Harkers, York

Well ape, for the starter I would offer the refined pallate of Lloyd either the 'Coup de poing dans le visage' (Tesco Express �42.99) or the equally startling 'Coup de pied dans l'aine' (Aldi - �29.47) as either would complement the goats cheese superbly. For the main only one thing could possibly work with the richness of the butter sauce and that is a cheeky spanish number 'Golpe� en el est�mago con un club de golf' from Seve Ballesteros vinyard (M&S Shoreditch - �35.99). The sweetness and spices of the pears would need a cracking desert wine, and I can think of none better than the German 'Besorgen Sie sich die Ges��' (Dick & Bobs World of Austro-Hungarian Wines, Nuneaton - (�12.75 35cl), and this is one I know Joanna would appreciate.

2 Jan 2009 13:35

The Refectory, Godalming

Beersupper - I stand corrected, as a little digging shows it ceased being a family concern in 2000, when it was bought up by C.I. Traders Ltd, who then sold it on to TRG in June 2005. Shame. No wonder standards and menu are in decline.

18 Dec 2008 17:26

Harkers, York

Leone123- your comments have fallen far from the mark yet again. The dismissive nature of my summary was in response to your wholly unconstructive and sweeping comments bridled to a defamatory opinion of those in the north. I suspect a case of the Mrs Buckets.
As I was born and raised in the south of England, where I still reside, your assumption on my heritage is as far removed as your pairing of Merlot with Cod. If you read my summary again you will see that I made no comment regarding ".. that white wine should be drunk with fish and red wine with meat". A Merlot may be more suited to a stronger flavoured fish, such as Turbot, but in the case of battered cod, chips, and mushy peas something a little more acidic to cut through the grease of the batter and chips, and the richness of the peas would be kinder on the palette and the fish. Sauvignon Blanc fits the bill � a grassy Sancerre perhaps, or a gooseberry dominant New Zealand or Chilean bottle would do the trick. As you hold the rather lacklustre and mass produced Fetzer Coldwater Creek they serve up on draught in wetherspoons to such high esteem, perhaps you have already consigned your taste buds to hell. A light summer ale or a crisp cider would be more appropriate than any wine, but then what must be a life threatening allergy prevents you from the beer option. Are you allergic to cider or perry as well?
As for �...grape is important but what the wineries do with it is even more so�, this does nothing more than show your own ignorance, as the truth is quite the reverse. I don�t have the time or the inclination to explain the concept of terroir, but will simplify with the old chestnut that you can�t make a silk purse out of a sow�s ear.
�He didn't mention the all-important poorly condition of the Ladies' loos.� - If that is your chief concern regarding my criticism, then you have rather missed the point.

17 Dec 2008 18:14