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Friday 18 October 2013

Vive La France

click image to enlarge
Being a ‘morning person’, I awoke early as usual and was enjoying having the TV on ‘too loud’, windows open, all the lights on, sitting in my dressing gown drinking a cup of tea with biscuits. Fortunately for me, my wife arose a few hours later, made me get dressed, and restored the environment to 'normal'.
 
For a couple of weeks now I had been looking forward to today. My friend was due to arrive for a night of beer and curry, followed tomorrow, by a day of eating and drinking on the Isle of Wight on another friends powerboat.

The plan had almost been immaculately made, well that was until my wife informed me on Monday that; “You have had curry once in the last week already”. Whilst I was trying to work out why this may be any kind of issue?, she decided she was coming out with us and we were going to La Perle. Apart from missing a curry, going to La Perle, our favourite French Bistro, is always a pleasure, so I was fine.
 
Then it happened, ….I opened an e-mail to discover that my friend was not coming as the powerboat had a problem with a prop shaft.
 
As I sat handling my disappointment like a man, I was concentrating on replying to a couple of business e-mails. Just then a voice mumbled something from the kitchen, and I automatically replied; “OK’.
 
“You weren’t listening were you?” came the knowing reply. “Well, actually no, as I did not know you were going to speak and that I should drop everything I was doing immediately and come into the kitchen to listen to whatever is of critical immediate importance” …I thought.
 
What I actually said was; “Of course I was”. “What did I say then?”. A good retort from my wife I thought, and in a mild panic I was trying to unscramble the dumped sounds in the far corner my mind. “You were talking about the fridge”, I said in hope. I then remembered more; “You want to sort it out”.
 
I must have been close, as “Hmmmm” was the telling reply. Followed by her favourite rhetorical statement; “I hate my husband”. By not moving too much, and keeping my head down alert for any other mumbled sounds, I got through the rest of the day unscathed.
 
As the evening arrived we strolled down to The Cave ‘without our friend’ for a pre-dinner drink. We were in good spirits and my earlier listening error had been forgotten. (Well, certainly by me at least.) Halfway there I realised that I had forgotten my wallet, “My treat” my wife said, and smiled. Ahhh, she does like me a bit really.
 
At The Cave a new gin was on offer, and my wife indulged in the ‘Boodles & Tonic’, I went for a perfectly served glass of cold Leffe Belgian beer.
 
We were first in La Perle and were greeted by our friend and patron/chef Lionel. Him being French, and me being part French from when we emigrated for two months, we kissed. Sadly he kept moving his head and I only managed to kiss him on the lips once.
 
We did not know it immediately, but in the next two hours we were going to be so full that movement was to become a supreme effort rather than a natural motion.
 
First, we each tried and enjoyed the new ‘Bellerose’ French beer. Then, the freshly baked Onion Bread with authentic French Butter arrived. …then Lionel wanted us to taste a new starter of ‘Rabbit Terrine Wrapped in Bacon with Storked Pickled Capers, Radish and Fig Compote. This was delicious.
 
By this stage we hadn’t even ordered our meal, and had we been sane we should have retired gracefully. But we are seasoned diners and knew than to experience fine gastronomy we needed to press on.
 
Ordering from a menu should of course be easy, particularly as I had decided my starter and main before arriving. However, I had forgotten that I also love French Onion Soup, especially Lionel’s sweet & savoury bowl of loveliness.
 
It has to said that to pass on the Half of Lymington Lobster & Frites for £19.95 was tough, but so was passing on so many great starters. So I didn’t, I ordered two starters and another starter for main. Kerry did not flinch, and happily accepted my weird order. My Wife simply looked at me in distain and gave a knowing look to Kelly indicating her favourite weirdly humorous “I hate my husband” retort.
 
Our first starters of French Onion Soup were as tasty as ever. This was followed by my second starter of Tartiflette Style Roblochon Souflee with Bacon and Onion Garnish, which was excellent. My wife would of course been happy to sit there gazing lovingly into my eyes, however with typical Gallic flair, Emily bought my wife a taster of the Cod Croquette, Courgette & Lime Jam with Cauliflower Puree to try. Which of course meant I could enjoy my dish in peace, so winners all round.
 
By now we were pretty stuffed and our bottle of La Loupe Grenache was still half full, with our main course yet to arrive.
 
On arrival, my wife’s Half of Corn Fed Roast Chicken & Frites was as generous as it was tasty, and my La Mouclade (Curried) Moules Marinere were fabulous, and thankfully for me only a starter portion.
 
