The one when I get busted for snapping the food!
I found out about this place from some online research and it seemed to have all the required factors for a birthday treat for Himself. But I had no idea where it actually was which is where satnav comes in.
But as anyone foolishly relying on the bossy female instructions will know, the directions are not always that accurate and ‘you have arrived’ can be accompanied by a view of a field, or worse, a footpath.
So it seemed here, when a mile down a single track road off the main Whitby Road, narrowly avoiding some suicidal pheasants, we arrived at what seemed to be a farmyard, overseen by a bemused looking farmhand. But on closer look round, the Fox and Hounds came into view with a right-hand turn away from the tractors.
Admiring the frontage slathered with awards stickers and then we’re shown into a small dining room.
The menu for the night is presented and reveals just a few dishes. Given it’s near coastal location, there’s fishy choices alongside the traditional meat options of steak and liver.
I went for the langoustine risotto to start – a generous helping of very herb-infused rice garnished with langoustine – while he enjoyed the scallops with just a dash of chili heat.
As you can see I don’t have a picture of them. I did take one but it came out rather too dark.
As is my usual MO, I snuck a snap on my phone as the waitress had safely retired to the kitchen – or so I thought. She returned to ask why I had photographed the food. Busted! I came clean and told her I blogged about food and thought nothing more about it.
She soon came back again – this time asking if she’d offended me! I assured her I hadn’t been in the slightest bit offended by being asked (in fact it surprises me it doesn’t happen more often) and gave her the details of this food blog in the hope this would put her mind at rest. It seemed to.
So now, with nothing to lose, here’s a picture of the main course – flash and everything!
I’m not exactly sure whether I’ve ever had ling before. I’d certainly order it again on the strength of this meal – a firm fish, delicate in flavor and it’s marrying with the bright lights chard was just the perfect matching of earthiness and the sea. That’s almost a seaside holiday on a plate right there.
For desserts (well it was his birthday) I took a share of the truffle cake – to describe it as rich doesn’t come close. Essence of chocolate would be more accurate.
We left feeling truly indulged. The whole evening was one of intimacy and attention to detail in everything from the decor, to the food and the service.
I just hope their experience of having a food blogger in their midst will prove to be a welcome one.
I’d love to go somewhere where the menu positively encourages diners to photograph the food the chefs spend so much time preparing – maybe this place could be it.
* The Fox and Hounds is at Goldsborough, near Whitby, North Yorkshire.