they had actually been forced off the beach due to a storm but that they planned to return on Saturday morning.
So first thing Saturday morning we returned to the cliff top above the bay where I was sure the fabled truck should be and sure enough any sceptics amongst us were provided with hard evidence that mum wasn’t taking us on another wild goose chase; a sandwich board confirmed that the Taco Boys did indeed exist and we were on the right path.
As we descended the track to the beach we were met with a wondrous sight – nestled between the cliffs was an idyllic Sandy bay and…was that actually a horse box serving tacos?
Thankfully it wasn’t a mirage and under a glorious blue sky from a wooden table on the beach, we scoffed a breakfast of dreams.
Even my boy’s whinging and prolonged objections to the inclusion of cabbage and onion didn’t dampen my enjoyment. Ignoring him, the weather, setting, general vibe and most of all the food, was perfect.
In fact these bad boys were so good that once the girl gannet had demolished hers and disappeared into the sea (not literally), ‘Addy sneakily ordered us another round. One just wasn’t enough!
Even better, after we had eaten the kids enjoyed some quality body boarding in the huge waves and the boy found a bum stone. Happy days!
I absolutely love discovering places like this, hidden gems you search out that make it feel as though you have uncovered a fabulous secret. Which really, we had!
You guys are just lucky that I have never been much good at keeping secrets.
The Taco Boys, Baby Bay, New Polzeath, Cornwall, PL27 6UG
Stein’s Fish & Chips, Padstow, Cornwall
This is another entry selected for reasons extending well beyond the food, although the fish & chips served here are amongst the best you will eat. Padstow and Stein’s Fish & Chips hold many memories and a special place in my heart. I couldn’t wait to introduce my fish-mad kids to Stein’s and also to reacquaint myself after 9 years – it had been too long! The fish & chips were fantastic, as good as I remember, and I lived my best life for the brief time it took to scoff my GF monkfish and chips with Prosecco side. Living the absolute dream!
My girl chose grilled sea bass, she was on a mission to try as many different fish as possible on this holiday, and the boy had his favourite – scampi. On this occasion it escapes us what ‘Addy ate, but that should not be taken as a reflection on the memorability of the food, rather our ageing child addled brains and the fact we barely know what day it is. Anyway it was all fresh, hot and cooked to crispy perfection in beef dripping, as only Stein’s know how. I love the variety and quality of the fish on offer here; it extends well beyond your normal cod and haddock with mackerel, hake, lemon sole, even prawns and scallops on offer. I like the contemporary, relaxed restaurant with it’s communal wooden benches and family friendliness. And the fact they have a drinks license.
Stein’s – fish & chips done properly.
Stein’s Fish & Chips, South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BL
Northcote, Lancashire
I had never eaten in a Michelin Star restaurant and was keen to see what the fuss was all about. So when I spotted a dinner, bed & breakfast deal, with a cream tea thrown in, at Northcote it was too good to turn down and I suggested ‘Addy book us in. Which he did, because he will do anything for a cream tea.
Northcote is an acclaimed small luxury hotel with a Michelin star restaurant situated in the Ribble Valley, in Lancashire. It is also a happy coincidence that it is conveniently located barely a couple of miles from where I grew up and where my parents still live. ‘Addy and I hadn’t had a night away together since having the kids… Do you see where I am going with this? A sleepover at Grandma and Grandad’s for the kids and a Michelin treat for us. It had been hard earned after 7 years.
We checked in mid afternoon and got stuck straight in to a gorgeous cream tea. I was sceptical about wether the scones would rival ‘Addy and the girl’s first place award winning scones… but they did. I suspected some sort of culinary sorcery was applied to make them so light.
We were allocated room 21, a Junior Suite in the new Garden Lodge with a private outside terrace overlooking Northcote’s garden. It was huge, beautifully furnished and a stunning sunset was thrown in for good measure.
We were invited for drinks and canapés in the bar at 7pm, for dinner at 7.30, so ordered cocktails and enjoyed some surprising little mouthfuls whilst we perused the various menus.
We opted for the 6 course tasting menu, but without the accompanying wines for each course which cost an extra million pounds. Then, not knowing what bottle of wine to go for, our final choice was based entirely on a character from Hairy Maclary.
Each course was sublime and we both agreed we had never experienced anything quite like it before. The attention to detail on each plate was astounding and it was packed with flavour and little unexpected delights.
The Executive Chef at Northcote is Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for her twists on seasonal Lancastrian fare (and a winning stint on TV’s Great British Menu). Her food relies on tradition but carries a real wow factor.
WEST COAST CRAB
Orchard Apple, Black Radish
SLOW COOKED COPPER MARAN EGG
‘Baked Potato” Flakes
OX
Aged Sour Cream, Cucumber Pickle, Dill
SCARLET PRAWN
Black & White Garlic, Parmesan
YORKSHIRE DUCK
Smoked Bacon, Turnip, Parsley
COCONUT
Lime & Chocolate
Petit fours & coffee
After a very comfortable night’s sleep it was something of a luxury next morning to get ready at leisure and wander down for a quality cooked breakfast.
I should say that my GF diet was abandoned for the weekend, there would have been no joy for me eating in such a special establishment otherwise.
