Saturday 31 August 2013

Gospel Burgers ... Undercroft Coffee ...


... ice-creams on the Palace Green ... all available during the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition ...

Gourmet Gospel Burger bar



It was strange arriving on the wide open space that is the ‘green’ between the Cathedral and the Castle, flanked by the entrance to the Gospels Exhibition in the Library, and other museum buildings to find a burger bar ...





Shop and Undercroft Restaurant posters


... granted said Gospel Burger van was strategically positioned to one side.  It appears that Durham University have taken the concession to offer these meaty delights from local estates and to promote a taste of history on the green.

 



Fish Lasagne
There is the regular lunch, homemade snacks and cakes, tea and coffee outlet within the Undercroft, located off the west Cloister ... opposite the shop ... also part of this huge medieval vaulted storage space at the west end of the Cathedral.



A dough trough once used for
leavening bread from
Aberdour Castle, Fife, Scotland
I noted the fish lasagne on offer, or even the raspberry and chocolate roulade ... but I was early, yet needed sustenance before seeing the Exhibition ... so I had an apple juice with a delicious fresh bap ... which sustained me for the day!








Ingram Valley Lamb
On reflecting on the ingredients at the burger bar ... perhaps I should have tried one of their speciality Gospel Burgers:



  • Ingram Valley Lamb ...
Cranerow Pork banner






  • Cranerow Farm Pork, Apple and Black Pudding ...

    Possibly venison burger to be ....?
  • Northumberland Estate Venison ...

  • Wellington Estate Angus Beef ...


  • or the vegetarian option ... Brinkburn Crispy Goats Cheese ...

Brinkburn Goats Chees

all offering a Taste of Durham ...


... what a spectacular setting for brunch, just munching a bap or roll filled with local ingredients, or a fish lasagne in the Undercroft ...



Ham, lettuce, cheese
and tomato roll



There’s nothing like home cooked traditional foods, endorsed under the banner of ‘A Taste of Durham’ ... enticing visitors who had travelled the world to see the exhibition  ...






... while here enhancing their knowledge of St Cuthbert and his community, who created one of the greatest landmarks of human cultural achievements: the Lindisfarne Gospels.




During his life Cuthbert became famous for being a kind, wise and incredibly holy man ... he was a travelling preacher, a seer of visions, healer of the sick and worker of miracles ...



... who then lived out is his life as a hermit, albeit elected Bishop of Lindisfarne for the last few years of his life ...


... he would have travelled throughout the region, no doubt crossing the farms, estates and valleys where A Taste of Durham comes from ...


... before the monks circuitously through need (those dreaded Viking attacks!), and over the centuries, brought his body into sanctuary at Durham, and once the Cathedral was built ... his relics have remained here ever since – a place of pilgrimage ...


Who would have thought a burger bar would feed pilgrims coming to the Shrine of St Cuthbert, or to the many from around the world who have visited Durham to see the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels book, together with a unique collection of Anglo-Saxon artefacts ...


... late 600 AD meets 21st century at the centre of learning then as now ...


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

53 comments:

Jo said...

A burger bar doesn't seem that appropriate to me, however, it would certainly appeal to many of the North American visitors.

Rosaria Williams said...

How fun! I'd definitely sit at a burger bun with my little ones, but would enjoy the other specialties of the place.

Chatty Crone said...

Okay that food is a little unusual for me - I'll take the burger!

Luanne G. Smith said...

That is quite the melding of the centuries! And those are some fancy burgers. They might even entice me... well, I'd probably go for the vegetarian option. But fish lasagne? I'm not sure I'd try that one. :)

Betsy Brock said...

you're making me hungry! :)

Janie Junebug said...

I wonder if Chaucer's characters in The Canterbury Tales chanced upon a burger bar. If they did, then they didn't tell that story.

Love,
Janie

Suzanne Furness said...

Oh Hilary you make me hungary! I'd try the fish lasagne. On our holiday last week I tried several new dishes, it is fun to try different things sometimes. Looks like an interesting visit was enjoyed :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jo - they're used a lot here .. but I quite fancy the idea of a 'posh' burger ...

@ Rosaria - sitting on the green would be fun .. the little ones could run around too

@ Sandie - I rather like the idea of fish lasagne, but there were other choices in the Undercroft ... however the burgers sound good ..

@ Luanna - it does seem incongruous doesn't it - Celtic monks at a burger bar! As I mentioned to Sandie .. I rather like the idea of fish lasagne, a different take on fish pie ....

@ Betsy - well you provide wonderful delights and I'm always coming away hungry from your blog!

