20190301 The Exeter and Brunelli

The Elephant was packed so we sat outside in the 40 degree heat. Stephen had arrived at 4.30pm and was already sipping down the jugs. Con joined him at 5pm and I left work and was there by 5.15. Chad joined us around 6pm. Richard was at a show, The Magic Flute.

It was Chad's turn to choose where to eat and for a while he was mentioning Betty's Burgers. Con and I tried to discourage him as I didn't feel like standing in a queue. He eventually decided to keep it simple and eat at The Exeter. It's a grungy place at the best of times and this time it lived up to its Bohemian style by having beer spilled on the floor in the dining room. It was packed outside with the extra tables and chairs spilling onto the closed road, but inside, it was quiet and we found a table easily enough. The art on the walls reflected the Fringe feel with covers of the artwork and abstract stuff to look at.

 Chad has another beer which was served in the plastic cups - a dead giveaway that its Fringe time.

It was pretty much bog standard pub food tonight. Chad and Stephen had the Chicken Curry, Con had the beef burger and I had the Tofu Burger with Mushroom Sauce and chips. Chad, as usual, was reasonably happy with his meal, giving his a 7 out of 10. He likes the curries at The Exeter. He's organising a Curry night there on 24 April. I must admit the last time I had a curry at the Exeter I was suitably happy with the experience.

Stephen was a little more critical of his food. He had to put salt on the curry twice because, even though it was hot, it didn't have the depth of back flavour to hit the palate.

Con said, 'mmm... it wasn't great but it was alright...' - high praise from the meister. I thought my burger had all the flavours there. I love the mushroom sauce. However, the chips were re-fried and crumbling with all the potato inside fried up. They weren't nice at all.

Chad is also organising a Sunday afternoon at the Wheatsheaf to taste the beers there. I already got in early to nominate Stephen to drive that day :-) I think that was for the 28 April.

Stephen decided to make another paper folded cube and this time was the winner for the creative endeavour (sadly it got crushed by my hand accidentally stomping on it later).

We went to Brunelli for a coffee. Stephen and I also shared a Chocolate Eclair which I wasn't too impressed with. I ended up giving my half back to Stephen. We sat in the inside/outside area that was boiling hot. Stephen had to wipe his forehead to get the sweat out of his eyes. I ordered the coffees and we were surprised when the cups came out. The cups were so hot I couldn't even pick it up. I had to tear off a part of a napkin to hold the handle.

We were given a treat to a chorus of singers as they walked past the cafe, all were wearing headphones and signing (out of tune!) to their music. It's great that people are getting into the festival spirit!

Con forgot his glasses and left them on the table. Luckily, I noticed them as I was the last to leave and handed them to him before he left for his bus.