Well, since I'm new here...why not start a cool topic, right?
If you have not been by the restaurant, the Rose & Crown, at SRF, you need to check it out. As the days get hotter (and we only have two weekends left), food and the consumption thereof, becomes more important than ever to stave off heat injuries. And remember, food serves as blotting paper for visits to the pubs.
I've been visiting the restaurant in the mornings to get fed before the bulk of the day happens. I have tried just about everything on the menu and I can tell you that everything I've had is wonderful.
My favorites are the tomatoes with cheese, the chicken salad, the muffaletta and the special last Saturday: quail on rice. It came with an awesome salad of spring greens, pecans, bacon and cranberries. At least, that's what I tasted. I know I got the bacon right. No mistaking bacon. After all, it is meat candy. ;D
Tomatoes with cheese are an appetizer and therefore relatively inexpensive. On really hot days, it will be just the right amount and fairly light. So if you're doing a lot of physical activity, this is a good start for your day.
The chicken salad is probably the best I have ever had anywhere, bar none.
The fruit and cheese platter is almost more than I can finish, and that's a good thing.
Musical acts rotate through the restaurant. Last Sunday, we were treated to a Peruvian musical group that I had not seen on the festival grounds before. So not only are you getting a great deal on food (nothing is over $10 that I ordered), you are getting entertained. Dinner and a floor show: what more could you ask for?
On Sundays, we've been attending the Sunday Service held in the SRF Rose Garden. Bill Bloodgood, one of our faire faithful, leads a wonderful devotional service for those of us who can't make it to church due to our faire obligations. So...we've been going to church and then going to the restaurant. Queen Margaret may be a good Catholic, but she does get in touch with her inner Baptist pretty regularly. ;)
And...you haven't lived the SRF experience until you've discovered Zilch the Torysteller singing Freebird in the 16th century style at the King's Pub Pub Sing (Pub Pub?) toward the end of the festival day. Last weekend, we got to see Miguel of Don Juan and Miguel perform interpretive dance to Ferdinand the Bull. Ask your insurance provider to see if you have therapy coverage before viewing.
The King's Pub Pub Sing is a viable alternative to the Captain's Pub Pub Sing (there we go again with redundant use of pub in a sentence) in the Pecan Grove, which is a delightful experience for the renaissance thrash punk fan of the Karabushka (sp?) mosh pit. No life guard on duty. Gypsy dive at your own risk.
We only have 5 days left for SRF. Please enjoy responsibly. Hope to see you there.
I concur with the gracious Queen Margaret .. the Rose and Crown is a wonder place to dine and listen to the fine entertainment there. I have to be very careful with what I consume now due to my gastric bypass. The chicken salad was perfect, cool and light with a unbelievable taste. The ladies waiting the tables were winsome, and courteously attentive. I intend to visit and dine there each weekend left at the Faire.
We find ourselves in the rose and crown at least every other weekend before or just after parade. It is a great place to cool down and get something very good. The Shepards pie is my favorite. But you know I cant remember ever having anything at Scarby that wasnt good whether it be the tamale pie or the steak on a stick.
Quote from: Queen Margaret on May 17, 2010, 10:25:49 PM
Well, since I'm new here...why not start a cool topic, right?
If you have not been by the restaurant, the Rose & Crown, at SRF, you need to check it out. As the days get hotter (and we only have two weekends left), food and the consumption thereof, becomes more important than ever to stave off heat injuries. And remember, food serves as blotting paper for visits to the pubs.
First off... it seems to me that we've been blessed this season without some of the hideous heat we've had in past years... not to mention fewer mud days.
Second... Food as blotting paper almost caused a spray of ice water all over my laptop tyvm!
Quote from: Queen Margaret on May 17, 2010, 10:25:49 PM
My favorites are the tomatoes with cheese, the chicken salad, the muffaletta and the special last Saturday: quail on rice. It came with an awesome salad of spring greens, pecans, bacon and cranberries. At least, that's what I tasted. I know I got the bacon right. No mistaking bacon. After all, it is meat candy. ;D
I loves me some meat candy!
Quote from: Queen Margaret on May 17, 2010, 10:25:49 PM
And...you haven't lived the SRF experience until you've discovered Zilch the Torysteller singing Freebird in the 16th century style at the King's Pub Pub Sing (Pub Pub?) toward the end of the festival day. Last weekend, we got to see Miguel of Don Juan and Miguel perform interpretive dance to Ferdinand the Bull. Ask your insurance provider to see if you have therapy coverage before viewing.
Hmm, I may need to check my insurance for therapy coverage just from the vision I imagined of Miguel's interpretive dance...
BTW, great topic, and glad to have you on the boards with us!
It's great to see the Queen on the forum ! ! !
I've had the Shepard's Pie, the Meat Pie, fruit and cheese and something else....can't remember but they were all great!
