Starting right off at the beginning of the trip, the Virgin Atlantic food served in-flight (Atlanta to Manchester, England) was uncommonly delicious. The potato-leek soup was one of the most delectable dishes I’ve ever tasted. It was rich and creamy and the spices and the salt were perfectly balanced. It was pretty much the most perfect execution possible of such a basic dish. The rest of the meal was typical, jumping the line between overspiced and completely bland, but damn was that soup good.
The next meal of note was lunch at The Midland Hotel in Manchester the day we arrived. The main course of my meal was extremely satisfying (better than the first-course soup) – the only complaint I could possibly muster was that it was over too soon. However, the main treat was yet to come. The dessert was utterly splendid: three scoops of ice cream covered in heavenly caramel and chocolate syrup.
Skipping ahead a few days, the best meal was our dinner at Bocca in Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales. The meal started off on an exceptionally strong note by the Millionaire Fries, which are no normal fries, as they are covered in truffle oil and then dusted with cheese. These fries are quite possibly the best dish conceived by mortal minds – words fail my attempt to convey the superbly seraphic sensations evoked by the touch of these fries upon one’s tongue. At that moment it’s as if one’s cares and troubles melt away entirely and one’s spirit is freed to roam as it pleases through the many different facets of human experience and the millionaire fries. Truly at that moment, the millionaire fries surpass their own name by making you feel as if your worth is limitless as if the petty value placed upon your life by other humans melts away entirely and you are left only with culinary perfection that is the Millionaire Fries. The rest of the meal, while not quite living up to the angelic amazingness of the fries, was also enjoyable. The somewhat lighter sauce on my pasta was a nice contrast to the heavier Italian food I get in Atlanta, and the elderberry drink was exceptionally good.
That concludes the notable meals I ate during my recent trip to Wales. Retrospectively I would say that the Millionaire Fries at Bocca was the best dish. The meal at Bocca was probably the best of the trip, as it was well balanced and good during every stage. I recommend you visit Bocca if you’re ever in Menai Bridge.
— Henry, Dragon in Your Pocket Intern
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