As we sat savouring our meal, I wanted nothing more than to take my tight jeans off, but my wife rightly considered that this would be totally unacceptable in public.
 
Having decide that we had eaten more than we should, Kerry arrived with the dessert menu. In spite of my trousers telling me I shouldn’t, I could not stop myself ordering the Hazelnut & Chocolate Parfait, Poached Pear & Pistachio Puree, which when eaten was definitely the right decision.
 
As we finished our wine and paid the very reasonable bill, my wife did not think our charming waitress, Kerry, would be impressed by my amazing ‘I’ve pulled my finger off trick’. Kerry was polite but bemused & unimpressed, and my wife was right as always.
 
We were now in party mood, so we went back to The Cave. The place was buzzing with a busy Wine Tasting Evening, so we sat at the bar for a couple of nightcaps. Our spirits were high as we chatted, and my wife even laughed at a couple of my better jokes.
 
As we happily wandered home, my wife musing at the moon and clouds, and me struggling to move in a forward motion, it was clear that we may have overdone things. On that basis, it was probably a good thing that I was not putting to sea tomorrow!

La Perle
60 High St  Milford on Sea SO41 0QD
01590 643557
www.laperlemilford.co.uk

The Cave
Independent Wine Shop & Bar
2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 642195
www.thecavemos.co.uk
 

Household Glass Collection Coming

New Forest District Council is pleased to announce that they are adding a household glass collection scheme to your household waste services in January 2014. The new collection will be more convenient and make it easier for residents to recycle their glass bottles and jars -it's also good for the environment.

Glass collection boxes and information packs with full details will be delivered to most properties in Milford on Sea areas from 13th January, and collections will start from 10th February. If you have not received a box by Friday 31st January, please let NFDC know by calling: Customer Services on 023 8028 5000.

If you live in flats, above shops, in a rural area, or a hard to access location, you may receive your glass collection box a bit later on. This is because NFDC are working with landlords to ensure they can provide suitable communal bins where possible, or because they are making special arrangements for a different vehicle to serve your area - NFDC don't want anybody to be left out! You can find out when the service is coming to you by visiting: www.newforest.gov.uk/glass

There will be no changes to existing black rubbish bag and clear recycling bag collections, and bottle banks will be left in place after the scheme has started and their use will be monitored over the coming months.
 
We trust that NFDC will have lorries of sufficient size to cope with the the volume of bottles from homes like ours!!

 

Thursday 17 October 2013

Help Out for Poppy Day


Comedian John Bishop has made a national plea for volunteers to help with this year's Poppy Appeal.
 
Sadly, we do not have a Liverpudlian comedian in the village to make a plea for our own Milford on Sea village volunteers, so you will have to do with an big bloke with a weird sense of humour.
 
Our Milford on Sea Royal British Legion (Women's Section) is run by Freda Cheyney. Freda was awarded an MBE for her services to the local Guides and other voluntary orgainsations, and now in her nineties, she is still busy helping others.
 
This year, village volunteers are proving short on the ground to do house to house and street collecting for Poppy Day. I know we are all happy to put something in the tin, but can you donate a bit of your time from around 26th October as well? - It would help so many.
 
As the nation's custodian of Remembrance, the Legion is committed to helping everyone understand the importance of Remembrance, so those sacrifices are never forgotten.
 
To lend a hand for an hour or two, please call Freda on 01590 642899, or Jan England on 01590 642291 / janengland@uk2.net
 
PS: That's John bishop in the picture, not me!
 
 

Monday 14 October 2013

Cooking for Men Over 55

When I saw a poster for 'Men Over 55', I thought 'my waistline is getting close, but still not there yet'.
 
Then I realised, they meant 'Over 55 years of age'.
 
The advertisement was for a Free Community Cooking Skills Class, which covers simple ideas and tips on preparing heathy meals.
 
The course lasts six weeks and is held in the Milford on Sea Community Centre every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm to 3.30pm from 29th October until 3rd December 2013.
 
This event should be of great value to the sensible men in the village, my wife even thinks I should go, as I just about qualify. However, I think I will wait for the 'Lose weight with curry' and 'Chocolate for eating and bathing' courses.
 
To find out more, or book a place please call: Ann Chester on 02380 285588.

Everyone is welcome!
 
Course supported by: Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council.

