It's been far too long since either of us posted. Needless to say, there have been rather big changes both of our lives - turns out the North is actually pretty cool (in more ways than one - bring a jacket). I now live in Leeds which is a loooong way away, but full of amazing places to eat, so what a great way to get the blog started back up again with The Botanist.
Like its Bristol namesake, The Botanist is a cool and classy establishment that serves delectable meals. Unlike the Bristol version, I can actually afford to eat here without needing to take out another bank loan. Incidentally, a northern-based friend from my time at Bristol recently celebrated his birthday in Leeds at Cielo Blanco (see my next blog post!) and we ended up here afterwards for drinks. Its fascinating, rustic interior (check out the chandelier-esque lighting) is complemented by a myriad of craft beers and ales no-one's ever heard of - typical hipster Leeds.
A few days afterwards my best friends came up to visit and, being fairly cheap, we decided to have a few drinks there before heading off elsewhere to eat. Except, we never left. Sitting in the heated outside area on the hardest-to-sit-on bar stools you'll ever come across our eyes kept being drawn to the open kitchen where wonderful creations continued to be brought out.
Being a bit boring, all 3 of us opted for the same thing - a simple beefburger. Beefburgers aren't particularly difficult to get right, but to make them special is something else. Somehow these plain beefburgers tasted incredible. Perhaps it was the salsa served in a tiny jar? Or the perfectly seasoned chips? Or the fact it all came served on a wooden tray? Or perhaps there's just something in this northern water that makes those cows extra special? Either way, The Botanist delivered.
Although given the choice of pink or well-done, the burger patty itself wasn't quite well-done enough for my liking, but still tasted delicious. My error was to add a blue cheese topping - it didn't quite work; perhaps not a strong enough cheese to balance the saltiness of the burger. Should have gone for the bacon - always the best default topping.
Overall, it was a lovely experience - definitely better than your average gastropub - and suitable for a nicer occasion. The outside does get busy though and the awkwardness of those bar stools doesn't help, but still worth a visit.
*A*
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
London - Pizza Pilgrims
My pizza cravings have known no end these past few weeks, but I held out for the good stuff, and this time found myself at the ever popular Pizza Pilgrims in Soho.
We were sitting on the bench by the window watching the passersby, and at one point were awkwardly avoiding the smug stares of a fairly elderly gentleman who thought he had 'scored', and wouldn't move on. He thought we were laughing coyly, we were really laughing in embarrassment.
Anyway, the pizzas themselves were incredibly quick to come. The menu was different to the one online and was small, but interesting. It included a pesto based pizza, a carbonara pizza (with pancetta and an egg), and a margherita that charged extra to include mozzarella, which at first I was a bit puzzled by, but as it turns out you really don't need it as the 'fior di latte' and parmesan were cheese enough.
We both went for the roast aubergine and garlic on margherita. This was delicious, but in future I wouldn't bother with the addition of the aubergine, as it was small scattered chunks of which only a few were really soft and garlicky, so unfortunately many of mine were hard and added nothing much.
The base and crust were delicious, slightly charred on the bottom and not too doughy but yet still chewy, and oh my it was filling. We had planned to get the nutella pizza ring for pudding but there was no way on God's earth that that was happening. So kudos to Pizza Pilgrims, it made for a slightly cheaper meal.
To round it off I would say that it's a great place to go for a speedy and delicious pizza, but I would stick to a margherita. Were I to choose between here and Franco Manca's..... Franco's was a bit thinner and had the sourdough thing going on, but here was simple and classic. See which is nearer...
- J
We were sitting on the bench by the window watching the passersby, and at one point were awkwardly avoiding the smug stares of a fairly elderly gentleman who thought he had 'scored', and wouldn't move on. He thought we were laughing coyly, we were really laughing in embarrassment.
Anyway, the pizzas themselves were incredibly quick to come. The menu was different to the one online and was small, but interesting. It included a pesto based pizza, a carbonara pizza (with pancetta and an egg), and a margherita that charged extra to include mozzarella, which at first I was a bit puzzled by, but as it turns out you really don't need it as the 'fior di latte' and parmesan were cheese enough.
We both went for the roast aubergine and garlic on margherita. This was delicious, but in future I wouldn't bother with the addition of the aubergine, as it was small scattered chunks of which only a few were really soft and garlicky, so unfortunately many of mine were hard and added nothing much.
