Hello world.... my first blog:)
COGHLANS at STANCLIFFE HALL – POP UP DINNER
Salmon, Strawberry and Champagne
As a newbie to blogging - I could think of no better way than to start my blogging journey than for it to be one all about food and champagne!
The hubby and I had a rare date night and decided to try out Coghlans at Stancliffe Hall. I have known of Coghlans for several years as i’ve used them to cater for weddings over the years - but the recent move from Chesterfield to the stunningly picturesque Stancliffe Hall in Darley Dale is a very exciting one. I know Stancliffe Hall really well too as I helped get the wedding business of the ground several years ago and have worked for the owners Deborah and Brian for even longer. You just know from the moment you drive through the electric gates down the sweeping driveway to the hall — you are in for a great time. The setting is beautiful, tranquil and just perfect for pop up dinners.
Coghlans reputation for its pop up restaurant, lunch clubs and cookery school is first class - and I was about to experience a rather special evening of fine dining and champagnes…. ok then if I must:)
We were greeted warmly on arrived by Andrew Coghlan and his team including Head Chef Simon Lilley and were promptly handed a glass of Cru Cuvee Prestige Champagne not a bad start eh?
As we mingled with the other guests we got to try the delicious canapés of ham hock on toasted croutes, lamb koftas, mozzarella and risotto arancini balls - a perfect start. The lamb was just the right side of spicy the ham hock was so tender and fresh and the Mozzarella and risotto balls were so creamy - what a fab start!
Next was the 'Palate cleanser' of an Amuse Bouche - which was smoked haddock and herb mouse - the haddock had been smoked over beech and oak chipping; the texture was divine, light creamy and so so tasty - by this point I was rather excited to see what was next and it didn’t disappoint!
A tasting of salmon 4 ways (This was salmon tartare wrapped in cucumber leaf, confit of salmon gently cooked with olive oil and garnished with crab and onion seed tuille,a beetroot cured salmon (cured for 4 days!) and a fresh smoked salmon terrine with cream and dill.
I’m already running out of words to describe just how good this was - scrumptious pretty much sums it up! This was accompanied by a glass of Perle D’Ange Brut Reserve NV - which was equally scrumptious.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better - it did, main course was up next and we were treated to tornedos of fresh scottish salmon with scallop mouse, asparagus and rosti potatoes served with a herb beurre blanc - just wow - the scallop mouse was to die for and the salmon was fresh this was served with what I can only describe as the most delicious Rose i’ve ever had - Anatom Champagne Gyequot Rose Grande Reserve - I’m ordering a few bottles of that today!
To finish we had a white chocolate casket filled with strawberry and vanilla mouse, iced strawberries and strawberry art - served with a glass of Cape Point Late Harvest Dessert Wine - a lovely refreshing end to a marvellous meal - fantastic company and a great location - what more can i say - book your place for the next event at Coghlans at Stancliffe Hall today.
