we finish off the first month of retirement in some style with a visit to our beloved Norfolk hide-away.
Pleasures a plenty
The highlights of the week, in no particular order, are three lovely forest walks, two excellent books (Sue Perkins' delightful autobiography, 'Spectacles' and in stark contrast 'The Profession of Violence' by John Pearson, a fascinating journey through the dark life and times of the Kray twins) and a leisurely seaside stroll amid the salt-kissed dunes of Wells-next-the-Sea.
But the best of all, we leave till last. Our third visit to 'Benedicts' in Norwich for lunch, accompanied on this occasion by our dear friend and neighbour, Krissy.
Setting the record straight
We're celebrating my birthday - I'm 58 years young, in recognition of which I'm let off the leash for a whole hour to scour the record shops of Norwich whilst the ladies make good their own plans for shopping.
I'm delighted to find a small but impressive collection of On-U Sound vinyl in 'Soundclash Records' and hard cash parts hands in return for a copy of 'War of Words', the legendary debut album of Singers and Players. It's a dub-centric mash-up featuring amongst others Prince Far I - the voice of thunder, the smooth reggae vibes of Bim Sherman and some backing vocals by the late Ari Up, step-daughter of John Lydon and a founder member of the Slits.
Yet more gems are located just a little further along the street when a brief but spirited search of 'Circular Sounds' throws up two excellent box-sets in the form of 'The Can Box' and Howlin' Wolf's magisterial 'Smokestack Lightening'. Both have been out of print and on my wanted list for some little time now.
So with the dub-reggae, Krautrock and blues bases all soundly covered my musical search is brought to a premature end by the return of my dear wife and Krissy. I'm duly rounded up, ushered from the shop and shooed toward the welcoming doors of 'Benedicts'.
One picture tells a thousand stories
Katya is there to greet us on the far-side of the newly installed black-curtain entrance. As coats are hung we admire once more the stunning simplicity of the decor. Just plain white walls and two framed prints.
The first, hung just above the stairs to the kitchen, is a photograph of an old cooking-range taken by Katya in a deserted, derelict building. The second, equally fittingly, is a fine illustration of Geum Urbunum, or as it is more commonly known, St Benedict's herb.
Paracelsus, the fifteenth century botanist, philosopher, physician and astrologer, once identified it as an effective natural treatment for liver disease, catarrh and stomach upsets. Perhaps a case of mixed messages as we sit down to study the menu...
Culinary delights
As ever, the food is an absolute treat!
We start with the intriguingly entitled, 'Ham, Egg and Chips' which proves to be a dreamy mix of confit hen egg yolk, crispy potatoes, Colman's mustard (well it is Norwich!) and home-cured pancetta. Krissy is impressed, and there's more to come!
Next up is Squab Pigeon set on a bed of puy lentils and drizzled with fresh lime. Both the pigeon breast and the lollipop leg are cooked to perfection, set off delightfully by an accompaniment of lightly-spiced sweet potato.
We share life and love stories as we await the arrival of our dessert. Unsurprisingly, my dear wife has selected Nanny Bush's trifle for a third time in a row and is joined by Krissy. I plump for the blood orange tart, chocolate sorbet and campari reduction.
A very special plate
The two helpings of trifle arrive first, followed shortly after by the blood orange tart, born triumphantly to the table on a chocolate-piped plate bearing a special birthday message!!
What a fantastic way to end a lovely meal. The guys and girls of Benedicts have done us proud once more and the photos that follow round off the story with no further explanation required.
We'll be back for more!!!!!
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