< PreviousFOOD & DININGPHOTOS: STUART WILDE PHOTOGRAPHYTastes ofITALYThursday 4th April marked the launch ofCarluccio’s in Lincoln. An authentic Italianrestaurant and food shop now takes up theformer Lamb and Flag pub on the High Streetjust at the foot of Steep Hill. Antonio Carlucciowas in attendance as around two hundred guestsenjoyed glasses of Prosecco and incredible Italianappetisers as well as a hearty risotto. The crowdwere able to see up close what the restaurantoffers and to sample the food on offer from thefood shop, which is open during restauranthours. Music and entertainment came courtesy ofan accordion player, performing classic Italianfavourites. Lincoln’s Italian offering just got thatbit more sophisticated and we love it!060-061:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:55 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61FOOD & DININGSitting on a corner just past theStonebow and within a stone’s throw ofSteep Hill, Carluccio’s is a welcoming,neat restaurant with a distinctly unfussyand cosmopolitan feel. With a deli openthe same hours as the restaurant too, ifyou appreciate the ingredients used hereyou are also able to take them home.We were seated by a window, offeringexcellent people-watching opportunitiesbut to be honest, our attention wasfocused fully on the food. With areputation for simple, but flavoursomeItalian cooking and a particular talent forpasta dishes we were looking forward tothis. Following a selection of Italianbreads served in a batch loaf tin and withjuicy olives, we dove right in.For starters, a Mozzarella Fusa really hitthe spot. The melting Buffalo mozzarellachimed well with the sweet and softroasted peppers and the naturally-saltyParma ham just made the dish, therocket also adding to the melding ofstrong flavours. A Pâté di Fegatini di Pollocame in a smartly-presented ceramic pot,with crisp, warm bruschetta. Too oftenchicken pâté is too solid and bland, butthis had a creamy, indulgent feel and thelayer of fat, although bad for thewaistline, is worth any pounds gained,simply delicious.For the main course we tried to picksomething Carluccio’s is known for. On arecommendation, we chose a meatballdish, Fettucce con Polpette. This was adelicious combination of egg pastaribbons in a rich tomato and basil saucethat was a great accompaniment to thehome made meatballs, of which therewas a generous portion. My diningpartner went for a Linguine ai Frutti diMare, which is a linguine dish with squid,mussels and prawns with a garlic herband chilli sauce. The squid was divine,with a pleasing flavour and none of thechewy consistency you sometimesencounter elsewhere. The sauce gave thisoceanic dish a real kick too, with the chillicompounding the multitude of flavourswithin.Carluccio’s dessert options are alltempting, from the rich descriptions inthe menu, we could have gone for arange of dishes gladly. Aftercontemplating the Tiramisu and theimpressive-sounding Italian Gelato icecream on offer, we eventually chose areally indulgent chocolate fondant andfrom the specials menu, a whitechocolate panna cotta with a raspberrycoulis. The fondant was not only richlychocolaty, but having been made with ablend of Kaluha too, it had a caramel-esque taste too, just incredible and reallyjust fell apart in the mouth. The pannacotta was similarly incredible, the subtlewhite chocolate taste contrasting wellwith the sharp and sweet raspberryreduction.Visit Carluccio’s for a true taste of Italyat some impressive prices, you’ll be gladyou did. We’ll certainly be returning withfriends as we can’t wait to try the rest oftheir intriguing menu.Carluccio’s is on High Street, Lincoln, LN2 1AT. For more information or to book a table call 01522 519144or log on to www.carluccios.comWith the arrival of authenticItalian restaurant Carluccio’sto Lincoln’s High Street, thecity’s fine dining options aregreatly increased. Having beenmightily impressed with thelaunch, we returned for a tasteof Italy that we urge you to goand try too.Carluccio’s, Lincoln060-061:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:55 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGThe PoachersCountry Hotel, BostonThe Poachers, sitting just outside of Boston, is known as awonderful wedding venue. However, calling in recently madeus realise how amazing their food was too.With a traditional, but modern look throughout we were most taken with thesurroundings and the hosts couldn’t have been more welcoming. Being takenthrough to the restaurant, we got a hint of what weddings must be like at the hotel. With a fullyadaptable space within the restaurant to cater for large wedding parties, the subtle lighting andsophisticated decoration made it an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere. A