It was hard work, and required a bit of travelling, but I think I managed to make the most of the sunshine before it swiftly disappeared.
A highlight was the week the Semibreve Supper Club took over fellow appetite columnist Anna Hedworth’s Cook House in the Ouseburn Valley, which is almost next door to my workplace and a regular weekday haunt.
The supper club brings together food and music, and each lunchtime diners were treated to beautiful acoustic music courtesy of talented local musicians, plus fabulous food, obviously! My highlight was the broad bean, pea and mint paté with feta cheese, pancetta and sourdough plus a wonderful sage tea, which apparently aids focus and concentration (who knew?).
As I write, I’m looking forward to Semibreve’s Quintessential Summer Picnic on August 16 at The Garden Station – the tiny converted railway station deep in the countryside at Langley, near Hexham, which promises gourmet picnic hampers, botanical cocktails and live music. You can get tickets at www.thesemibrevesupperclub.co.uk
Another weekday treat came at the always-buzzing and excellent Arlo’s in Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond. The smoked salmon and lime salad was fresh and refreshing, while the Thai curry and the tuna fillet salad both won high praise from my friends.
A dog walk along the river in Corbridge was combined with lunch at The Angel, which always hits the spot. The sea trout with sea greens, new potatoes and a butternut squash, pepper and red onion salsa was excellent – the taste of summer on a beautiful sunny day relaxing outside and watching the world go by.
Back in Toon, I’m looking forward to trying Solano’s, a new Peruvian restaurant named for the former NUFC football legend Nobby Solano. Having travelled across Peru 10 years ago, I’m keen to revisit some of the dishes I loved back then, though it looks like roast guinea pig isn’t on the menu, luckily!
Down on the Quayside, Uno’s always offers a warm welcome, even when it’s tipping down outside, and the salmon and Mediterranean veg brought the taste of summer back on a dull day.
Now, all I need is the return of the sun and more lazy days dining al fresco before summer ends.
