Jedd...an update

First things first, a huge thank you from Jedd and his family for your fab support over a difficult time.Jedd is now based at home, with occasional visits to Hospital, rather than the other way round.He's doing really well,and only today i saw him a school wizzing up and down on his scooter.Keep it up Jedd !

Here's a pic, with permission from Mum, of his 5th Birthday.

Winter Hours

We will be open up to the 23rd December, and we are open on the 30th and 31st for dinner only, but they are both fully booked.

We will have the odd extra day off, and will sometimes close for lunch as demand and weather or my mood dictates.

For example this week Closed Sunday, Monday AND Tueday.No lunch this Saturday.

best plan is to call and check what we are up to on a week to week basis.

Shhhhh, we have a table free tonight !

Bos Fest pics?

Had a great day out at Boscastle, pics to follow

BOSCASTLE FOOD FESTIVAL

We will be returning to Boscastle on Sunday 4th October to do another Cookery demonstration.On stage at 3pm (ish), Be there or be Square!

Better late than never...

Yet again a big gap in posts here, same excuse, the bistro is just so busy!


Availability...Evenings full until October 6th


Winter Hours...this year we will open all the way up to Christmas,but taking a longer break than normal in January.

We may have the odd extra day off, so ring and check just to be sure we will be open when you need us.

Silly Season is here again

Sorry to say we are Fully booked in the evenings un till September( and that's very well booked aswell) We are open for lunch normally Weds-Saturday with the odd Tuesday thrown in too.Thank you all for your continued support, and sorry if you can't get in when you want.




We are going to be closed on Saturday 8th August as a party has been cancelled and i thought i should go camping with the family instead.Call me strange, but a Saturday off in August just doesn't happen too often , so time to play.I'm sure there wiull be letters to the Times(or at least the Cornish Guardian) but all work and no play makes chef a cranky bastard.

Pip Pip

Sorry about that....

I have returned to work today after having to close the bistro for 2 nights due to a bugger of an eye infection.My apologies to the guests we couldn't do and a big thank you for your understanding.It's very rare we are forced to close like this, but it is one of the downsides of being a one man band(with some very good helpers)

Hopefully , normal shambolic service is now ressumed!

cheers

Adrian

Sample Lunch Menu.(.for Mrs Riddington)

Light Lunch Menu


Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber
and Caper Berries £7.25

Grilled Goats Cheese with
Tomato and Coriander Salsa £6

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon
and Lemon £9

Fish Soup with Cream and Chives £5.50

Warm Salad of Sauté Mixed Mushrooms and Chorizo with Herb Oil and Parmesan £6.50

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly
and Clotted Cream £5

Eton Mess £5

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney £6
(Brie, Blue, Yarg and Old Smokey)

Coffee/ Tea with Petit Fours £2.50


Wednesday 17th June

Set Price Lunch


Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato and Coriander Salsa

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber
and Caper Berries
---------

Roast Cod Fillet with Garlic, Parsley and Anchovies with Padstow Potatoes

Confit of Duck Leg with Spring Onion Mash
and Sage Cream Sauce

----------

Sticky Toffee Pudding
with Butterscotch Sauce

Eton Mess

2 Courses £18 3 Courses £22

Silly Season and a Pause on Lunch

Dinner
We are fully booked in the evenings for June and July.
These dates are available in August
4th 11th 12th 13th 14th 20th 21st


Due to staff shortage, we will not being doing lunch until July 7th

( if you have already booked a lunch, we will of course be here to honour it)

Thank you for your patience

Adrian

Help for Jedd

For June we are rasing money for a wee Padstow boy called Jedd, a classmate of our son Danny.He's bravely fighting cancer at the moment and his family could do with our help, so, a donation of £1 per head will be added to your bill if you ask us to.

Please do, it is very much appreciated!

Adrian

Google

Here's a strange thing...google "mushroom and Chorizo Risotto" and this blog is in the top 3 ! I get hits everyday looking for it, from all over the world.

Tonights Menu

Set Price Menu

Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato and Coriander Salsa

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with New Potato Salad and Herb Oil

Cornish Asparagus and Blue Cheese Salad
with Croutons and Balsamic Reduction

Fish Soup with Cream and Chives

St Ives Smoked Duck Breast with Caper Berries
and Our Plum Chutney

**********************************
Roast Cod Fillet with Garlic, Parsley and Anchovies with New Potatoes

Confit of Duck Leg with Spring Onion Mash and
Tarragon Cream Sauce

Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes and Rosemary Sauce
(£2 supp)

Grilled Fillet of Grey Mullet with New Potatoes, Asparagus
and Chive Butter Sauce

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto with Herb Oil and Parmesan

*******************************

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream

Eton Mess
(Crushed Meringue, Cream and Strawberries)

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney
(Brie, Blue, Old Smokey, and Yarg)

2 Courses £22.50 3 Courses £27.50

Butterscotch Sauce for the Sticky Toffee Pudd

Video coming soon, in post production at the moment.

Here's the text version

BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE


Melt over low heat...


8 ounces castor sugar


8 ounces butter


12 ounces soft dark brown sugar


10 ounces golden syrup


pinch of salt


When all smooth and disolved, finish with 12 fl oz Double Cream.Pour some of this sauce over the Sticky Toffee Pudding when it comes out of the oven.

Our Wine List

As pointed out to me tonight, we have no online wine list... so here it is!

We have a neat list selected by our
local merchant, binTwo – including
many recognisable styles – and
several less obvious choices too. Do
have the confidence to go off piste
with those marked with a ‘ * ’
as such wines are really good value.

HOUSE WINES

All available by 200ml glass (£4.50) or 500ml carafe (£11.50)

Las Toscas Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2008, Cachapoal Valley £15.50 Classic dry Chilean House White with pure, refreshing character.

La Serre Syrah Rosé 2007, Vin de Pays d’Oc France £15.50
Colourful, dry Rosé showing delicate redcurrant fruit.

Sierra Grande Merlot 2008, Central Valley £15.50
Impressive Chilean red – full and ripe with plenty of dimension.


WHITE WINES

France Vouvray 2007, Les Côteaux Tufiers £19.00
Chenin Blanc from the Loire valley fermented to less-than-dry, lendng a little
gentle sweetness to the fresh apples and pears style of the variety.

Pouilly Fumé 2007, Domaine de la Renardiére £31.00
Lovely Upper-Loire white – showing well its lifted Sauvignon fragrance and the
fruit ripeness well captured by winemaker Christian Chatellier.

Chablis 2007, Louis Moreau £31.00
Great white Burgundy – with mineral character and good full Chardonnay
flavour balanced by fresh acidity.

*Pinot Blanc Reserve 2007, Cave de Turckheim £19.50
Seemingly simple and gently dry Alsace white with a lively freshness; but
drink with food and it proves the perfect foil to vibrant flavours.

