I’m not sure if I live under a rock, but I have come to the conclusion that most local people have heard of No.33 on Exchange Street in Norwich and that I am very slow on the uptake. In fact, their generous slices of cake have become the stuff of legend. Goodness knows why it has taken me so long to blog about it!
Now, as you will have gathered, I am a lady that likes a long, luxurious lunch. As such, I arranged to spend time with some friends at No.33 at 1.30 on Friday. Although the lunchtime rush was almost over when I arrived, I was told there would be a 15 minute wait for a table because it was still heaving.
Slightly nervous that my friends would be ravenous after a morning slaving away in the office, I optimistically decided to wait it out. And five minutes later a table became available.
I was shown through the crowded tables to a little shabby-chic room upstairs, which had its own attentive waiter. He explained what was on the menu and even offered me a bigger table when one became available.
Match made in heaven
After pondering the menu, filled with sandwiches, salads and light bites, I caved into temptation and opted for my favourite brunch, eggs benedict with salmon (as did one of my companions).
In spite of how busy the cafe was, the food arrived in around 15 minutes, which was very pleasing. And as you can see, it was presented rather nicely – the poached eggs had been cooked in a mould, there was plenty of smoked salmon to cover the muffin and the hollandaise was served in a ramekin, because everyone has their own preference for the volume required.
Slicing into the eggs, the bright yellow yolks were delightfully runny, soaking the perfectly toasted muffin below, contrasting with rich flavours and texture of the smoked salmon (I can wax lyrical about this for some time). I might have substituted wilted spinach for the salad, but that’s just my personal preference.
The only thing that could have marred my meal was getting a table downstairs. Owing to the layout of the building, it feels a bit crowded, with lots of people walking past. However, as I didn’t sit downstairs, I couldn’t say for definite.
Have you had a great meal in Norfolk and think I should try it out? Leave me a note below!
