A Bug's Life

I've just had lunch with JGD at R17 at The University Arms (Regent Street, Cambridge), and had the most delicious brussels sprouts I have ever had in my entire life :-) Dark green on the outside, pale in the middle, they were succulent, right through to the middle, without being overdone in any part, and with a subtle flavour. It was as if each leaf had been blanched to perfection in a delicate stock, then the sprout reassembled invisibly while retaining its temperature. Puddle it in a splash of smoky gravy, and it's done. But they only give you three.

I commented on this to the waiter, who seemed confused (and quite French): "But madame, usually people do not like ze sprouts!"

£12/2-course £15/3-course lunch special, and they ended up making me a tomato soup (not had that in ages, it's usually got cream in. Yum. As we used to say in the olden days instead of nom.) and fruit salad instead of the dairyful options on the menu.