glance at the menu presented a rich variety of choice and some seasonal specialsalso got our taste buds going. We selected some of the most impressive starters Ithink we’ve had in a while, a whole wheel of Camembert with a garlic ciabatta wassimply incredible. The cheese was served with a drizzle of rich olive oil and simplyoozed. Never before has the word decadent been more warranted in a review!My dining partner went for Chorizo sausage with sweet potato and red onion.The Chorizo was a homemade effort, which meant it came with none of thetoughness associated with the usually chewy and thick sausage. Instead it was asubtly charred and juicy morsel that was a perfect chime with the softness andsugar of the red onion and sweet potato.Our main dishes were as impressive, if not more so. I went for an option from thespecials board, a potted rabbit with tomatoes and olives. It came with some wonderfulnew potatoes, grown literally a stone’s throw away in the surrounding fields and really hit thespot. Never having tried rabbit before the flavour was a sensation and the oliveswent well with the earthy and yielding tastes on offer. My dining partner’sBarnsley chop of lamb with pearl barley and vegetables was equallyflavoursome, with the soft, decadent lamb cooked just to perfection.Almost too full to even contemplate a dessert, we waited a whilebefore ordering off the tempting and full dessert menu. My diningpartner went for a wonderful Bakewell tart, served with some sharp andfresh lemon curd ice cream on a recommendation. The soft sponge ofthe tart was a perfect match with the ice cream and I’m told this isperhaps the best pudding we have tasted this year. My pear andchocolate crumble, which came with a hot, thick custard was also prettyspecial. The chocolate and pear combined was a spicy and sweet treat, butcombined with custard made it one of those comfort dishes you’d want on a coldday for sure.We intend to return to the Poachers as soon as we can, so we urge you to try their incrediblemenu with similar haste. Simply wonderful.The Poachers Country Hotel is on Swineshead Road (A52), Boston, PE20 1SQ.To find out more or to book a table, call 01205 290310 or log on towww.poachershotel.co.uk062:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:23 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY63FOOD & DININGHaving been refurbished completelyand coming up to its first anniversaryunder new management, we werelooking forward to a visit to the new-lookVine Hotel. Just off the seemingly endlessDrummond Road, a strip of hotels, bedand breakfasts and hostelries, The Vinestands at the end of a smart, welcomingcul-de-sac. The refurbishments have seenthe entire building decked out in amodern, yet ‘boutique’ style. Diners havethe choice of two bars or a restaurant inwhich to eat with a menu that can beenjoyed in all three rooms with noproblems at all.We ate in the new Gingerlilyrestaurant, a modern, yet light and airydining room complete with doubleaspect flaming fire, perfect for thewinter, but also with a Mediterraneanfeel for the summer. The menu, packedwith traditional as well as moreadventurous dishes, impressed and weselected a fantastic twice-cooked bellypork starter which came with a sweet,but flavoursome accompaniment ofginger, finely-chopped shallots and applepuree. The pork was indulgent, its layerof fat and crackling chiming perfectlywith the rich and tender meat below.With the apple and ginger fusing tocreate a kick it was a perfect introductionto the Vine’s culinary style. This wouldalso work perfectly as a main course.For the main, we went for a traditional,yet brilliantly prepared and presented fishand chips. This was the high end of thedishes style, beer-battered Grimsby fishand thick-cut chips with a ramekin ofpeas and one of a sharp tartare, it reallyhit the spot. With a fish impressive insheer size as well as taste, it’s one forthose with hearty appetites, a real treat.For dessert, we sampled two of themost impressive-looking sweets we’vesampled in a while. A warm chocolatebrownie with ice cream, a pair ofmeringue sticks and fresh strawberrieswas an indulgent and tempting dish thatmelted in the mouth and had a veritablesmorgasbord of flavours present. Thiscomes thoroughly recommended, asdoes the lime posset with citrus cream,ginger biscuit crumb and lemon syrup.This zesty and creamy dish had a freshand thrilling taste and we’d order it againin a heartbeat.Visit The Vine Hotel next time you arein Skegness if the thought of chips out ofa polystyrene tray makes you uneasy. It’san example of a restaurant attemptingsomething entirely unique for the townand for that it should be commended.They are due to relaunch their menu verysoon too, so we’ll be making a