Even though I think we've worked on the same project for awhile now (possibly a few to many months), it's only been recently that I really started getting chatty with my co-worker, June (who baked that festival-winning Almond Cheese Cake), talking about food, crafts, blogs, magazines…oh, and did I say food? Although I'm sure my pocket is quite happy, it's a shame we didn't discover our love of great food sooner because we could have hit up the town in search of the best work-week lunches.
We decided since tomorrow is my last day on my current project that we would hit up a fabulous restaurant today. June had the awesome idea of going to Ratcliffe on the Green, a restaurant that supports local farmers by purchasing most of their ingredients from them. We arrived at the restaurant early and grabbed the best seat in the house – the window seat.
I started with the side salad, which had fresh greens, nuts (walnuts, I think), bacon (or was it pancetta?) with a light vinaigrette – very tasty.
June had the lentil burger, which was served with the "fluffiest" chips we'd ever tasted. Yea, I said "fluffy." An odd description for chips considering most are "crunchy", I know.
I had the Filet Pot Pie, which was served with fresh arugula. It was very tasty and perfect for the colder-than-usual weather we've been having lately. The bites of filet and veggies were hot & tender and tasted great with the puff-pastry topping.
When the waiter asked us about dessert, we were 50/50 on whether we wanted any or not. However, we were sooooo happy to have ordered the deep-fried apple pie. I also had a cup of coffee and June had Earl Gray tea. Can I tell you they had the coolest cups & saucers? Aren't they neat-looking?
The dessert was one of the best apple-pies I've ever had. I normally don't even like ice cream served with pies, but this ice cream was cinnamon-flavored and handmade with some really high-quality cream. The ice cream was rich & decadent without being overwhelming. The proof of this delicious dessert truly was in the pudding…er…pie. Yum!
Oh, and sweet June sneakily snuck her card into the bill before I even got a looksie. I didn't even see her put a card in the billfold, but the waiter had taken it before I knew it. Sneaky, sneaky June! I promised June I'd bake her something…I just need to come up with something good enough for her award-winning-baker's palette. Wish me luck! And thanks again June!
wow, what beautiful food… I think I will make a salad like that this weekend as husband & I have decided to have salad for dinner at least once a week…
okay…next time you guys go there…can June snag me one of those cute little All Clad bake and serve thingies! oh…how I love that stuff…even if it is a pain to clean…
BumbleVee I'll snag one for you…after I get one for myself first :).
Everything was good at Ratcliffe, but the dessert was definitely the standout. Can't wait for our next foodie adventure.