The Best Guide for the Sudbury Area

The Gorgeous George in Cavendish, Colin’s Restaurant Column

Author: Colin Walters

Published: 24th March 2016 14:30

 The George in Cavendish

The Gorgeous George in Cavendish, Colin’s Restaurant Column

There is a lovely place, in a lovely village with lovely food and quite the most comfortable atmosphere of any place I’ve ever been. It’s the place we go to celebrate big occasions like birthdays and anniversaries (yes I do remember the date of mine before you ask!) and the editor (bless him) asked if I would like to review The George at Cavendish. That decision took less than a nanosecond!!

What is it that makes the George so special? Is it because it’s slightly unique in that it’s a restaurant with rooms rather than a pub? Is it because it’s a stunning 16^th Century building adjacent to the picturesque village green? Is it that the atmosphere is always relaxed and friendly with enthusiastic and efficient waiting staff despite always being packed with diners? Is it that they have a wonderful wine list with wines from at least 9 different countries? Well it’s all of those but best of all the food is brilliant. Mostly sourced locally (including the back garden of the restaurant) the food is always seasonal, vibrant and interesting. Some dishes simple but effective others looking like they’ve been transported from the final of Masterchef.

There are set menu’s (£12.50 for 2 courses, £15 for 3) and an a la carte and they are just as Lorna and I like them, choice but not too much, so there are 10 or so starters, mains and puds with a couple of daily specials.

Lorna chose from the set menu starting with Asparagus Soup with Parmesan. A fine thick soup in keeping withthe May/November weather we’ve been experiencing. I ordered the Seared Tuna Loin with Water Melon, Grapefruit, Shallot and Cucumber Relish, Crème Fraiche and Coriander Seeds. This looked like it was straight off the Masterchef set and at the risk of sounding very Greg Wallis it was handsome! The sharpness of the Grapefruit, the Sweetness of the Water Melon, the crunch of the Coriander Seeds, soft succulent Tuna and a beautiful homemade relish… My mouth is watering as I recall it 3 days later!

My favourite restaurant dish of Lambs Liver and Garlic Mash (together with Chard… a sort of cross between spinach and cabbage) was on the set menu and Lorna probably out of surprise that I didn’t order it on this occasion, had that for her main meal. I had one of the specials… Loin of Veal (I was obviously having a very loiny sort of day) on the bone in a peppercorn sauce (so a sort of giant veal chop!) it came with a cute pot of Dauphenois Potato’s, crunchy on the outside, soft and melt in the mouth on the inside, and Spinach. I’ve recently been spending a bit of time in the Limousin region of France, famous for their local beef and veal. The best compliment I can pay this dish was it was at least as good if not better than any of the meals I’ve eaten whilst away. The veal was so tender that it almost fell off its bone. Stunning.

For pudding Lorna chose the Chocolate Terrine with Baby Cherries and Marshmallows (she declined the accompanying Peanut Butter Ice Cream). A slab of chocolaty loveliness and perfect adornments which I ogled enviously but never got a look in as Lorna hoovered the whole dish. She had a big smile on her face so I assume it was pretty good. I had the Roast Peach with Vanilla Cream, Raspberry’s and Hazelnuts which proved to be a perfect light desert after a big meal.

Including a couple of glasses of very nice New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc dinner came to a couple of quid less than £60 which represents unbelievable value for money. Treat yourselves, book in for dinner now!

Even though I only live a few miles away, I’m tempted to book myself in to one of the George’s 5 rooms (£50-85 a night) just so I can try the breakfast!

 

 

 

 

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