Food experiences

So the last two weekends have been interesting food(ie) wise; two fairly opposing ends of the market gave spectacular results.

Last weekend, a trip to Heston's pub the Hinds head in Bray, was particularly interesting. Wonderful building, rickety and creaking floors that moved, lovely big fireplaces, nooks and snugs with tables in. Very inviting indeed.

Food was, as you might expect given the reputation, superb. Quail scotch eggs, a nice nibble to start the meal,  Raw venison carpaccio with basil and horseradish dressing was delicious, as was my Aberdeen Angus steak fillet.
Service was just right, helpful, friendly and intuitive. Bill was, well, substantial at £75 a head. But a four course meal with excellent wine was going to be nothing but that here.

Contrast this with Sojo in Oxford, on the Hythe bridge road; dark wood beams, dimly lit interior, plain tables. Taken to a table at the top end of the restaurant, where you can see the chefs working away.
Menu is substantial, several hundred things to choose from.
In the end, i decided on taking a recommendation from the waitress, because i had heard that the food here was authentically Chinese. So Sweet soy Shanghai braised pork hock,, Szechaun red peppercorn deep fried spicy Prawns, Stir fried Gan Bian fine beans and steamed rice it was then.

Think it was one of the best Chinese meals i have ever eaten. Such strong powerful flavours, but nothing over-dominated. Staff were friendly, the recommendations were spot on. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, atmosphere lunchtime was superb. Definitely worth a visit.Not too pricey at all, £25 a head including a few glasses of excellent wine.
Menu of delights:Choose from here