Northcote – what an absolute treat!
Northcote, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 8BE
The Fish Shed, Darts Farm, Devon
Darts Farm is conveniently located not far off the M5 near Exeter and provides the perfect stop on the way in and out of Cornwall. We stopped both ways, it beats a miserable service station any day and provided some respite from the busy August traffic. There is a huge deli and food hall, a restaurant and a variety of “lifestyle” shops (if that is your bag). Plus there is an excellent outdoor playground, farm walk, animals and a bird hide. It’s a great place to buy supplies and let the kids run off some energy after being couped up in the car. ‘Addy can never resist spending lots of money on artisan food and so we stocked up on some delicious deli items for tea later.
The main reason for out visits though was The Fish Shed, which doubles as a fishmongers and top quality fish & chippery. You’ll find a great selection of fresh, local fish, that is either fried to order in traditional batter or grilled, if you are so inclined, and then served with their perfectly cooked, hot, crispy chips. You can eat your fishy feast on the covered wooden benches outside.
Portions are generous and everything we had over our two visits was absolutely delicious!
The Fish Shed, Darts Farm, Topsham, Nr. Exeter, EX3 0QH
Fazenda, Leeds
Fazenda is one of our go-to favourites when we want to eat out in Big Leeds. It manages to combine a family friendly gourmet buffet with fine dining, along with a bit of added theatre. It all adds up to a fantastic Brazilian gaucho dining experience.
For a set price you can eat all you like. The standard lunch menu is £24.50, rising to £34.50 for dinner. Kids under 5 Years old eat free, 5-8 years – £6.70 and 9-12 years – £10.30. For us it represents great value as we have big appetites and have an 8 year old who eats as much as an adult.
They have activity packs to keep little ones busy, along with plastic cutlery and cow themed plates for the youngest guests and the staff are always great with the kids. It is unusual to find somewhere that feels grown up and quite luxurious with such family friendliness.
Your Fazenda experience begins with a visit to the gourmet buffet bar that features quality fresh food and some unusual salads (a delicious curried roast cauliflower salad, a beetroot salad and coleslaw spring to mind but there are others too) fresh veggies, olives, breads, cured meats and fish, cheeses, even sushi. There are also some hot dishes, usually including roast new potatoes, rice and a traditional Brazilian Feijoada (bean stew with meat). But don’t fill up on the sides – it is all about the meat!
Once you are ready for the main event you control the service with a small circular card; the green side signals the servers to stop by and offer you skewers of meats one by one, while the red side indicates you need a rest. To resume the service, simply display the green side again. Passadores (the Meat Chefs) will bring skewers of sizzling meat one by one and will carve it at your table. There is a large selection of different meats and the beauty is you can have them all!
My outstanding cut of choice is the Picanha (cap of rump) – their signature cut- which is amazingly juicy and flavourful, but all the meat is truly fantastic. There are usually several cuts of beef on offer including rump, sirloin and ribeye, along with chorizo, traditional sausages, chicken thighs, lamb chump with mint sauce, pork collar in honey and cinnamon, gammon and pineapple and not forgetting the sublime chicken hearts.
Their red meats are usually served medium-rare to medium, but they are happy to accommodate other tastes and cook to your request.
You can also order hot, freshly cooked fries to be delivered straight to your table and they are simply amazing.
As a coeliac this place is pretty much perfect with almost everything being gluten free, including many of the desserts. Plus every dish on the buffet bar and menu are clearly and individually marked with allergy info as standard.
You cannot beat Fazenda for a meat-tastic dining experience and if you don’t leave full to bursting with full on meat sweats you are doing it wrong.
With thanks to the Johnsons who accompanied us on the occasion some of these photos were taken; the best food and best friends.
Fazenda, Granary Wharfe, Leeds, LS1 4GL
A Couple of Bonus Extras
Padstow Farm Shop
This was our our first visit to Padstow Farm Shop, despite having holidayed in Padstow for many years, but we enjoyed a very memorable lunch of freshly baked, warm pasties (you never talk of a “Cornish” pasty in Cornwall) from St. Agnes Bakery and ripe fresh apricots, on the tables outside. We know our pasties and these were fantastic. There is an impressive deli, farm shop and butchery and they also make their own pasta. It is slightly out of the way down narrow country lanes on the outskirts of Padstow, but is well worth seeking out for some quality local produce. Grab some picnic items and head down to Hawker’s Cove!
Padstow Farm Shop, Trethillick Farm, Padstow PL28 8HJ
The Otley Burger Company
A local Otley company serving awesomely tasty burgers from a cool airstream styled trailer, takeaway or delivery. There is an imaginative burger menu with nice sides and loads of quality GF options. The Couch Potato is delicious – a tasty beef patty under blue cheese, mayonnaise and smoked peppered beef, served on top of thick cut salted crisps and fried onions in a toasted sesame seed brioche bun. Or in my case a great GF patty on a really decent GF bun. The kids absolutely love the rainbow bagel, even if it does look a bit like a weird unicorn poo, and the haloumi fries are heavenly.
A full review will no doubt follow, at some point.
The Otley Burger Company: superior takeaway fast food.
The Otley Burger Company, Grove Hill Social Club, Otley, LS21 3JR