The base and crust were delicious, slightly charred on the bottom and not too doughy but yet still chewy, and oh my it was filling. We had planned to get the nutella pizza ring for pudding but there was no way on God's earth that that was happening. So kudos to Pizza Pilgrims, it made for a slightly cheaper meal.
To round it off I would say that it's a great place to go for a speedy and delicious pizza, but I would stick to a margherita. Were I to choose between here and Franco Manca's..... Franco's was a bit thinner and had the sourdough thing going on, but here was simple and classic. See which is nearer...
- J
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
London - Mojo
Mojo. I'm afraid this place ain't got none.
This salad bar/juicery has recently opened up on Berwick Street in Soho, and having some time to kill around lunchtime, I wandered in. From the outside it looks promising. With it's bright green front and happy folk clutching trays of tasters alongside reassuring smiles, you feel kinda good about going in. Everything is geared towards telling you that you're making a wise, healthy, happy choice. Unfortunately, I came out feeling deceived, and almost as if I had made an escape from the happy, smiling Moonies. I'm sorry, taster tray-holders, but it's true.
At lunchtime they have a choice of three staples, alongside which you add two salads. The staples are: two roast chicken thigh fillets, a baked salmon fillet and an beetroot and quinoa quiche. Sounds good, I thought. I was going to opt for the quiche but it looked so heavy, and even slightly unhappy with itself, that I ended up going for the chicken. Now although it was a salad and salads are cold, these chicken fillets were really very cold and even with their slightly odd 'teryaki' sauce it just wasn't very enjoyable. The salads too were a shame. One was raw, and consisted of red cabbage, courgette and fennel. But it didn't have any kind of a dressing and so you were munching through pieces of raw veg that, in my opinion, weren't being drawn together at all. The other salad was much nicer and largely consisted of shredded carrot in a slight sauce, but unfortunately, this came with greasy ribbons of white onion that I kept having to skirt around the plate, and so again overall wasn't that pleasant. The plate was about £8, which wasn't as cheap as it could have been, and was money I wish I had spent elsewhere.
They also do juices, which fared a bit better. However, I would recommend getting one made at the counter and not picking a bottle up from the fridge; the difference in size is astonishing, and I think the counter ones were actually cheaper.
I'm afraid to say that Mojo is therefore a no-no in my books and I'll be skirting around it in future.
If you want a good salad in Soho, head to Mildred's.
- J
This salad bar/juicery has recently opened up on Berwick Street in Soho, and having some time to kill around lunchtime, I wandered in. From the outside it looks promising. With it's bright green front and happy folk clutching trays of tasters alongside reassuring smiles, you feel kinda good about going in. Everything is geared towards telling you that you're making a wise, healthy, happy choice. Unfortunately, I came out feeling deceived, and almost as if I had made an escape from the happy, smiling Moonies. I'm sorry, taster tray-holders, but it's true.
At lunchtime they have a choice of three staples, alongside which you add two salads. The staples are: two roast chicken thigh fillets, a baked salmon fillet and an beetroot and quinoa quiche. Sounds good, I thought. I was going to opt for the quiche but it looked so heavy, and even slightly unhappy with itself, that I ended up going for the chicken. Now although it was a salad and salads are cold, these chicken fillets were really very cold and even with their slightly odd 'teryaki' sauce it just wasn't very enjoyable. The salads too were a shame. One was raw, and consisted of red cabbage, courgette and fennel. But it didn't have any kind of a dressing and so you were munching through pieces of raw veg that, in my opinion, weren't being drawn together at all. The other salad was much nicer and largely consisted of shredded carrot in a slight sauce, but unfortunately, this came with greasy ribbons of white onion that I kept having to skirt around the plate, and so again overall wasn't that pleasant. The plate was about £8, which wasn't as cheap as it could have been, and was money I wish I had spent elsewhere.
They also do juices, which fared a bit better. However, I would recommend getting one made at the counter and not picking a bottle up from the fridge; the difference in size is astonishing, and I think the counter ones were actually cheaper.
I'm afraid to say that Mojo is therefore a no-no in my books and I'll be skirting around it in future.
If you want a good salad in Soho, head to Mildred's.
- J
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
London - L'Epiciere
Right at the bottom of Portobello Road, near the old market and yet just before the railway bridge, lies a French cafe that for seats, has hay bales.
