Dorset Days

Sally Lunnes Bakers (and Pie makers), Weymouth 

A few short days in Dorset and we have fallen in love with the place. Some good weather helped but a fair abundance of pastry filled savoury manufacturers and retailers in the vicinity inc Mortimers, Pasty Parlour, Cornish Bakehouse, The Phoenix Bakery, Williams The Bakers......

Plenty to see and do around the county. We stayed in Weymouth enjoyed spending time around the harbour/port area. It was  pretty vibrant for a small town with plenty of places to eat and drink. Obviously there is plenty of seafood to enjoy, being on the coast. Best of all we were close to Devon and Cornwall a pie making hot spot of Britain.

We like the Olde Sally Lunne Bakery not far from the Bay Esplanade. I tried the Homity Pie which was great. The others had Sausage roll and Cheese pasty which went down a treat.

Weymouth

Mr Persuader

 

Mr Persuader, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Saturday night at Wrexham Central Station and I am persuaded that Mr Johnny Marr is brilliant. A sold out Central Station saw Mr Marr take to the stage preceded by the Persuaders Theme (Top Tune). 

A great gig, even with a slightly dodgy sound. Which may have been due to where we were standing, left of stage and close to speakers. However it didn't matter, he was great and can't recommend him highly enough. He played a lot of his latest album release, "The Messenger" with plenty enough to like about it and chucked in 5/6 Smiths tunes, an electronic song and a rousing version of the Crickets " I Fought the Law".

"How Soon Is Now" was a highlight of the night for me. Low point was when the Photo Fascists (Security) stopped me taking piccies although prior permission had been sought and given from the venue !!!!

Hollands Steak & Stilton New FAVOURITE Pie !

Hollands Pie Heaven, Albert Square Chop House

The Pie tribe enjoyed a great evening at the recent "Hollands Pies and Ale tasting" in Manchester. Hosting the evening was the The Albert Square Chop House. Compere for the evening was fascinating Mr Tom Bridges (Pie Master) who was on fine form introducing the various Pies on offer with enthusiasm and keen insightful knowledge.

A number of pies were available with a suggested ale to go with each. Of great interest were some new pies, due to go on sale we believe in 2014, in particular the Hunters Chicken pie and the Steak & Stilton, part of the new Pub classics range. Below is our reviewers morsel by morsel account of each!!!

Chicken + Gravy – part of 2 pack frozen range available from Sept 2013 in Tesco nationwide,  microwave in 3 mins. Generous portions of chicken not just stingy bits in tons of gravy. Tastes well nice

 

Hunters chicken pie – pub classics for 2014. Bacon, pepper, mushrooms, bbq sauce, cheese, chicken breast and thigh. Cheese is a good addition and makes veg and sauce taste better. Chicken got a bit lost in stronger flavours but not a bad pie.

Peppered Steak – to launch 2014, hard to do wrong and one they always do well. New addition of peppercorns to top are brilliant adds a good extra kick. Sauce remains tasty and creamy as always, nice crispy pastry.

Potato and Meat bestseller – not a new one but cracking! P+M not my favourite type of pie but still a good pie, apparently uses Wilja and Esitma taters.

Cheese and onion – again not a new one, but there because who doesn’t like cheese and onion? Remains excellent.

Steak and Stilton – part of new pub classics range to be launched in 2014.  Best pie ever!! Strong stilton flavour but not too overpowering. can still taste the steak and good gravy sauce. MY NEW FAVOURITE PIE 

This is a tremendous compliment given the number of pies we try !!!!! We have in the past enjoyed a Steak/Stilton combination in a pie from a number of artisan pie makers with success. But this is the best we've ever tasted from one of the big boys. We can't wait to get our chops on more.

Many thanks to all the staff on the night from Hollands Pies who made us feel very welcome and supplied us with such tasty Pie.

