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hand picked restaurants

The ancient city of Sukhothai has become iconic for those who want to represent Thailand in the West, an exotic and vibrant version that brings forth all the fascination that surrounds this far Eastern country. Sukhothai Restaurant opened its second branch in Dereham's town centre in 2007 and has become well acclaimed by an ever increasing clientele.

Fresh and free from chemicals and preservatives, the ingredients used by Sukhothai are locally sourced, and their dishes cooked individually. They also hold the distinction of serving vegetarian alternatives that are not based in meat or chicken broths and the variety is exhilarating.

For starters, try the gai hor bai toi, tender marinated chicken, lightly spiced and wrapped in Thai leaves, served with a soy vinaigrette, and move on to the weeping tiger, fine slices of tenderloin steak with coriander, lemon and chilli sauce. Soups, stir fries, noodles and Chinese dishes also feature prominently on the menu.

By Appointment is Norwich's premier boutique hotel which promises a delightful experience to guests as well as those who venture into their excellent restaurant. This hotel is spread across three fifteenth century houses in St George's Street, creating an atmosphere of luxury and character along with a sense of intimacy too. Attention to detail is present everywhere, be it in the bedrooms or in the dining rooms of the restaurant, which are packed with antiques, creating a resultant ambience of quiet dignity and understated opulence.

Head out to By Appointment for breakfast and enjoy smoked Scottish salmon with creamy scrambled eggs or a full English breakfast with the works, served with orange juice, toast and freshly baked croissants. The European menu in the restaurant could feature starters of smoked haddock chowder with smoked paprika croutons followed by a delicious main course of roasted rack of English lamb with crushed new potatoes, baby aubergine and caper jus. Revel in the decadent dark chocolate mousse with toasted hazelnuts and end with the freshly ground Columbian coffee and handmade chocolates.

The lively La Tasca chain caters for parties, children's events and family gatherings in addition to anytime dining. These restaurants capture well the warm and vibrant spirit of Spain, and are best known for their tapas and traditional paellas.

Their star player is tapas, which can be had solo or in tandem with a meal. The calamares andaluza, deep-fried squid rings, served with roasted garlic mayonnaise and lemon, is great for sharing, while the chorizo frito al vino, spicy Spanish sausage flavoured with paprika, garlic and herbs, sautéed in red wine, offers a real treat. Chicken lovers order alitas de pollo, marinated chicken wings, or have skewers of chicken breast and pepper, marinated in paprika.

Valenciana is an interesting paella that combines seafood with chicken, and if you have a taste for trivia, you may be surprised to learn that 'la paella' actually refers to the utensil in which the dish is cooked.

Other than liqueurs and beer, there are wines from Spanish vineyards and sparkling cava. All of these, especially the dry rosé wines combine well with tapas. And you would be really getting into the spirit of things if you rounded off with the crema Catalana, traditional Spanish-style vanilla custard, topped with caramelised sugar.

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurants and Bars today have over sixty outlets across the UK, so it is odds on there is a branch fairly close to your home.

The Beeches Hotel and Victorian Gardens is an exemplary hotel in Norwich, close to the city centre, and it is refined and laidback, perfect for business meetings or romantic getaways or even outings with the family. While the rooms are comfortable and luxurious, the gardens are a delight to the senses, rich, blooming and verdant and guests enjoy the lovely views from the restaurant in the conservatory as they sit down for a delicious meal.

Some of the mouth watering dishes on offer include sirloin steak with peppercorn or steak Dianne sauce, tomato and hand cut chips, while the pan fried fillet of sea bass with cockles and basmati rice is also an excellent choice. Vegetarians love Beeches for its tasty options such as courgette stacked with feta cheese and walnuts. End with a rich chocolate brownie accompanied by some Norfolk award winning ice cream.

Ensconced in its own estate, the relaxed and family friendly Elveden Café Restaurant offers guests a pleasant, refreshing setting for breakfast, light bites, lunch or scones and cakes all day. Its picturesque courtyard is just the place for a pleasant meal while a trail through the surrounding woodlands is ideal for a stroll to build up the appetite.

The AA Rosette restaurant offers a fine selection of British dishes made with fresh seasonal produce, most of which comes from their own farm which specialises in the production of vegetables especially potatoes, onions, carrots and parsnips. They also grow cereals such as rye, barley and wheat.
 
Kick start your day with eggs Benedict, or a full English breakfast. If you fancy a quick bite you could order freshly baked fruit scone, smoked applewood and mushroom quiche or basil and pesto cream cheese grilled bagel. A range of sandwiches and wraps offers more variety.

A delicious lunch can get going with potted pig's cheeks, venison and wild boar terrine or goat's cheese and red pepper quiche. Mains of meatballs, chicken picatta, baked skate wing or mushroom risotto offer more fuel for the appetite. Homemade puddings of strawberry bavarois or rich chocolate brownie end the meal satisfactorily. A three-course Sunday roast lunch at Elveden offers more delights.
 
At the food shop choose from a range of locally sourced products including fresh bread, game, poultry and other meats as well as a variety of homemade produce and British and European cheeses to take something home.