@ Janie - a Chaucer telling of a Burger Canterbury Tale would be a interesting to concoct ...

@ Suzanne - oh great I'll join you with the fish lasagne. I love trying new foods ... also it's good for the kids to see. Sounds like your holiday was fun ..

Cheers to you - burger for lunch anyone?! Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Fish lasagne - I'm sure it's better than it sounds.
Couple hours north of me, I can get a taste of Durham as well. Not the same thing though. Although they do have a similar chapel at Duke University.

Julia Hones said...

The fish lasagna looks good.
What kind of fish did they use?

I don't like lamb, and no goat cheese for me. I'm not a picky eater, though.
Lovely post.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I kind of get the "Gospel Burgers" if they were made of local meats. I would have tried some.

Late 600 AD, huh? I wish my recent trip had included some places from that century. I saw the Roman ruins (earlier) and a lot of Norman stuff (later), but not much in that period when the Anglo Saxons were invading and You Know Who might have been defending.

Even that section of the British Museum was closed off until fall. How unfair was that? The ONE era of British history I really wanted to see artifacts from for my research, and it was closed. :(

Clearly, I'll have to go back.

Patsy said...

I do like trying different regional foods. Wherever we go with our van we try to buy local food and drink - it's surprising how often it's not possible to do that.

Anonymous said...

Gospel burger? Good news, indeed! Maybe not for the cow...

L. Diane Wolfe said...

It's a lot bigger on the inside than it looks. Sadly, I doubt I could eat anything on the menu.

loverofwords said...

It was fun to enlarge the menu and look at the prices. History everywhere and just a pleasure to visit. It looks like the weather was perfect. St. Cuthbert's spirit is alive and well. Thanks again, Hilary.

Marja said...

Oh I see it is just not some burger bar The fish lasagne loos delicious and I had never a burger with venison or lamb Mmm
The lambs are beautiful with their black faces. Love the rolls as well. it is one of my favourite snacks.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Alex - I thought the fish lasagne pic looked rather good! Yes I gather there's a Durham in North Carolina ..

@ Julia - oh great you like the look of the fish lasagne .. looks like salmon to me - but I didn't try it sadly .. I was too early.

Some people find lamb too rich .. but I love goat's cheese ...

@ Karen - I agree I do hate all the fast food joints .. absolutely everywhere ...

@ Dianne - I rather wish I had tried one .. but I had some time and went up to the Cathedral for a brief look around and something to sustain me at the Undercroft.

You had a wonderful trip - Wales is full of history .. and definitely there are some Anglo-Saxon sites, but probably more Celtic ones in between the Romans, and Normans.

Oh gosh about the British Museum - but as we've discussed I can visit on your behalf and then you can see what I've suggested ..

.. and as we've talked if you come back - we'll meet up! There has to be time in between your research?!

@ Patsy - you've got a wonderful opportunity to stop at local farm shops on your journeys around - though I can imagine, when you're looking - a shop, outlet can be difficult to find ... or too far ... from your destination ...

@ Milo - well you're right there a few animals will have to be forfeited ...

@ Diane - yes the Undercroft is huge, but the Cathedral is enormous ... Being a vegan (I think your'e that) certainly would make the Gospel Burger van off limits - though something at the Undercroft perhaps might have suited you ...

@ Tasha - the prices weren't bad - considering the food was quality and local ...

St Cuthbert's spirit is certainly alive and well after all these years - and I had a lovely fine day ... it bucketed with rain on my way home the next day!

@ Marja - nope a special burger bar ... which I'm sure tasted delicious ... glad you appreciated the mix of photos ..

Cheers to you all .. lovely Indian Summer Week here by the sound of it .. Hilary

Mark Koopmans said...

Gosh,

That burger bar sounds like a right good idea to me!!

I'm getting hungry reading the menu and it's 2:11 a.m. over here in Hawaii :)

Cheers, Hilary and, of course, Aloooha! :)

Unknown said...

Yumm, hungry! :)

Friko said...

Durham Cathedral is probably my favourite UK cathedral; I also love Northumberland.

I really must go back some time. We saw the Lindisfarne Gospels somewhere else; for the life of me I can’t remember where. It might even have been the British Museum?

Cathrina Constantine said...

Sounds like an amazing place to travel. Someday I hope to cross the ocean for a look. The food sounds amazing, not so sure about fish lasagne.

H. R. Sinclair said...

That would be a weird site, but the pic makes it look like a cute place.

Unknown said...

I wonder how St Cuthbert liked his burgers? lol
Only kidding Hilary, what a lovely building with a rich history it seems to me only natural that if visitors come they have to eat!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Mark - I suppose with three tinies that's what you do - stay up late and think of burgers! Aloooha! .. it's beautiful and sunny here but not that early!

