Dubuas (23 September 2008)

My husband and I had a lovely lunch there on Wednesday on the last day of a lovely three week holiday, visiting dear friends who live near Okehampton. The food was exquisite, the service, impeccable without hovering, cocktails, superb and surroundings, comfortably elegant. We felt as though we were having a luxurious luncheon in a wealthy old aunt's country home. Our dear friends were required back at their business, otherwise would have spent the afternoon. Three of us had the goats’ cheese salad, which was rich and delicious. One had the pâté, which was divine. Two of us had the lamb, prepared perfectly medium rare, tender enough to melt on the tongue, with earthy mushroom sauce. One had the rich and succulent wild mushroom risotto, blended with just the perfect amount of Parmesan cheese to bind it together and add an earthy after note. One had the venison, seared medium rare and served over mash with a deep red wine sauce that finished the meat off softly. Dessert was not to be missed with the sticky toffee pudding served with butterscotch sauce and Devon cream, vanilla panna cotta with orange cardamom ice cream and the blueberry ganache with coconut ice cream. Dark roasted coffee in the sitting room finished off lunch as we reluctantly left. Workers prepared for a weekend wedding, and we all imagined a delighted bride and groom, surrounded by the lovely gardens and beautifully appointed stone estate in the background. I certainly hope to return.