Last night we got to eat at the fantastic La Grillade in Leeds. I’d been there out of the random blue last November to take some photos of Alan Bennett (Photo Set | Blog Post). I remember thinking at the time, as I floated around snapping, that it looked like an exceptional eatery.
Eirene’s birthday provided the suitable excuse for us to head off to Leeds on the train. For somewhere that proffers to cater for the Leeds Elite, it’s actually a very down to earth establishment with a focus on premium French cuisine. After starts of Parfait De Foie for Eirene and prawns grilled in Gruyère for me and the selection of a formidable merlot we shared a rack of the most delicate venison cutlets imaginable. Food heaven. Every dish that came out looked incredibly edible. Yum yum nom nom. Given that it was a celebration, we went the whole nine yards and had desserts. Eirene wen’t for a Poire Bell-Helene as she was intrigued to see how it was done ‘properly’. She now knows and I hope she attempts the emulation. I opted for the cheese board and was presented with an exceptional choice. The waitress guided me through the selection with a perfected balance of knowledge and heresay. As a result, I now have a new favourite cheese and it’s name is Tomme De Savoie. Our 9 yards turned into a 10 then 11 yards with liqueurs and coffee. Espresso. Pronounced it properly – omitting the (pet hate) ‘X’ that oh so many people insist in putting into the pronunciation.
A short walk back to the trains station, afording me just enough time to tweet “La Grillade – c’est magnifique!” and before we knew it, we were back in Harrogate. We’ve not ‘popped across to Leeds for a meal’ before – we’d hardly considered it an option and given that we’ve got so many great restaurants in Harrogate, it’s not something we really ‘need’ to do – but I’m glad we did. A night time train journey adventure to go and eat made it feel all the more special. Will put it on the ‘to do again list’ for sure.
Totally recommended place for a treat of an eat. A bit on the pricey side – arguably matched or superseded by the quality of what you get. Oui Oui, Bon Bon.

Snow day on Sunday. Elsie (Springador pup) pulled a sled. A harness (rather than a collar) was attached to to the dog at one end and a sled at the other and hay presto. Sophie loved it. Eislie loved it. She had a job to do and she was very proud of herself for doing it. Good dog.
Tonight I took Elsie for her first lesson in a 6 week course called Puppy Life Skills at Tailwaggers in Harrogate. Good stuff. A reward based positive reinforcement, non coercive approach. Down to earth common sense practical stuff. Part of the time we were there, I felt like the dad of the school brat as she was barking a whole bunch – and at other times I felt like the proud dada who’s kid has just won a gold prize (when the had us up demonstrating how good she is at Sit and Lie Down.) All creatures great and small. Well, all dogs great and small. Well, all dogs, small. Poppy from the Puppy Party was there. This could be why she got so excited. Puppy Party was ALL about the good fun – this session had (by comparison, from a dogs perspective for this session) quite boring.
Angela who runs the class, comes across as someone who’s got stacks of knowledge and experience. Just what we need. It feels like it’s going to do both the dog and I some good. Elsie’s now wiped out and having a good ol’ sleep in her box now.