A date with a Chateaubriand and a cheese trolley

Date night and the destination of Hotel Du Vin, Exeter. Surely that calls for a Chateaubriand?

First things first, we need some wine. Looking through not just the wine list but the wine book, (a hotel with a name like that, you've got to have a good wine selection!) we were after a Chateauneuf du Pape. After not finding one, we spoke to the sommelier who quickly assured us there were some similar options we may be pleasantly surprised by. On his recommendation we chose the 2014 Gigondas, also from the Southern Rhone area, and what a delight it was! Rich, intense and very drinkable. I'd definitely choose it again.


Both opting for shellfish starters, I went for the roasted tiger prawns with pastis and chilli butter. They were lovely, big and juicy with the chilli adding a bit of a kick. K went for the scallops ceviche, which of course I tasted! (I'd only ever had scallops cooked before so was intrigued) They were not as I expected, having a milder fishy taste than their cooked counterparts, they were meaty and pure.

The main was presented on a chopping board in the middle of us with some (really good) chips, watercress and a mini saucepan of gorgeous red wine jus. We opted for some (very) buttered spinach too.


The beef was cooked to our liking (pink) and was quite simply, stunning. Soft and full of flavour, it's the best steak I've had in a long time, and that's saying something! I had to include this second picture to show the inside! It's making my mouth water just looking at it again...


Anyway... I'm normally itching for a sweet after a meal but earlier in the evening I'd spotted the cheese trolley and that was it, my mind was set. The waiter wheeled over said cheese trolley and showed us the very tasty-looking selection. We chose the Stilton, the white Stilton (which I didn't know existed, let alone tried before) and the Epoisse, with a selection of home made crackers, chutney and slices of apple. Alongside that K had a glass of port and I a sweet Santorini Vinsanto, both complementing the cheese nicely. A great way to finish the meal. Whilst all the cheeses were great, the Stilton won it for me! Stilton always wins for me.







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