There is one thing that I have learned from our latest visit to the Italian Farmhouse in West Rainton.
That is that if you want a traditional Sunday Lunch, then book a table at lunchtime and not at tea time.
We last enjoyed a Sunday Lunch here about 5 years ago, when my Daughter in Law was a few months short of giving birth to our twin grandchildren.
On that occasion the lunch was first class. The sirloin of beef melted in your mouth, the roast potatoes were hot and crispy, and the vegetables were fresh and well presented.
The twins started their first year at school last September, and me and management have done our fair share of babysitting since they arrived into this world.
Partly as a reward for that and partly as a birthday treat for Grandad, we were taken back to the Italian Farmhouse as a treat.
What a disappointment and what a waste of my son’s hard earned cash.
The restaurant was almost empty when we arrived so we were able to choose our table.
Our waitress, Rachael was exceptionally friendly and helpful, which was good as the twins are never at their best as it gets close to bedtime, and they were given crayons and paper to keep them entertained
Our starters were tasty enough and arrived within ten minutes of ordering.
Our mistake however was to choose the traditional Sunday Lunch rather than the numerous other available choices on the menu.
The meat, vegetables and Yorkshire Puddings gave the impression that they had been standing since lunchtime in the kitchen.
It was acceptable, but only just. Sadly it was a long way from the quality food we experienced on our previous visit, some years earlier.
So, the lesson we learned from this visit is, if you choose to eat out for lunch on a Sunday, then as far as this place is concerned, go at lunchtime, not at teatime!