It is one of the most charming places I have been in a long while, and is presided over by Jimmy, who gives the place its hushed magic. Without Jimmy, there is no L'Epicerie. Nor is there the French restaurant next door, nor is there that which makes L'Epicerie special. The space is perfectly proportioned in such a way that you feel unencumbered by anything. Even outside the door, the noisy street seems somewhat distant and other-worldly. Simply laid out along the bench is the range of delicious French fare that has come from the little oven in the corner, entreating you to choose something with little fuss and no hurry.
This is a place for family; as Jimmy and I are talking his sister and her family come tumbling in, her baby being swooped up and carried across the street to say hello to Jimmy's boyfriend, who I also met. Punters, family, friends ebb and flow, all greeted with the same cheery hello and echoed goodbye.
With really proper coffee and a seriously tasty plate of mushrooms and melted cheese on sourdough toast, I eked it all out as long as I could, sip by cautious sip.
I'll definitely be going back soon, and if you decide to make the trip, say hello to Jimmy for me.
- J
It is one of the most charming places I have been in a long while, and is presided over by Jimmy, who gives the place its hushed magic. Without Jimmy, there is no L'Epicerie. Nor is there the French restaurant next door, nor is there that which makes L'Epicerie special. The space is perfectly proportioned in such a way that you feel unencumbered by anything. Even outside the door, the noisy street seems somewhat distant and other-worldly. Simply laid out along the bench is the range of delicious French fare that has come from the little oven in the corner, entreating you to choose something with little fuss and no hurry.
This is a place for family; as Jimmy and I are talking his sister and her family come tumbling in, her baby being swooped up and carried across the street to say hello to Jimmy's boyfriend, who I also met. Punters, family, friends ebb and flow, all greeted with the same cheery hello and echoed goodbye.
With really proper coffee and a seriously tasty plate of mushrooms and melted cheese on sourdough toast, I eked it all out as long as I could, sip by cautious sip.
I'll definitely be going back soon, and if you decide to make the trip, say hello to Jimmy for me.
- J
Monday, 28 July 2014
London - Ume
As I lie in a hospital bed, awaiting the very hit and miss food being served, I reminisce of a recent brilliant city lunch I shared with a friend. Beneath the hustle and bustle of the City, where bankers and lawyers rule the roost, lies a charming little Pan Asian outlet in the aptly named 1 Poultry.
Ume markets itself as a 'fast, healthy and nutritious' restaurant and delivers on all levels. I wasn't really sure what I was expecting, but I was impressed. The menu is perhaps a little on the short side, especially as a lot of the meals included ramen noodles which I'm not a fan of; but once again there were multiple tempting options, including the well-known chicken katsu curry and yakisoba. As someone who often frequents Wagamamas, I wanted something different so I opted for the Kung Pao Chicken with a side of spicy prawn crackers, while my friend went for Ma Po Tofu.
My friends clearly know me well and are aware of my eating habits. The portions were huge. Your typical lunch outlet will provide a single Tupperware box with everything mixed in. Ume filled one box with the meat part, and one box full of rice of your choice. Ume-zing. The meal itself was delicious too. What particularly stood out to me was actually the prawn crackers. I've never experienced prawn crackers like that before but what a difference a bit of seasoning can make!
Absolutely worth trying if you're out and about in the City. All reasonable prices except for drinks which are typically marked up like anywhere else in the centre of town (it's next to a Wetherspoons pub if you're that concerned about money!). I shall be returning.
A
P.S. The website contains the full menu - have a look! http://www.umerestaurant.co.uk/
Ume markets itself as a 'fast, healthy and nutritious' restaurant and delivers on all levels. I wasn't really sure what I was expecting, but I was impressed. The menu is perhaps a little on the short side, especially as a lot of the meals included ramen noodles which I'm not a fan of; but once again there were multiple tempting options, including the well-known chicken katsu curry and yakisoba. As someone who often frequents Wagamamas, I wanted something different so I opted for the Kung Pao Chicken with a side of spicy prawn crackers, while my friend went for Ma Po Tofu.
My friends clearly know me well and are aware of my eating habits. The portions were huge. Your typical lunch outlet will provide a single Tupperware box with everything mixed in. Ume filled one box with the meat part, and one box full of rice of your choice. Ume-zing. The meal itself was delicious too. What particularly stood out to me was actually the prawn crackers. I've never experienced prawn crackers like that before but what a difference a bit of seasoning can make!
Absolutely worth trying if you're out and about in the City. All reasonable prices except for drinks which are typically marked up like anywhere else in the centre of town (it's next to a Wetherspoons pub if you're that concerned about money!). I shall be returning.