Italy *Verdicchio 2007 ‘Pallio di San Floriano’, Monte Schiavo £21.00
Verdicchio is a lean and fresh variety from Marche in Central Eastern Italy.
Dry and bright, this example has a lovely steely character.

New Zealand Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough £19.95
In the classic Marlborough style – rich, dry gooseberry fruit and refreshing zippy punch. Grown in the Waihopai Valley – home also to a satellite listening station.

Australia Petaluma Chardonnay 2006, Piccadilly Valley £32.00
Really smart oaked Chardonnay grown on steeply sloped vineyards up in the
cooler Adelaide Hills – really full and complex.

*d'Arenberg ‘Hermit Crab’ Marsanne Viognier 2006, McLaren Vale £22.50
Fabulous value from the New World: full-flavoured varietals made in this vintage
with an emphasis on fruit character, and very little oak.

ROSÉ WINE

France Rimauresq Rosé 2007, Côtes de Provence £24.50
Really firm, dry rosé – well suited to food, as you can almost taste some tannic
structure in the wine. Made in the far south from Cinsaut, Tribouren, and
Mourvèdre, with a whisker of Grenache.


RED WINES

France *Les Ruffes 2007, Côteaux du Languedoc £18.00
Made by Englishman Gavin Crisfield on some very rocky terrain from low-
yielding Carignan, Syrah and Grenache vines. Pretty meaty and well-structured.

Fleurie La Madone 2007, Reine de l’Arenite £22.00
Fresh, purple Beaujolais – summery strawberry scent and soft, ripe texture.
Delicious served cool, or (perish the thought) with a lump or two of ice.

Savigny-les-Beaune 2002, Camus Bruchon £32.50
Attractively perfumed, with a lean, spicy flavour and a moreish finish holding
onto a touch of sweet fruit.

Château Ramage la Batisse 2001, Haut-Médoc £31.50
Firm, structured Bordeaux with a complex, cedar-scented palate. Mature now,
and drinking really well.

Italy *Salice Salentino 2005, Giardinelli Vineyard, Agricola Vallone £20.00
Gorgeous rustic red from the South of the country. A mature, bricky red, with
notes of stewed fruit and leather. Made from the raisiny Negroamaro grape.

Spain Viña Albina Reserva 2002, Rioja £27.50
Traditional, fleshy Rioja matching warm plummy fruit with a good flavour of
American oak from its time spent in barrel.

Australia Glenguin Stonybroke Shiraz 2005, Hunter Valley £28.50
An out-of-the-rut example of this hackneyed variety, made by MW Robin Tedder
who has achieved here freshness and food-friendly dryness with superb fruit length.

Fonty’s Pool Pinot Noir 2007, Pemberton £22.00
Silky Pinot from a Southerly district in Western Australia, made in a modern
‘jammy fruit plus new oak’ style. Lovely!

Chile Tabali Reserve Merlot 2006, Limari Valley £21.00
On the nose violet and bramble, while the palate is intense and structured, with
fine-grained tannins from French and American oak.

South Africa *Roulette Rouge by Lammershoek 2005, Swartland £24.50
Relaxed Rhône-style, barrel-aged blend of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache with
tiny amounts of Viognier and Mourvèdre; broad, spicy and rounded.


SPARKLING WINES

Prosecco Spagorosso NV, Italy £20.00
In a class of its own – Prosecco, the name of the variety, the region and the wine
offers light, slightly off-dry flavours and bags of frothy freshness.

Angoisselles Brut NV, Champagne £35.00
Entirely satisfying – yeast on the nose, with plenty of the toasty, nutty flavours
of autolysis (from the second fermentation) and bottle age. 150ml glass £8.00

Camel Valley Brut 2006, Cornwall £34.00
Made only a few miles up the river – really fresh and crisp!

Lallier Premier Cru Brut Rosé NV, Champagne £48.50
Deep salmon-pink: bone dry and invitingly truffley.


DESSERT WINES (see our Dessert Wine Card for tasting notes and wines by the glass)

Moscato Passito ‘Palazzina’ 2004, Piemonte, Italy 375ml £15.50

Verema Tardana 2005, Montsant, Spain 500ml £18.50

Last Nights Menu

Set Price Menu

Roast Aubergine , Green Bean and Cornish Blue Cheese Salad with
Croutons and Balsamic Reduction

Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato and Coriander Salsa

Mushroom, Spinach and Chorizo Risotto with
Herb Oil and Parmesan

Grilled Fillet of Mackerel with Cucumber and Caper Berries

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon and Lemon
(£3 supp)

**************************************

Braised Lamb Shank with Spring Onion Mash and Rosemary Sauce

Grilled Fillet of Grey Mullet with New Potatoes
and Chive Butter Sauce

Baked Cod Fillet with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
with Herb Mash

Roast Breast of Cornish Chicken with Saute Potatoes and
Mustard Cream Sauce
*******************************

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream

Iced Chocolate and Walnut Parfait with Chocolate Sauce

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney
(Brie, Blue, Old Smokey, and Yarg)

2 Courses £21.00 3 Courses £26.00

Kitchen Help Needed

KITCHEN HELP NEEDED

You need to have a good attitude, attention to detail, not be afraid of hard graft,honest,reliable and punctual.

We prefer experience but will train someone with potential.

Hours..Straight shifts (alternate lates and earlys) appox 5 to 6 hours a day, increasing as the season progresses.No work on Sundays and most Mondays,

No prima donnas, d**kheads,dope fiends , bulls***ters,or general layabouts.

PAY ..£6 per hour to start( plus share of tips.)

call 01841 533441 ask for Adrian

Our Videos !

Have you seen them? Top of the page, youtube.Click to play.Only messing at the moment, but look out for a Demo of Sticky Toffee Pudding, coming soon to a screen near you.

PS yes these are silent movies, one step at a time.I'm ready for my close up ....

Current Menu Format

Just to keep you up to speed with our ever changing pricing policy,we have done away withe the A la Carte part of the menu, and just leaving a much larger set price (with maybe a couple of supplements for things like Scallops and Seabass) and a Tasting Menu.

Lunch is still a choice between a Set Price with 2 options per course(2 courses £18, 3 Courses £22) and a Light Lunch Menu with individually priced dishes from £5

Please note that we print menus everyday, so reserve the right to change prices to reflect the market price.The cost of your meal can go up or down, your house is at risk, past performance is no guarentee.Blah blah blah.Any prices shown here are valid for that day,we aren't going to hike them up radically overnight, but they may change as we go through the season.If in doubt, call me 01841 533441.

Credit Crunch? it's a state of mind!

