Dines Out: BeFries
I probably give the impression that my life is one long list of fine meals in classy restaurants, and I will willingly admit that I would dearly love that it were. But the truth is somewhat less glamorous. That’s not to say that it is any less delightful. I am, like most people, as fond of the simple things in life as the fancy. I can get excited about a cheerful fry up in a decent old school caff, a well made sandwich or bar snack. The truth is that there are only two kinds of food, good food and bad food and price or location are pretty secondary factors.
On this theme I would like to highly recommend BeFries which is at the top of West Street. It’s the Belgian model where crisp chips are served with a variety of sauces, many of which are inspired by the foods of Europe’s colonial past, so you can expect satay and chilli and sweet mayonnaise and melted cheese… so many sauces and the majority made by the clever owners on the premises. I pop in often and get a carb fix, they are sensibly priced and perfectly made, a winner in my book.
I pop in often and get a carb fix
I often tell my friends that a meal out is the evening’s entertainment, not something that you tack on to a cinema or theatre trip. But there are moments when time is of the essence and the desire to eat good food is bolstered by the “need” to eat. On these occasions we are pretty well served by our pubs and I have been found tucking in to a plate of fried chicken in The Mucky Duck in Manchester Street which I loved, or mopping up a very decent burger or Thai chicken curry at The Crescent, a pub I have been going to almost every Tuesday for the last 25 years or so. And when it comes to breakfast these days I go to Brewed in Lewes Road or slip into Red Roaster, made-over to accommodate Mr Matt Gillan it looks brilliant and their coffee is as good as ever and the food infinitely better.
Last night I was caused to visit an old haunt, The Park Crescent, and needed to eat. I ordered a caesar salad with griddled chicken, I know, a bit of a muddled American dish but one that perfectly suited the pre-storm humidity. It was excellent, really well made, plenty of anchovies, capers, croutons and shaved parmesan and the chicken was juicy and tender too. I was impressed and happy and full.
I get to eat lots of fancy food but a simple supper, be it chips or salad, can put a very big smile on my face.
