HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE DAILY JOURNAL SUNDAY - GREGG'S SECOND BIRTHDAY MEAL - 3/22/26

Today I am only going to write about Gregg's second birthday meal. This is one where happily our daughter-in-law was able to join us. I will write the other days for the week and publish it this Tuesday, the 31st.

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026: it was the Birthday Boy's celebration-2 today (actual birthday being on the 18th), but first son came over for his Sunday morning visit and left three hours later to pick up his Sweetie. 

That afternoon we arrived at the restaurant at a busy time, and couldn't find a parking spot at first. It turned out that the football match was on (soccer), and this was a big draw. Gregg squeezed into a spot right next to the fish and chip van. I didn't realize they had one and judging from the phone number on its side, it could be rented out. 

Gregg left to see if he could find a table, as reservations were for 10 people only they said but as he had to wait, I think this is the reason we were able to reserve one for the four of us - just guessing here. They told him the game had just finished and people would be leaving by the dozen. No sooner had he told me that, then parking spaces started opening up and we were able to slip into a closer spot. We had arranged to meet with our kiddos here. No sooner had we parked the second time, they rolled into a spot a couple of places from ours. Perfect timing! 

Hawk and Griffin is our closest British Pub that we go to, again not often but have enjoyed previous visits since its opening in June 2021. It is a great place to take company. The staff is always pleasant which is a big factor when deciding if we are going to revisit anywhere. Fortunately, it is very rare that we are not satisfied with either food or service or restaurant. Both are excellent at the Hawk and Griffin. The link to their website is here. 

A picture taken in 1877 of a group of recruiting sergeants hoping to recruit young men for the army. The explanation I found here, notes that they were outside a pub somewhere in London. 

The owner also has another place not too far up the road, The Pure Pasty Company, and that place opened in 2010. You may remember my posts about our Cornish Pasty car picnics in the parking lot over the years. Their pasties are a 10 out of 10, authentic. The owner is originally British and his claim to fame is being the first American bakery to win at the World Pasty Championships in Cornwall, England. 

We settled into our booth, no waiting as we were seated straight away. We started looking at the menu while having a good chat. It is always fun to be with our son and daughter-in-law, and we love their great sense of humor. Case in point this photo when son was teasing his mother, interestingly pointing to items in the menu. I actually remembered my reading glasses so didn't really need any help, but he insisted, pointing to the items he thought I would like, saw my eyes narrow and I looked up as he burst out laughing. I didn't teach him that just in case you were curious. And I wouldn't have put this in except that I love those teasing, happy expressions on their faces. I was trying not to burst out laughing as I rolled my eyes and shook my head in mock horror, while trying to take their photo. Looked at Gregg who also had a twinkle in his eye. Then I got back to what I wanted to order. They always keep us laughing when we're with them, these two.

I told him he was a naughty boy. Not really, all in good fun.

I've never tried Guinness but son seemed to enjoy. His Sweetie and I had a Pimm's Royale...

which was prosecco and strawberry. My Sweetie rarely has an alcoholic drink and was very happy with his coca cola. What he was eager to try was the fried bread which was offered as an appetizer. We all shared a piece. It was excellent, not greasy at all. He used to love having this when he was on an exchange tour with the Royal Navy in England, and whenever we went back, would order a full English breakfast and fried bread was always part of that. I don't know how they fry their bread or what they cook it in. I would love to ask next time we go in. Probably a trade secret though.

Our son remembered the Scotch Eggs from our last visit, which we also shared. They were as delicious as we remembered them.

Our daughter-in-law ordered the cottage pie and the three of us had the same thing, fish and chips which you can just make out in this photo. Again, all excellent and absolutely no calories!!! Today at least!

Lastly, and I can't believe we didn't take a photo, we ordered two Sticky Toffee Puddings, they shared theirs and so did we. If you ever get the chance to order one, and I'm sure our British friends know what I am talking about, please do. Ours came with a scoop of ice cream. You can check out a recipe I found here if curious. It has the closest look to ours.

Anyhow, I will leave you with their motto, which has become one of my favorites.

"There are no strangers here, just friends you haven't met yet." 

There you go, there will be a little more on the pub next Tuesday, along with the other days we have experienced this past week. 

Thanks for dropping in and 

I hope you all have a great day!