Another online place i habg out (very good for chefs) Link is in my fave list down the page a bit

Rugby time again

Better late than never, 6 Nations time is here again.Played 2 , won 2 !
Beating England is always the sweetest!
Come on boys, your doing a great job so far!!!!!

Mid Week Special Menu..you lucky people !

The Mid Week Special
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Evenings

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto with Herb oil and Parmesan
or
Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato and Coriander Salsa

------
Pot Roast Cornish Chicken with Smoked Bacon, Spring Onion Mash and a light Cream Sauce
or
Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Garlic, Tomatoes and Basil and New Potatoes

-----
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
or
Saffron Poached Pear with Clotted Cream, Jelly and Shortbread

3 courses for £15
2 Courses for £12

Tonights Menu (for Mr K in Herts)

Friday 6th February

Set Price Dinner

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber
and Caper Berries

Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato
and Coriander Salsa

***********
Baked Cod Fillet with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
with Herb Mash

Roast Breast of Cornish Chicken with
Spring Onion Mash,
Crisp Parma Ham and Sage Cream Sauce

*************

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake with
Caramelised Banana

***********
Teas/Coffees with Homemade Petit Fours £2.50

2 Courses £21.50 3 Courses £26.50



=============================================================================
A La Carte Menu

Grilled Goats Cheese with
Tomato and Coriander Salsa £6.50

Chorizo and Mushroom Risotto
with Herb Oil and Parmesan £7

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon, Fine Beans
and Lemon £9.50

Grilled Mackerel Fillets with Cucumber and Caper Berries £7

**************************************

Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Sauce £16.50

Breast of Cornish Chicken with Spring Onion Mash, Crisp Parma Ham
and Sage Cream Sauce £14.50

Deep Fried Fillets of Brill with New Potatoes,
and Chive Butter Sauce £15.50

Baked Cod Fillet with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
with Herb Mash £14.50

*******************************

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £6

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £6

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake with Caramelised Banana £6

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum and Date Chutney £6.50
(Brie, Blue, Old Smokey, and Yarg)

=============================================================

Tasting Menu


5 courses of smaller portions

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon, Fine Beans and Lemon

Chorizo and Mushroom Risotto with
Herb Oil and Parmesan

Any Main Course

Any Dessert

Cornish Cheeses

Coffee/Tea with Petit Fours


£35.00

Sample lunch menus

Light Lunch Menu

Homemade Bread and Kalamata Olives
--
Grilled Goats Cheese with
Tomato and Coriander Salsa £5

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber
and Caper Berry Salad £7

Warm Salad of Sauté Chicken and Chorizo
with Herb Oil and Parmesan £6.50

Leek and Potato Soup with Cream and Croutons £4

Sauté Mushrooms with Cream and Mustard on Toast £4

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly
and Clotted Cream £5

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake
with Caramelised Banana £5

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney £6
(Brie, Blue, Yarg and Old Smokey)

Coffee/ Tea with Petit Fours £2.50
==================

Set Price LunchHomemade Bread and Kalamata Olives
----

Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato and Coriander Salsa

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber and Caperberries
---------

Roast Fillet of Cod with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley with New Potatoes

Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes and Rosemary Jus

----------
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly
and Clotted Cream

2 Courses £17.50 3 Courses £21.50
====================================

Breakfast !

Margot’s Breakfast Menu
From 10am


Full Cornish
Smoked Bacon, Cornish Sausage, Grilled Tomato, Sauté Mushrooms
Eggs
(Poached, Fried or Scrambled)

Homemade Bread or Toast
£7.50

Toast, Cornish Jams and Butter £3.50

Eggs on Toast
(Poached Scrambled or Fried) £3.50

Saute Mushrooms with Cream and Mustard on Toast £3.50

Cornish Sausage Sandwich £4.00
Bacon Sandwich £4.00



If there is something i'm missing, let me know.

2009 and all that

Just to let you know we are currently closed until 15th January.When we reopen, we plan to be serving Morning Coffees and Breakfast from 10am.The lunch menu will get a new look with 2 menus, one a 3 course set price, and the other a lighter option of individual dishes.Evening will see the return of the set price, the a la carte and the tasting menu.

Watch this space for sample menus.

OUR NEW BAR !

Back Again

Hello, we are back open again after a mini refit.We now have a funky wood effect floor, a bigger bar and we redecorated.Oh , and moved the toilet door.

Slight change to the menu format, a Set price Dinner Menu with a couple of supplements for the more expensive dishes.
See below for an example.

Margot’s Bistro Dinner Menu
Tuesday 9th December

Homemade Bread and Marinated Kalamata Olives
---------

Fish Soup with Garlic Croutons and Cream

Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato and Coriander Salsa

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon and Lemon
(£2.50 Supplement)

Mushroom, Leek and Spinach Risotto with Parmesan and Herb Oil
***************

Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes and Rosemary Sauce

Breast of Cornish Chicken with Spring Onion Mash, Sage Cream Sauce and Crisp Parma Ham

Grilled Fillet of Wild Sea Bass with New Potatoes and Chive Butter Sauce
(£3.50 Supplement)

Roast Cod Fillet with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley with Herb Mash

Pan Fried Fillet of Salmon with New Potatoes and
Lemon and Tarragon Dressing

******************************
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake with Caramelised Banana

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney
(Brie, Blue and Yarg)

2 Courses £22.00 3 Courses £27.50


Coffee/Tea with Homemade Petit Fours £2.50

Back Again

Dates For Your Diary...

This Sunday 5th October Boscastle Food and Art Festival..Lewis and i will be doing a cookery demonstration at this fine event at 1pm .No Heckling!


Sunday 12th October our annual RNLI Champagne Bottle Bash 7pm-9pm (See Gwyneth for tickets if any left)

Thursday 13th November our last day before we close down for a couple of weeks r+r

Friday 14th November Padstow School Casino Night at the Custom House Hotel (tickets available from m3, £20) really good night out, best bib and tucker.


Thursday 4th December reopen as part of Padstow's Winter Festival, details to follow

Hello again

Todays Lunch Menu

Lunch Menu
Tuesday 1st July

Grilled Goats Cheese with Cherry Tomato and Beetroot Salsa £5.50

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad
and Balsamic Reduction £6.50

Dartmouth Smoked Duck Breast with Capers and Our Plum Chutney £6.50

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon and Asparagus £8.50

Fish Soup with Cream and Chives £4.50

***************
Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast Padstow New Potatoes
and Rosemary Jus £16.00

Roast Fillet of Cod with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
With New Potatoes £14.50

Grilled Fillets of Brill with Padstow New Potatoes,
Fennel and Chive Butter Sauce £16.50

Breast of Free Range Cornish Chicken with Mushroom and Spinach
Risotto, Herb Oil and Parmesan £12.50


******************************

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.00

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £5.00

Eton Mess (Crushed Meringue, Strawberries and Cream) £5.00

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney
(Brie, Blue, Old Smokey and Yarg) £6.00

Coffee/Tea with Homemade Petit Fours £2.50

FEEL FREE TO HAVE JUST A STARTER or TWO

Margots.co.uk and gossip

Margots.co.uk is off line at the moment as i am working on getting that address to come here direct.This will get done, just as soon as i get round to it.If you can read this, well done for finding us( or your a regular who comes here direct anyway)


Another big thank you to Mr and Mrs Taffy for the splendid mug (Welsh Dragon)! I see a pattern developing here.Thank you thank you thank you!


