Sunday lunch at Le Talbooth

Last Sunday started a week of my birthday celebrations (getting old has some perks!) and to kick it all off, we went for lunch at Le Talbooth in Dedham.  Situated in the beautiful countryside of the Suffolk/Essex border, Le Talbooth is a fine dining restaurant that offers award winning food and has been on my "must eat at" list for so long. 

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by the hostess and asked if we would like to have a drink on the terrace while we waited for our table, it was a lovely, sunny, albeit blowy day so we decided to see outside and enjoy the spring weather.  The terrace overlooked the river and it was such a relaxing start to our meal! We enjoyed a glass of champagne (the stars bottled!) and canapés of toasted almonds and olives which really whetted my appetite! 

The Sunday lunch menu is different from the rest of the week but offers a range of mouth watering dishes. We ordered whilst on the terrace and then asked to come to our table inside.  The restaurant is immaculately presented while still retaining its historic charm. 

For starters, we had cumin scented cauliflower velouté with a crispy chicken wing and cumin oil. Firstly, the most delicious and tasty chicken wing was bathed in a creamy, thick and luxurious velouté sauce. We enjoyed the starter with a selection of fresh baked bread; perfect for pulling apart and dunking. 

We were now ready for the main course! I had ordered the roast rack of Dingley Dell pork with truffled pomme purée, glazed carrot and sprouting broccoli. It was outstanding; the pork melted in the mouth and the crackling was crunchy and flavoursome.  The pomme purée was to die for: creamy, and perfectly seasoned. Dena ordered cod fillet with herbed gnocchi and spring vegetables, which she assured me was incredible - crispy topped cod which fell apart in the mouth and worked really well with the spring vegetables.  The portions were generous too, we felt very satisfied after our main but with only a little bit of room for dessert! 

However, the desserts were so tempting we just couldn't say no! I went for strawberry and white chocolate cheesecake and Dena opted for the banana and toffee pudding. The cheesecake was light and creamy with a crispy base served with strawberries, oranges and mini pistachio macarons.  It was sensational and really got me in the mood for summer! The banana and toffee pudding was sticky, sweet with chunks of crunchy toffee served with caramel sauce, decadent and naughty! 

At this point we were extremely full but the waiting staff appeared with coffee and a large wooden box... Very intriguing indeed. The box was filled with a variety of homemade chocolates and truffles. I couldn't possibly choose so we were recommended the salted caramel chocolate, Chef's special truffle, raspberry, and marmalade chocolates. The chocolate was dark and bitter cut through with the different flavours. I surprised we could fit anything else in but we managed! 

I thought we were done with food but then a birthday cake arrived for me! It was a chocolate cake beautifully presented and it looked incredibly tempting! I couldn't possibly manage a mouthful more so we took the cake home and I'm sure it'll make an amazing dessert for tea!! 

Le Talbooth is a beautiful restaurant with incredible food. The atmosphere is stylish while being comfortable and welcoming. I can't wait to go back!