The Gate, Llanfrechfa back as a pub

Good to see another local pub being brought back to its former glory.

Last night I visited The Gate at the bottom end of Llanfrechfa/top end of Ponthir, after my cousin recommended it to me.

Four real ales and one real cider on the bar, and a very enticing menu that included the better half's favourite of belly pork with black pudding. Another watering hole to add to your 'must visit' list if you're in the Newport/Monmouth/Torfaen area.

Two fat blokes and some nibbles

https://twitter.com/GolleysWales/status/271690613508935680/photo/1
Me and @cardiffcomfest at Beers, Bites and Beards last week

Disappointment down the Bay

Just got back from a meal out with friends at Signor Valentino in Cardiff. Food decidedly average.

The goat's cheese tart seemed to be encased in pastry so spongey I wondered if it was puff rather than shortcrust, and the filling tasted decidedly cheddar-like.

The pizza was an improvement but only after pouring several glugs of chilli oil over it.

Worst of all however was the price. In Italy a good pizza rarely costs more than seven euros (a little over a fiver). So why should a pizza with the same three toppings in Cardiff cost more than double?

Video recipes

http://www.youtube.com/chefstephenterry
Been doing some more work on Stephen Terry's YouTube page. Adding side graphics and selecting me keywords.
Time to step away from the laptop now. Headache coming

Ready to grow our own

My stepdaughter's boyfriend and me at our new family allotment in the 'port
:)

Lovely lunch. Flash-fried steak sandwich with lashings of english mustard from Palfreys butchers on Church Road in Newport.
The flavour is just amazing.

Beer and bites

Tomorrow it's the Otley Brewery' Beer and Bites night at the Radisson. Six sampling courses courtesy of the in-house Filini restaurant - may include Sardinian dishes which should make it interesting - complimented by some of Wales' best beer.
Result!