I see Number 6 is on the market, all those in favour of us buying it say yay!

We are fully booked for July and August( apart from 5 nights in August) Thank you for your support!

New tables are just dandy! Even she who dances on tables approves!

I didn't realise how many people read this drivel, you really should spend your time online for productive work, just like me hahahhahahaha

bye

Adrian

Thank you!!!

A huge thanks to the lovley people who brought me a signed squad photo and calandar after reading this blog and my passion for Welsh Rugby.So very thoughtfull of you!And of course to Gareth for the fantastic shirts, you are a star!


ps maybe worth mentioning i also have a passion for early 70's Corvettes? Ha ha ha!

CHOCSTAR IS COMING!!!!!

For one day only, this Saturday, THE BESTEST MOBILE CHOCOLATE VAN IN THE WORLD will be in Padstow as part of it's UK Tour.Check it out at THE METROPOLE HOTEL (thank you Andrew!)at about lunchtime.Miss this ,and you'll be kicking yourself for weeks!

read all about it at www.chocstar.com (can't seem to do links today)

New Tables and Chocolate!

Not exactly going to make the lead story on the BBC News, but big news for us.
We have new tables !!!

They are so nice that i would hate to cover them with a tablecloth, so our new look is plainer, and dare i say it, a little bit more casual.Obviously, this has nothing to do with the horrendous cost of laundry, or the Mrs actually wearing out irons and ironing boards.

I'll try a get a picture up here, but today was a tad busy putting the things together, and then there's the normal resturant stuff to do .

Will try to post more(don't i say that all the time?)


OH, and CHOCSTAR is COMING!!!!!

Todays Menus

Lunch Menu Thursday 22nd May



Grilled Goats Cheese with Cherry Tomato Salsa £5.25

Devon Smoked Duck Breast with Capers
and Balsamic Reduction £6.50

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad
and Herb Oil £6.95

Stir Fried Squid with Ginger, Coriander and Lemon £7.50

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon, Linguine
and Tarragon Cream Sauce £8.95

***************
Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Jus £15.95

Confit of Duck Leg with Sauté Potatoes and Sage Cream Sauce £12.95

Grilled Fillets of Lemon Sole with New Potatoes, St Enodoc Asparagus
and Chive Butter Sauce £16.50

Roast Fillet of Cod with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
with Herb Mash £13.95

******************************
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £4.95

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake with Caramelised Banana £4.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £4.95

Eton Mess (Crushed Meringue, Strawberries and Cream) £4.95

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney and Homemade Bread £5.95
(Brie, Blue, Yarg and Old Smokey)

Coffee/Tea with Homemade Petit Fours £2.50

FEEL FREE TO HAVE JUST A STARTER

Set Price Menu
Thursday 22nd May

Grilled Goat’s Cheese with
Cherry Tomato Salsa
or
Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad and Balsamic Reduction


Corn Fed Breast of Chicken with Mushroom and Spinach Risotto, Herb Oil and Parmesan
or
Roast Cod Fillet with Anchovies, Garlic
and Parsley with Herb Mash


Sticky Toffee Pudding with
Butterscotch Sauce
or
Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly
and Clotted Cream

Coffee/Tea with Petit Fours £2.50

2 courses £21.95 3 Courses £25.95



A La Carte Menu

Grilled Goat’s Cheese with Cherry Tomato Salsa £5.50

Devon Smoked Duck Breast with Mixed Leaves, Capers
And Chutney £6.95

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon, Linguine and
Tarragon Cream Sauce £8.95

Stir Fried Squid with Ginger, Coriander and Lemon £7.95

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad
and Balsamic Reduction £6.50

**************************************

Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Sauce £16.95

Corn Fed Breast of Chicken with Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
Herb Oil and Parmesan £14.50

Roast Cod Fillet with Garlic Parsley and Anchovies
with Herb Mash £14.95

Grilled Fillets of Lemon Sole with New Potatoes, Cornish Asparagus
and Chive Butter Sauce £16.95

*******************************
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly
and Clotted Cream £5.95

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake with Cornish Strawberries £5.95

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum and Date Chutney £5.95
(Brie, Blue, Old Smokey and Yarg)

Tasting Menu


5 courses of smaller portions

Seared Cornish Scallops

Devon Smoked Duck

Any Main Course

Cornish Cheese

Any Dessert


£31.00

Telephone Overload!!!!

Can you do me a favour? If your calling the bistro to make bookings, if possible could you please call before 7pm? We are getting alot of calls(which is great!), but during evening service, we are flst out looking after the guests we have.Thanks a million!

PS I don't know where these things start but just for your info i am NOT Jamie Oliver's brother.I have heard this 3 times in the last 2 weeks.

Food Pics

I found a missing cable, so can put up a few photos again.

No Shows !

OK guys and dolls, time for a wake up call to you people who make bookings and don't turn up.
Your hurting us.Since we have starting use e restaurant softeware that sends texts to remind guests of their bookings, no shows have reduced to almost nothing, but the last 2 Saturday nights we have had 2 tables of 5 not show up. That hurts, so we may have to bring in terms and conditions for bookings, for example ,failure to cancel your table will result in a payment of £15 per person
or
we will hold your table for 15mins ,after that we reserve the right to let someone else have it.Any sugestions are more than welcome.
Cheers

Adrian

Goldenburn..it's a rock band

Giles, my sometime waiter and part time rock God is in this band, so if your into this kind of thing, i believe it's a young person type situation, check out this link for their myspace page.http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152157161


Rock on you hip cats!

(see how down wid the kids i am?)

Tasting Menu..ver 6.93

Yet another tweak to the ever evolving Tasting Menu, i know, i just can't leave it alone.

Tasting Menu

5 courses of smaller portions

Smoked Duck

Grilled Mackerel

Any Main Course

Cornish Cheese

Any Dessert

Coffee with Homemade Fudge
and Caramelised Pecans


£28.50

Tonights Menus

We have made the Taster Menu bigger by having cheese as a course now 6 courses for £36.