A Diamond of a Barn Dance





A lively night was had by many at the Barn Dance in the Community Centre on Saturday night.

As people enjoyed dancing to the music of the Murphys Lore,  Shelagh Richardson, one of the party goers, noticed that she had lost a diamond from her mothers treasured engagement ring.

In typical Milford on Sea style, all of the assembled throng were soon happily engaged in a search for the missing gem. With no immediate result, and as the dancing continued, a Plan B was needed.

After what was hailed as a 'fabulous fun evening', the barn dancers and some their partners who preferred the bar to the dance floor, were happy to go through 'an airport style security check' of their shoes before leaving the event. Yet again this attempt to find the elusive diamond.

Thankfully, with the aid of some torches and willing volunteers at the end of the evening, the missing diamond was eventually found.

 Shelagh sends very many thanks to everyone who so kindly helped in the search. Even the temporary loss did not stop her from having a really good evening!

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Check out the forthcoming entertainment and events:

Milford on Sea Community Centre
 


Sunday 13 October 2013

Henry Cuts a Groove

Life is full of surprises, even after seventeen years together my wife is as unpredictable as ever.

After a pleasant uneventful morning we were deciding where to go for Sunday Lunch. “I fancy a curry”, I predictably said. This request he been rejected most Sundays for decades, so I braced myself for a swift rejection, or kick in the groin, ...but instead I heard a sweet; "OK".

This is an unheard of response, which immediately made me feel uneasy. As she left the room, I was straight to the computer to check if it was our anniversary, her birthday or even one of the dogs birthdays. Drawing a blank, I wondered if it may be because it was the last day of 'National Curry Week', but I doubted that.

I am not sure how many guys out there become unsettled when their wife is nice to them, but I sure do.

Still unclear, but pretty happy, my wife offered to drive and we trundled off for our curry, washed down by a couple of bottles of cold cobra.
 
click image to enlarge
Curry stomach full and feeling lucky, I then suggested we called in to The Cave on the way home for their 'Lazy Sunday Afternoon'. There is something nice about a Sunday afternoon drink and a bit of live music.

The welcome from Millie was warm and friendly, and Jon was playing mien-host to the happy gathering.

The music was cool and smooth from Henry Turner-Ward, a young Milford on Sea musician. Henry is only sixteen years old, but his sound was accomplished as he sang sets of his own songs together with his acoustic guitar. The music has the feel of a young Jack Johnson, and provided the perfect backdrop for a chat with the locals and some holiday makers.

The new Czech beer went down rather well, my wife joined in jollily with a civilised Baileys with ice. I was even allowed some time to choose a couple of bottles of wine to take home from the impressive stocks and just as nice prices.
 
Whilst she wasn't looking I managed to check my wife's handbag, and take a close look at her features, and was able to confirm that this was indeed my wife that I was out with.

On returning home it dawned on me why I had had the special treatment, I remembered that it had just been my birthday, ....roll on next year!

The Cave
Independent Wine Shop & Bar
2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
Tel: 01590 642195
www.thecavemos.co.uk
 

Friday 11 October 2013

Milford Bridge & WW2

Milford on Sea Bridge
Every week many of us must cross Milford on Sea Bridge, but do you know the name of the bridge?
 
Reading the inscriptions in the concrete topping will tell you that it is a bridge, and that it was built in 1923, but you will not find a bridge name.
 
The omission of a bridge name could have been because because the community could not agree on a suitable name for the bridge at the time of construction, ....but that is not the reason.
 
If you look closely, you will notice a chiseled out section. This was where the 'Milford on Sea' bridge name was once carved.
 
The bridge's name was removed during WW2, the idea being, that should the German's ever land, it would make it more difficult for them to know where they were. (All road signs across the south were also removed at the same time.)
 
The Needles may of course given our invaders a clue to their location, but I like to think they never landed at Milford on Sea for fear of not knowing where they were when they crossed our bridge!

 

Sunday 6 October 2013

50 B4 50-The Waterside Inn

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The months of waiting are over as Matthew's (my son) birthday arrives. 

Being 'The Big 30' deserves something special, and Matt & Kayleigh, along with me and my wife, are off to The Waterside Inn in Bray.

The Waterside Inn was opened by Michel & Albert Roux in 1972 and became the first restaurant outside France to have held three Michelin stars for 25 years. Today the Chef/Patron is Alain Roux, Michel Roux's son. (His cousin, Michel Roux jnr, son of Albert, runs Le Gavroche in London.)

