Simply Delicious – August 3rd 2011
Simply Delicious is a ‘little gem’ of a restaurant, sandwiched between two high street banks in Aldridge village.
When I was asked to review a restaurant in Aldridge I had mixed feelings. In the 90’s I taught at a local primary school, the children were a pleasure to teach and I hold fond memories of St.Mary of the angels. However my impression of Aldridge was that of a village stuck in a 70’s time warp! And not a place that I would consider to visit for a meal; therefore I was intrigued.
On my arrival I noted that Aldridge has had a bit of a makeover! A quality fireplace centre, a well stocked contemporary florist, traditional family butchers and a classy Italian restaurant and there on Aldridge High street, my destination – Simply Delicious.
The sun was shining and people were dining al fresco on the pavement, there was a very pleasant atmosphere I could have been in rustic France.
Simply Delicious is owned and run by twin sisters Sarah and Ellie. It was Sarah who warmly greeted us. As the restaurant is only open during the day I had taken along my mum and son James. We were all made to feel very welcome, as were all the diners that entered the restaurant whilst we were there’
Inside the fully licensed restaurant it is light and airy; the whole frontage is glass which gives a clear view of the high street. In true Anglo-François style the menu is based on a wide range of local produce which you can also buy to take home from the in-house Delhi. You can purchase oils and vinegars on tap, local cheeses, fresh bread, chutneys, jams, handmade chocolates and homemade cakes.
Alan Foster the family butcher from across the street provides the sausage, bacon and pork pie and Hay head Farm on Longwood lane produce all the local seasonal vegetables. It is due to such partnerships between local businesses that Aldridge has raised its profile in return by supporting one another the local economy is improving.
The menu offers a wide choice of sandwiches, baguettes, salads, olives, soup, jacket potatoes, Panini’s and daily special dishes.
By the time we were ready to order the restaurant was full of diners, a mixture of all ages; mums and toddlers, local business men, mothers and daughters, young ladies and families. A lovely mix of folk creating a mediterranean atmosphere, although being typically English the surroundings and ambience were reminiscent of holidaying on the continent and lunching in a classy bistro.
Service was quick and before long our food had been delivered to our table. I had opted for the simply delicious ploughman’s lunch:
Wookey Hole Cheddar Cheese, a wedge of locally made pork pie with sweet pickle, homemade coleslaw, salad garnish, red grapes and speciality bread.
Mum the finest Devon dressed crab:
Finest Devon dressed crab – served with salad garnish, homemade coleslaw, lemon mayonnaise and speciality bread.
And James:
Chicken breast and crispy bacon baguette.
All the food was beautifully presented and clearly fresh, my Ploughman’s was the best I’ve had in a long while. James’ baguette was soft yet crusty on the outside with plenty of filling, but I think we all agreed the star of the show was mums crab.
The coleslaw was homemade and the mayonnaise with lemon zest was ‘simply delicious’; the bread was freshly baked and I particularly liked that the butter was soft so it spread easily without ripping the bread. The generous portion of crab was carefully picked and served in its shell. All the food was of a superior quality.
This restaurant is clearly very popular with the locals, already full they had to turn people away so booking is highly recommended. I’m afraid Aldridge the word is now out you will have to share this wonderful Delhi restaurant with us outside.
There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere which I think is partly due to the design of the restaurant but also down to the genuine nature of Ellie and Sarah whose bubbly personality encases this venue.
To finish we decided to sample the homemade and local cakes, I had the Lemon Drizzle cake which was divine; a moist light sponge with a sharp citrus icing it finished my lunch on the right note.
Whilst I was there I decided to ask some of my fellow diners what they thought of the restaurant here are their comments;
‘...a relaxed atmosphere...we like the finishing touches to the food – it’s a little bit of affordable luxury...a refreshing change.’ (Two ladies doing lunch)
‘It’s a bit of a treat, we come once a week.’ (Husband and wife)
‘It’s the nicest place in the area.’ (Businessman)
‘Excellent food, great presentation and quality, very pleasant staff. We come in most days for breakfast and lunch!’ (Paul and Gary Smith- Smith brothers roofing Ltd)
So my experience of ‘Simply Delicious’ was just that, simply delicious and judging from the comments every day is just as delicious if you dine here.
Sarah and Ellie are living their dream and have been running their continental style Delhi Restaurant since 2008.The sisters have brought sophistication and a touch of class to Aldridge village. You really should take time out to visit them for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, it is definitely worth it. No fancy recipes just good quality, fine tasting honest food which speaks for itself – no messing!
I shall definitely be returning and recommending your restaurant Ellie and Sarah, thank you for changing my perception of Aldridge – You are simply delightful and your food is simply delicious.
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