Chez Joel

Judi and I just popped in to see how Joel’s new enterprise was getting on since he closed the restaurant at The Timber Batts. We were very impressed by the ambience — both ‘cool’ and welcoming and the selection of drinks and food looked ridiculously tempting — particularly the seafoods.
So, we just succumbed to the inevitable and chose a table. We had a chat with Joel and his son Nick about what they were offering and were given a physical and verbal tour before sitting down to study the menus.
First things first, of course, so we perused the wine menu. In my opinion the choice of wines has improved greatly since the ‘Froggies’ days. The selection is much more influenced by the English taste for wine that the former determinedly Bordeaux/​French choice. I chose a pleasant Rioja whilst Judi struggled to choose between a Picpoul and the Pinot Grigio — finally plumping for the latter. So far so very good!
Next some food. A lovely tempting choice between light snacks and main dishes of meat or seafood (
). I chose the fish stew and some (unnecessary) chips on the side: Heavenly! Judi picked the dressed crab (‘fresh, beautifully presented, yummy’) which came with a small portion of chips. (They know how to make proper French chips as you might expect!). Well fed but now curious to try more, we both chose the Café Liegois to finish Wonderful depth of coffee flavour that left me panting for more. Proud to say, I resisted but will return for another.
We were joined during our meal by the unexpected arrival of our dear friend John Funnell who happily accepted a glass of the Rioja. He was scouting the place for an old friend who is coming down from London — we were able to assure him that he need have no fear in recommending Chez Joel — and neither have we!