A
P.S. The website contains the full menu - have a look! http://www.umerestaurant.co.uk/
Friday, 25 July 2014
London - Franco Manca
Finally, a pizza that begs of you to abuse it; to rip, roll and fold it to your hearts content, to snatch at and devour it. (This is getting very 50 shades…) So, before I continue, I would like to assure you that no pizzas were made to do what they didn't want to in the making of this post.
Franco Manca. Home of the heavenly sourdough pizza. These guys have popped up all over the place, you can find them in Brixton, Tottenham Court Road, Westfields, Chiswick, Southfields, so head in nearly any direction on the tube and you can be sure you are honing in on a pizza paradise.
These guys are special because their bases are made from a sourdough that takes 20 hours to rise. The pizzas are then freshly made before being blast-cooked in a brick oven. However, the whole process for the customer, from ordering your food to it being ready, only takes around five minutes. Plus, they're cheap - my Margherita was only £5.90. Now isn't that great? Farewell to waiting hours for a mediocre, overpriced 'Romana' in Pizza Express.
After coming out of yoga this morning I was aware of a pizza craving that had been haunting me for a few days. So, disregarding the fact that I had just been doing plank for what felt like nigh on forever, I decided to reward myself and stroll defiantly home in yoga pants with a pizza box planted firmly under one arm. What awaited me on opening it was glorious. A picture perfect stone-baked pizza. Yet, like I say, this is a pizza that begs you to rip, roll and fold it. For any crust-haters out there, leave your preconceptions outside the box, as this is almost the best bit, for it is soft and slightly chewy, with the tangy hint of sourdough.
Lots of new pizza places are popping up all over London these days, making it tricky to decide which one to venture to. While the main distinguishing feature at Franco Manca is its sourdough base, I would say this is draw enough. They're cheap, quick, as delicious as any of the best pizzas out there, and have the bonus of sourdough. Plus, they're not a pizza you have to treat politely. Feel free to get Grey with them.
- J
Franco Manca. Home of the heavenly sourdough pizza. These guys have popped up all over the place, you can find them in Brixton, Tottenham Court Road, Westfields, Chiswick, Southfields, so head in nearly any direction on the tube and you can be sure you are honing in on a pizza paradise.
After coming out of yoga this morning I was aware of a pizza craving that had been haunting me for a few days. So, disregarding the fact that I had just been doing plank for what felt like nigh on forever, I decided to reward myself and stroll defiantly home in yoga pants with a pizza box planted firmly under one arm. What awaited me on opening it was glorious. A picture perfect stone-baked pizza. Yet, like I say, this is a pizza that begs you to rip, roll and fold it. For any crust-haters out there, leave your preconceptions outside the box, as this is almost the best bit, for it is soft and slightly chewy, with the tangy hint of sourdough.
Lots of new pizza places are popping up all over London these days, making it tricky to decide which one to venture to. While the main distinguishing feature at Franco Manca is its sourdough base, I would say this is draw enough. They're cheap, quick, as delicious as any of the best pizzas out there, and have the bonus of sourdough. Plus, they're not a pizza you have to treat politely. Feel free to get Grey with them.
- J
Friday, 27 June 2014
Bristol - 51
Here's a short one.
A: Having had a little gorge earlier, I wasn't fancying something too filling and to my delight the pizzas prepared were specially-made to be lightweight, yet full of filling and flavour. I went for an interesting choice in the butternut squash, ricotta and pine nut pizza. An unusual choice of mine, but not regrettable. A palpable, quaint pizza to fill that little hole - just what I wanted.
A: Stokes Croft - Bristol's eclectic, independent haven where anything local is praised and endeared. What a wonderful pub though, with three different levels, unusual interior and offered a whole range of different meals using all locally-sourced ingredients in true Bristol style. 51 was classy, yet rough on the edges and a nice change from the big chains that dominate most city centres.
J: Another friend joined us and we shared the portobello mushroom and brie burger, which was equally delicious and filling. We were told that all the food there had been tried and tested to make it as healthy as possible, and you could really tell. Even the chips felt healthier than usual and there was a slight tussle for the last few, which is always a good sign.
A: Having had a little gorge earlier, I wasn't fancying something too filling and to my delight the pizzas prepared were specially-made to be lightweight, yet full of filling and flavour. I went for an interesting choice in the butternut squash, ricotta and pine nut pizza. An unusual choice of mine, but not regrettable. A palpable, quaint pizza to fill that little hole - just what I wanted.
A & J
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