May 5

May 5 "Shall We Eat Outside?"

Anne-Marie Minhall, Musings, Restaurant Reviews

Without a moment's hesitation ..

NO.

No, no, - thrice - no.

There are many potential difficulties with dining al fresco in the Spring & Summer - for this individual anyway.

Here's my list ..

1) The sun
2) The heat
3) Passers by
4) Pigeons
5) Flies
6) View

Point by point then ..

The sun - Sitting in it getting hotter & hotter, sunburn, plus squinting at menus, your food & your compadre

The heat - Makes for uncomfortable eating, watching your food & drink either melt or warm up

Passers by - All having a nosey at what you're having (I am also guilty of this) & if you're on a busy street, there is no joy to be had

Pigeons - Hanging about & hoping for a crumb or eight - bold city creatures - I loathe them

Flies - Ditto

View - At a table situated on a pavement, I mean, where to begin? Bag safety angst, heavy traffic, bothersome pedestrians

The question of: "Shall we eat outside?" arose a few days ago. There was a compromise. A high table indoors but by an open space.

https://www.fothergillsnottingham.com

In Nottingham's Fothergill's, we both had the Lebanese Arnabeet Salad - which comprised Crispy Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Pomegranate, Red Onion, Fresh Herbs,Tahini, Sumac Pistachios, Salted Pine Nuts, Crispy Shallots, Rainbow Chard, Basil, Aged Balsamic & Olive Oil.

Underwhelming was my verdict despite the numerous ingredients. Nothing crunchy in there that I came across, particularly the cauliflower, it was just soggy & rubbery. I've eaten here before, as has Robert, & the food is usually very good. This salad was disappointing they had also run out of Smoked Salmon & the Fish Platter - one of which would have been a first choice.

The afternoon was lovely though, conversation in the view of Nottingham Castle & Robin of Sherwood. The table choice for lunch suited us both in the end. Fresh air, the outdoors & sunshine nearby for my lunch companion - everything far away enough to keep me content.