As we entered the delightful 16th century Berkshire village of Bray, we were immediately charmed by the mix of timber framed buildings and Victorian architecture. It soon became clear that Bray is a gastronomic heaven.

With a population of just 8,425, the village is home to Heston Blumenthal's flagship restaurant. The Fat Duck (3 Michelin stars), Two Pub Restaurants; The Hinds Head and The Crown (Both owned by Heston, and the former has a Michelin Star) and The Waterside Inn (3 Michelin Stars). So that is; One Michelin Star per 1200 or so residents! - and two of the four '3 Michelin Star' restaurants in the entire UK!

We turned down a single track lane which led directly to a slipway straight into the River Thames, The Waterside Inn is set next to the river bank on the left. As we approached, we were greeted by a valet in a smart grey suit and peaked cap. In a matter of seconds he had taken our car and we were stepping into the restaurant to a warm welcome.

We were guided to a comfortable snug lounge, presented menus and offered aperitifs. The ladies menus had no prices, just the wonderful selection of inspirational cuisine which was unashamedly French. The deliciously decadent concoctions demonstrated Alain Roux’s passion for food, and as a Master Pâtissier his enthusiasm for desserts, which is unparallelled across the UK.

It seemed that there was no other choice for us other than to try it all!, so we opted for Le Menu Exceptionnel (Taster Menu). (A full list of the 7 course menu is below.)

A tray of delicious canapes arrived, and I was a bit surprised we were not served saucers of milk as we all sat on the sofas looking like Cheshire cats.

We were escorted through to the impressive dining room on a wave of smiles and welcomes. All of The Waterside team we dressed immaculately, in smart uniforms that reflected their role in the dining room. The red flourishes with the black suits were elegant and the sommeliers gold badges indicated their years of dedicated training.

Our table was, as you may imagine, loaded with fine china, sparkling glasses, classic cutlery and crisp white linen. We possibly had the best table in the restaurant, next to the full length glass windows with a fabulous river view.

The homemade breads were served and offered continually. With Matt & I's love of bread and real butter, this was often accepted, and the salt bowl on the table enabled us to add a pinch of naughtiness.

As our courses arrived, each one was a picture on a plate. The colours were only excelled by the great fusion of flavours and textures. A particular highlight was that my wife does not like nuts in food, so her chestnut and champagne velouté made mine into a 8 course meal!

Throughout our courses, all of the dining room staff were one step ahead of everything, they were incredibly (but subtlety) attentive and knew what we wanted before we knew we did.

The duck carved at the table was pure theatre, and we all watched the excellent knife skills attentively.

It was also a great place for people watching. The girls enjoyed working out what had bought people there. They declined my offer to go and ask them, and concluded there were family parties, romantic getaways, business meeting, ladies who lunch and a couple who had pots of money and probably came daily!

As the showery morning weather changed, and the sun came out, the doors next to our table were fully opened and we felt like we were actually sitting on the terrace whilst enjoying the stunning view of the river.

As we sat, full, enchanted and amazed, there was a lonely half a wafer petit four sitting on our tiered stand. I enquired of our waiter 'Whether they did trade-in's?' Slightly confused, he quizzically looked at me; 'What would you like to trade-in sir' he replied in charming French accent. 'How about a wafer for a chocolate truffle'. 'Certainly sir, but as you only have half left, I will replace it with a half of  a truffle'. he grinned.

Seconds later 4 chocolate truffles were on our table, (Along with our remaining half a wafer) and yet another request to ensure we wanted for nothing; 'Any more coffee, or perhaps a licquer sir?'.

As we stepped outside, our car had been driven into the road right outside and we were waved away by a smiling valet. We could not have asked for more.

Exquisite service, non-stuffy attitude, a touch of humour, fabulous location, and sublime food. Things just don't get any better than The Waterside.

