I went for dinner at d’Arry’s in Cambridge’s King Street to check out their Christmas menu. It was a cold night, so I wanted something to warm me up, and started with their superb tempura dipping mushrooms with smoked chilli jam and garlic mayonnaise. Succulent and tasty and as good as any I’ve had. Then I went for their avocado, courgette and stilton tart topped with a herb crumb and served with their hand-cut chips and a salad. It was nicely done.
I spotted an unusual wine – not that they aren’t all unusual at d’Arry’s – and ordered it. It was a California merlot called Wandering Bear, at 13.5 percent. It was surprisingly smooth, almost velvety, with luscious plum tones. Definitely one to have again.