I am out to lunch with Fr Blake at the Criterion at Piccadilly Circus.
UPDATE: 24 Sept 8:50 London time:
Here are a few more photos of the meeting with Fr. Blake.
We met at the famous Eros statue in Piccadilly.
The restaurant, the Criterion, is right there, as is the homonymous theater.
The interior is very elegant, with its gold mosaic ceilings.
I looks rather like it could be converted into a fine chapel.
Lunch was comprised of a little Ribeye with escargot and bearnaise sauce. The bearnaise was very good. Fresh tarragon does everything for it. I don’t what they put on the tomato, but I have to figure our how to make it. It was some sort of homemade ketchup, involving thyme and more tarragon. We also ordered up some chips and green beans.
Fr. Blake was scheduled to meet someone at The Ritz, so I went along for a few minutes to see the place and have an after lunch coffee.
On the way I spotted some curious stockings. I recalled that recently it was National Talk Like A Pirate Day, and it occurred to me that these would have ben very appropriate.
In the same shop there was robe of fabric with lots of skulls and bones.
We reflected on how this might be used for some festive Mass vestments.
Definitely not a way of putting on the Ritz, I think.
Speaking of the Ritz … and Fr. Blake…
My coat was swooped away with my camera in the pocket, so I haven’t any photos of the interior to post, alas. But I think it is safe to describe it as a nice place.
On the way in, I noticed a sign placed by the management for work they were doing on the door. It is not often that I see "whilst" written out in public.
It was a very pleasant meeting and lunch, and I am very grateful to Fr. Blake for his time!
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Suddenly Linda Richmond came to Father’s mind – it was like buttah…
It’s one of my favourite restaurants!
I was only there myself on Friday!
[A beautiful place. We both commented on what a great chapel it would be.]
Waiting for the photo … it’s got to be the fish and chips … MUST be the fish and chips surely!
“….I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Bart’s. The sight of a friendly face in the great wilderness of London is a pleasant thing indeed to a lonely man. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me.”
On re-reading the quote from A Study in Scarlet, I see that it might be taken as having a snarky tone — which I did not mean. What I meant was the beautiful literary association with Watson and Doyle, and the very true statement about seeing a friendly face in the big city.
I must say, I am always edified by news of your latest luxurious meal.
I hope you are getting lots of walking in to burn off these calories! [Be assured that I am!]
So when do the rolls come? I’m hungry. What’s the menu?
I know I’m just a nobody but I like this blog. I learn about all kinds of things, even food things. And about places I can never go to. This is great.
Why, hello Fr. Blake. Enjoy your lunch, Father(s)! I’ll be having the Corn Pops, garçon…for the fifth straight day. (I actually almost typed Corn Popes, now that could be interesting.) [You could get some vegetables and broth and make a very nice minestrone!]
So THAT’S what happened to Dave Allen after his series was cancelled!
“Having lunch with Fr. Blake” is a better description. You’ve never been “out to lunch,” Father!
A very good lunch it was too, not too luxurious Andrew, one course only. Sorry I couldn’t make the blognic, it looks fun.
Fr. Blake: It was fun and you indeed were missed.
I think there should be an award to recognise the opposite of Sour Grapes i.e. to celebrate those occasions when the Lord blesses us with good friends, good food, good times and life is just plain d*** good.
Perhaps it shoud be called the Irenaeus Award – “The glory of God is a man fully alive”.
Puritans need not apply!
Thank you for your lovely photo of that holy Holmesian shrine, the Criterion Bar. :)