@ Damyanti - the talk of food always seems to make us hungry doesn't it .. and the thought still looks good!

@ Friko - looks like you'd be a wealth of knowledge for the area .. it was stunning - and I really need to revisit.

The Lindisfarne Gospels are on show at the British Library normally .. this was a special release, when they've included other Anglo-Saxon treasure ..

@ Cathrina - the whole Durham area has glorious scenery, walks (hikes), and lots and lots of history - while the Cathedral and Castle and other ancient buildings rich with content ...

Well I certainly hope you can make it across here one day ...

@ Holly - it was just was incongruous to see ... but the burgers looked upmarket!

@ Jen - by the time he got to Durham he was beyond enjoying the food of life: but as you say you do wonder what Celtic/ Anglo-Saxon/ Roman/ Viking man might have made of our way of life today, let alone its food ...

Interesting thought ..

Cheers to you all - from a glorious sunny England .. Hilary

jabblog said...

Commercialism and spirituality make strange bed-fellows. What a fascinating place - yet another one to put on the list of 'must see'.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Although you have to admit, the burgers are in a different class. I've never seen a fish lasagne before. And, for future reference, it's never too early for cake!

It's fascinating that people are still interested in someone who lived so long ago - I bet he never expected that.

Karen Lange said...

A burger bar - I'd never have guessed! Sounds like an interesting event with great and assorted fare. So glad you shared the experience with us!

Have a great week,
Karen

JJ said...

I am a vegetarian, more accurately a pescaterian. The Fish Lasagne looks terrific to me. So does the goat cheese. However, a burger stand in the UK? It's breaking my heart.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Janice .. Durham and its surrounding countryside is stunning - but the burger bar on the Palace Green just didn't seem quite right - but I'm sure the burgers were above standard .. should be with those ingredients!

@ Annalisa - you're right the burgers are in a different glass .. and I hadn't seen fish lasagne anywhere before .. but might make it sometime.

I've never been a cake fan - try to avoid them if at all pos ...

Then the myths, stories and writing keep him up alive for us .. and we learn about those days - and I absolutely bet he never thought that - he was a hermit ... and would have remained so at all costs, if fate hadn't intervened and he became Bishop of Lindisfarne ..

@ Karen - one of those strange but true aspects between the Castle and the Cathedral ...

@ JJ - I do eat meat, not not masses of it .. and to my regret I didn't try one of the burgers ...

But glad you'd be happy with the fish lasagne and the goat's cheese - that does look good to me ..

We have lots of burger bars now - and most of them aren't really up to much (at least that's my thought!) ... and I don't like fast food joints anyway ...

Thanks everyone .. burgers at the Gospels - I wonder how they've fared ... and whether it's been commercially successful.

Cheers Hilary

Bish Denham said...

Not fair... now I'm hungry... again!

A Lady's Life said...

gospel burgers? How cool is that?
Our church sells pyrogies stuffed with meat and rice and salted cabbage.
I love the sheep They look so beautiful.

Inger said...

Crispy goat's cheese sounds heavenly. Thank you Hilary for your kind words on Soldier's passing. They mean a lot to me.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Fish lasagna, where have I been. Not in a million years would I have thought of that for dinner. And since we live on a lake, we have plenty of fish. Thanks, Hilary!

Empty Nest Insider said...

The goat cheese sounds delicious. It looks like you had a beautiful day to enjoy the "Taste of Durham."

Julie

klahanie said...

Hey Hilary,

I'm hoping by looking at some of your food photos, my appetite might return. My human is very worried about me and has to take me to that place where I see a bunch of other animals.

Gary, has frequented Durham. He never made mention of what you so meticulously mention and share with your photos.

Gary has told me that Durham Cathedral is one of the most spectacular structures he has ever been in.

Be well, my human friend.

Stay chillin',

Snoop Bloggy Dog in da Gangsta's Pawadise!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I need to get out more. I didn't know what a bap was and had to look it up.

I'm not sure I could stomach a Fish Lasagna sandwich. But as Alex said, it probably tastes better than it sounds. I would definitely try it. :)

Lynn said...

Fish lasagna. Hmmm - that might be good. I don't know what a "bap" is.

Sherry Ellis said...

I've never had fish lasagna. Is it good? I like trying new things when I visit new places!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Bish - sorry! but glad the food tempted you ...

@ A Lady's Life - the pyrogies sound very interesting .. I loved the sheep picture.

@ Inger - so sorry about Soldier and thanks for coming over .. crispy goat's cheese is delicious isn't it.

