What's happening in and around town
Stovell's - Contemporary European cuisine in Chobham
When my good friend and gastronomer Sylvia asked if I'd tried Burrow Hill's 'new' eating place I knew it was time to get my skates on. In visiting the website, www.stovells.com delights with a beautiful steelesque decorative map featuring Chobham Village. The transitioning image of Gracious Pond, Langshot, and St. Lawrences suggests a nod to times past, to culinary tradition, farmers' produce, simplicity and genuine fayre. A newcomer proud of its local heritage.
The welcome could have been warmer but, this apart, Stovell's did not disappoint. For openers beware the assiete of breads and home-made lightly smoked butter - enticingly moreish. From an exciting menu my husband chose the Salcombe cock crab lasagna for starters, while I was intrigued by the chargrilled alliums with Pedro Ximinez cream. For mains we shared the excellent cote de boeuf simply chargrilled over applewood coals and to finish I helped my partner out with his Garson's Farm gooseberry fool. Aptly named.
At �151.80 for one three course A la carte menu (�38), and one two course A la carte menu (�30), two proseccos, a Janneau Grand Almagnac and a good bottle of Santa Julia Malbec, we look forward to returning.
Executive Chef: Fernando and Kristy Stovell Stovells - 125 Windsor Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8QS Tel. 01276 858000
The welcome could have been warmer but, this apart, Stovell's did not disappoint. For openers beware the assiete of breads and home-made lightly smoked butter - enticingly moreish. From an exciting menu my husband chose the Salcombe cock crab lasagna for starters, while I was intrigued by the chargrilled alliums with Pedro Ximinez cream. For mains we shared the excellent cote de boeuf simply chargrilled over applewood coals and to finish I helped my partner out with his Garson's Farm gooseberry fool. Aptly named.
At �151.80 for one three course A la carte menu (�38), and one two course A la carte menu (�30), two proseccos, a Janneau Grand Almagnac and a good bottle of Santa Julia Malbec, we look forward to returning.
Executive Chef: Fernando and Kristy Stovell Stovells - 125 Windsor Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8QS Tel. 01276 858000
Nest Café and Home - English café in Ripley, Surrey
Quintessentially English, this little caf� come home store is an absolute delight. From its country style d�cor (with uplifting music and quotes on the walls) and beautifully unique items for sale to its indulgent cakes (including gluten free), organic chocolate and teas, this is a cosy little retreat for anyone wishing to escape a hectic life. Nest offers a modest but exquisite menu for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea including an array of quality sandwiches (with fillings English breakfast, chicken and mango, and Parma ham and asparagus to suit both traditional and more adventurous palates). I would say that this is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying the company of friends or a good book as you watch the world go by. One word of warning: it gets very busy so get there early if you don't want to miss out!
Nest is open Monday to Saturday 9-5/5.30 and is based in the heart of Ripley. Website: http://www.nest-home.com - August 2013
Nest is open Monday to Saturday 9-5/5.30 and is based in the heart of Ripley. Website: http://www.nest-home.com - August 2013
Araceli's - Mexican pop-up food van in Woking, Surrey
Fancy something different for lunch? We discovered Araceli's in central Woking last week and we weren't disappointed! This little Mexican pop-up food van serves delicious and authentic burritos. Choose your filling from a choice of Cochinita Pibil (pork), Tinga de Pollo (chicken), Carne (beef) or Vegetariano (mixed vegetables), add black beans, rice and a selection of sauces, wrap it all up in a tortilla (or a salad for a healthier option) and you have a tasty lunch that's exciting and a little different. The quirky outdoor tables, home-made food and South American cooks all add to the van's authenticity and the fact that we got to order our lunch in Spanish was always going to be a plus!
Araceli's little Mexican van is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and Saturday 9am to 4.30pm and can be found in Woking's market place by Victoria Arch Railway Bridge. Website: www.aracelis.co.uk - July 2013
Araceli's little Mexican van is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and Saturday 9am to 4.30pm and can be found in Woking's market place by Victoria Arch Railway Bridge. Website: www.aracelis.co.uk - July 2013