return tripas soon as we can.The Vine Hotel,SkegnessTucked away from the candy floss and arcade machines The Vine Hotel at Skegnessis creating a unique and veritable culinary experience as well as a great place to stay.We visit and sample their gastronomic offerings, of which there are plenty.The Vine Hotel is on Vine Road, Skegness, PE25 3DB. To find out more or to book a table,call 0845 373 0962 or log onto www.bestwestern.co.uk063:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:24 Page 164 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOTEL REVIEWLocated just off the A46, within justeight minutes drive to the A1, it’s a placethat’s not only easy to find but allowsyou city access without the traffic chaosthat normally produces. One of the hotel’s main attractions forlocals as well as guests is the Leisure Club.With a swimming pool and fully-equippedgym for fitness enthusiasts, it also offers adizzying range of treatments for thosewho want to relax and feel pampered. With an aromatherapy steam room, asalt vapour room, foot spas, steam andmonsoon rain showers, it’s certainly ahaven of relaxation. Add to that the dryfloatation bed, also known as TheJouvence and luxury treatment roomswhich offer massage, waxing and eyetreatments and it’s easy to see why somany people make the trip for a full dayat the spa itself. Particularly popular withhen parties, it’s a real treat.We spent the night in a standard room,but for the size and the level of luxury onoffer we could have been fooled it was asuite. Soft furnishings and a more thangenerously-sized bed ensured a peacefuland relaxing stay. Suites available includeoptions with four-poster beds, an extralounge area and more space to spreadout too. The bar downstairs waswelcoming and there are plenty of diningoptions available, for those who want toremain onsite rather than visiting Lincoln.The Grand Restaurant does a tempting ALa Carte menu and a Table D’Hote optiondaily. This is perfect for those who wantto forget travel for the night and enjoythemselves. There’s also a bar menuavailable and the option to order roomservice for intimate or private dining too.The Bentley is quite rightly known forits conferencing facilities, having oodlesof space, but where they excel isweddings. With plenty of weddings andcivil ceremonies booked this year, it’s easyto see why couples ‘tying the knot’plump for the venue. Lovingly laid-outflower arrangements and the option tobook your guests into rooms onsitemeans a stress-free day and with a greatreputation for food too, cateringshouldn’t be a worry either.If you’ve never made it to the Bentley,now might be the time. With so much onoffer it really does have something foreveryone.The Bentley Hotel & Spa is on Newark Road, South Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9NH. To find out more information or tomake a booking call 01522 878000 or log on to www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk Class and convenienceThe Bentley Hotel & Spa on the outskirts of Lincoln is known for many things - among them great food, afantastic wedding venue and their range of beauty treatments. We paid the hotel a visit to find out what astay in one of its luxurious rooms is like, first hand.064:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:27 Page 1EXTENDINGTHE HANDOF HELPLINCOLNSHIRETODAY65FAMILY MATTERSImagine what it’s like to be on your own forextended periods of time, often unable toget out and about and finding even themost simple of tasks difficult. That’s thereality for many of our county’s olderresidents and with families livingfurther apart and leading moreindependent lives these days, it’sbecoming harder to avoid these feelings ofloneliness.That’s where you come in, there’s somuch joy and happiness you can bring tosomeone by simply being a friendly faceand being there to listen. Most volunteers makesure older people can live independent lives andremain active while living in their own homes, orvisiting care homes to help out.It’s not just the people you are helping thatbenefit either, it’s the volunteers too. The sense ofhelping someone is thanks enough, but also contactEXTENDINGTHE HANDOF HELP66 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/HXDBZXYOlder people are often lonelyand time spent alone can makelife seem totally miserable. So,why not try your hand atvolunteering? There’s loads ofways you can get involved.065-067:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:50 Page 1guaranteedpeace of mindfor you and your familyA Lincolnshire Co-operative Funeral Bond offers unrivalled peace of mind & protection against the rising cost of funerals. For an information pack please fill in and return the coupon. Alternatively, for this or information on any aspect