Harrogate: Graveley's, Betty's and pikelets...

[fajrdrako]

Yesterday was Catherine's birthday, so I offered to take her out for supper - her choice of location. She chose Graveley's fish and chips on Cheltenham Parade, so I could experience a classic fish and chips place, and then we went to Berry's for tea and dessert. See, I'd been telling her about the Cream Tea at the Chateau Laurier, where we went on lunacy_gal's birthday.

Best fish and chips I've had since... I think... visiting Penzance in 1981. Swoon. I had the traditional mushy peas, too. It was a beautiful sunny evening, not too hot, and we ate outside.

Then Betty's - maaseru's comments were incentive there, too. It's an elegant place, too posh to really be elegant, but with just the right touch of humble dignity. The waiter was cute, and helpful in answering my questions. The piantist was lovely, and smiled said 'good night' as we left. She played some of my favourite tunes: "She" and "Memories" and "Maple Leaf Rag". (She played "My Way", too, not so much a favourite.) I was curious about everything on the menu, especially the Yorkshire specialties I'd never tasted nor heard of. I succumbed to Strawberry Shortbread Hearts because they were so pretty, and I know what wonderful things the English can do with strawberries and cream. And they were good.

But Catherine ordered something I was curious about and had never had, pikelets. When they arrived, she let me eat a bit of hers to see what it was like. I fell in love on the spot. After eating my Strawberry Shortbread Heart I threw away all restraint and ordered pikelets for myself. Wikipedia seems to think pikelets are merely pancakes, which is missing the point. They're like pancakes in shape and style, but... It's like saying a fine wine and grape juice are related. They are, but they aren't the same.

This, with perfect Earl Grey tea. You'd think it was my birthday.

They also have a great display of tea-pots.