Le Pie

Looking to Vezelay, Burgundy

Big thanks to the Shed tribe who invited us to their home in Burgundy this August. We had the best of times , even though the Pie count was low, there was plethora of delicious morsels to occupy our taste buds including cheeses, bread, sausages, brioche with scratchings, iced tea peche and CAKES !!!!

The weather was very kind to us and allowed us to have long relaxing days doing whatever we liked till late in the evening. A small matter of the brakes, on the car, lost us a day but no matter as driving around sorting it out was fine, with such a beautiful backdrop and relaxing weather.

The usual activities sightseeing, exploring, canoeing (!!!!!!), wild cat feeding, eating, chatting, laughing, walking, lounging, reading, shopping, swimming, frisbee, drinking,  etc etc were indulged. But the highlight of the holiday, for the Pieman, was finding a cache of Asterix figures at a great price, at a boiling hot brocante when it was least expected.

"Between A Rock and a Hard Plaice"

Resting up before a performance, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Last night we had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Great Escapes TV Presenter, Diver and Marine Biologist , Monty Halls. 

The evening consisted of Monty trawling through his career so far, what inspired him and how he got to do what he does now. He would then go on to speak about the individual series in some further detail emphasising the teams who produce such captivating results. He also gave attention to some of the many characters he met on the way.

His presentation is liberally sprinkled with  some fantastic images and video clips of past and  present work. He is enthusiastic , informative, provoking and captivating in equal measures. There is an interval of about twenty minutes after which a shorter half is ended by a short question and answer session.The time has flown by but he has been talking for nearly 3 hours !!!

However the star of the show is a four legged, webbed, big eared, black coated newfoundland/german shepherd heinz who is massive and has the best temperament of any hound dog I've come across. Reubens is the star.

Jon Anderson, Yes and Pie

Along with Mrs Pieman and Georgio Dragonslayer we went last night to Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester for a solo acoustic concert by Jon Anderson, best known as a singer with "Yes" and "Jon & Vangelis". 

The venue was a first for for us and it was excellent, a self contained theatre within a building? The theatre is in the round style with 3 levels and sits within the main domed concourse of the former exchange building quite beautiful, large but intimate, we like it. Staff are helpful, facilities good, seats slightly awkward to get into (? raised with foot rests and a bar to rest on) but very comfortable and all with a good view.

For this performance the light show is on or off, which is no bad thing as all is concentrated on the music and words coming from the talented Mr Anderson. He is an interesting and an unassuming joy to listen to. He is quite comfortable with the audience and the venue setting. It makes for a relaxed and very enjoyable ramble through his extensive back catalogue interspersed with some interesting background stories. 

He swaps easily between guitar, dulcimer, ukelele and keyboards throughout the evening with stripped down versions of many well known tracks.His voice is good, strong and consistent throughout. 

He played a wide variety of tracks and sometimes snippets but included we think with possible omissions Yours is no Disgrace, Sweet dreams, America (Simon & Garfunkel), Time and a Word,  One Love (Marley), Under heavens door, Flight of the Moorglade,  I'll Find my way Home,  Going For the One (See Mrs Pie), Starship Trooper, Give Love Each Day, Long Distance Runaround; Owner of the Lonely Heart, Close to the Edge; Heart of the Sunrise, Marry Me Again, and The Revealing Science of God,You Got the Light, And You and I, Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soliel), Tony and Me, Give Peace a Chance (Lennon), I’ve Seen All Good People, Roundabout, A Day in the Life (Beatles), Sun is Calling, State of Independence, Wonderous Stories and Soon. 

The covers are interesting and with the obvious admiration/enthusiasm of the player they work well. It also seemed appropriate that someone from Accrington should sing a song (and playing a ukelele) about "four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire".

The only downside of the night was the mini Ginsters Pork & Pickle Pie (2/10) consumed on the way home which was a mistake. A turgid brick of an offering with pickle. I should have read the wrapping better as I have yet to really appreciate a pork pie with pickle within it, rather than with it which is different altogether.

