Generous portions at Harry’s Bar, Hove

What was intended to be a light, early evening snack turned into our full evening meal when we saw the size of the very generous portions at Harry’s Bar. Mr Rice loves a club sandwich when he’s away from home, but this was definitely not the poncy, tiny white bread triangles you get by the pool at some show-off hotel, this was more like a club doorstep made with delicous, tasty granary bread.

I had the same bread to accompany my smoked haddock smokie, which was creamy, rich, cheesy and very smoked haddocky – and accompanied by buttered toast and red wine – delicious.

And Harry’s Bar’s piece de resistance? No mint imperials or chocolate orange slices here – but fruit salads and black jacks. Pudding was sorted there and then!

© Katheryn Rice 2007

Aumthong Thai, Brighton & Hove

Mr Rice and I went to Brighton to celebrate becoming Mr and Mrs one year ago, and took ourselves for a Thai meal. Aumthong Thai had excellent reviews and was just round the corner from our hotel, which made for a relaxed and easy evening.

It was also the only place on my shortlist that was not full when I called to book, and it wasn’t full when we arrived either. We started with Dim Sum, which you can’t really go wrong with, and they didn’t disappoint – prawn and pork mince in light dunplings with sweet soy dip. The garnish took up 75% of the plate, and was as fancy and over the top as I have seen. The pristinely carved carrot flower was a bit over the top, and the rest of the garnish was huge. It felt slighty wasteful, but points for effort!

We didn’t stray too far from the woods for our mains – green curry and pad thai! It was tasty and enjoyable but not that memorable.

© Katheryn Rice 2007