A La Carte Menu


Grilled Goats Cheese with Cherry Tomato Salsa £5.95

Devon Smoked Duck Breast with Our Plum and Date Chutney £6.95

Mushroom and Chorizo Risotto with Herb Oil and Parmesan £6.95

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad
and Balsamic Dressing £6.95

Stir Fried Squid with Ginger, Coriander and Lemon £8.50


Sirloin of Cornish Beef with Sauté Potatoes, Mixed Mushrooms
and Thyme Sauce £18.95

Pot Roast Guinea Fowl with Spring Onion Mash
and Sage Cream Sauce £14.95

Baked Ray Wing with Anchovies, Garlic and Parsley
with Herb Mash£14.95

Grilled Fillets of Lemon Sole with Spinach, New Potatoes
And Chive Butter Sauce £16.95


Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £5.95

Lemon and Lime Cheesecake with Caramelised Banana £5.95

Chocolate Orange and Almond Cake with Chocolate Sorbet £5.95

Cornish Cheeses £5.95
(Brie, Blue, Yarg and Old Smokey)

******************************************

Tasting Menu

6 courses of smaller portions

Devon Smoked Duck

Stir Fried Squid

Grilled Mackerel

Any Main Course

Cornish Cheese

Any Dessert


£36.00

********************************

Set Price Menu
Thursday 27th March


Grilled Goats Cheese with Tomato Salsa
or
Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad and Balsamic Dressing


Pot Roast Guinea Fowl with Spring Onion Mash and Sage Cream Sauce
or
Baked Ray Wing with Anchovies, Garlic and Parsley with Herb Mash


Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
or
Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly
and Clotted Cream

Coffee/Tea with Petit Fours £2.50

2 courses £21.50 3 Courses £26.50

Oh My God !

OK , this will be the last rugby post, i know this is supposed to be about the Bistro, but BLOODY HELL! A GRAND SLAM!!!!!! Happy Happy Happy.

Big hello to my French friend Xav, who was a so much fun to watch the games with.

Merci, and we must do this again next year!

Wales ..Triple Crown Winners 2008

No words needed !

The early bird catches the wine

Hello again, and have i got a deal for you? Well , yes i have! Tomorrow, 3rd March we will be starting to open at 6pm ,a whole hour earlier than normal.To entice you in, for a limit period,i'll give each table arriving before 7pm a Free Bottle of Wine!!!! (you don't have to have House Wine, we can give you the credit to spend on a more expensive wine if you prefer)

Terms and conditions apply, the value of your house can go down aswell as up,see in store for details.

Tonight's A La Carte

A La Carte Menu


Mushroom and Chorizo Risotto with
Parmesan and Herb Oil £5.95

Grilled Goats Cheese with Cherry Tomato Salsa £5.50

Grilled Mackerel Fillet with Cucumber Salad
and Balsamic Reduction £5.95

Stir Fried Squid with Ginger, Lemon and Coriander £7.95

Fish Soup with Croutons and Cream £5.25


Fillet of Cornish Beef with Roast Shallots, Noisette Potatoes
and Thyme Sauce £18.50

Pot Roast Guinea Fowl with Spring Onion Mash
and Sage Cream Sauce £14.95

Fillet of Cod Baked with Anchovies, Garlic and Parsley
with Herb Mash£14.95

Grilled Fillet of Wild Sea Bass with Spinach, Chive Butter Sauce
and New Potatoes £16.95


Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £5.95

Chocolate Sorbet with Caramelised Banana and Sable Biscuits £5.95

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney £5.95
(Brie, Blue and Old Smokey)

Mothering Sunday Lunch

We haven't done this for a few years, but this year we will be open for Lunch on March 2nd.Book early as my mum has already bagged the first table.

Probable Menu (subject to change )
===========================

Grilled Goat's Cheese with Cherry Tomato Salsa

Roast Butternut Squash and Coriander Soup

Mushroom and Chorizo Risotto with Herb Oil and Parmesan

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad and Balsamic Reduction

===========================

Baked Fillet of Cod with Garlic Parsley and Anchovies with Herb Mash

Confit of Duck Leg with Spring Onion Mash and Sage Cream Sauce

Roast Sirloin , Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Thyme Gravy

===========================

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream

Iced Nut Parfait with Chocolate Sauce

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney

===================


£26.95 per person
Children 1/2 price

Change in Opening Hours

We have changed our mind about this opening on Monday's thing.We have a cunning new plan.
As from March the 1st we will be opening at 6pm, instead of 7pm.Perfect for those of you with little ones who prefer to eat earlier.This does mean we should be able to offer a FEW tables later in the evening at 9pm.Yes, Margot's will be turning a few tables a night! Shocking,i know.

Please note .If you have already made bookings for a Monday night, of course we will be here .

Happy? You bet your sweet *******

It doesn't get better than this...

IT'S SIX NATIONS TIME!!!!!

Apart from food ,another big love of mine is RUGBY.Today we kick off this seasons championship against England, and if we can win today for the first time in over 20 years at Twickers,you will have one happy chef.Come on boys !!!!

Pics from Health Week at Padstow School

Healthy Eating Week Padstow School

Next week (Monday to Friday) i will be at Padstow School in the mornings teaching the children various classes on Bread Making, Fruit and Salads as part of their Healthy Eating Week.This means we will not be open for lunch next week apart from Tuesday (private party) and Saturday.This is my 3rd year, and i must admit it is great fun.Wish me luck!

Tonight's Menu (a la carte)

A La Carte Menu


Mushroom and Spinach Risotto with
Parmesan and Herb Oil £5.95

Salmon and Sweetcorn Chowder with Smoked Salmon £5.95

Warm Salad of Sauté Chicken and Chorizo with
Parsnip Crisps £6.25

Seared Cornish Scallops with Smoked Bacon
and Balsamic Reduction £7.95

Grilled Fresh Cornish Anchovies with Cucumber
and Red Onion Salad £5.50


Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Jus £16.95

Confit of Duck Leg with Spring Onion Mash
and Sage Cream Sauce £14.95

Roast Fillet of Cod with Warm Tomato, Basil and Caper Dressing
and Herb Mash £14.95

Grilled Fillet of Wild Sea Bass with New Potatoes, Spinach and Chive Butter Sauce £18.50


Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £5.95

Chocolate Sorbet with Caramelised Banana £5.95

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney £5.95
(Brie, Blue and Old Smokey)

A virtual guestbook

...so much classier than the real one we have in the loo.See above link to add yours

We Re Open Thursday 17th at 7pm !!!!!

Fully booked this Friday and Saturday Evenings

Nice to be back in the kitchen!

Short Break

We are now closed until Thurdsay 17th January.To keep you amused, here is a picture of Lewis lifted from Facebook, not sure if the moustache is fake or not.

