With H out on a ‘networking’ evening last week, I took the opportunity to visit Jem&I with a friend.  H had previously dismissed a visit there, as the veggie options were of the goats cheese tart/mushroom risotto variety.  But while the cat’s away, as they say…

My enthusiasm for trying somewhere new was somewhat dampened however, by the realisation that being pregnant presented its own set of problems.  This is a whole new minefield we’re entering here folks.  Let’s put it this way – it’s a good job neither of us wanted starters, as from the whole (delicious) list, I could eat one, possibly two options and they were both from the specials board.  Once I’d discounted several dishes involving liver, plus the inevitable non-kosher bacon/ham etc ones, it didn’t leave much.  This is not a criticism of the restaurant, they can’t cater for everyone.  It was more a sobering reminder of my current limitations.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being totally paranoid about this stuff – I’m the first to admit that I’ve accidentally eaten blue cheese, and egg yolks that weren’t totally cooked through.  My reaction was a shrug and an ‘oh well’.  But I’m not going out of my way to eat stuff I shouldn’t.

However, I was considerably cheered by my main course – roasted piri piri chicken breast, wonderfully juicy and tender with a subtle spice, with a little dish of hotter sauce to dip in, and moist buttery spinach.  The only off note was the accompanying patatas bravas which had a vague curry taste to it – simple boiled new potatoes would have been fine.  My friend’s sea bass with chorizo looked colourful and delicious and by all accounts, it was.

Having skipped the starter, I felt it only right that I sample a dessert.  The sticky toffee pudding was sticky, hot and moreish, with a gooey rich sauce and the most amazing spun sugar construction sitting on top that looked not unlike a Philip Treacy hat at Ascot.  Delicious.

H was right, his veggie option would have been something involving risotto, so he probably would’ve been disappointed.  But from my point of view, I was very happy.  It wasn’t overly expensive for the quality of the food, it was tasty and well cooked and presented.  The only drawback was the view from our table – over the car park.  But as it also provided decent people watching, we’ll forgive them that.  A good place for an occasional treat.  Especially when it’s within walking distance :-)

I must mention here too the Didsbury House Hotel.  Not strictly a restaurant, but we recently had a very lovely dinner there for a special occasion (our friends celebrated their joint 40th birthday and 10th wedding anniversary).  It was a great venue, we (about 20 people) had the ‘Blue Lounge’ to ourselves, with three tables set out for dinner with individual menus with our choices listed.  My choices of watercress soup to start, and sea bass with dauphinoise potatoes in a thyme veloute meant that it felt like I was having ‘green’ for dinner, as that seemed to be the overriding colour of my food.  However the dessert of  ’oozing’ chocolate pudding with vanilla ice cream, served in a big cup, was deliciously chocolately brown, and so rich that I only managed half.   A fine evening was had by all, the food was lovely, and the staff seemed to manage everything smoothly and efficiently.  I’m sorely tempted to book a room to see what it’s like to stay there – if I can afford it!

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1. Steven
   Aug 17th 2009

   Something I have learned from the veritable plethora of pregnant or new mother friends I have is that a lot of these so called rules about what a pregnant/breast feeding mother can and can’t eat change every few years as a new study comes out disproving the old study. The only one that sticks in my mind was that a small amount of coffee was allowed in the mornings these days (something neighbor Anna was very grateful for). Obviously check with your doctor before taking your idiot brother’s untrained medical advice.
2. Mark Hanson
   Aug 19th 2009

   About time you made it into Didsbury!

   Is Dids House available for non-group bookings?
3. nat
   Aug 19th 2009

   Yes we’ve made it to the bright lights and big city!

   Re Dids House, I’m afraid I don’t know – sorry :-(

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