We enjoy our food and we enjoy cooking but it doesn't mean that we don't like to eat out. Indeed when we eat something good or see an inspiring menu, all the better! Unfortunately, not every meal you pay for is of a reasonable standard. By reasonable standard I mean quality of ingredients and the little quirks / touches that turn a good meal into something memorable and outstanding. Simplicity is often the key.
We live in Derby (UK). It's a small city but has plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs and so on. Unfortunately, few really hit the spot with us. We can categorise them into value for money, easy dining (everyone likes it, generally chains), global cuisine (Indian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican...), which got us thinking... Why not rate our meals and find out what others think.
We have a group agreement that one of the best Sunday lunches we ever had was a little pub on the A39 on the Cornish/Devon border, The Old Wainhouse Inn. It has become our benchmark for a good quality, well priced, Sunday lunch. The meat was served as it should be; the beef was medium rare, the root veg was roasted and the yorkshire puddings were spot on. The only downside was that we had discovered it the day before our holiday ended. Good reason to go back though!
So where do we go in Derby?
The Mundy Arms on the Ashbourne Road can be a little hit and miss / overpriced but I enjoyed my last meal there; a kind of falafel burger but my husband was disappointed with his meal and sent it back... So maybe that's not a recommendation!
We actually had a fantastic steak meal at the local Beefeater, The Mallard, which surprised us; it would have been a little on the expensive side had it not been for the Father's Day offer though. They did serve Campo Viejo as the rioja, so that adds a point or two!
Our local, Ye Olde Spa Inn has been known to do a decent carvery (I know, a contradiction in terms, some might say!) but management has changed on a fairly regular basis, so jury's out on that one. As you can tell from the places I have mentioned, children have to be accommodated and 'good food plus children' seems to be a little difficult. It's quite possible to serve good food and accommodate children. After all, if they're enjoying their food, and lets face it they can be as discerning as any adult, it's a winning combination.
We tend to go to chain restaurants when eating with the kids because they will cater for them in every way and provide good value for money. To that end, we shall be road-testing the relatively new-to-Derby Ask. Their online menu looks good but of course, the proof is in the pudding!
The Greyhound is a fairly recent newcomer to the good food guide of Derby and we're hoping to visit there in the near future so I will report back! And on the theme of looks good but yet to try, there is The Exeter Arms. Looking forward to trying them out!
Top quality independent local restaurants are: Zest, Le Bistrot Pierre's (Pierre's) and of course Darleys. My favourite cafe is Jack Rabbits which serve wonderfully large portions of homemade cake. Last time I had a slice there I had to miss lunch - it kept me going all day, even with 2 kids to run round after!
I would be interested to hear what other people think of Derby restaurants and keep us up to date on new and up-and-coming places to eat.
Recent review: Mr Grundy's
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