Elvis Fontenot and The Sugar Bees

Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees @ Old Brown Jug, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Many thanks to good friend Mark Shed for the invite to go to the Newcastle Under Lyme Blues & Jazz festival. It takes place at various venues (Pubs) around the town over the May bank holiday weekend. Most of the venues are free and some charge a small amount as they get packed into the evening.

We arrived mid afternoon and got to see various bands throughout the afternoon/evening of various styles and of various abilities whilst sampling some local beverages. The absolute stand out of our visit though for me was the mighty fine Elvis Fontenot and The Sugar Bees - "Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp 'n' Roll from the bayous of Staffordshire" — at the Old Brown Jug.

They were quite simply brilliant with a well practised set which was captivating, foot tapping and with an energising intensity which you don't find often. Vocal and instrumental duties were split and swapped between all members of the band so there is plenty of variety to keep you interested. 

After a break which was longer than expected, as the drummer couldn't be found, the second half saw the temperature rise and the dancing/jigging/foot tappin catch on throughout the crowded venue.It ended with everyone wanting more which is a testament to their appeal.

Subsequently bought their Cd "Three" from their website and I have been playing it an awful lot. As with the live show it combines originals and their interpretations of standards. I've never been a fan of Tom Waits but their version of "I don't Wanna grow up" is excellent. It doesn't quite catch the intensity of the live show but it will more than suffice until I can get to see them again.

Bionic Man

Bionic Man, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

"ANTHONY PATRICK McCOY has broken both shoulder blades, both collar bones, his ankles, wrists, cheekbones, ribs, his leg and back and along with several chipped teeth and numerous dislocated thumbs the greatest jump jockey to ever grace planet Earth " - A Racing Passion

A spur of the moment decision led Mr & Mrs Pieman heading for Bangor is y Coed for the first meeting of the new National Hunt season on an extremely pleasant and warm evening.

A while since we have been and a little under prepared, form wise, we still had a great time. There were some excellent close races with an even split between hurdles and chase races.

A good atmosphere with a few improvements since our last visit. Although the standard of equine talent was not the greatest, they came from the best yards and carried some of the best jockeys including the very best, Mr A P McCoy aka the Bionic Man.

Queen Boudica of Brazilica

Queen Boudica of Brazilica, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Went to the Brazilica Carnival parade in Liverpool last night. It was excellent. A riot of colour, costumes, rythyms, tunes, smiles to attack and delight the senses.

It started up near the university and wound its way down through the city via Hope St and Bold St to its finale in Williamson Square. it was great fun to watch with the participants clearly keen for a good time. Queen Boudica had her own battery powered chariot to charge down the parade route and she was quite obviously very pregnant !!!!

It was brilliant to watch, with the enthusiasm/exuberance of the performers, very infectious and created a great atmosphere. It was really interesting  to absorb, watch and jig about !!!!

Roodee Roar

Roodee Roar, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Had a fantastic evening down at the Roodee last Friday to help celebrate special birthdays for Ange and Beefy.

The roar from the assembled punters as the races finished was not the only roar as the roar of laughter and chat from the clan gathering to celebrate two birthdays was not unsubstantial.

Lots of delicious cake, bubbly refreshments, barbie and peanuts were consumed between the races and chat.The weather was glorious and some even picked some winners but none as good as the J man who was on a roll.

Cow Pie! Rockwells American Diner

This week found two of the Pie tribe in Runcorn this and feeling rather peckish we headed optimistically to a relatively new American themed/styled diner called Rockwells in the high street. The entrance from the High Street is just about noticeable (We actually entered via the back through the Bike Park!), but step inside and a whole new world beckons.

Absolutely fabulous with a lot of effort placed on getting the decor just right. We have missed Eddie Rockets diner in Liverpool but we think this could surpass it and it even has their ceiling fans. 

