On Monday, after working half a day, I took Julia to lunch at Harvester. That’s the sort of man I am – tight, unromantic and practical. You get free salad at Harvester, which appeals to my frugal side, and allows me to pretend I’m being healthy.
Julia had the Spicy Sea Bass with Prawns, which looked as good as it sounded. Unfortunately it’s fish and as such it’s just nicely presented cotton wool with overtones of slime and bones. As you may guess, I’m not a fish fan, unless it’s in a nice crispy batter or neatly sliced into finger-sized pieces.
Despite my views, she enjoyed it and tells me it was delicious, well-cooked and full of flavour.
I had the classic burger. They refer to it as a “craft” burger. I’m not sure why, because it’s just a burger. It looks like “craft” has migrated from craftsmen, to craft beers to relatively ordinary food. What next, craft sandwiches? To add to the weight of marketing verbiage, the “craft” burger is served in a toasted brioche bun.
I’m not greatly in favour of toasted brioche buns. I don’t really like the shiny brown look of them and though they are better than the normal flaccid “burger bun” with quick release sesame seeds I don’t think they’re much to brag about.
Add a dryish burger and though it was good it wasn’t quite as good as the hype and I was reminded of my old school reports – “could do better”.
Part 2 follows later.
(And yes, it would be good to have a photo, but I forgot. Sorry.)
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“Craft” seem to be the sign of the times. 🙂
I can accept craft beer and country crafts but craft burgers are a step too far for me.
Well done for not photographing your food.
I’m afraid you may be disappointed in the following post…
You braved Harvester! I’m not a fan as everything they cooked seems burned. Now, I know the term is ‘char-grilled’ but I’d just rather not.
What I really like about Harvester is that it’s usually quiet. Probably because most people stay away… 🙂
Maybe 😉
Love the bit about reminding you of old school reports “Could do better…” lol Sounds familiar to me too! 🙂
🙂
Alas, many restaurants fall into the “could do better” category.
True. But I’m an optimist so I keep trying. 🙂
Just thought of a phrase my Yankee husband often says: “Could be worse.” In a way, it’s related to “could do better.” But guess whom the Yankees are descended from?
I’m glad to hear that he has a properly balanced view of life. In general Americans are far too enthusiastic about things. 🙂
Oh, you made me laugh. Yankees are not known for being enthusiastic, that’s for sure.
🙂
I’m with you on burgers. As for the photo, “could do better”
In part two the burger is better, though the photography is again lacking.
🙂
🙂
are you sure it wasn’t Kraft… as in ‘cheese slices’?
It was certainly cheese slices so I missed a great opportunity for a pun. Fortunately you saved the day. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Forgetting the photo sounds like an excuse to go back for another meal to me. Best fish and chips around here is the Bestwood Fish Bar although parking can be difficult sometimes.
Several people have recommended Bestwood. over the years. I may have to run a series of fish and chip reviews.
Anyone who manages to photograph their food before tucking into it has my admiration for two reasons; firstly, due to their remarkable restraint and b because of their chutzpah (I think that might be the word I need?) my British manners generally mean that the idea of taking out a phone to photograph a meal in a public place seems far too embarrassing to contemplate.
Exactly my position – even when I do remember I often cringe with embarrassment and chicken out.
Well, to be truthful….Tom Colicchio (chef and judge on Top Chef ) has made sandwiches into a craft: ” ‘witchcraft: Craft a Sandwich into a Meal and a meal into a sandwich” It’s a recipe book for all that fun stuff…
Sounds good, but I’m going to resist. To many cook books and too little skill is my problem. 🙂