One of the big positives to marathon training is the calories. Once you get into the big distances you consume a lot.
Of course there are the down sides – loss of toenails, blisters, aches and pains – the worse one for me is actually the feeling of doziness that hits after a long run.
But, back to the good bits. The calorie deficit. And the best part of my training is that my long runs are on a Sunday. Which means big fat Sunday dinners. Oh yes.
So when an invitation to try Black Dog Bowl‘s new Sunday menu arrived in my inbox, I made sure I went for a run in anticipation.
And just in case that wasn’t enough exercise, I booked us in for a bowling session – Mr GFB has proved himself to be a rather competent at bowling whereas I’m… well… not. At all. It was time for a bowling lesson. I can’t bear not being able to do something at least competently.
Surprisingly, the lesson went well – I actually managed to get within 20 points of him. I think more lessons are needed, but that’s for another day. There was Sunday lunch waiting for us.
The food on offer is unsurprisingly a little different to your usual Sunday roast – you can opt for pulled pork, beef brisket or, as Mr GFB did half a smoked chicken. This is no lunch for a vegetarian.
And it looked good. In fact it was moist and tender and juicy. And myself?
Well I went for the beef brisket – often hit and miss. It doesn’t take much to make it too dry, or even make it tough as the proverbial old boots, but this was perfect. juicy, moist and the flesh surrendered at the merest hint of cutlery.
As you’d expect, the accompaniments are more USA than Yorkshire puddings. Along with the crisp (and perfectly cooked I might add) veggies, hush puppies flavoured with sweetcorn and spring onions sitting happily with some stunning creamed potatoes. They don’t skimp on the butter here.
Now, here I have to admit, the hush puppies were a little hit and miss. When the onion was dark and crispy, the flavour is great. When it’s not, they’re a little bland. I suspect, however (after a little digging into alternative recipes) that this is more a personal taste thing – I guess they’re not just me, despite me wanting them to be.
All in all, for £12 a head, this dinner is pretty good value, especially for half a chicken quite that delicious.
But after a big run, and a bowling lesson, we still had a little room. So as it was Sunday, we had a Sundae.
After all ice cream melts and fits into all the corners where there’s still room, right?
With a Peach Melba for me – soft peaches, juicy raspberries and toasted almond flakes – and a decadent bowl of chocolate and marshmallows (they’re all air after all) for Mr GFB, we really were pushing it a bit.
But Mr GFB managed every hunk of brownie, every spoonful of chocolate ripple ice cream.
Well, yes, and I managed mine as well.
We finished, very full, but very happy. The little grumbles I’d had with the food the during the first visit have been ironed out, the service is much improved, attentive, but not overly so.
No longer will my bowling be confined to cheesey American musicals….I need to get some more practice in so I can learn to beat Mr GFB…