The service is excellent and the food is great. Just as I was about to order a burger the waitress mentioned the special of the day the "COW PIE" ... well I had to. It was excellent, big, hot, filling and tasty (8.5/10). So much so there was no room for a pud and we had wanted to try the pancakes.

So we will definitely be going back here sometime soon.

CPOP 2013

Ferrari F40, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.
 

Pieman, Georgio, Shabby and Beefy headed for preview day at the latest Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (CPOP 2013). The format is pretty much the same as in previous years with some modifications and changes in line up and display. 

In recognition of Rally GB returning to North Wales for the first time in ages a special display of past and present Rally cars is present including some Colin McRae originals which was great to see. 

On the track their are some familiar vehicles but plenty not seen before and seeing the lorry cab come charging around the corner at a full thrutch was a sight to behold !!!!

The weather was very changeable and resulted in us diving into the beer tent. The rain was pretty heavy so we broke out the Pie supplies which today were purchased from Phil Salt Butchers Pie emporium and might fine they were with particular praise for the Countryman Pie.

As ever access was very good throughout the event and particularly around the paddock area. A number of vehicles drew our attention. Shabby was taken with Danone Heart (Bottom) car and one of my favorites was the Aston Martin DB2 closely followed the Noble which as good as it looked. The only disappointment of the day was missing the scrambling bikes in action (Lack of info) especially as the weather was perfect for them ! But all in all it was great day with Pie consumed.

Crash, Bang, Wallop

Happiest Driver (Jason Plato), a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

An excellent two days were spent recently at the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) meeting at Oulton Park. It has been many years since our last visit and whilst the basic circuit is almost the same with some minor changes ,the circuit as a whole has been improved considerably.

The weather for both days was excellent and the support races were pretty good including the Porsche Super Cup. The main event was the touring cars which was superb with race three on the Sunday being the pick of the bunch ,  with Jason Plato retiring his car on fire. 

Access to all parts of the track was very good and even though it was heaving on the Sunday, it wasn't difficult to find a decent spot to watch from.The circuit setting is superb with great access to the pits available, fine toilets and well organised parking, we even got to drive on the circuit! It's hard to beat.

Pies were consumed over the two days were supplied by Vaughans Butchers of Penyffordd and as ever they were of a very high standard which we can thoroughly recommend including the Steak, Pork and fine herby sausage rolls. Big thanks to our kind sponsor for the day Mrs Georgio Dragonslayer. Look forward to the opportunity of going again soon.

Chasing Dragons and Damsels

Following a planning meeting in a local hostelry, the night before, I accepted the invitation of Sir John of Moth and headed off to the swamplands of North Shropshire in search of Dragons and Damsels early ..ish Sunday morning. Fortified by a quick visit to McCalories ( Sir John insisted) we eventually found our way to our chosen destination Fenns Moss close to the Llangollen Canal and not far from Whitchurch.

Boots on and insect repellent liberally applied, we set off with the sun rising rapidly. What a delightful place to go for a walk, the place is interesting, quiet and slightly unusual. With the recent weather change, doing anything outdoors becomes an absolutely pleasure even if you are yomping around midge central.

Various flora and fauna are spotted, observed, admired and photographed. I never thought the breeding habits of a 2cm long Damsel fly could be so fascinating. It's all the more interesting  when in the company of someone who is so well informed and entertaining as Sir John. It's a bit like David Attenbrough and Bill Bailey combining to give you a guided tour through the intricacies of the complicated lives of insects with several witticisms throw in for good message. 

After spotting various cast members of a "Bugs Life" a concerted effort was made to specifically catch the Bare Faced Darter on camera, face on. This proved difficult as the bare faced chappie much preferred showing his bottom rather than his face for the camera. As the sun reached it's highest (and the temperature was rising) we headed home, very satisfied with the morning exercise.