Rumour Control and 2008

As some of you will have been aware, we were looking into the possibility of expanding Margot's into the shop nextdoor.Sadly, this is not going to happen, the numbers just did not add up.Such is life, it's not something that will make me jump into the Harbour.

But going through the process has given us some ideas for 2008.We will be have a new member of staff from mid January in the shape of Lewis, who will be my 2nd Chef.He joins us from Seven Bays Bistro.This will allow us to open on Mondays, and be able to cope with more guests at lunch time.The plan is for Monday to be my night off, so do bare that in mind when booking your tables.If you want to avoid my cooking and insults COME ON A MONDAY NIGHT!!!!

Opening on Mondays will start just as soon as Lewis is comfortable with the strange workings of my mind and kitchen.

PS a HUGE thank you to those friends/regulars who chipped in with their ideas,support and offers of help with nextdoor.It is appreciated

New Art at Margot's

As from last week, we have paintings by Sarah Adams hanging in the Bistro.

MENU FOR HOPE

Click this link http://www.chezpim.com/blogs/2007/12/menu-for-hope-4.html NOW to go to Pim's online Foodie Raffle.You buy tickets for $10 and get to choose what prize you would win if your virtual ticket is drawn.The prizes are FANTASTIC! Go now, this instant!!!!


There is (or will be soon) a voucher for £60 from us.I,ll put the code up for it when i get it.

Good Luck !!!!

Tonight's A La Carte

See you wait ages for a post then 2 come along at once!


Grilled Goats Cheese with
Cherry Tomato and Beetroot Salsa £5.95

Mushroom and Chorizo Risotto with
Parmesan and Truffle Oil £5.95

Roasted Aubergine and Cornish Blue Cheese Salad
with Parsnip Crisps £4.95

Fish Soup with Cream and Chives £5.50

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber and
White Radish Salad £5.95


Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Jus £16.50

Baked Ray Wing with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
with Herb Mash £14.50

Corn Fed Breast of Chicken with Sauté Potatoes with Bacon
and Sage Cream Sauce £14.50

Grilled Fillet of Sea Bass with Spinach,
New Potatoes and Chive Butter Sauce £18.95


Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Sorbet and Clotted Cream £5.95

Chocolate Mousse with Caramelised Banana and Sable Biscuits £5.95

Cornish Cheeses with Our Plum Chutney £6.25
(Brie, Blue and Old Smokey)

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Had a few requests for this over the last month, so here it is for you all.Share the love Baby!!!

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

12 oz. pitted dates

1 pt. water. Simmer for 5 minutes, and while this is going on...

Cream 4 ounces butter with 12 ounces castor sugar

Add 4 whole eggs

add 12 oz. self raising flour

Take the dates off the heat, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda..

.then add the resulting foaming mess to the rest of the above mixture and mix. (This is best done in a food processor, but if you're doing this by hand, chop the dates small before you simmer them.)

Pour mix into an 11 inch spring form pan which is lined with paper.

Cook for 40 - 50 minutes at 375 F.

BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

Melt over low heat...

8 ounces castor sugar

8 ounces butter

12 ounces soft dark brown sugar

10 ounces golden syrup

pinch of salt

When all smooth and disolved, finish with 12 fl oz Double Cream.Pour some of this sauce over the Sticky Toffee Pudding when it comes out of the oven.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Peacefull New Year to all our Readers and Guests!

November 29th

Hello again, tis i, hardest working chef in Padstow! Well, not really, just returned from a week in Tenerife with the family, and boy did we need it.We will be reopening on Thursday 29th of November, evenings only.We may be able to do lunch with some prior notice.We will be open untill Christmas (closed 25th,26 and 27th) on our normal Tuesday-Saturday .We are fully booked for New Years Eve, some space avaialable 28th, 29th and 30th.

Diary Software

I don't do adverts, but if your in the restaurant game check out
http://www.kernow-software.co.uk/

I run the e-Restaurant software for my bookings and it's chuffing brilliant!
Text reminders to your guests...has reduced no shows MASSIVELY.Easy to use, try it today!

Holidays

Hello again, it's me.

Just to keep you all up to speed, we close from the 4th November for a holiday.We plan to reopen in December sometime, not sure when exactly.
Sorry i didn't post as often as i would have liked...will try harder!

Adrian

Hello again!

Sorry that i've not posted in a while (OK OK a very long time)This pesky Bistro has been a bit busy, and the town is heaving.Plans are afoot which are taking up any spare time i have.Will let you know more when i can, but if your looking to invest, oh lets say £150,000 then do email me!

Custard has been open for a month now, hearing good things, and i'm there for lunch in a couple of weeks for a friends birthday, so expect a full report later.

We have had 2 days recently with "guests" in the kitchen

1) Simon,40 something travel writer, foodie type bloke currently in China on the latest leg of his world tour see the "EAT MY GLOBE" link for more

2) Billy, 14, drummer and very hard worker


always nice to have new people to show what we do backstage.

Availabilty

Sorry to say we are fully booked in the evenings untill September now.

We try to open for lunch as much as we can...here's a sample menu

Margot’s Bistro

Lunch Menu


Warm Salad of Sauté Chicken and Smoked Bacon with
Truffle Oil and Parmesan £5.55

Grilled Goats Cheese with Cherry Tomato Salsa £5.25

Crab Soup with Cream and Herb Oil £5.25

Grilled Fillets of Mackerel with Cucumber
and Caper Salad £5.55



Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Jus £14.50

Confit of Duck Leg with Sauté Potatoes and
Mustard Cream Sauce £11.50

Baked Cod Fillet with Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley
with New Potatoes £11.95

Grilled Fillet of Lemon Sole with Asparagus, New Potatoes and Chive Butter Sauce £14.95


Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £4.95

Saffron Poached Pear Clotted Cream and
Caramelised Banana £4.95

Eton Mess £4.95

Cornish Cheeses
(Cornish Blue, Old Smokey, Yarg) £5.25

Tea/Coffee with Petit Fours £2.40

Facebook.com

Facebook seems to be the latest BIG THING on the internet, so ,never slow to jump on any passing bandwagon, i have created a Margot Bistro group.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2398173460&ref=mf

Let's have another go at webcam

http://172.200.133.77:8081/

Click this, who knows what you might see?

Gift Certificates for Margot's

Here's the perfect gift.. a Margot's Gift Certificate..available on Ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250127773558

Just an experiment, sale is on for 10 days.

Reservations...goes Hi Tech!

We are trying out some very clever software to organise our diary.Initially this means putting in alot of data from the "real" diary, but as more and more regulars are entered, the system will save us a lot of time on the phone taking phone numbers etc. It has loads of great features such as letting us make notes about guests diets etc, reminders for particular days, keeps a track of guests reservation history.It will also be a whole lot easier to read than my untidy scrawl in the diary!