Le Menu Exceptionnel (Taster Menu)


click image to enlarge
Canapé tray

Lobster salad served on a delicate citrus jelly, raspberry vinaigrette
(Salade de homard servie sur une délicate gelée aux agrumes, vinaigrette à la framboise)

Chestnut and champagne velouté, with partridge and foie gras “diablotins”
(Velouté de châtaignes au champagne et ses diablotins de perdreau au foie gras)

Breaded medallion of monkfish served on simmered coco beans with tomato, chorizo flavoured sauce (Médaillon de lotte pané, servi sur une mitonnée de haricots blancs à la tomate, sauce parfumée au chorizo) 

click image to enlarge
Roasted loin of venison in a pastry crust with wild mushrooms, garnished with florets of broccoli, Hermitage wine sauce with blackcurrant vinegar
(Mignon de chevreuil rôti en feuillantine aux saveurs de champignons sauvages, bouquets de brocolis, sauce à l’Hermitage au vinaigre de cassis)

Spit-roasted Challandais duck, butternut squash flavoured gnocchi enhanced with horseradish, red port and beetroot sauce (for 2 people)
(Caneton challandais rôti à la broche, gnocchis de courge "butternut" relevés au raifort, sauce au porto rouge et jus de betterave (pour 2 personnes)

click image to enlarge
Iced pineapple parfait surprise, served on a gingerbread struzel sablé
(Parfait à l’ananas en surprise, sur un sablé de struzel au pain d’épices)
Warm golden plum soufflé
(Soufflé chaud aux mirabelles )
Coffee & Petit Fours
(Café et mignardises)

The Waterside Inn
Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT
01628 620691
www.waterside-inn.co.uk
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50 B4 50-DINING CHALLENGE

Michelin Stars So Far: 23

3 Michelin Star
London | Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester - www.alainducasse-dorchester.com
Berkshire-Bray | The Waterside Inn - www.waterside-inn.co.uk


2 Michelin Star
London | Hibiscus - www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk
London | Pied a Terre - www.pied-a-terre.co.uk
Buckinghamshire-Marlow | Hand and Flowers
www.thehandandflowers.co.uk (*Twice)
France | Georges V Hotel, Paris - www.fourseasons.com/paris

1 Michelin Star
London | L’Autre Pied - www.lautrepied.co.uk
London | L’Escargot - www.lescargotrestaurant.co.uk
London | The Savoy Grill - www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrillLondon
London | Veeraswamy - www.veeraswamy.com
London | Quilon - www.quilon.co.uk
Hampshire | Terrace Restaurant (Montague Arms)
www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk
Hampshire | Vetiver (Chewton Glen Hotel) - www.chewtonglen.com/restaurant

*To read the review on any of the above restaurants, put 'restaurant name' in this blog's search box.
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No Michelin Stars, but restaurants visited since July 2013 that are worth a mention:
Yarmouth, IoW | The George - www.thegeorge.co.uk
Nice fresh menu, excellent crevettes & lobster dishes. Delightful beachside dining on sunny summer days.
London | Dishoom - www.dishoom.co.uk
Described as a 'Bombay Café in Convent Garden. Completely different Indian dining, unexpected menu serving tasty spicy tapas style dishes.
London | J Sheeky Oyster Bar - www.jsheekeyoysterbar.co.uk
Excellent fish & seafood restaurant. Voted 3rd in Zagat ' Best Seafood Restaurants in London' after Wiltons & Scott's.


Friday 4 October 2013

Help Out the Village Youth

The Youth Committee of the VCC is looking to appoint Youth Workers on a sessional basis.
 
The youth group has members mainly ranging in age from 12-14 and is led by our well respected youth leader Amy. The group at present meet on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The hourly rate is £8-10 per hour dependent on qualifications and experience. The successful candidate must be enthusiastic and show commitment to high quality youth work. Suitable training will be available.

Youth Club Nights Volunteers Needed

The Committee is also seeking volunteers either on a regular or a one off basis. The regular volunteers are needed to help the smooth running of the club nights e.g. to serve drinks and make toasted sandwiches. Alternatively if you have a particular skill you might like to share with the youngsters you could come along to a session and demonstrate it.
 
If you would like to help out, or have any questions please contact Zena Gibson on 01590 644159
 
 























































 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Tuesday 1 October 2013

A Thank You to Someone

Out of the blue we received a thank you to an anonymous person in the village. We don't know the full story, who it was or where, but this was the message to someone in Milford on Sea:
 
"I would like to thank the kind gentleman who assisted me on Friday 27th September. My 73 year old mother was choking and a kind gentleman proved that there still are good kind people left In this world.

A massive thank you for your help (and your water!!), you will know who you are - and I can't thank you enough. If ever we are in the area again (we're from Wiltshire) I will pop in and thank you again personally!"

Mrs Linda Painter
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Well done to whoever the Good Samaritan was.
 

Verveine Awarded a Michelin Recommendation

Our amazing village fish restaurant has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Recommendation.
 