Chrome mmmmmm

1956 Cresta Vauxhall, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Went to the "Griffin Gathering of Historic Vehicles" at Vauxhall motors and although it was a little disappointing we did get to view a couple of beautiful older cars, especially the chrome adorned 1956 Cresta Vauxhall pictured above.

The event was a little over priced for what it offered and perhaps a bit more explanation in the advertising would have been appreciated,

Fifty Sheds of Grey

Fifty Sheds of Grey, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Plot 47a has seen some progress this year after a very late start due to the weather. A new patch has been reclaimed from the undergrowth and planted with tayties. Another patch has been covered with carpets ready to start digging over in the autumn for next years new patch. 

Just discovered tonight a hose line and bits, hidden away, making the watering can redundant...happy days.

Beds are meeting with mixed success thus far and Linda's horse byproduct is proving very helpful. Also a huge number of frogs knocking about and a significantly large ginger rat which may be a new species known to science, Rattus Humungus.

Africa OYE

Osibisa: Blowing It, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

The weekend saw us head to the African OYE festival 2013 in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Our first time visit and it was great fun. Essentially one main stage with a variety of food, craft, clothing, info, drink, craft stalls all round the perimeter.

Add to this a small fair, drum/dance workshops,some great music it was very entertaining and interesting. The weather was not brilliant but it didn't seem to dampen the crowds enthusiasm much.

Not all the Pie tribe were keen to stay through the downpour that hit as Saturday nights headliner, the excellent Osibisa, came on stage which was a shame as they were very good. We also liked the cuban band on before them called Son Yambu who got everybody up to boogie. 

Unfortunately I forgot to go back to the Jamaican Pattie stall and try out their delicious looking wares. I was distracted by a dish of peanut butter stew on a Gambian food stall which was fabulous.

Well worth a visit again and it was Free !!!

Funny How They Shoot You Down.......

He gave the audience that came to watch him in the o2 Academy a night they shall never forget”. LiverpoolSound and Vision

Another pre-christmas gig was a Georgio and the Pieman visit to see the solo Mike Peters tour in Liverpool at the 02 Academy. Arrived a little bit early we still missed the first support but caught singer songwriter Joe Silva before Mr Peters arrived on stage armed with a guitar, voice and harmonica.

This tour had as its theme a celebration of thirty years of the Alarm/Mike Peters since the Red Poppy logo was introduced on the Marching On single artwork. Subsequent to the gig I came across a gig review which gave it 5* stars. I mention this, as it is quite normal for MP/Alarm to receive fairly dismissive reviews which sometimes make me wonder if I was actually at the same event.

Mr Peters was at his standard committed, passionate and enthusiastic best with a trawl through his back catalogue including many well known tunes and some not so well known (Pavilion Steps got a rare airing) to satisfy all.

The interaction with the audience was excellent and my only criticism would be the detour into Big Country tunes which I adore, but one would have been enough. 3 or 4 meant less Alarm/MP tunes from which there are enough to pick from. Despite that, it was an excellent evening from Mr Peters and we left looking forward to his return with the full band on the Vinyl Tour.

Born Innocent

Listening to Simon Mayos show just, featuring the Proclaimers playing live and promoting their new 36 track best of has prompted me to complete an entry remembering their pre-christmas gig at the mighty Tivoli in Buckley.

What an excellent gig was had, in the company of the swampies and Hazel not Dean. They were tight, professional with energetic exceptional songs that got your foot tapping and your mind thinking.

A good balance of old favourites and new tunes from new album " Like Comedy", the night is rocking with an appreciative crowd apart from some ladies who's surpassed themselves having a good night falling down in their finery and spoiling for an argument with all and sundry.

They have strange chemistry on stage these twin brothers with little or no chat between them. The sound was ok but the vocals struggled at times. But no matter they were very very good and I would have no hesitation in going to see them again if the opportunity presented itself.

If you get the chance to see them live go their well worth the entry fee and if not spend a few pennies on the Best Of you won't be disappointed.