My fave feature is that will text our guests a reminder of their booking 48 hours before, hopefully reducing "No Shows", which , as a very small bistro, can make a big difference.

Here's where you can help... if your a regular, or have plans to visit us in the future, why not email us your details? We can then enter you on our data base, and i think that means we own your soul or something.Thanks in advance for your help,your are all lovely people.


http://www.kernow-software.co.uk/products/erestaurant.htm#features

Availability..June, July and August

As of now, 23.17am on the 29th Day of May 2007 we are fully booked in the evenings for June.OK there is one exception, 6 seats available on the 14th.July and August are not much better with about 85% of the evening spaces already booked.Thank you for your support, please confirm your tables when you get down here,it does help me sleep at night.

Adrian/Basildog

Custard anyone?

Scroll down to March 7th and you'll see the gossip on Custard, a new restaurant for Padstow at the the old The Ebb premises.Well it's opening in the summer...http://www.custarddiner.com/

There is also a new small bistyro on the front called P.O.S.H. (Port Out Starboard Home), where Jason(from South Africa) is cooking up impala,ostrich and aligator alongside Cornish pasties

Back On Line, Baby!

Yeah yeah, i fixed the laptop at work.Please don't ask how i did it, i haven't a clue, but fingers crossed, emails can be done from work now, instead of trudging round to bintwo! (Thanks David!)

Hurrah Hurrah and Hurrah Again.

I may even get back to posting here more often.See production levels drop like a stone

Mini Break

We will be closed this Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for a mini break.I will not get more than 2 days off a week till November.By Friday night i will have worked 11 out of the previous 10 days at an average of 15 hours per day.This is not me complaining about my workload, i love what i do, but sometimes you have to take time to smell the roses , play with the kids and recharge the batteries.See you all on the 9th, bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Adrian

Kowetha sowsnack wheag

...which means "Dear English friend"

On May Day, Padstow's big day of celebration, i had a note put through the letter box of the Bistro.To paraphase the jist of the note, it pointed out that the "The flag of St George is an insult to the Cornish due to historical events when the English massacred thousands of Cornish people.."

We had 3 flags in our window , representing the people who work here.A Welsh flag for me, and St Georges Cross for our English staff ( and my wife) and a St Piran's Flag for our Cornish staff (and our children), we have done this for the last decade, nobody had taken offence.Today i took the time to ask some Cornish people their thoughts.Nobody thought it was offensive.So to the people who wrote the note...

Have the guts to sign your name, and your thinly disguised threat of the "terrorist organisation 'An Gof' really aren't going to win the hearts and minds of the people of Cornwall.You ask for respect for the Cornish people, you have a funny way of showing respect for other nations.

Adrian Oliver

Bruvers.

A couple of Brothers from that there London were in town over the weekend.I have had dealings with these unlikely lads in the past, but lets be positive shall we.Anyway, the ugly one of the two wrote some nice words about his trip and put it on his blog..see here>>>>>http://majbros.blogspot.com/2007/04/margots-we-are-family-what-is-most.html

Hello Again

Just to keep you up to speed, laptop is still offline at work, and as i do get alot more work done without the distraction on the internet, i'm in no hurry to get it fixed.That nice David at Bintwo(Padstow's finest Wine Merchant) lets me check my emails during the day.

I have a couple of new signs in the window, and as this is my virtual window to the world, i should repeat then here.

"If you have a table booked with us over the next week, why not call in and confirm it? Thanks"

This is working well, lots of people doing so!

" We limit the amount of people we do at lunch time so that we can look after you properly, if you see a fully booked sign in the window for lunch, but some empty tables, hopefully this explains it"


TTFN

Easter..death of a laptop

Sorry it's been awhile since i posted , but the work laptop died.I have got it to print the menus, but that's about it.As i'm at work for about 15 hours a day, it doesn't leave much time for posting.(any tips on where, how to pick up a cheap laptop?)

Easter has been crazy, staffing issues are hopefully behind us (just don't ask), only the dishwasher to be fixed, and we we will be back to "normal".

Postings will return just as soon as i'm able!

In the mean time..., oh talk amongst yourselves.



PS I have a cool counter which i added to the site(all by myself, no adult supervision) and it has some neat tricks.It can show me a world map of where you people are viewing the site from.( i know this is probably no biggie to you, but i'm very new to this blogging game)
Anyway, thanks for popping by,wherever you are in the world.Leave a message, lets talk.

Margot's Group

I have created a Google Group for people to talk.http://groups.google.co.uk/group/margots-bistro


Hell knows if it's worth it, but i'm bored

The wonderfull world of the internet

Sorry, not posted for a while , technical difficulties with work laptop(i think it died)

I spend far too much time on Internet Food Forums, shooting the breeze about food, gossip and restaurants.I decided today to leave one of them for various reasons that i won't bore you with.I sent a polite message to the owner of the site asking for my membership to be terminated.I was told that it was not policy to terminate membership, only in cases of bad behaviour. I asked again, again declined.I have had my posting rights removed, but unless my membership is terminated, it's going to show that i am still an active member of the site.Bit of a bummer really.

today..

Bit of a stressfull afternoon, as the power went off at 5pm.Electricity Workmen in a hole at the end of Duke St. had no idea what the problem was.Turns out to be a coincidence, problem is nothing to do with them.Power back on at 5.40pm, then had a few blips, but back on for good at about 6pm.Phew, i can't open without power.

Fully booked for the rest of the week, season is really kicking off now.

Alan's Pic

Has been added to the blog, scroll down to compare his to mine.Nice work !

Mushroom and Chorizo Risotto

offcentre asked about our Mushroom and Chorizo Risotto, here are the pics, words to follow

OK, first recipie on here.

Amounts are vague, that's how i cook.

Sweat off 1 large onion finely diced in olive oil with good pinch salt, pepper, pinch fennel seeds, good dollop of garlic and handfull of chopped sage.Use a good heavy bottomed pan.When cooke for about 5 mins, then add your mushrooms.I use a mix of Oyster, Button, HON-SHIMEJI and Enoki mushrooms.

Sweat for a couple of mins, then add 3 handfulls of arborio rice.Again cook again for another few mins.Add a good splash of dry white wine( i know some think this is very wrong, adding wine to risotto, but i don't).Then start adding boiling water a ladle at a time.

WATER!!! i hear you cry.What about stock? Well, i make a veggie risotto which i then add meat too, and as i'm adding bags of flavour with the vegetables that i start with, veggie stock would be a bit of a waste.Stir stir stir , adding water as it is absorbed by the rice.Carry on untill the rice is nearly cooked, still with a bit of bite to it(not too much, i've had too many risottos ,which err on the side of uncooked rice) For the final 2 mins of cooking, add the chopped chorizo,a good handfull.Taste as you go along, correcting with salt if needed.Final touch is to stir in a good dollop of butter just before you serve, with parmesan shavings, truffle oil, or herb oil.

