Tuesday 21 June 2011

The Orange Tree, Thornham, Norfolk

The Norfolk coast again - a place with a great ambience and some totally amazing dishes. I was lured by a sign outside saying Congratulations to our Head Chef, Philip Milner, British Seafood Pub Chef of the Year 2010.

This was a taste of something I wish we had locally, but nothing in the town here compares unless you go to Maison Bleu or The Angel, where you won't get the variety of food or the relaxed atmosphere of this place.

I had to opt for fish as this restaurant specialises in it but there were plenty of other options on the menu - dishes to suit all palates. I chose rock salmon in a creamy chorizo based sauce on crab mash. It was quite delicious but maybe unnecessarily complex in ingredients for me. I think crab mash with plain grilled fresh fish may have been equally pleasurable, if not as interesting.... the sauce was very good but even so I left some of the food because of its quantity and richness. Most unlike me. But I loved the place - it has a traditional bar in the old part of the building, a contemporary stylish restaurant (unpretentious), great service and a garden that was overflowing with customers. Wine a little pricey.

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