Sizewell introduces itself as the most easterly point in the UK. Well-kept sandy beaches do their part to fatten the economy; they also make for pleasant viewing. Huge wind turbines just offshore tell of the potential for gales. Luckily we didn’t have to brave any hairy weather as we arrived at a sizeable house bursting with activity.
There were a couple of large families who often got together, as they readily informed us, to hog roast! It’s no cause for worry when faced with experienced clientele, though it certainly imbues you with that extra degree of attention. Naturally we were intrigued by the specificity of their choices.
Nearly all of the meats were chosen in modest quantities, they insisted on different salads which were either destined for the burgers or lamb, and they were rather fussy about what to drink with each dish.
I was reminded of the coming festive season with the choice of turkey. To many it’s an unfamiliar meat which can bring out the sceptic in you. It’s all about knowing how to treat it; unquestionably, cranberries are its soul mate. They lend it that missing sweetness, allowing you to enjoy its texture and taste minus a dry palate. No prizes for guessing, when these two join forces they make a mean Sizewell sandwich.
Good stuffing is something of a balancing act as well. Some can tend to be paste-like whereas others are rather dry. Ideally you want a combination of the two, though depending on the propensity of cranberries and cut of the meat it’s easy to lose your bearings and go too far in one direction. We make sure each component is of the right volume and condition before serving.
Additional choices of Thai chicken kebabs and marinated spare ribs were tactically aimed at the many children who ran about our cooking apparatus. They not only enjoyed the hands-on nature of the food but made it a top priority to lick their hands clean.
Last but never least they ordered a hog roast Sizewell which was meticulously sampled, evidently comparing it to past roasts.
Saying we’ve got a standard to maintain doesn’t sit well because of its subservient implication. No external effort is required, a natural love for food which wills my spirit. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that our signature dish levelled its nearest rivals, and sure enough their expressions gradually aligned with the reality that this was the finest pork their taste buds had ever encountered