Our newest restaurant

[Baz Faz]

Chipping Sodbury will have a new restaurant with the opening next weekend of the Stables. It is directly opposite the allotment plot I have so I'll be able to keep an eye on things. I had a look at its sample menu posted on-line and I don't know whether to feel intrigued or mystified or put off. To show what I mean...

Roasted beetroot and driftwood tart, burnt onion, stir fry of black cabbage and purple basil butter

What is wood thrown up on the sea shore doing in this tart?

And this...

Caramelised tempura of shredded confit duck, orange and chilli syrup and pickled fennel.

Tempura is a feathery light batter. How do you caramelise a batter?

Then there is..

Our 48 hour 30 oz long bone tomahawk of beef.

What is a tomahawk of beef? Why is it worth £30?

Somehow I don't think I'll be able to answer my queries. The prices are so high that one dinner equals what I spend on Mrs Faz and and myself in a month.

[shrjeff]

baz, your examples sound like a satire!

[sophie]

I am looking forward to more ‘analysis ‘ of this restaurant and its clientele over the coming weeks! Baz, sharpen your pencil please!

[OnlyMark]

Tell them you want to bring the grandkids and can they do curly chips.

[Baz Faz]

Mrs Faz and I did meet the owner sometime before Christmas. The entrance had nice Xmas lights on shrubs and we took a couple of steps in to admire them. A man like a caricature of Colonel Blimp came bustling out and demanded to know what we were doing. He had zero people skills. No smile for potential clients. I asked what kind of food would be served in his restaurant and he said modern British dishes. I wasn't certain what he meant. Looking at the menu I am no wiser.

[Baz Faz]

Oh, and looking at the prices you would be lucky to get away at less than £60 a head - wine extra.

[shrjeff]

btw, here also tomahawk steak has become the stylish term at pretentious restaurants for a rib eye / entrecote steak on the bone!

[Baz Faz]

Well, the tomahawk steak is for 2 people - £30 each.

[tzarine]

i thought i was a weapon - tomahawk steak

that sounds like a curated menu

[mockchoc]

I wouldn't be going there Baz. Save your money for some more exotic trips.