Essex

Finally managed to book a table and sample the wares of the much acclaimed Blue Strawberry. You can email booking requests, but have to phone them to make changes/alterations. Enjoyed a glass of Austalian Rose and Red Rioja CrIanza Vinas VieJas DunViro (Spain).  

Went here www.oldwindmillpub.co.uk in West Hanningfield, near the reservoir's visitor centre for lunch. Enjoyed salmon terrine, duck, walnut, orange and kumquat salad, followed by cheese board, dessert wine, followed by coffee. Sat next to open fire. Pleasant atmosphere and nice surroundings. Other patrons also allowed to dine with their canine companions.

Popped in here about 6pm for quick iron boost of Guinness which cost £3.50. There were only 2 other patrons at this time; who had already pinched the spot next to the warm open fire so found a little cuby hole at the back and sat there to sip the Guinness whilst waiting to start Gospel Choir next door at 7pm. The pub is nicely decorated and the lady who served me was polite and courteous.

Husband's firm treated us to a meal out as a reward for all his hard work and Zenxi is his favourite so we booked a table and a cab (Ali's cabs Ali's Taxis
Unit 6/Ind Est/Waltham Rd, Chelmsford CM3 3AW

http://www.noshretail.com/. Been in here several lunch times and after work about 4pm to have spicy parsnip soup and a roll for £3.30 or butternut squash soup and a roll for the same price. Both taste delicious and felt reasonably healthy to eat. Place is clean, tidy and there is plenty of room to sit. The service is polite and efficient and they have a newspaper stand with a Daily Mail, Daily Express, Mirror and an advertising table for leaflets. Advertised outside that they had a roof terrace which I will try next time, if I have time.

Husband and I went out for dinner at Miller & Carters in Chelmer Village (www.millerandcarter.co.uk/millerandcarterchelmsford/)were we have been on several occasions, we did not book a table but there was one available when we turned up at 2pm.

After consulting Trip advisor for the best place to eat out in town (best Italian Cuisine it says on its business cards), we found the Olio Restaurant had opened up at 37 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0ND. www.olio-italian-chelmsford.co.uk. We were lucky to get a table as the rest had all been booked out, but the waiter was very polite and friendly and showed us to a table near the window, though the best one was saved for someone who had booked. The waiter gave us some olives to nibble on while we decided what to order.

Went in here (www.grayandsons.co.uk/RailwayTavernhtm.htm) for a drink with husband after work. I noticed a sign on the window for mulled wine £2.75 a glass after I had ordered a cup of coffee and a pint of Spooky Moon made by Brentwood Breweries for husband. The pub was quite busy so my favourite places to sit at the back were taken. It is right opposite the train station though so handy place to stop when you are between bus/train connections or just waiting for someone who works nearby.

www.zenchelmsford.co.uk/, popped in her for dinner today at 6pm. Was in a rush so we ordered some Pad Thai, Prawn Sesame Toast and Laksa Prawn/Mussel fish soup at Zen Noodle Bar, Chelmsford. I have cooked Salmon Laksa Thai Curry at home and loved it and Zen's Laksa was as good as mine if not better, we have also tried Pad Thai at Lek's Thai Kitchen in the market and Zen's version tasted just as good.