Portion control alert

The spider crab chowder conjured from yesterday's catch was delicious as was the Italian fish casserole that followed, but there are only so many meringues to go with the rhubarb compote and custard-cream topping... will there be enough to fulfil the order?

Last minute additions to the guest-list for our special Fish Supper  created a little anxiety but it proved unfounded. The menu, concocted and mostly prepared by our regular guest chef, was so  varied that additional samples were demanded by diners who wanted to try the items they hadn't ordered. These included, as well as the above: marinated tomatoes with ricotta and land cress, brown crab tart, wild mushroom cobbler, Goan fish curry, vanilla panna cotta with cherry compote, and Eton mess with added cake.

Almost everything derived from 'surplus' that would be destined for landfill if the cafe didn't exist. Very little was purchased; the dairy items were made from late-date milk, the salad, fruit  and vegetables were all shop-rejects, the crabs and by-catch we got from our local fisherman at low cost. We bought in cream and sugar and on this occasion some small tomatoes. The human labour was free too (except for the washer-upper who needs some cash.)

Extras show a few of other menu items for the  delectation of the foodies among you.