@ Joylene - yes you're in the right place aren't you .. with jumping fish. I'd love to share a fresh fish from the lake supper (lasagne) - enjoy when you make it.

@ Julie - that day was a good day - both before and after it bucketed!

@ Gary - oh Penny are you permanent chief executive now?! Yet I see you need some help from people in white coats .. hope you recover your appetite.

I wonder if the Gospel Burgers are there normally or will be there in the future ...

I'm going to write more about my trip .. I definitely need to revisit Durham Cathedral though - and I can see why a few who've visited and commented here say it's so fantastic ...

Stay cool both of you .. it's warming up again before the deluge at the weekend ..

@ Teresa - well I'm glad you looked it up ... the roll in the picture is not a bap! Fish Lasagne is a pasta dish ... it is delicious, or should be! Glad you'll give it a go ...

@ Lynn - interesting the different connotations of food (or otherwise) .. at least you know what lasagne is .. while a bap is a soft bread roll.

@ Sherry - fish lasagne is good ... and like you I do love trying out dishes ...

Cheers everyone .. looks like we have a couple more days of glorious sunshine ... thanks for checking in - Hilary

Amanda said...

The raspberry and chocolate roulade sounds very tempting.

Another great post, Hilary!

Stephen Tremp said...

Now I'm hungry for a big slab of red meat. But I'll settle on my ham and cheese sandwich and fresh veggies. It's more nutritious and not such a gut busting meal.

Denise Covey said...

I want to sink my teeth into some of that yummy food. Gorgeous photos and prose Hilary. And the history is interesting.

You get a mention in my current post...hope you can visit.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Amanda .. I rather liked the look of the poster - so took my picture .. thanks ... I might well join you in sharing a raspberry chocolate roulade!

@ Stephen - an occasional piece of beef is delicious, but I too go for the simpler options .. the ham and cheese sandwich with fresh veggies sounds good ..

@ Denise – an occasional burger can be very good –and these look delicious ...

Thanks for the mention in your current post .. appreciate the thought!

Cheers Hilary

Tina said...

Fish lasagna? No thanks, but an angus burger will do just fine! I do love the irony of 21st century meets ancient history. What a lovely day for you!
Tina @ Life is Good

River Fairchild said...

Oh, dear...I should have eaten before I came here! What scrumptious morsels you've laid out. I so want that fish lasagne and I'm very glad you didn't show any chocolate...I'd be drooling on my keyboard. :)
By the way, River Fairchild is my new pen name (for Laura Eno) although I'll be using both for some time to come...because I seem to enjoy making twice as much work for myself. ;)

Murees Dupè said...

Sounds like a wonderful experience and great food. I hope you enjoyed it immensely.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Tina - you can take your pick! I bet their burgers were good though.

Yes that irony of 21st C meets ancient history is rather fun isn't it ...

@ Laura/River ... delighted you'd rather have the fish lasagne - and thankfully you're not drooling on anyone's keyboard with chocolate!

Laura - great to see you here and back ... two lots of blogging - well we'll see .. but lovely to see you again!! As River or as Laura ..

@ Murees - it was hugely inspiring ... so much history up there ..

Cheers to you all .. Hilary

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Hilary,

What a fun concept ... And what a glorious day! Such a treat for all the senses...

Seems like you really enjoyed your summer outings!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks Michael .. good to see you here - and sincerely hope you continue to improve after your accident ... cheers and with thoughts for that speedy recovery - Hilary

Juliet said...

It's good that the pilgrims are being so well fed.

Friko said...

Durham Castle, Durham University and Durham Cathedral are my favourite places in these islands. I also love the coast and hinterland.
I wish you’d taken me with you. In fact, I wish you’d tell me when you go again and take me with you.

Sara said...

Goodness, I stopped by and didn't see a new post, but realized I had missed this one. So, all is well.

It was fun to read about the burger bar and how it feeds the pilgrims who visit the castle and all it's treasures:~)

I have to ask what on earth is a "bap?" That's a new one on me. Did I miss the explanation?

BTW I really love your new picture. It makes me smile every time I see it:~)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Juliet - well these modern ones = yes!

@ Friko .. I'd love to visit with you - I'd learn much .. so would be delighted to take you up one day .. the one day is the "when"!!

@ Sara - well I'm thrilled you want to comment on one post you've missed - very chuff making ...

It was just 'funny' seeing a burger bar on the Palace Green - made me smile.

A bap is a soft round bread roll .. ie easier to eat!

Thanks re the picture .. it makes me smile too ...

Thanks to the three of you ... cheers Hilary