Birthday (T+1) lunch today at Downeys fish and chip restaurant in Seaham. I went off-piste this time... Instead of ordering my usual favourite of large battered haddock with chips ("fries" - let's not go there
), mushy peas, salad and tartar sauce, I chose eight large scampi (fresh, locally-caught langoustine tails) in breadcrumbs - with chips, mushy peas, salad and tartar sauce
Plus, of course, a slice of white bread and butter (to make a "
chip butty"
), and a pot of tea. Since my cousin drove us there and back, I was able to indulge in a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc, too.
The scampi were
divine... sweet and juicy with awesome crunchy and savoury breadcrumb coating. Not
quite as filling as my usual large haddock fillet, but that suited me just fine as I wasn't ravenous, and I was definitely full by the end of the meal. The chips were, as always, fantastic. Downeys cook 'em in beef dripping... nice
Sadly, my Dad didn't make it to lunch
He was feeling a little off-colour today, and went back to bed late morning (he was still there when we got back
). He's feeling much better now, thankfully, and I'll treat him to a take-out meal later in the week
Although my Mum paid for lunch (thanks, Mum
), I took a peak at the bill... £38.50 for three of us, including our meals, bread and butter, teas and coffees, and my large glass of wine. So, £43 ($56.60 in colonial money
) including a tip for the lovely, friendly and efficient waitress. Considering the quality and quantity of food there, I'm always amazed at the prices. Awesome... just
awesome.
No photos, I'm afraid - I left my phone at home by mistake