Restaurant 65

Located in the desirable Hertfordshire town of Hemel Hempstead, Restaurant 65 occupies a charming building on the Old High Street. Owner and chef Grant Young has an enviable CV, which includes spells at such notable establishments as The Ivy and La Caprice. He has become something of a local hero since Jean-Christophe Novelli appeared unannounced at the restaurant .The great man was impressed enough to leave a £900 tip - a fair indication as to the quality of food Grant serves. He also has a richly deserved Michelin Bib Gourmand award, and in 2011 Restaurant 65 will receive a mention in The Good Food Guide.

Grant spent three years working alongside Adam Parmer at Champney's five-star Health Spa and Hotel. It was here that he learnt about nutrition, a balanced diet and eating for good health - something which he still cares about enormously. This is reflected in a diverse and interesting menu, carefully compiled with measured portions that allow for full enjoyment of all three courses. Our feast began with an amazing carpaccio of beef followed by slow-roasted belly pork, served with a spring onion mash and a honey glaze, and a braised lamb shank with garlic mash, spiced braised red cabbage and a thyme and red wine jus. The full menu is offered at a fixed price of £21.50 for two courses and £26.50 for three courses, enabling us to sample the many delights without being inhibited by cost. We rounded things off with a thoughtful selection of artisan cheeses and homemade spiced chutney - a perfect conclusion. Vegetarians are imaginatively catered for, and carnivores will find the pork, black pudding and bacon terrine with apple and raisin chutney impossible to resist; for a lighter bite try a wonderful pan-seared fillet of hake, with tarragon risotto, sautéed wild mushrooms and smoked salmon. The compact wine list manages to offer everything from affordable to 'special event' wines without being overwhelming.

This is a lovely, intimate restaurant with 28 covers, allowing plenty of space to enjoy a dinner with friends. The fixed price theme extends to lunch, which begins at a very affordable £14.95 for two fabulous courses and £19.95 for three courses. And with live jazz on a Sunday, I can't think of a better place to spend an evening.