There was not much on the shelf
A few bits of veg – some pasta – and not much else
But with some creative chopping
And herbs thrown in – Chef had an idea where to begin
And with a sauce made with tomato and prayer
He served the dish of “gourmet fare”
For it’s not so much what goes on the plate
Be sure they’re hunger and make them wait
Padre
I have on several occasions reviewed meals at various outlets of the Toby Carvery chain. With no Toby nearby, my wife and I decided to give the Castle Carvery chain a try. Since we were staying in Sprowston, the Castle at the Racecourse was ideally placed.
The carvery options and prices were very similar to Toby’s but the Castle also had a more extensive table menu as well. My wife had the standard 2 meats carvery (pork and beef on this occasion), while I had the veggie option which included a cheese topped vegetable dish which reminded my very much of moussaka.
The meats were well cooked, and the veg plentiful. It being the Christmas season Brussels sprouts were a feature, and with the addition of broccoli, and two types of cauliflower there was some risk of the Saffir-Simpson scale being used later, but all-in-all it was very nice.
The Racecourse has a bar area which we found a bit loud, but the dining room/carvery area was relaxed and comfortable. There is also a children’s play facility with ball pool, etc. attached to the pub.
This is a worthwhile pace for a filling, tasty dinner (or lunch) if in the Broads, and I would say it competes well with its Toby rivals.
Padre
As I sit before my bowl of porridge
Contemplating its warmth sublime
I can appreciate this simple pottage
So often under-rated at breakfast time
It is though so warm and filling
Both cold and hunger it does decrease
And on mornings like this one
It is a grand as any feast
Padre
With confidence from the bakery he rode
To take an oversized baguette home – just down the road
But a bus passed close and with a sickening whap
Reduced his French bread into a bap
Padre
Today’s the day that all the Yanks
Eat turkey, and pie, and profess their thanks
Parades and football give them something to do
As leftovers are prepared
To be repeated for a day or two
And if all that is not enough for them
In a month and a day – they’ll do it all again
Padre
You bought a garlic mayo with a rich tangy taste
Not some bland white condiment
On which “Garlic”
In the ingredients list was placed
It really packed quite an aromatic-base
Please try not to breathe it in my face
Padre
Some say tomato
Or is that tomato?
Both are easier to say
Than Solanum lycopersicum
It’s described as a fruit
Well, at least by some
It is an argument as yet – still to be won
Placed is a sauce savory
And served as a veg
Is a better idea than with bananas
Or with a watermelon wedge
Padre
The tea was weak
The toast was cold
The eggs I think
At least a year old
Where was the source of this fare?
At home of course
If I’m the only one there
Padre
A starter and dessert
No need for a mains
I’m not very hungry
Well, I have no pangs
The diet’s gone well
I’ve lost some weight
The success, I’m sure
Lies with the cheese cake
Padre
I need a coffee, but will settle for tea
I need to get some caffeine into me
Cappuccino or latte, they will do
Why are you waiting? Go start the brew
It’s not that I’m addicted
Or need to stay awake
Hey, where is that coffee
Hurry for heaven’s sake
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 