of our funeral services please telephone 01522 534971Send to: Lincolnshire Co-operative Funeral Services, FREEPOST DC601 LN5 7BRVisit our website www.lincolnshire.coopPlease send me further details regarding Lincolnshire Co-operative Funeral Bonds.TELEPHONE NAME ADDRESS FUNERAL BONDLincolnshire Co-operativeLT 05/1366 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFAMILY MATTERSwith new people from your area can make allthe difference to your social life too. Comingtogether under a common cause can reallyboost your sense of confidence and give youa cheerful outlook on life.Training is often given to fill a variety ofroles. Can you drive a minibus for example?People with the appropriate licenses arealways in demand to make sure older peoplecan enjoy day trips and the chance to getaway. Equally, people to simply providecompany are always needed. Perhapssomeone to help with a crossword, someoneto discuss the news with or to watch a filmwith would be useful as well as thetraditional care duties one might expect tofind in such a situation. Of course, caredelivery is always something people needfrom volunteers. Older people often needhelp with the most simple of jobs, gettingOften just somecompany isenough tobrightensomeone’s day.065-067:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:50 Page 2out of bed and dressed, taking a bath or simplygoing to the shops.There are a variety of organisations always inneed of those willing to lend a hand and even ifyou don’t fancy direct contact withindividuals who need help, thereare still roles you can help with.Perhaps volunteering at anAge UK shop or similarorganisation would bemore suited to you? Noexperience is usuallynecessary and you’ll beable to make a difference inanother way. Equally,volunteers are increasinglyneeded on the digital front too,those who are specialists in websitedesign or social media management areprized by charities. What we’d adviseis to identify your skills and putthose forward to the area you’dlike to help in. Volunteering isgreat for all involved andeven for the unemployed,it’s a chance to showpotential employers aproven set of skills.Some charities evenrecruit for shopmanagers throughtheir volunteers only,so it’s worthinvestigating.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67FAMILY MATTERSCliff Bradley & SonsFuneral Directors LtdFor a prompt, sympatheticservice from a recognisedfamily businessPrivate Chapel of RestDay and Night ServicePre-paid funeral plans41 Heaton Street,Gainsborough, DN21 2EA(01427) 810619Motoring aheadThere have been calls recently from a localcharity for volunteer car drivers. Often peoplein our county have trouble getting to and fromappointments or have trouble using publictransport. This could be for a variety of reasons,whether from lack of mobility or being in aremote place in the county. WRVS operatesacross the county but the charity are launchingthe Gainsborough and District Community CarScheme. Car owners are being asked to give upsome of their time to become volunteer driversfor the service so that the charity can help asmany people as possible. Services manager Andrew Tysoe says: “This isa fantastic service and it will make a realdifference to the lives of older people in thecommunity.“From our work with older people we knowthat services such as this make a real differenceto quality of life. However, to make the schemea success, we need new volunteers who arewilling to give up just a couple of hours of theirtime each week, to help those who need itmost.“All volunteer drivers will receive 45p permile to cover their expenses.”Can you help?Email WRVS’s Laura Packwoodon laurapack123@gmail.comor call 01427 617269.Volunteeringis great for allinvolved and even forthe unemployed, it’s achance to show potentialemployers a provenset of skills.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ITSMEJUSTLACE HousingFormed in 1964, LACE Housing is a voluntary,non-profit making association with charitable status,recognised as the leading social housing providerspecialising in Housing, Care and Support services forolder people in Lincolnshire. LACE Housing understand that in later life peoplevalue independence at a time when frailty and disabilitythreaten to take it away. That’s why, for almost fifty years,they pride themselves in designing, developing andmaintaining a wide range of accommodation, care homesand support services.For more information join the team for refreshments atthis year’s Lincolnshire Show, at Stand 8-09 on EighthAvenue, or contact Sam Nolan.Tel: 01522 514444www.lacehousing.org.uk065-067:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:50 Page 368 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSKEGNESS & MABLETHORPEVisiting Lincolnshire’s coastal