Now that summer is finally here, salad season is truly upon us and I’ve been feasting on a plethora of tasty options that fly in the face of the salad doubters.
A particular favourite to turn even the mightiest of salad haters is my grilled goat’s cheese, roast beetroot and butternut squash salad, served with lashings of rocket, spinach and romaine lettuce leaves. It’s a thing of beauty with its bright purple, green and orange colours and tastes truly wonderful (recipe opposite).
The hot-smoked salmon salad at the Pitcher and Piano is up there in the salad stakes, with tomato, cucumber, spring onion, garden peas, mixed spring leaves and a citrus dressing, it’s both delicious and filling.
In other foodie news…at House of Tides, Kenny Atkinson is now offering a four-course menu to run alongside his tasting menu Tuesday-Thursday. Elsewhere in the Toon, newcomer Bonbar at The Assembly Rooms has a fab menu with everything from bar snacks to sharing platters, sandwiches and Sunday roasts and they’re doing some tasty half-price offers during June. appetite editor Jane and I nipped into Jamie’s Italian the other night for a few rounds of Aperol Spritzers and some delectable bar snacks while admiring the glorious views of Monument and Grey Street, and we enjoyed the opening of the new Oak at Social Fuel cafe at Barker and Stonehouse; a treat from the owners of Oak on Dean Street.
Up on Grey Street, 9Bar is another great spot for sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful views offered by Grey Street. Next to the Theatre Royal, its al fresco seating area perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying coffee and cake.
Out of Toon, I recommend Latimer’s seafood deli and café in Whitburn, where the fresh crab sandwiches satisfy the hunger worked up after a long walk at Marsden Bay. The café is BYO (£3 corkage), so this is the perfect way to enjoy champagne and oysters on a shoestring.
More pescatarian love goes to the Day Boat Landing sharing platter (pictured, top) at the Lambton Worm pub in Chester-le-Street with wasabi salmon, salt cod fritters, mussels and breaded monkfish cheeks, with delicious freshly baked mini loaves.
A taste of the sea in the county. Summer, dear reader, is here!
RECIPE: Laura’s grilled goat’s cheese, roast beetroot and butternut squash salad
