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Sunday Afternoon at Villa Park

Sunday, June 05, 2011 , Posted in , , , 1 Comment

Our mission today was two-fold; firstly to see if VMF's regular menu stood up to the menu we were served at the food champion's evening two weeks ago and secondly to keep an eye out for anybody who looked like they may be even remotely associated with a certain Italian or Dutch football manager.

On the second point we failed, but VMF certainly didn't.


The one part of lunch today that I was not so keen on was being presented with a menu. At the food champion's evening there was a set menu with the only choice being between the vegetarian or meat option for main course. Now I was facing a dilemma. Did I go with the potato and watercress soup or asparagus that I had tried previously and knew to be delicious, or try the mushroom risotto or salmon fishcakes? I went with the in-house smoked salmon fishcakes, which were served on a bed of chunky tartare sauce with a perfectly poached quail's egg. The salmon was seasoned and cooked beautifully, so that it fell apart rather than crumbled, and the chunky tartare sauce was the perfect accompaniment. I'm not sure I've ever eaten quail's egg, and it had a very delicate flavour that complimented the salmon delightfully. Between the five of us we tried all four starters on the menu and I was assured that the soup and asparagus were as wonderful as when we'd had them previously and the risotto was perfectly cooked and incredibly tasty.

The decision about the main course was even more difficult with beef, pork, monkfish and bruschetta of Ragstone goat's cheese on offer, however our minds were quickly made up when the beef joint was brought to the next table for carving. There was no way any of us could resist it from that point. The appropriately cooked joint was brought to the table and carved; we had all opted for medium which made life simpler. This was served with a herbed Yorkshire pudding, pan roasted potatoes (both of which we were offered extras of), creamed horseradish, an individual jug of gravy and a side dish of green cabbage and roasted parsnips and carrots. The beef was divine. It was so succulent and tender that it almost melted in the mouth. The rest of the meal was equally delicious and for the first time ever my son actually ate cabbage, all of it, I was amazed. Although I must confess I didn't eat mine; it's one of the very few things that I don't really like.

Then it was dilemma time again. This is reason I quite liked the collation of desserts we had had previously as it meant I didn't have to choose and I got to try everything. In the end though the draw of the ginger and strawberry cheesecake with clotted cream was just too strong. The smell of strawberries drifting up from  the plate as it was presented was almost overpowering, yet the cheesecake itself was a perfect balance of the strawberry filling and ginger base complimented flawlessly by the fresh strawberries and clotted cream. It was no surprise that the chocoholics in the party opted for the Valrhona chocolate fondant, but the accompanying honeycomb and passionfruit sorbet seemed slightly unusual. The fondant was cooked admirably. Anyone who has attempted chocolate fondant can attest to just how tricky it can be, but this effort could not be faulted and actually tasted delectable with the passionfruit sorbet, which managed to be sweet, light and refreshing as any good sorbet should.

There were a few serving errors that would be picked up in top restaurants, none of which (not even the waiter singing along to Usher under his breath) detracted from what was overall great service once again. Attentive but unintrusive; prompt but not rushed; striking the perfect note between cordial and overly friendly.

The one thing that did surprise me was that it was not busier. I had expected that it would be very popular and was concerned on Thursday afternoon that I might even struggle to get a table. At prices that compare with some carvery chains and food of a far superior quality, not to mention the excellent level of service, delightful surroundings and relaxed atmosphere, it is difficult to understand why VMF is not fully booked every Sunday afternoon. As I've been telling anyone who'll listen over the last two weeks, it really is worth a visit. But I don't want everyone going, then I might not get a table and I plan on becoming a regular.


Sunday Lunch (3 courses) costs £16.50 per adult, £8.95 for under 12s and is free for under 5s.
Further information and booking details are available on the Aston Villa Hospitality and Events website http://www.avhe.co.uk/index.php/vmf-home-page

1 Response to "Sunday Afternoon at Villa Park"

  1. Andy says:
    5 June 2011 at 19:52

    Looks lovely! Making me hungry now.

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