Thai Crispy Duck (From the Blackwell Ox)

[singlepic id=375 w=320 h=240 float=right] Last weekend after we had been for a nice little 12 mile stroll up and around the Cleveland hills we called in at one of my favourite pubs, the Blackwell Ox in Carlton, it’s a lovely little country pub with a difference, as well as great traditional pub grub and real ales it does some of the best Thai food I’ve ever tasted.

First up were the house special king prawn spring rolls with hot chilli dip, the prawns are huge, juicy and marinated in herbs and spices then wrapped in spring roll pastry and served with a lovely sweet and hot chilli dip, i teamed these with a pint of Rudgate flaxen dane, the beer was very light and hoppy and went really well with the spicy food and rich juicy prawns.

Next up was Crispy duck breasts with vegetable, chilli and cashew sauce, i’d not had this before so was looking forward to it, the menu promised spice as it had the top chilli rating of 3 chillis. I wasn’t disappointed when it arrived, the portion was that big the rice came on a separate plate. The duck was lovely and crispy on the outside while still soft (unfortunately not pink) in the middle, the sauce was full of fire and had stacks of red and green chillis in, a great big handful of cashews and some lovely big mushrooms that had a hint of lemon grass in them. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I teamed it up wtih a pint of hambleton stud which is smooth, light and fruity with a good body and again went pretty well with the spicy Thai food and even better with the bright sunshine while we were sat outside the pub.

If you are ever in the area i strongly suggest that you call in, its a great little hidden treasure.

check out their website @ http://www.theblackwellox.co.uk

Chilli Up North Verdict:  Cracking pub, great food, lovley ales, friendly staff, 9/10 (Heat: 9/10)