Let me know how you get on.

return of the hole..

Hole was filled this lunchtime...then someone smelt gas! Gas crew turned up, drilling holes.Then dug a hole with jack hammer at 7.00pm finished about 8.30pm.Bloody Loud!.Guests all very understanding..and so ends another day..

oh some more pics...

Today

Hurrah! The hole has gone!

Nice busy day today, few in for lunch..today i be mostly cooking chicken.

Also a surprise visit by Alan (culinary bear , for those in the know) Good to see you !

He had is camera with him, and noticed he took a snap very similar to the one i took yesterday..compare and contrast...mine first..his will follow when it's emailed to me.

Oh and very nearly fully booked.Hurrah again!

General Pictures

Today's Lunch

Margot’s Lunch Menu (12pm till 2.00pm)
Wednesday 21st March

Grilled Goats Cheese with Balsamic Reduction £4.55

Warm Salad of Sauté Mixed Mushrooms and Chorizo with Herb
Oil and Parmesan £4.95

Devon Smoked Duck Breast with Baby Gherkins and
Rhubarb Chutney £5.25

Grilled Fillet of Mackerel with Cucumber Salad and Truffle Oil £5.95

Mussels cooked with Ginger, Coriander and Cream £6.25

Roast Breast of Guinea Fowl with Spring Onion Mash and
Mustard Cream Sauce £11.50

Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes and Rosemary Jus £13.95

Baked Ray Wing with Garlic, Anchovies, Potatoes and New Potatoes £10.50

Grilled Fillet of Lemon Sole with Spinach, New Potatoes and
Chive Butter Sauce £13.95

Saffron Poached Pear with Jelly and Clotted Cream £4.50

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £4.50

Caramelised Banana with Chocolate Sorbet and Clotted Cream £4.50

Selection of Cornish Cheese (Yarg, Blue, Brie and Old Smokey) £4.95

Teas/Coffees with Walnuts and Fudge £2.40

Please feel free to have just a Starter or Dessert

Testing new Camera

The stove and the view from table 1.Strange we didn't get any passing trade today(so far)

Nothing to see here...

I needed somewhere to post some pics for this car i'm selling, so unless your in the market for a G reg Polo Coupe S with a Gt engine it that goes like shit of a chrome shovel, move along.

Help me?

Any comments on this blog type site would be appreciated.Questions, requests, critical appraisal of my writing style,whatever .I love talking to the world.

To start the ball rolling i will quote from our guest book kept in the loo.Someone pick a date and i,ll post the first comment on that day, good or bad.Interactive or what!

awesome..

Check this Hobart! I want one.Mine is blue.Pimp my Hobart, it's a whole new sport.

Beware the Ides of March

I started working at Margot's on 15th March 1996 , so here we are 11 years later.

What's changed? The kitchen..nothing left from the original, apart from the ceiling and a butter knife.We have 2 kids now, a bigger overdraft and i'm a couple of stone heavier.
The restaurant..again nothing is the same as 11 years ago, but some dishes on the menu haven't changed ,Confit of duck, sticky toffee pudding.
Same attitude, work hard, have fun and cook like you mean it.

Here's to another 11 years.



I found an old menu from the early years ,sometime between 93 and 96 before i started.

THIS IS AN OLD MENU...PLEASE DON'T ASK FOR IT..

Menu

Any two different courses £12.95 Three courses £15.95

Main Course £8.55

Starters

Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper with Basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Salami,Chorizo and Fresh Coriander Galette with Salas

Charlestown Smoked Duck Breast with salad leaves and croutons

Today's soup please see blackboard

Greek Salad and Hummus with pitta bread

Arabella Boxer's Mushroom and Smoked Bacon Pie

Malay Curry Prawns served in a light pancake

Main Courses

Stilton , Leek and Mixed Mushroom Puff

Pork Afelia with Oregano Roast potatoes

Dragon Pie, braising steak with black beans and chillies and a puff pastry top

Fresh Pasta with Salmon and Smoked Salmon in a vodka cream sauce

A poussin with Thai Spices and East meets West sauce

Garlic Chicken en croute

Today's fresh fish.. please see blackboard

Puddings

Chocolate Pithivier, chocolate and rum concoction in puff pastry sereved hot with cream

French Lemon Tart

Creme Brulee

Bread and Butter Pudding with Calvados

Sunken Chocolate Souffle with Prunes and Armagnac

Cheese selection with baguette

-----------

Garlic bread £1.25

Cafetiers Coffee and Sweeties £1.25

Tonight's Menu

A La Carte Menu

Grilled Goat Cheese with Balsamic Reduction £5.50

Devon Smoked Duck Breast with Our Rhubarb Chutney £5.50

Cod, Saffron and Smoked Salmon Chowder £5.95

Stir Fried Squid with Cherry Tomato and Caper Salsa £6.50

Mussels with Ginger, Coriander and Cream £6.25
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Cornish Lamb Cutlets with Roast New Potatoes
and Rosemary Jus £15.95

Cod Fillet Baked with Anchovies, Garlic and Parsley
with New Potatoes £14.95

Confit of Duck Leg with Spring Onion Mash
and Mustard Cream Sauce £14. 95

Grilled Fillets of Lemon Sole with Spinach, New Potatoes
And Chive Butter Sauce £14.95
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Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce £5.55

Saffron Poached Pear with Clotted Cream and Jelly £5.55

Caramelised Banana with Chocolate Sorbet £5.55

Cornish Cheeses £6.55
(Cornish Brie, Old Smokey, Blue and Yarg)

Coffee with Fudge and Walnuts £2.40

New Artist

We have had quiet a few artist showing their work at Margot's over the years, today we hung some prints from watercolours by Jill Palmer,from Fowey.Mushrooms are her thing.Delightfull, pics to follow.





Rumour/Gossip.....The Ebb has been sold (after 2 years on the market) and rumour has it that it will still be a restaurant, called "Custard".Someone may be having me on! More news as it happens from your Padstow Gastro Reporter.

A Day Off

Good morning all, here's how i'm spending my Monday so far.

School run with Becky, much better after her cold now , thanks for asking.Then down to work for sorting out 3 months invoices and statements (VAT time).Also writing a new Food Saftey Policy, god the fun never ends.All i have to do now is deep clean the kitchen filters, sort out the staff pay paperwork, write the menu for tuesday and the orders and i can call the rest of the day my own.


PS whilst writing this ,the spare part turned up for the dishwasher, so i could fit that for fun.And you thought all i did was cook.

Lazy Bugger

Not got enough time today for a proper post, so here's a pic of some Confit .