resorts issometimes like going back in time, quaintand old fashioned resorts like Huttoft andChapel St Leonards exude a unique charmall of their own, but most holidaymakersand even us Yellowbellies love the seasideattractions that Skegness, ‘Skeggy’ tolocals, and Mablethorpe have. The smellof fish and chips, candy floss and thatcrisp, salty aroma of the sea draw peoplein like a magnet and we can see why. But gone are the days when the onlything Skegness seemed to be famous forwas flashing arcade machines and its long-held ‘bracing’ reputation for windy days.No, these days, Skegness has a dualidentity. One is the traditional Britishseaside town, holiday camps, caravans andfairground rides, the other is a culturalmecca. The now annual SO Festival nowmeans the town crawls withentertainment, art and an atmosphere ofcreativity. Building up the excitement forweeks beforehand, the SO Festival isstretched from June 28th to July 7th thisyear and looks set to be as exciting asever. With an emphasis on streetperformance, this year sees severalreturning artists performing captivatingshows for the public. Plasticiens Volants, aFrench company who wowed a crowd ofmore than 12,000 people back in 2010with a performance of the story of Pearlare set to return. They will be using theirlarge, inflatable puppets to tell the story ofthe universe from the very beginning withBig Bang.Arts Council England is also set to makea return to the town and are set to bringseveral outdoor performances to life,including Graeae’s version of Ted Hughes’The Iron Man on July 6th. Other highlightsinclude live dance acts like Upswing, whichlooks to be a gravity-defying show on a setof poles and Mimbre, which is an acrobatictale of four women, showing their strengthand personal stories, featuring soloperformances and a group finale.What’s great about the SO Festival is theway it involves towns close by too. Thefestival’s Market Town Tour starts onSaturday 29th June in Louth. The followingday the street theatre and music moves toTattershall and Coningsby, whilst Ray McVayand the Glenn Miller Orchestra perform atthe Embassy Centre Theatre in Skegness.The Market Town Tour visits Spilsby onMonday 1st July, Alford on Tuesday 2ndJuly, Woodhall Spa on Wednesday 3rd,Mablethorpe on Thursday 4th July andWragby on Saturday 6th July.The SO Festival spotlight will focus onHorncastle on Saturday 29th June when itbecomes an ‘Enchanted Town’, with a teamof illuminators using buildings as artisticcanvasses. Presented in partnership with theMain: Mablethorpe’s famous beach huts formthe basis for their now annual BathingBeauties Beach Hut Festival, which brings inthousands of visitorsAbove: Live music was a fantastic feature atBathing BeautiesRight top: Street performances make up mostof the amazing SO Festival in SkegnessRight bottom:There’s plenty to keep the kidsinterested at the SO FestivalCelebratorySUMMERSkegness and Mablethorpe are two of the county’s gems, but thetowns are becoming better known for their festival offerings. Wetake a look at what makes people return year upon year.068-071:Layout 1 15/4/13 09:59 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY69Horncastle FestivalCommittee, the eveningevent will see the town’sheritage brought to life, with thepublic being able to meet thefamous exotic plant collector JosephBanks and Captain James Cook, talk to Alfred Tennyson and see theKraken waking and the Charge of the Light Brigade.Mablethorpe has a more restrained, but no less entertainingapproach to its own festival, the Bathing Beauties Beach Hut Festival.With the beach and promenade becoming a live music venue,artspace and performance area it really does take on a festivalatmosphere. With processions taking place, bands performing all overthe weekend and with the festivities extending to Sutton on Seafurther down the coast to, it’s a fantastic place to be in mid-September. This not only extends the tourist season, but also meansthe town is abuzz at a time when many beach resorts are thinkingabout packing away the pedaloes, sunscreen and ice cream. Thisyear’s festival takes place on 13th-15th September and is in its sixthyear. Last year’s attractions included live poetry, public speaking, craftworkshops and the chance to take part in tea dances, painting classesand much more besides. It had the feel of eccentricity so lacking fromthe more commercial side of coastal resorts. This of course, wascoupled with the town buzzing with its many shops and usualattractions. Who can beat a round of mini golf while bands blast outPHOTO: SO FESTIVALPHOTO: SO FESTIVAL70 Mablethorpehas a more restrained,but no less entertainingapproach to its ownfestival, the BathingBeauties Beach HutFestival068-071:Layout 1 15/4/13 09:59 Page 2Next >