I wished to treat an exceptionally kind friend and her husband to a nice meal at a favourite restaurant of mine, Beatrice Kennedy's, in University Road, Belfast. The last time we dined there was on my birthday, on the 22nd December, 2008; so I'm overdue another visit. Perhaps I'll have a meal there next month, when I'm at an Ulster Orchestra concert.
From the Albertbridge Road I turned on to Ravenhill Road; and turned right on to the Ormeau Embankment. If you are a cyclist you'll be aware of the disgraceful state of the Ravenhill Road with its uneven surfaces, pot-holes, sunken trenches - have I left anything out? - courtesy of the Roads Disservice! Why don't they spend as much time on re-surfacing main arterial roads as they devote to their beloved humps?
The staff
at Beatrice Kennedy's were busy preparing for the day when I arrived. I had a good chat with Jim McCarthy, the chef patron (I almost in my guise as Lord Belmont; maybe I should change my name by deed poll!). The standards of service and cuisine at BK's are second to none, in my experience. I know my friends will enjoy a really special evening there.I cycled home via University Street and the heavens opened: I got soaked to the skin! When I arrived home, I literally had to wring my socks of rain-water; that's how heavy it was. I have my socks, trousers and shoes in the hot-press as I write.
I'm not bothered in the slightest: I've been through a lot worse than a heavy shower.
2 comments :
"I cycled home via University Street and the heavens opened: I got soaked to the skin!"
Ah...one of the joys of cycling in Northern Ireland! I had the bike out at the weekend also, a nice three hours or so into the countryside, packed lunch and a decent book halfway- can't beat it!
That's an idea: I could choose a sunny day to cycle along the Lagan tow-path and do just as you say, O'Neill. A pleasant thought.
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