Displaying items by tag: Woodbridge

Film Feast Suffolk will be showcasing feature films, documentaries and short films around the subject of food and drink. Just up my street and a fringe event to the wonderful Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival. Local Suffolk cafes and restaurants will be festival partners and recreating the meals and food featured in the films screened. Book now!

The rich yellow moon rising last night proved a good omen for our visit to The Unruly Pig. The Driver’s Drinks menu pleased Inspector X as did her Unruly Damson Spritz. I chose a large glass of the soft and very approachable Italian Barbera. The Unruly Pig has an interesting set menu, which changes often, but the piece de la resistance was on the regular menu that is changed monthly. I was leaning towards the Crispy Duck Egg with Parma Ham, Jerusalem Artichoke and Hazelnut starter when Brendan the congenial owner recommended a new addition: the Venison Tartare and Croquette with Beetroot, Apple and Blackberry. Beautifully seasoned venison tartare, with a delicate balance of tiny apple cubes, beetroot, blackberries, a lacy bread disc and a croquette of slow cooked venison haunch was the unrivalled star of the evening. Inspector X had the Ham Hock on Toast with Gorgonzola which although delicious was quite overshadowed by my venison. There is something to please even the pickiest diner on the Unruly Pig menu. Main courses chosen were Roasted Wood Pigeon Breasts with Pigeon and Black Pudding Pie (I could have eaten this little pie as a meal by itself) and Inspector X had Fillet of Hake with Saffron, Tomato and Haricot Bean Stew from the set menu. Brendan prides himself on his impressive appreciation of wines, including the Unruly Pig’s dessert wines, and we were delighted with his recommendations, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and a Cadillac (French) – although I still prefer my pronunciation. My Damson and Pistachio Bakewell Tart was delicious but would have been even better served warm. The ever sweet and generous Inspector X shared her Hazelnut Panna Cotta with Roasted Pears and Coffee Gel (set menu) which was the perfect end to a great evening’s dining. We were guests of The Unruly Pig but amazed by the value of the set menu (two courses £15, three courses £18) and the regular menu won't break the bank either. Hearing something of the drama of the fire in the restaurant we celebrated Brendan’s dedication in getting the restaurant up and running again so quickly. At first glance the décor is almost unassuming but as the evening goes on it clear everything has been thoughtfully put together – right down to the background music and glass jar filled with dog biscuits on the bar counter. Heartfelt thanks to Brendan and his team. If I lived closer to the Unruly Pig I would soon qualify for a diamond loyalty card.

• Fillet of Hake with Saffron, Tomato & Haricot Bean Stew, Wilted Gem Lettuce
• Roasted Wood Pigeon with Pigeon and Black Pudding Pie, Kale and Mushrooms
• Dog biscuits on the bar ... Pooches welcome
• Unruly Spritz ( homemade Damson cordial)
• Venison Tartare and Croquette with Beetroot, Apple and Blackberry
• Dinner by candlelight
• Set menu
• Damson and Pistachio Bakewell Tart
• Hazelnut Panna Cotta with Roasted Pear and Coffee Gel
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Dave is Head Chef at The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell. He takes full advantage of his abundant Suffolk surroundings by cooking local and seasonal produce with an Italian influence, much of it on his charcoal fired Inka grill.  Here is his recipe for Sage and Thyme Stuffed Rabbit, Baked Polenta and Cauliflower.  No grill required for this!

We’d long been planning to try this place when going for walks along the docks at Woodbridge, particularly when it regularly announces fish soup and seafood platters.  Finally we got the chance at the weekend.   It’s in a great spot for watching the tide and the boats and the menu is appealing, with a good choice of wine by the glass.  I went straight for the fish soup and the boys started with oysters which they loved. 

Then I became obsessed with the size of the tiny kitchen and the absence of any cooking smells and it became clear that the food must be cooked elsewhere and reheated at the restaurant.  Nothing wrong with that, but if I go back I will either go for afternoon tea (cakes looked delicious) or for a cold seafood platter and mixed leaf salad.

Here are some of them - nice flyer too, Woodbridge!

Tracey Macleod features The British Larder (near Woodbridge) in last weekend's Independent. Also listed are Trinity at Crown and Castle in Orford, Maison Bleue in Bury and The New Roundhouse at Thorington.