Lovely Evening!

[Miffy2003]

Well, DH (Jon) and I had a super evening last night.

We had decided to go out to a new restaurant that has opened in Exeter - Red Square. I'm sure you can all work out what the theme is

It's the first time we've been out on our own (together) since early December in Epcot (though we've had some nice nights out with other people) so we decided to be a little extravagant and book a night in a hotel too.

It was for the Hotel Barcelona where I have always wanted to stay and we got a fantastic rate on Thursday night through LateRooms.com, so it would have been rude not to

It is a bit of a "trendy" place and is an old Eye Infirmary that has been converted into a 1950s / 1960s funky design hotel

We checked in at about 4 and had a lovely Gin & Tonic in the lounge (it's the sort of place that lends itself to a G&T, believe me!) after checking into our room:

We then went out into town and had a few drinks at a few different venues until it was time for our table at the Red Square where we had one of the nicest meals I've had for a long time.

We sterted with:

Gribnoy Julienne
Hot pan fried sliced button mushrooms baked in a cream and cheese sauce

Siberian Pelmeni
Traditional home and hand made mini dumplings stuffed with beef mince,
herbs, and onions topped with sour cream.

Then for our main course:

Beef Stroganoff
Strips of beef fillet cooked with cream, mushrooms and onions,
served on a bed of rice. A creation of a French chef for Count Pavel
Stroganoff, a member of one of Russia’s oldest aristocratic families

Utka Po - Odessky
Duck breast, marinated in brandy, roasted and sliced, finished in a
cream sauce, served with mashed potatoes topped with mushrooms
and fried onions

And for dessert...

Hot Blueberry Pudding
Sponge pudding with blueberries and vanilla cream sauce


Chocolate and Brandy Pot
Dark and white chocolate ice cream and chocolate and brandy
sauce

The food was simply fantastic. The service was great and the atmosphere and surroundings very intimate with a nice Russian flair.

After that enormous meal we walked back to the Hotel Barcelona and had a nice cocktail in Kino, the cocktail bar there.

We had a fantastic time and feel like we've been away for a lovely break despite it only being for 16 hours or so

 

[diberry]

Good for you!! Sounds like you had a great time and obviously know how to keep the magic alive!!

 

[Frances999]

Sounds like a wonderful evening Karen! Perhaps I should show DH this as a hint

 

[natalielongstaff]

what a lovely evening, the food sounds delicious

 

[KayleeUK]

Glad you had a lovely time Your room looks very funky!

 

[Minniespal]

Sounds as though you had a fantastic time.

 

[florida sun]

Karen

The room looks wonderful and the food great.

So glad you had a wonderful time.

Sue

 

[Ware Bears]

What a lovely evening! The room looks very nice and the description of your yummy meal is making me feel very hungry!

 

[shellbell]

Sounds like you had a great night Have tried dropping hints to DH but he just doesn't get them

Michelle

 

[Cyrano]

What a lovely room and menu. Sounds like you had a super evening

Reid

 

[allie5]

Sounds like a wonderful night out, Comrade Miffy

Wish we had some restaurants like that round our way. The idea of International Cuisine round here is the Outback Steakhouse LOL!!

Food sounds very nice and who could possibly resist those desserts...mmmmmmm!

 

[Verity Chambers]

WOW!!! The hotel looks fab, Karen!!!

The food sounds delicious i am drooling here!!! Glad you and jon had a lovely time.

verity.xxx

 

[squitty]

Karen, that sounds and looks like heaven.

DH and I have never had a night away from the kids..our time will come