MMmmmmm... Don't get me started about the Shepherds Pie. Delicious doesn't describe it well enough. Let's put it this way, they don't make enough of it for me! :D
Food at a pub? What an interesting concept, as a good M'Crack my taste usually goes with the liquid refreshment.
I will say, that of all the pubs I've visited at faires, the Rose and Crown ranks amongst the tops. Well worth the visit!
There are many hidden treasures at Scarby. Not everything that happens is on the schedules or programs. You just have to stumble across them.
Some that are published are just missed by far too many people. I see things posted for the Rose and Crown, but those did not make me go there. What it took was another faire regular, my wife, telling me about it.
I did see a posting about church near the gate this last Sunday. Attendance has been growing over the last 2 years. but almost all faire regulars. Last Sunday was an exception in that about half were mundanes who came to faire to attend this service.
It is rare to see mundanes at the Pasta Palace. Vendors, performers, and playtrons seem to eat there a lot. I do. Most days everyone in line is in garb. Are we trying to hide it from the mundanes?
Scottish Court is another event that is not on any schedule, but well attended and very well performed. You just have to know when and where.
About 5:30 to 6:00 the harpest from Cantiga who is substituting for Martha this year has been joining Sarah Mullen for harp duets at the Eagle Crossing Bridge. Unplanned and unreheased, but very good. Two weeks ago Zilch was passing by and starting playing the opening to Dueling Banjos on Mandolin. Both harpists responded and played the whole song.
I have been attending this faire for 15 years. I find out about more all the time. Maybe someone should write an insider's guide for faire noobs (and some of us too.) Some kind of wiki that we could all add to would be ideal.
Don't forget the Cirque de Sewer just across from the village crossing bridge.
The Sunday Service was attended by a group of boys and young men from a church in Sherman who have started a group called Knights of the Lord's Table.
The premise is teaching boys and young men what it means to be a responsible, kind, decent man in a Christian context.
They are, I'm told, incorporating Scarborough into their program. The reward is getting to come to SRF. One of our Scots playtrons and the service celebrant, Bill Bloodgood, is one of their sponsors, if I understand correctly.
They are gracious young men. And this is a very, very cool thing.
This is a good thing, I am surprised that none have conceived this idea in the past. Huzzah to the Knights of the Lords Table.
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on May 18, 2010, 11:54:45 AM
Some that are published are just missed by far too many people. I see things posted for the Rose and Crown, but those did not make me go there. What it took was another faire regular, my wife, telling me about it.
Having a Scarby virgin with me this season opened up things I hadn't seen because my visits had become "routine" over the years. Showing my Dad around on his 2nd visit in as many years also uncovered more treasures. But when we brought my GF's mom out there and I was in mundanes for the first time in years and years really gave me a whole other view point.
Have you noticed the new "guides" on the website? I'm assuming they are new as I don't recall them on the old site.
A family a-Faire: http://www.srfestival.com/images/stories/site-gfx/pdf/Family-a-Faire.pdf (http://www.srfestival.com/images/stories/site-gfx/pdf/Family-a-Faire.pdf)
Shop 'til you drop http://www.srfestival.com/images/stories/site-gfx/pdf/Shopping-Itinerary.pdf (http://www.srfestival.com/images/stories/site-gfx/pdf/Shopping-Itinerary.pdf)
I had been surprised by the information on the SRF website that the Rose & Crown even existed! ...and I'm an FoF! (They never their their wizards —or FOF— a bloody thing!) We went looking for it on opening day this year, and our service specialist ( ;D ) informed us that this was its third year?!? Somehow, we must have missed it the last two...
Anyway, it is G R E A T !!!! Food was excellenté! Our waitron was a hoot, to be sure. And it's really nice just to sit down in the shade and let someone else fetch the vittles and drinks. I plan to spend a lot more time in the Rose & Crown in the future.
*** The poster has not received any remuneration for this post (although, he would appreciate a free beer next time) ***
We "discovered" Victor's Palace of Pasta Pleasure 2 years ago, I think the same year the Rose & Crown was built. At least one of us will go to Victor's at least one day of every weekend we are at faire :)
Everything we've had at BOTH places has been EXCELLENT!
Part of what I think is lacking is a description of events and acts. For example "Zilch the Storyteller" doesn't sound real interesting. In reality he is very funny and always good to watch. An explanation of some of the acts might be of help to noobs.
A one line desciption of Noobler really wouldn't help much. What does he do? Why do the Royal Guard throw cookies at him? Some of us know these things.
There are lots of hidden things at faire that only insiders know about. How do we get the word out?
Well, for starters...post something about it. ;)
I'm not sure that not knowing isn't better... it adds to the magical mystery of the faire.
I recall my first trip to the faire and wondering "what the bloody `ell is a 'kissing wench?'" I soon found out because the couple that took us to Scarby had hired her to attack me. I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face!
Just let the newbies know that there won't be any dramatic acts performing, and that fun is the order of the day. What else do you need?
How many people have tried the Fish & Chips?
If I remember correctly it is the only food booth that is owned by the vendor.
