Before I could inflict Yorkshire pud and stout on him though I thought we deserved a trip to The Yorkshireman to gradually ease him back to normality.
It seemed a decent staging post between Paris and Pellon.
Chris and Deborah Greenwood returned to the Towngate restaurant last November for the third time.
I remember sitting in the bar talking to Chris and being seduced by the aromas from the kitchen.
On a cold November Friday morning it seemed culinary heaven and I vowed to come back to eat.
Returning as a customer on a windy Tuesday night, I wasn't disappointed.
Starving and running late I drove like a maniac guaranteeing Basil appreciated his sauvignon blanc aperitif and was ready to enjoy his last meal.
After a drink he calmed down enough to appreciate the menu which offers two courses for £19.95 (£16.50 before 7.30pm) with dessert adding £4.95.
I had chosen my main course before I arrived, the reputation of the lamb Henry as a signature dish preceded it and I wasn't disappointed.
Slowly cooked in wine, it was gorgeous.
My smoked salmon fish cake starter from the specials board was also wonderful, freshly made, hot, firm, yet melting in the mouth it was the perfect boost to my tired taste buds and accompanied by home made crusty bread.
Having given up alcohol for Lent I relented in the interest of artistic licence and had a glass of shiraz which was a good strong match for the lamb.
It was refreshing to read an uncomplicated wine list with plenty of options for those wanting to drink wine by the glass rather than buy a full bottle.
Being an adventurous soul Basil chose the chicken tikka with mint raiti and onion bahji for a starter which gave him something to talk about. He enthused about its tastes and texture and thoroughly enjoyed it washed down with a glass of the spicy red shiraz.
Well done Chris.
Sadly his sea bass with shellfish base was a mish mash of tastes and textures.
The delicious creamy shell fish soup base begged for crusty bread, which we got, while the sea bass demanded a bed of mashed potato and some green beans.
The parts were greater than the sum. It was all beautifully cooked but trying too hard. He was very impressed with the glass of brilliant Mirabello pinot grigio which went very well with the soup. He could even be persuaded to buy me a bottle.
Dessert is one of those courses I expect to disappoint me. It didn't.
Although my two first choices had sold out the lemon tart special was sharp, zingy and refreshing after the protein fest of the lamb.
Sadly Basil's chocolate muffin wasn't chocolatey enough and he had to console himself with a glass of red.
Service was faultless. We were left long enough to relax and yet not too long for hunger pangs to bite in.
It won't be long before I go back to try something more adventurous from the menu, my curiosity about the lamb Henry satisfied.

Name: The Yorkshireman

Address: 2, Towngate, Hipperholme,

Telephone: 01422 206130

Ratings:
Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 4 stars
Value: 4 stars