The Michelin Inspector wrote: 'New England style restaurant fronted by a fishmonger's; sit bedside the open kitchen or in the bright rear dining room. Breads are baked twice-daily, veg is from the raised beds and smoking takes place on-site. The focus is on wonderfully fresh fish and cooking is accurate, original and bursting with flavour.'
 
Next stop a well deserved Michelin Star? Certainly hope so!

To read the Michelin Review: click here


Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176
www.verveine.co.uk

BNF Card & Great Dining Bus Discount

You may already have come across The Brand New Forest Card, which carries numerous benefits, including providing special offers and discounts in shops, pubs, restaurants, visitor attractions and other services across the New Forest. The Great Dining Bus now has an offer of a 5% Discount for all BNF Card Holders.
 
The BNF Card costs just £5, and you can easily redeem the cost of the card in its first use. You can order you BNF Card online, or at a number of outlets across The New Forest. You can also register your card online to receive our e-newsletter and details of the latest offers and enter our monthly draw which is exclusive to Cardholders.
 
BNF Card Offer: 5% Great Dining Bus Discount. Enjoy a unique dining experience, with each course served in a different Milford on Sea restaurant. Dining Tours range from £37.50 to £24pp. To claim your BNF Card Discount: Please enter the Code: ‘BNF Card’ when ordering tickets online.

Brand New Forest Card: www.brandnewforest.com
To claim your BNF Card Discount: Please enter the Code: ‘BNF Card’ when ordering tickets online.

For more information, or to book please contact to: info@greatdiningbus.co.uk

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About The Great Dining Bus Tours
 
The Great Dining Bus is perfect as a treat, a gift, for spending time with friends, special celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, or just a great excuse to enjoy a unique dining experience whilst savouring great food in excellent restaurants.
 
There are four Dining Tours to choose from, two of the tours give people the choice to walk the short distances between courses, for a different type of dining experience. The village is fortunate to have many of the restaurants close to the village green which enables people to either take the bus, or enjoy a leisurely stroll between courses.

click image to enlarge
Great Dining Bus (37.50pp): Jump on the Great Dining Bus for a 4 course meal, with each course served in 4 different Milford on Sea village restaurants. The courses are: Canapés & Welcome Drink, Starter, Main Course & Sweet. Each course includes a non-alcoholic or paired drink.

Strolling Dining Tour (£32pp): Stroll to a savour a 4 course meal, with each course served in 3 different Milford on Sea village restaurants. The courses are: Canapés & Welcome Drink, Starter, Main Course & Sweet. Each course includes a non-alcoholic or paired drink.

Spice Dining Tour (£24pp): Wander to enjoy a 3 course spicy meal, with each course served in 3 different Milford on Sea village restaurants. The courses are: Canapés & Welcome Drink, Starter, & Main Course. Each course includes a non-alcoholic or paired drink.

Party Dining Tour: Simply Choose Any Date or Day of Week, and Choose Your Preferred Dining Tour. You can even choose the restaurants you visit. Perfect for your special party, get-together or celebration. All you need is a min. party of 8 and a love of food!

If you love food and great company, a lunch on the Great Dining Bus in Milford on Sea is for you. Each Dining Tour gives people a great opportunity to experience fresh local ingredients and tasty creative dishes as the Milford on Sea village restaurants showcase their food offering and service. The village has a multi-award winning fish restaurant, French restaurant, cosmopolitan bistro, seafront British restaurant, and you can even enjoy authentic regional Indian & Thai food.
 
Booking Great Dining Bus Tickets: You can purchase tickets in two ways:
 
1. In Cash from:
The Community Centre Box Office, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH  or from:
The Cave, 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH.
 
2. Online by Credit Card at: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk (Small Credit Card booking fee applies)

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Great Dining Bus Tour Dates & Vouchers
 
The Dining Tours run on a regular basis throughout the year, and dates are already available from June 2013 through to April 2014 (See Tour Dates here), after that a new programme will be published.  The courses each restaurant serves changes each time.

Dining Vouchers make a great gift with difference, and would be excellent for birthdays, celebrations, or just a great way to say thank you.  After all, who doesn't love a great meal and company!  The Dining Vouchers can be found on the Great Dining Bus website.
 
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About the Great Dining Bus
 
Milford on Sea runs what is believed to be the first & only Dining Bus Event in the UK.

