My Week In Pictures 18/17

Explore in Exeter

My week started with a day of filming for InExeter and Exeter BID. With Angel Wade on the camera documenting my every move we had a blast exploring the historical centre of the city and a few independent foodie haunts to boot. Delicious cake at Cakeadoodledo and a yummy lunch overlooking the Cathedral at The Plant. Look out for our short film soon.

Sunday was a fun day. Steve, Alex and myself hopped in the car to Dunsford to take a little walk in the woods. I had spotted wild garlic a few weeks earlier on the same walk so I was keen to see if it was still there. It was, and in abundance! I picked a whole carrier bag full which I have now turned into a delicious bright green pesto!

After our walk we headed into the village to The Walled Garden. A quaint and quintessentially English tea room with a beautiful walled garden. It was warm enough to sit outside so we picked a table and ordered “lunch”. I had a cream tea so can I call that lunch? Steve and Alex opted for savoury choices. Both beautifully presented and all homemade.

From there we made our way home. Estella, my sister was visiting with her other half Gordon. They moved to the Caribbean last summer and this was Gordon’s first time back so to make them feel at home we stoked up the barbecue and got grilling! Tim joined in on the fun too. Delicious salmon, burgers, kebabs plus salads and dips were on offer to tempt us. To follow, a take on Eton Mess that Tim had made which we promptly renamed “Tims Mess”!

On Tuesday I was invited to sample the new menu at The City Gate pub. After a major refurbmishment I was pleasantly surprised at the difference from my last visit a few months ago on Christmas Day. The City Gate now has a feeling of understated elegance mixed with cosy comfort. We were fortunate enough to take a look at a couple of the boutique bedrooms and I was bowled over by the quality of the decor and little finishing touches.  This makes them one step ahead of their rivals in my opinion. 

The newly appointed head chef, Jason Mead was on hand to talk us through the menu and answer any questions which was a lovely touch. He had put together a small menu for us to sample. Steve and I ordered cleverly so we got to try a really good selection of the dishes available to us. I can safely say that the quality of the food exceeded my expectations and I would definitely recommended The City Gate as a new eatery that is well worth a visit. 

So, that is my ‘Week In Pictures’. I have had an amazing time socialising, foraging, exploring and eating. I was so thrilled to find that the wild garlic was still in season and it’s been the base for many a supper this week.

As this post comes out I will be at the Exeter Food Festival getting ready for my appearence in the BBC Radio Devon tent. I am joining Chris Gower from Eating Exeter and Nick Hook from Devon Food Hour for a little Q & A on the rise of the blogging age. Fingers crossed it goes well and I don’t lose my mojo! I have to say, I am pretty nervous about the whole thing. Wish me luck…

In other news, I am off to Winchester for a few days at the beginning of the week to visit family and try out some new foodie haunts. I also have a lunch date with my friend Wanda which I am excited about along with a supper with my girlfriends. I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Don’t forget you can follow my foodie news on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Have a great week all.

Photo credit: Angel Wade Photography 

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