9 September - Chillaxing

The heatwave was still with us, though my back felt a lot better. We reminded ourselves that we don't have to go-go-go every day, so we decided to just hang around the villa (the cottages on the beach are officially called The Ventnor Villas.) I tried to get a reservation at the Smoking Lobster for that evening, but they were booked until 9:00. It was one of the places that Russell recommended and the menu looked really interesting. It suddenly occurred to me that they might be open for lunch, so after a quick trip to Open Table, I landed a reservation at 2:00. Yay! We hung around the villa and watched a little British telly. I reviewed our train reservations for Tuesday when we head to Liverpool. The hovercraft we took to IOW doesn't go to the same station as our train, so I booked the Wightlink ferry for the way back. Of course, Hovercraft said that I couldn't get a refund on my reservation because I had completed the first leg. Of course. At least Tuesday should be less stressful because our ducks are now in a row.

So after a lazy morning we headed up the stairs that Bruce discovered, which are much easier to navigate than the hill, and headed into town. We got to the Smoking Lobster a bit early, but they very kindly seated us and even gave us a table outside, as I had requested.

We started out with cocktails. A Mandarin and Maraschino Margarita for Bruce and a Passion Fruit Mojito for me. Really excellent, and not too sweet. Since we prefer grazing rather than pigging out on large meals, we shared 4 small plates and one side. We started with the Confit Yellow Fin Tuna with wasabi and avocado mouse and togarashi chili gazpacho. Lovely, with just the right amount of spice. Then we had the Hot Applewood-smoked Venison Haunch with char siu watermelon and watercress salad. It was like no other venison I have ever eaten. The taste and texture were perfect, there was just the right amount of smokiness and no gaminess at all. Next we had the Yuzu Miso Black Cod with kohlrabi, apple and local crab tian served with a lotus chip. The fish was cooked to perfection with one side fabulously caramelized, while the rest of the piece was just done, giving it such a supple mouth feel. Lastly we had Grilled Lobster with Miso Bernaise served on a sesame brioche. This is one of those dishes that will stay in my memory for a long time. I only wish we hadn't booked a late lunch as the kitchen was closed by the time we got to that dish and I would have ordered another one. The complexity of flavor was astounding. Along with these amazing plates we ordered soy and sesame stir-fried vegetables. They played off nicely against the richness of the other dishes. Lovely wine list as well, with excellent wines by the glass. We chose a Picpoul de Pinet, Les Parades and a Chablis Louis Michel. I'm gutted that they're closed on Sunday and Monday and we're leaving the Isle of Wight on Tuesday morning. I would definitely book in again.

As we paid the check, the waitress said she was excited to be getting off work so that she could head down the esplanade to Lady Scarlet's for ice cream. We were intrigued, so after a walk on the Esplanade, headed to Lady Scarlet's. We ordered a Cornish Clotted Cream cone and an Oriental Ginger cone. OMG! This ice cream is so rich and flavorful. We started back to the villa, but I was tempted to head back for another cone.

Back home, we relaxed, had a G&T and later watched the last night of the Proms on BBC1. The Proms, if you don't know, are a series of concerts that take place from the beginning of July through the beginning of September. The last night features all the old patriotic and traditional songs, with the audience singing along. It was just wonderful, and made me think that it would be great to spend the summer in England someday.

Top to bottom: Drinks, Yellow fin tuna, Cod, Venison, Lobster, Stir fried veggies