The food there has always been very good.
The Fish and Chips are great. We eat them almost every weekend.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 19, 2010, 10:42:09 AM
How many people have tried the Fish & Chips?
If I remember correctly it is the only food booth that is owned by the vendor.
The food there has always been very good.
Victor owns his booths (Pasta Palace, German, French) and I believe that he owns a couple of others out there, too, but I'm not sure.
I heard that the fish & chips place was taken over by faire, but I'm not sure on that one. It may just be rumour.
I love the fish and chips, I've had it for lunch twice this season. And the lovely lady who usually works there tickles me as well.
The steak on a stake over by the Fish and Chips booth (I can never remember what that area is called) was really good this season as well.
We did the wine tasting on opening day. I learned a lot, had some interesting wines, and came away with a couple of lovely crystal wine glasses with the Cat & Fiddle logo. Not cheap, but I will be doing it again!
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 19, 2010, 10:42:09 AM
How many people have tried the Fish & Chips?
If I remember correctly it is the only food booth that is owned by the vendor.
The food there has always been very good.
I've had both the Cod & Catfish & Chips and both were delicious! I just wish they had some Rogue's tartar sauce (my own recipe of mixing Lady MacArthur's Rogue's Relish with mayo...GREAT stuff!)
Quote from: SandrineDeLaTombe on May 19, 2010, 03:38:19 PM
I love the fish and chips, I've had it for lunch twice this season. And the lovely lady who usually works there tickles me as well.
I really love these... I can sit and eat these all day long there... and sometime my waist agrees with this statement.
I am a simple girl at heart - cheesey bread over at the German booth, or the lemon tart from the bakery.
Love the Fish n Chips, and the cocktail sauce is to die for ( i LOVE horseradish, and they make it with a LOT).
Dont know how this fits in , but at least once per season I like to go to the maze and go up to the top area. Its one of the few places that someone not on cast can get a elevated view of the faire. It also seems that there is always a nice breeze up there and is a KILLER place to watch the start of the parade from (havent got to this year as Ive been in parade every day with the QOH).
whoops, I killed the topic..... ::)
well- maybe its time to ressurect it from the dead...
Hmmmmm. I'll have to try the fish & Chips this year. Been looking for something worthy to replace the turkey leg ever since the price per leg went into orbit.
Fish and Chips is good and the young lady that works there is seductively hysterical.
There is also a food vendor over by where Iris and Rose perform. For the life of me I can't remember their name but through-out the faire they will have special plates. On the advice of a vendor we got their brat plate. That had to be the BEST brats I'd had in forever.
One of the magic parts about these faires is no two days are ever alike. Always new adventures.
They served that brat last year at the preview event... I thought it was good enough to go back for at faire! I really liked it. I think that's called the Queen's Kitchen there.
Quote from: Hercules on March 17, 2011, 08:04:00 AM
Fish and Chips is good and the young lady that works there is seductively hysterical.
There is also a food vendor over by where Iris and Rose perform. For the life of me I can't remember their name but through-out the faire they will have special plates. On the advice of a vendor we got their brat plate. That had to be the BEST brats I'd had in forever.
One of the magic parts about these faires is no two days are ever alike. Always new adventures.
That is the German booth, which is between the Pasta Palace and the French booth. All of those are owned by Victor, I believe. Excellent food at any of the three, really. The Pasta Palace and the German booth have new specials every weekend, and Victor cooks most of his food from scratch with good quality ingredients.
Another couple of things that caught on last season were the new pretzel-wrapped sausage and the habit of making a cheesesteak sandwich from the Steak on a Stake and the Cheese Bread from the French booth.
Quote from: lys1022 on March 17, 2011, 02:22:34 PM
Quote from: Hercules on March 17, 2011, 08:04:00 AM
Fish and Chips is good and the young lady that works there is seductively hysterical.
There is also a food vendor over by where Iris and Rose perform. For the life of me I can't remember their name but through-out the faire they will have special plates. On the advice of a vendor we got their brat plate. That had to be the BEST brats I'd had in forever.
One of the magic parts about these faires is no two days are ever alike. Always new adventures.
That is the German booth, which is between the Pasta Palace and the French booth. All of those are owned by Victor, I believe. Excellent food at any of the three, really. The Pasta Palace and the German booth have new specials every weekend, and Victor cooks most of his food from scratch with good quality ingredients.
Another couple of things that caught on last season were the new pretzel-wrapped sausage and the habit of making a cheesesteak sandwich from the Steak on a Stake and the Cheese Bread from the French booth.
The pretzel-wrapped sausage are the best! ;D
I definitely will be back for salmon at the fish & chips shop. That's a food you don't get at just any fair.
We'll be a Scarby for an unprecedented 3 weekends this year. I'm going to be test-driving some of these delicacies this year!
crab cakes and the fired mac and cheese at the place next to the Sea Hag stage is great,
The crab cakes are quite tasty. Haven't tried the mac n cheese yet *adds to list of things to try*