From Here to Somewhere Else

We needed a break from touring so we slept late before making our way about an hour down the road to Exeter. Today is tour lite and dinner heavy! The days of British food being boiled grey or deep fried are history. Yes, you can always get the traditional fish and chips, however today's British food scene is more about farm fresh and local ingredients. We have driven through the rich green hills and valleys of Devon, they have everything a chef would need to create great food. Tonight, the Olive Tree restaurant at our hotel, the Queens Court, is presenting us with a 6 course tasting menu. We can't wait to see what this award winning chef has in store for us. First we did a short walk around the town centre. The cathedral is the focal point of the city built in the 12th century. Exeter has roots back to the Romans and was their most southwesterly fortification. Today, much of the city architecture dates from the 1950's as the German's bombed it to rubble during the Baedeker Blitz of 1942. To be truthful, we didn't find much to be wowed by here. After so many spectacular places this one looked like any other semi modern city.

Here we sit in the lobby bar awaiting the feast.

The restaurant.

First course pea and spinach soup. Smooth and refined.

Chicken pate with avocado, tomato served with creme fresh basil oil and crouton crackers. The chicken was so creamy when mixed with the other ingredients on the plate. The bright sauvignon blanc was a perfect match.

Brixham Scallops with minted pea purée crispy pancetta and Pea shoot salad. The scallops where perfectly cooked, the mint really made the puree pop!

Roasted Pork belly with Fondant Potato Pancetta with wrapped baby asparagus and apple cider jus. Rich flavour, a little fatty but very tasty. The crackling on the top was crazy good and loud to eat. We laughed at each bite crunching throughout the room. A nice Shiraz was enjoyed, which cut through the richness of the pork very well.