Moanings of a Chef

Im Looking for a Job!

2008-08-15T20:26:00.001+01:00

Well after much deliberation Ive left the Estuary Restaurant and am currently seeking a new post, so if you are reading this and need a hard working chef then please contact me.

2008-07-11T13:20:00.003+01:00

2008-06-12T14:28:00.004+01:00

Miss World Hits Padstow ????

2008-05-05T10:35:00.003+01:00

14 members from the Miss World 2008 Tour hit Padstow on Saturday night 3rd May...eh.!....well not really...A Hen party with a difference, great costumes and some great humour. Pepi, The Bride to be was "Miss India" and cheperoning the whole party was Claire "Miss France". Other countries such as USA, Argentina, Saudi, Norway, Germany to name a few were also represented.

Was it a good night, I think so! It took us a while to wine and dine them due to there enjoyable antics but the evening went off well with everyone either too drunk or too tired to go on!

On behalf of My team that worked so hard to make the evening a great success, may we wish Pepi and her Partner a happy and long life together. Come back and see us again.

Seven Days a Week

2008-04-29T11:25:00.002+01:00

We will be open for Lunch and Dinner on Mayday so why not come along and pay us a visit.

More good news is that I have the pleasure of welcoming our new 2nd Chef, Kevin Lockhart to the Estuary..(Photo Later) He's a little shy! The upshot of this addition to the team is that we will now be able to open 7 Days a Week from Tuesday 6th May.

We are still looking for a Head Waiter/ess to take control of the Restaurant for the Summer and later if required.

April has been a good month so far for us and with bookings looking good for the future it looks like 08 will be a good year for us.

Catch u later

Terry

North Cornwall Advertiser - Offer

2008-04-09T20:08:00.007+01:00

Well have you found it yet? Hidden in the current issue of The North Cornwall Advertiser is a 10% off voucher which you can use when you dine before the end of May...Yes May!!!! We would however ask that you do not present these during the Lifeboat Dinners week.

Look forward to seeing you!!

Good Bye March - Bad News and Good News

2008-03-31T09:49:00.005+01:00

Where did March Go!

Ok the Bad News first!

Sadly we have had several occasions over the last few months where guests have booked into the restaurant and have failed to turn up and not even had the courtesy to call to cancel their booking. We are sure you will agree that this causes us great concern with the extra costs involved with staffing and food purchasing.

Therefore from April 1st 2008, all phone bookings will be requested to make available their credit/debit card details. Assuming that if a cancellation is necessary, it is made before Midday(12Noon) on the day of the booking there will be no penalty. Failure to do so or not to turn up or if you are late for your table by 20+ minutes we reserve the right to re-let your table and impose a penalty of £10 per person placed against your card.

We are sorry to have to resort to these measures but in order to keep our prices at a reasonable level we must cover these eventualities. And as a small restuarant we cannot afford to turn away later day bookings only to be let down by those that have pre-booked but feel they cannot be bothered to call to cancel or even turn up.

Now the good news!

Lobster and Crab are now available on the menu on the basis that you order before 10:00am daily. Please call reception to [place your order.

Support The Padstow Lifeboat! By Dining in The Estuary Restaurant from Saturday 10th April for one week, and we will donate 10% of your total Meal Bill to the RNLI at no extra cost to you.
How good is that?

We will be open for lunches on MAY DAY from 12:00noon until 3:00pm (No need to book) and Then for pre-booked dinners only in the evening from 6.45 - 8:30pm.

We have replaced a couple of our less popular Red wines mainly the Langeudoc and Medoc. The new wines on offer will inclue a New Organic Red and a Barbera.

And finally from May 1st we are hoping to open 7 nights a week until October. Details to follow on this soon.

Lion and Lamb?

2008-03-07T11:52:00.002Z

Well its March and its been very quiet so far. Half Term was a non starter really and the numbers were down for both the hotel and the restaurant. Im told that this is a global condition throughout Cornwall but Im sure things will pick up soon.

Ive been asked to put on a 3 course Dinner for Easter Sunday Night to run along side our normal menu. This will be a Soup, Roast Lamb and Dessert meal for £18.50. I dont know, the things I do for people, Ill never be a millionaire!!!!!

catch yer later

Was That It?

2008-02-17T08:41:00.002Z

Hi Folks, back agin after a great 2 week holiday in Egypt. The brain is still trying to disseminate the volumes of facts and figures thrown at it by our wonderful guides and Egyptologists Sally and Rafik. This was truly a holiday of a lifetime....no it wasnt weve decided to go back!!!...not straight away but maybe next year.

Anyway, back to work and the Estuary.

Havnt changed the menu since being back but have brought a couple of menu ideas back from Chefs I met whilst on holiday and hope to incorporate them over the coming months.

The kitchen has been redecorated and looks great, theyve done a great job and I was quite surprised that there was very little mess!!!!

catch yer later!

Is there anyone out there?

2008-01-20T00:11:00.000Z

Well its hard to believe that we are over halfway through January already and things are starting to pick up that is of course all except the weather!!!!! Two weeks before my hols, its been a long time coming. Weve had some nice customers over the past few nights and all very appreciative of their meals and service. This will be my last post before I fly off to the middle east in search of sun, food and relaxation.

So just to remind you, we will be closed from January 31st reopening 14th February with a special Valentines addition to the menu.

New Year - New whatever!

