The Burlington Meal

 It was a lovely evening as we arrived for our prize of a meal at The Burlington Inn at The Devonshire Arm near Bolton Abbey. The evening sun lit the glorious hills of the Yorkshire Dales highlighting just what a lovely setting the hotel was situated in.

The Burlington has gained something of a reputation under Head Chef Steven Smith having gained a Michelin Star and four AA Rosettes, so we were very much looking forward to the tasting menu that lay ahead of us.

At the venue we were escorted by a member of staff to a lovely little lounge where we introduced ourselves to the other couples who we were to share the evening with.  It was here that we were treated to the first of the classic wines which was to accompany our meal.  It was a ‘Prosecco Superiore, Giavi Prima Volta 2010’ – very nice to start with a bit of bubbly.  We were also treated to an ‘amuse bouche’ of bread-crumbed seared tuna on a bed of pea, citrus and apple jelly with a crème freche mousse sprinkled with caviar.

We were then shown to our table where we introduced to the Head Chef Steven Smith and the Cellar Master.  For each course we were given an explanation of the ingredients and why they had been chosen to complement each other and also why each wine was matched to the course and a little background to each wine.

Our meal began with a ‘Grapefruit & basil mojito’ which we were told that as well as being delicious would also act as a palate cleanser.

This was closely followed with an ‘Onion and liquorice velouté, which included a whole yoke of a hens egg and was topped with toasted rye.

We then had one of my favourite courses of the night.  East Coast Turbot with Razor Clams, cauliflower, pickled grapes and sorrel.  This was complemented with a glass of 'Nuits Saint Georges Blanc, Domaine De L'Arlot 2003'.

We then had a beautifully presented duck dish.  This consisted of a bed of duck confit and fois gras, topped with what they called Goosnargh duck flavours (basically small portions of duck prepared in a variety of ways).  All this served with a delightful cherry gel and a brioche.  This was accompanied by a 'Sauternes, Chateau Briatte 2006'.

Next up was a dish of Hand-dived scallop, smoked eel, apple, truffle and celeriac. This was matched with a 'Woodcutters Semillon, Torbrek Barossa Valley 2006'

Then came what they described as the main course, a dish of Smoked beef sirloin and braised cheek with onion, parsley risotto, snails, deep fried bone marrow and red wine.  This had to my mind the nicest wine of the night a 'Cabernet Sauvignon Atemis, Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley 2007'

This was followed by the first of our two desserts.  This was a bed of crumble, with wafer thin slices of rhubarb, topped with a rhubarb sherbet, rhubarb parfait and a champagne espuma.  This was matched with a 'Moscato D'Asti, Contero 2011'.

The second desert and our final course was Chocolate Mayhem.  Basically three flavours of chocolate in a chocolate box, served with a lime mousse, caramel and peanut

We gave our thanks and said our goodbyes to the Chef, then retired to the lounge for our coffees.  The treats had not ended however, small miniature chests of drawers were placed on the coffee table in front of us and each drawer contained a selection of handmade chocolates and other treats.

We had a wonderful evening with magnificent foods, great wine, lovely company and efficient, attentive and friendly service.   The event demonstrated just how fantastic a dining experience could be.  Here’s to the next time.