30/05/2022
"I'M ON A SEAFOOD AND EAT IT DIET"!
DATE: 30th May 2022
LOCATION: La Mirage, Helmsdale. La Mirage Restaurant
MEAL: Small Battered Haddock tea followed by Strawberry Meringue.
PRICE: £13.50 + £5.50
Dear fellow eaters and friends.
It really has been a while since my last post, largely due to covid. However I am back and I'd love to tell you that I've lost weight and changed my eating habits but no I haven't. I'm still as ravenous as ever. And yes it costs me a fortune, the bank love me.
Today we were travelling North and there was absolutely no way that I'd pass on the opportunity to eat at the 'north's premier restaurant' La Mirage. Situated in Helmsdale, on the North East coast, 12 miles north of Brora. Surrounded by sea birds and real Gannets, not just me.
I remember, when I was about 10, having my fish tea virginity taken from me at La Mirage, on a family holiday. It was such a rush back then and today was no less exciting.
Today, we were welcomed into the quirky restaurant by Claire. The dining room still as positively tacky as I remember it. There were a few other patrons already inside, munching down on wholesome meals.
The seafood is local and there was no way that I could not order the small Haddock supper. Yes, you did read that correctly, I ordered a small. The large comes with a second piece of fish and I gave in, I floundered.
Sitting in the restaurant, looking out into the cold rain, I was warmed by the glow coming from the lamp which was wearing a skirt. A real mini skirt. The same lamp which was being guarded by a motorcycle cop statue. I did say this plaice was quirky.
The fish came out, dead and battered, as long as my plate. This momentous fish was sitting at the base camp of what I can only describe as a generous helping of mushy peas. The batter so golden, that I was waiting for the prospector from the Golden Nuggets cereal box to jump on my plate and mine it.
The hot chips arrived, so plentiful that they are piped in on a separate plate. With a sublime crispy outside and fluffy inside, the different textures were driving my taste buds into overdrive. It reminded me of my first time.
The tartare sauce was very zingy, and the good old vinegar strokes. It was a plethora of seaside pleasure.
I must say, I really do appreciate a wedge of lemon, and this wasn't a wedge, it was a doorstop! All the better.
Imagine crispy battered Haddock, a fluffy chip, tartare sauce and mushy pea all going in at the one time. Honestly, all I could imagine were little crabs dancing sideways with little canes, singing "Oh I do like to be beside the seaside".
I managed to scoff the entire lot. Look at me writing 'managed' as if I'm surprised.
You may think that this next step is greedy, but I couldn't resist a strawberry meringue.
The restaurant has a wonderful fridge display which shows all their delightful sweets. The strawberry meringue so tall, it was more like the leaning tower of strawberries. You know you're onto a winner when it bends to one side. This delicious delight comes with a side of cream or ice cream. I had the cream and drenched it!
BEAU-ti-FUL!
The entire meal was incredible. The mission accomplished. It was time to head home for tea and medals.
I have no doubt that I'll be back again.
I give this fish tea the official Dunc SEAL of approval! Thank you for reading.
