And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon In The Park

Ever had one of those days? Of course you have. Mine began with a bus deciding not to appear, the following one to be late. While I waited (stupidly) without a coat or umbrella I was rained upon. Twice.

It continued with a particularly vocal grumpy old man on the bus. Who let us know his views on the youth of today, the politicians of today, the workers of today and that it’d all gone down hill since the war.

I needed cake.

 

 

Thankfully my destination made it all worthwhile. The pop-up cafe from And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon in Didsbury Park. Knowing there was coffee, lunch and a big piece of cake at the end of that bus journey was making it worthwhile.

 

 

The pop up combines the great work of Didsbury Good Neighbours who provide invaluable services to older people in the community, with the fabulous baking of Dishes and Spoons. Following 12 months of hard work by the Didsbury Good Neighbours’, the Pavilion has been completely refurbished and now houses the pop-up until the end of September.

And to help them continue with their work, a share of the profits made from And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon In The Park is to be donated to Didsbury Good Neighbours.

 

 

With a hot cappuccino on the table in front of me, the sun trying to make an appearance through the clouds and things were looking better.

And then along came lunch. Keeley and I shared Orzo salad with rocket, sun blush tomatoes and walnuts, alongside a gorgeous herby beetroot salad – chervil and fennel tops and tarragon and one of the best salads I’ve eaten.

 

 

Alongside these there was sample of both a light tomato and pesto tart. Then, well, I don’t think I’ve ever said this and certainly not about a savoury tart, but there’s always a first time. The most gorgeous savoury tart I’ve ever eaten. Pea and broad bean and basil tart. Soft nutty broad beans, sweet peas, fragrant basil and delicious cheesy pastry. Just delicious.

And then there was cake.

 

 

I’ve long been a fan of the brownies from Dishes and Spoons, but all too often skip over the cakes.  This time I did the opposite. I spotted the Oreo cake, rich and chocolatey, lightly sprinkled with glitter. There was lots of it and it was just what the doctor ordered.

Keeley opted for a pretty little red velvet cupcake, frosted and topped with a heart. Delightfully pretty and perfect reward for a lady in the midst of redecorating her house.

 

 

I couldn’t stop there though. I couldn’t resist taking a piece or two home for Mr GFB. So I selected a slice of the clementine cake and a piece of the blueberry, lemon and coconut cake. I was duly loaded up with yummy goodies to take home.

Given the reaction when I got home, I don’t think it will be long before I’ll be making a return visit….