2008-01-02T23:12:00.000Z

Wow! What a manic 4 days 28-31 Dec!!!! Full house each night, couldnt have asked for more. New Years eve went off in good fashion with everyone (I believe - as no complaints) enjoying the food and copious amounts of Champers and wine. I think I worried so much about getting it right on the night (NYE) when i woke up the next day I was totally exhausted.....I know..... Im an Old fart!!! It comes to us all eventually!!

Well, thanks to the Fishermen, fresh fish is back on the menu and I can get rid of the silly meals that Ive had to include as we ran out of stock....got caught napping...I think....never mind learn from your mistakes as they say!!!!

Well I suppose Egypt is the next big thing at the end of January when we will be closed for a bit of refurbishment whilst Im floating down the Nile and letting someone else do the cooking.....sound good?

I hopefully will return on the 14th February to a nice clean kitchen and utter chaos to get ready for Valentines night dinner. Perhaps we might see you there?

Terry

And so "That was Christmas" and Now its "New Year"!

2007-12-30T15:17:00.000Z

Well what can I say...December was so quiet...It was hardly worth opening for but always the martyr to the cause we stayed open and fed a few. Christmas came and went and then it got very busy...in fact so busy I got caught out on stock and had to improvise and literally change the whole menu on a daily basis based on what ingrediants I could find.....a useful exercise but one I will not want to repeat on a regular basis.

New Years Eve filled up as predicted and all is ready for the onslaught......should be a good night if you all turn up on time.....Im sure you all will!!!!

To those that have dined with us throughout 2007 may I thank you for your custom and hope to see you again next time you are in Padstow and may I and my Team wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2008.

Terry

High Winds and Pretty Lights

2007-12-12T19:41:00.000Z

Cor Blimey what a Blow we just had!!!! Thought the roof was going to come off!

The lights in harbour look very nice, we just need some people to come and see them and whilst they are here.....Fancy Dinner, Sir Madame??? Seriously its been a bit quiet and it would seem that we are not alone with the quiet period. We will be closed from 24 - 27 Dec reopening on the 28th. We have a few spaces left on the nights before New Years Eve and a few places left on New Years Eve which I am sure will soon be taken.

Just had a nice cuppa and a chat with Adrian from Margots....He's full for New Years Eve already....but then He's been at it longer than me......Nice one Sir!

Not long now and it will all be over and the start of another year! But First........Christmas!!!!

Christmas Lights and Late Night Shopping

2007-12-05T19:25:00.000Z

November was a quiet month and it seemed that at one point it would not be worth opening however it turned around and we had a very reasonable month. A couple of returning Guests and even a few members of the local "Ladies that do Lunch brigade" who were enjoying themselves so much it made the atmosphere all the better throughout the hotel.

Saturday evening 8th December, sees Padstow illuminating the Harbour with the Christmas lights, also there will be late night shopping and Fireworks to herald the onslaught of the season of even more Good Food, Good Wine, and lots of prezzies!!!!

Hopefully sometime over the Christmas Festivities will be a visit to the Estuary. Our Winter Menu for December and January is on the website for you all to see.

Oh and dont forget, Padstow gets very busy on New Years Eve, so if you are thinking about Dinner ......Book Early as very soon all the eateries will be fully booked.

I know its early but Ive been coersed in to returning a day early from my holiday in February to open for Valentines Night (14th February) prior to this the restautrant will be closed from 31st January upto and including the 13th February 08. Im off to Egypt to try out the cuisine and see what all those pointy things are about!!!! But isnt it just typical, Im spending loadsa dosh to go to Egypt to see King T and he's on holiday in London!!!!!!

Its Monday! Yeah so What!

2007-11-12T09:46:00.000Z

Well a quiet weekend but we had some nice people in, locals and Visitors. The Salmon Tikka seems to be quite popular with the spicy version being ordered the most. (Its not really that spicy) Our flagship dish "The Estuary Platter " is also very popular.

Yesterday you might have seen me on Parade in Padstow for Rememberence Day that is assuming you can recognise me in a jacket and tie!!!!

Just a reminder that we have a special offer on throughtout November for a free bottle of House wine between 2 persons when you dine with us. You can of course upgrade this to a more expensive wine and you only pay the difference.

Its almost halfway through November and the Christmas Party season will soon be starting, dont forget to book early to avoid dissapointment......Oh and Dont Forget New Years Eve!!!!

regards

Terry

YES WE ARE OPEN!

2007-11-08T10:37:00.000Z

Had a couple of calls to see if we are open during November as a few restaurants have closed for holidays until December. Although we are quiet as a Hotel this month the restaurant is still open for business. Please note that we may close early if the situation allows......suggest you book rather than just turn up...this guarantees that Ill be there to cook for you!!!!

Hope to see you soon.

Terry

New to Blogging

2007-11-08T06:57:00.000Z

Hello to the world!

It would seem that everyone else is posting bloggs so I thought I had better jump on the wagon.

The Estuary Padstow is located inside the Tregea Hotel up the hill from the Town Centre in High Street. About 500 yards---uphill! Its dowhill coming back though!!!

We specialise in fish and shellfish but also cater for the non-seafayre lovers as well.

Open from 7pm each evening except Tuesdays (at the moment) as we progress into winter/spring this might change so keep your eyes on our website http://www.theestuarypadstow.co.uk/ or if I can remember to keep posting here.

We have had a great spring and summer and Thanx to all those that ate at the restaurant. Autumn is a little quiet at the moment but no doubt other are in a similar situation.

Todays Menu can be found on the website also details of our Christmas Menu and New Years Eve Banquet (filling up nicely)