Gourmet cheesy chips. An oxymoron, yes, but they were just as spectacular as their £6 price tag.
Washed down with a wonderfully fruity German Pinot Noir, it’s a curious paradox, I’m sure you’ll agree, but that’s the beauty of Mr P’s Curious Tavern. It was Saturday, the sun was shining, and we yearned for wine, food and a casual setting, so we jumped on the train to York with Mr P’s in mind.
We hadn’t booked, but managed to get a window seat overlooking the cobbled streets; the perfect frame for people watching. Mr P’s, for those who don’t know, is the fourth restaurant by Andrew Pern – Yorkshire’s celebrated, Michelin-star chef.
It’s a different concept to The Star Inn, Harome – his first and starred restaurant – The Star Inn The City, York and The Star Inn The Harbour, which he launched in his hometown, Whitby.
Mr P’s is more relaxed (I’ve eaten at two of the Stars: Harome and York). This is cool, casual dining with charcuterie and cheese sharing platters and small plates.
We go for comfort with baked ratatouille, Welsh rarebit, posh chips and also pip for scallops and Whitby crab taco. The spiced cheesy chips come with a wonderful pot of curry mayonnaise and we sit, watching the world go by outside, quaffing red and rocking it out to the playlist, which features Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, Guns N’ Roses and The Pretenders.
The staff here have it nailed, too. They add to the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of Mr P’s. Larissa – the young, front of house manager – gives us just the right amount of attention. Friendly, extremely professional and a solid knowledge of the dishes and wines. Just visit.
Food and drinks: £67 for two.
mrpscurioustavern.co.uk