The Great Dining Bus first ran very successfully at Milford on Sea Food Week in 2012, and the Food Week team now operate the Great Dining Bus as a regular and permanent event in the Milford on Sea village calendar. Around 16 Dining Tours will run each year.
 
The Great Dining Bus is for the pleasure of village foodies and people from outside of Milford on Sea, with the added benefit of bringing trade to various businesses in the village.
 
On the Great Dining Bus, diners will enjoy a different course in a selection of Milford on Sea restaurants. There are also 'Strolling Tour' options to add variety. Whichever way the diners arrive, each restaurant will delight in showcasing a taste of their food offering and service.
 
The Great Dining Bus is designed for diners to experience our excellent village restaurants, and as the concept is so unique, we hope to attract local and national exposure, and to put Milford on Sea on the map as a 'Foodie Heaven'!, and recognised as the 'South coast destination for great dining'.
 
Milford on Sea also has much more to offer; being blessed with a spectacular coastline, quaint seaside village & great places to stay, eat & shop. To go with our excellent restaurants, pubs & cafés, the village also has B&B's, hotels, self-catering, caravans & camping, in fact something to suit every taste and budget.

The Great Dining Bus is also encouraging people to come and ‘Stay & Dine’, which is great for the visitors' experience and for local businesses.
 
If you have any queries at all, please contact: info@greatdiningbus.co.uk 

To find out more please visit: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - www.ticketsource.co.uk/greatdiningbus

Danes ‘Stream' or 'River’? | An Update

Since recently publishing the story: 'Danestream, Dane Stream or Danes Stream, who knows?' (click here to read), I have recalled some feedback I had from Terry Langford.

Now this is quite scary on two levels, firstly it means that someone reads the nonsense I write, & secondly he knows what he is talking about, something I have never claimed to do!

Terry writes: Dear Ed, As a freshwater biologist for over 50 years, I regard the Danestream as a "stream", one of the suite of New Forest streams, albeit more urbanised than most. Actually, the definition is immaterial...a stream or river to most of us is what we want it to be. In America the Danestream would probably be called a ditch.

The Danestream is quite interesting ecologically in that it suffers urban run-off but still manages to hold a head of sea-trout, quite large some of them. It has mayflies too, but the fauna is not a diverse as those of the less urbanised streams. There seem to be no major inherent problems apart from the urban run-off in the stream above Milford on Sea, but it is interesting. Probably a bit too much silt near the bridge but that is because the channel is too wide for the low flows and silt settles out then.

So there you have it, you can call it what you like, you can fish for the odd sea-trout, & if you hear an American call it a ditch, tell them that it is a river which is full of salmon.

To read previous article on the Danestream, please click here.


RNLI Concert raises £600

The Crescendi Choral Group were the stars of the RNLI Concert on Saturday 21st September. The talented singers, led by Jo Corbin, romped through a varied and entertaining programme of modern songs.
 
The evening was organised by our very active Milford on Sea Branch of the RNLI, and thanks to the generosity of an appreciative audience, just over £600 was raised for RNLI funds.

Lio's 7 Hour Lamb is back!

click image to enlarge
La Perle, the delightful French Bistro in the heart of Milford on Sea village, have launched their new winter menu.
 
From October they have added some great new dishes for winter, along with their fantastic offer of 1/2 Lymington Lobster or 1/2 roast chicken available every wednesday evening. Plus of course, they serve a great value £10 lunch with a glass of wine.
 
Winter also sees the return of Lio's classic 7 Hour Lamb!
 
Some of La Perle's new dishes include... Tartiflette style roblochon souflee with bacon & onion garnish, - Langoustine, confit belly of pork, jerusalem artichoke & almond veloute, - Poule au Pot, guinea fowl, pilaf rice, seasonal veg & gribiche sauce, - Turbot Cutlet, cockles, pumpkin puree, celeriac & potato gratin, - and Monkfish roti, wrapped in parma ham, spinach, leeks.
 
Lio & Emily's menus are designed around seasonal & local ingredients, and all of the beef served on 'La Grillade' menu are New Forest Marque and sourced locally from the New Forest. It is one of the best cattle breeds available and is farmed & butchered on site. The beef is then aged for a minimum of 28 days and goes directly to La Perle from the farm.
 
I am getting hungry just writing about it! So, polish up your French, and treat yourself to a meal at La Perle.

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
www.laperlemilford.co.uk
01590 643557

Opening times
Tuesday - Saturday / Lunch 12pm - 2pm / Dinner 6.30pm - 9pm