View from the George III, Dolgellau, Wales

During a short break in Mid-Wales we stopped at the George III hotel restaurant just a couple of miles down the road from Dolgellau. Had a well prepared Moules Marinieres at the restaurant and the service was friendly. Best of all was the view of the setting sun from the balcony where many people seemed to be enjoying a drink while looking over the lake.

And why not.

Roasted Asparagus

 

Roasted Asparagus, originally uploaded by bongo vongo.

The farmer from Evesham, who grew and sold me the asparagus, suggested a cooking method. Boil them for 12 minutes and then serve simply with butter. I consulted the Internet and decided to roast my bunch instead. Olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped garlic cooked in the oven at 200 degrees Centigrade for about 12 minutes. Delicious even if I say so myself.

Asparagus

 

Asparagus, originally uploaded by bongo vongo.

Drove to Evesham yesterday. Saw a farm shop just outside the town. A sign said locally farmed asparagus was being sold inside. I bought a bunch. It’s the season for asparagus. The Vale of Evesham grows the best.

A field in Oxfordshire

A field in Oxfordshire, originally uploaded by bongo vongo.

I pass a particular field everyday on my journey into work. Most of the time I don’t notice it. This past week, in the glorious weather we’re having, I couldn’t help but notice it. I had to stop and take it in. On the way back from work I noticed that what seemed like half the fields in Oxfordshire and Warwickshire are radiant in this way. Marvellous

Charlestown Harbour, Cornwall

Charlestown Harbour, Cornwall, originally uploaded by bongo vongo.

We went to St. Austell in Cornwall back in September and visited the Eden Project (as you do) and when the weather permitted to some of the villages in the surrounding area. By far the most picturesque of these is Charlestown which has been used as a setting in a number of Films.

Another village we went to was Mevagissey where I had probably the best tasting pot of mussels ever anywhere (and I’ve had some good mussels in Belgium where they know a thing or two about them). I want to imagine that they were caught locally that morning but wouldn’t be surprised if they’d been imported from somewhere else.

Despite the occasional downpour during September I can easily recommend Cornwall to anyone planning a late season break but would urge them to take waterproofs and a sat-nav.