Monday the 5th of April 2010 marked my half century birthday and bearing in mind some of the things I’ve experienced in those years, I’m guess I’m lucky I made it this far. I am not one to make a fuss of  my birthdays and this one was to be no different; as long as I have my health and my family, that’s all that is important to me. For some reasons unknown, I had always dreaded my impending 50th but after my recent scare, I’m damned glad that I was around to see it and now, I don’t mind it at all.

I had a lovely lie-in followed by seeing our living room festooned with banners announcing my milestone and the presentation of gifts. I was then rewarded with a comment from Alex that only a kid can get away with, when he uttered the unforgettable words “Daddy – are you going to die soon”. Well, I bloody hope not was my unspoken reply with unseen but but firmly crossed fingers.

After a wonderfully relaxed day, we dropped Alex off at Anna’s parents for the night before heading off into Brighton for a meal at La Fourchette, a fine French restaurant renowned for it’s excellent food and atmosphere. We browsed the menu for some time before finally making our choices. As starters Anna, selected the Burgundy snails with garlic butter and parsley, while I went for the Seared scallops with jerusalem artichoke purée and a salad of rocket and balsamic vinegar. Both were mouth wateringly good and savoured to the last – the sort of food that you don’t want to end. There was no argument over the main course, when we both decided on the Classic Chateaubriand, Provençal tomatoes, wild mushrooms and hand cut chips. The beef was cooked to absolute perfection and literally melted in the mouth, while the vegetables were exactly how I like them. I have to say though, that the follow up of  Assiette gourmande with a selection of chef’s desserts was to be a little disappointing in the lack of any real flavour or substance. The best part of the selection in my mind was the chocolate brownie. However, Anna was delighted with her dessert wine and the espresso that I finished with was a killer; fantastically strong, both in content and flavour.

It was the perfect birthday meal and although not cheap, it wasn’t exactly lotto winner territory either. If you like fine French eating and are ever in the area, it is well worth booking. They also do a lunch menu and there is the option of bar food in the adjacent err… bar.