Dining Out – Yassou Greek Kitchen, Little Eaton
We are huge fans of shared eating so Yassou suited us down to the ground and evoked memories of dining at restaurants over in the Dodecanese, especially the historical ‘capital island’ Rhodes. The huge contrast was that we set off on a freezing cold evening with coats and scarves on, rather than in the gentle balmy evening heat decked in T-shirt and shorts. But, as they say, you can’t have everything! Situated on Alfreton Road (B6179) running through Little Eaton, Yassou is an easy place to access from the A38 Little Eaton roundabout. Having parked outside on the main road we entered the warm inviting entrance and were soon immersed in the gentle strains of the traditional Greek folk music, which set the scene for the evening. In the short time Yassou has been open it was clear to see that they have built up a nice reputation based on presenting traditional Greek dishes prepared and cooked from scratch. Zoe welcomed us and after supplying us with drinks, chatted about the restaurant and how it was very much a family affair with David the Greek chef cooking healthy Mediterranean dishes in a simple traditional oven. David and Zoe are business partners and own the restaurant. Family members each play their part. A lot of the inspiration for the menu comes from Dave’s mum Zafiro – or Rula as she’s called in this country. Zoe’s sister works in the kitchen, the chefs son washes pots and the waiting staff are sisters/cousins. It’s a real family and team effort. It’s been quite a while since we were in Greece, and apart from thinking Moussaka and dips we had to dig deep to remember our nights in the Greek Tavernas. Zoe however was there to recommend some of the most popular dishes, encouraging us to order a few from the menu which she would bring to the table as they came out of the oven. You have to remember that you’re not just ordering your dish, but dishes that can be shared by the rest of your friends similar to Spanish Tapas. Pitta is a staple diet in Greece so its not a surprising that this came to the table first when we ordered it with our selection of dips, from which we chose Sweet Chilli Hummus (mildly spicy with chilli flakes and feta), Melitzanosaltava (rustic Greek aubergine with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil) and our third dip Hummus (Chickpeas blended with Tahini, lemon and garlic). The menu made me smile as it said clearly at the top…“All our Mezze plates come out of the kitchen as and when they are ready”. Good, we like that too, no rushing just a very relaxed evening, with plenty of opportunity for good conversation and gentle humour in true Greek style in between. With pitta bread, dips, a bowl of olives and some Halloumi fries served with a sweet Chilli sauce, we were on our way. Closely followed by Kalamari, Cajun fried crispy squid served with garlic mayo. Zoe recommended the Moussaka; layers of finely minced meat, aubergine and potato layered with Bechemel sauce, a pleasant contrast to the squid. Arriving with a generous number of chicken pieces on the skewer was the Souvlaki chicken. Tender marinated chicken char-grilled and interspersed with peppers and red onion, served with Tzatziki. The best choice for both of us! As you can imagine the evening was moving on and we were pretty full by now, so decided to share a dessert which we tucked into ….and then remembered we should have taken a photograph, oops sorry! However the Lemon tart which was homemade with a rich buttery pastry, a tangy filling and came with Greek Yoghurt and honey, was delicious. The thing is we have left ourselves plenty of choice for our next visit, Stifado, Soutzoukka, Pikilia or Chicken Gyros to name but four or maybe try the evening special. Next time we will take along a couple of friends as this is the place to chat, drink and graze. Booking really is important as it isn’t a large restaurant and when we left there wasn’t a spare table to be had. Open Wed – Friday: 17:00 – 22:30, Saturday: 16:00 – 22:30 Telephone 07368 483725 yassou-greek-kitchen@hotmail.com 00
Restaurant Review – Chevin Golf Club
Times change and so that means businesses have to adapt with them. Golf clubs traditionally have been a pretty no go area for members of the public but all that has changed at Chevin Golf Club, and their latest development reflects that refreshing approach. Light, airy and up to date with the emphasise on friendliness, this is the name of the game for 2022. We were invited by Manager Andy Mellor to sample the new menu and enjoy the updated decor and furnishings. We chose the best day of the year so far. Bright sunshine and a light breeze really highlighted the beauty of the surrounding countryside, with carefully tendered greens rising to the Chevin hills beyond. The Chevin Golf club rests in a sheltered hollow just on the outskirts of Duffield where beyond the trees the little electric train rumbles along adding to the ambience. Situated just off the main A6 it is easily accessible too. So, what’s on offer? Fairways at Chevin Golf Club provides an excellent food and bar service seven days a week and you can choose to sit outside on the terrace which surrounds the conservatory restaurant, in the cosy Spike bar where walkers (and well behaved dogs) are welcome, or in the bright conservatory restaurant with views over the course. On arrival we were welcomed by house manager Hollie Pace who has a wealth of experience in hospitality locally and head chef Tom Gaskin, who heads an efficient young team. Tom is a very capable young chef very much in tune with modern dining trends, set to establish a reputation for Fairways for its excellent food. On our lunchtime visit we enjoyed a pleasant little complimentary appetiser presented on an edible spoon, of crab mousse with dill, and a Mediterranean inspired spinach cone with sun-dried tomato, attractively presented. As asparagus is in season my friend chose this as his starter, with a perfectly poached duck egg smothered in a rich Hollandaise sauce. I don’t quite know why but the distinctive flavour of asparagus is the perfect partner to duck eggs. The addition of slithers of home smoked salmon were very acceptable. My thinly sliced smoked salmon encased a very creamy mousse with dill, a Tempura prawn added crisp texture, and the granary bread a welcome base. The selection of starters can also be ordered as tapas, and the portions reflect this. From the Gastro mains menu the chef has selected to offer a variety from traditional home-made pie of the day, fish and chips, lasagne: a favourite of my friend and so his choice, to herb topped rack of lamb. The latter was my choice, not the easiest dish as it needs a crispy topping yet succulent pink middle. Mine did accomplish this and I really enjoyed the jug of mint jus and generous swirl of pea puree. The separately served Dauphinoise potatoes were excellent. Sadly the portion was a little too large for me, but far better than being left hungry. Creative to the finish, our desserts were a picture with surprises at every taste as the pictures will show.For me this is a little hidden gem, somewhere I can come to enjoy a light lunch with friends, or maybe a sandwich with a bowl of chunky chips, a mid morning breakfast or if time is short a coffee and pancake. Or a leisurely evening meal for those larger parties. This beautiful setting lends it’s self to hosting your special event or function, and the best thing is that you don’t have to be a member, everyone is given a warm welcome, and the same hospitable service is extended to all. Our thanks to all for a most enjoyable lunchtime experience. To view the menus visitwww.chevingolf.co.uk Chevin Golf Club, Golf Lane, Duffield, Derbyshire, DE56 4EE To book a table please Telephone 01332 840497 00
