Red Onion Chutney

This weekend I made my second batch of chutney, this time caramelised red onion. We have to wait at least one whole month before we crack it open, to taste it at it's best. Cant wait to smother this all over rich, oozy cheese!

Carluccios

My lovely friend Vicky and I had a lovely natter, putting the world to rights over coffee and nibbles last weekend at Carluccio's in Bristol. I'd thoroughly recommend it for a mid ay treat.

Naughty Brekkie

Aint nothing like a naughty breakfast to kick start a gloomy day.

Beerd

With my friend Georgia recently taking up residence in Cotham, we are now on a mission (be it rather slow) to get to know the area and try out the local eateries and drinking establishments. Last night, it was the turn of Beerd. A cute, cosy, cafe style restaurant specialising in beers (it's a Bath Ales pub) and pizza. A great combo really and with the tempting offer of two for one pizzas on a Monday, it really just had to happen. The pizza's were tasty (although a bit mean on the chili) and an offering of basil oil, chili oil and garlic mayo was gladly accepted. A fab, budget friendly place to go with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, I'll definitely be back.

Chutney

I had been saying all over the Summer that I was going to start making Chutney. What with our bumper tomato harvests of 2013 and my general love of condiments, it just had to happen at some point. I was pretty pleased with the results when I finally got around to it as Autumn came. A spicy, sweet tomato chutney which is now almost finished. Time to make another I think...

Day Out In London

We had a fab day out in London last week. Munching our way through some amazing food at Borough Market (so enthralled was I, that I didn't even get a chance to photograph it), a visit to the Tate Modern, The Hayward Gallery, stroll through Hyde Park, past Buckingham Palace, ending in dinner and amazing Italian gelato at Brixton Market with some great friends.

Pizza Monday

Just before we met our lovely new landlady, Chris and I decided to take advantage of the two pizzas for £11 night at the Hen And Chicken in Bedminster, just a stones throw from our sweet new home. They were very tasty and went down very well with a yummy pint of Bath Ales Gem.

Continental

The best start to the day...

Bramble Farm

Our lovely friends Billy and Suz have taken on a role at a local city farm in Knowle. Bramble Farm produces delicious produce and houses rescue chickens, goats, rabbits, pigs and ducks and we were lucky enough to be invited along to the open day yesterday to have a little peek around. It is a wonderful place situated right at the top of a hill with far reaching views, it really feels like a wonderful escape from the bustling busyness of central Bristol. Can't wait to see how the crops come along!

Coffee And Olives

Can't beat it, wind down coffee, olives and chit chat to end a bank holiday weekend.

Eat Drink Bristol Fashion

Last night I was lucky enough to have an absolutely delicious meal c/o Casamia at Eat Drink Bristol Fashion. Queens Square in Bristol has been home to some tepee style tents for the last week or so and hosting special guest chef/restaurant nights where you get to try some of the best food in the South West. My five course (pescatarian) meal consisted of...

 

London

I had a fantastic weekend catching up with my fab friends Louise and Shona in London this weekend. I went to see the Lichtenstein exhibition at the Tate Modern, saw Craig Charles at his funk and Soul night at the Jamm in Brixton and had the most delicious coffee and halloumi wrap in French & Grace in Brixton Village on the Sunday. Just fabulous.

Afternoon Tea In The West Country

I was treated to a lovely birthday treat by my friend Vicky last weekend, a surprise Afternoon Tea at The Manor House Hotel in the stunning village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire. It really is a beautiful place, approached by a long sweeping drive with a thickly wooded hill to the left and a quaint, bath stone country house to the right overlooking perfectly manicured lawns. We went inside, where we were shown to our table in a wooden panelled room with soft lighting and very comfortable chairs.

The afternoon tea itself was utterly delicious with probably the best selection of cakes I have ever seen for an afternoon tea. Delicious, dainty sandwiches of cucumber and soft cheese, smoked salmon and egg mayonnaise with a grand finale of scones, Bath Buns, clotted cream and home made jam. What an absolute treat! 

The afternoon tea itself was utterly delicious with probably the best selection of cakes I have ever seen for an afternoon tea. Delicious, dainty sandwiches of cucumber and soft cheese, smoked salmon and egg mayonaise with a grand finale of scones, Bath Buns, clotted cream and home made jam. What an absolute treat!

Thali Cafe Southville

As a final, sneaky birthday treat, (following a night of serious boozing, Brazilian drumming bands and dancers at The Canteen) Chris had booked a table at the newly opened Thali Cafe on North Street in Southville on Sunday evening. I have never been disappointed with the food at any of the Thali Cafes, but this beauty certainly takes to top spot!

In what was previously the pretty dodgy Teohs in the Tobacco Factory building, you are enticed in by the glittery sign above the door into an open, yet cosy space with all the individual quirky, decorative touches you come to expect from this mini Bristolian chain (now 5 restaurants I believe).

What a corker! We we definitely be back for

Guerrilla Burger Bristol

If you are in Bristol, on the hunt for the perfect burger, I would totally recommend Guerrilla Burger. Located on Baldwin Street it is a tiny little place which could easily be missed but is most definitely worth a visit. As a pescatarian, I often find the available options pretty dull at burger places but I had the choice between a falafel burger or sweet potato rosti burger, I decided to go for the latter and it was absolutely yummy!

Nestled in-between a delicious brioche bun (which was toasted) was a tasty sweet potato rosti with a hint of cumin, bed of lettuce, tomato, humous and cucumber. Along with this I had some crispy fries, alioli and bbq dips.

Chris and Dan opted for the beef royale burgers which were apparently very tasty and cooked well with a hint of pinkness on the inside. They also had crispy calamari and ruby slaw which had a hint of hot spice. We were all very much satisfied and along with a drink each, the bill came to about £15 each (including tip). The staff were friendly and cheery, next time round I will have to try the salted caramel gelato!

Raj Bari

Chris and I are quite partial to a nice curry and our trip to the Raj Bari, did not dissapoint. I was very excited to see Tandoori Paneer on the menu!

Sarah And Faith

I had a lovely afternoon tea yesterday to celebrate Sarah and her baby, Faith's birthdays. Lots of sandwiches and cake was eaten.

Friska

We ate at Friska last night for dinner and I have to say it was really good. Positioned on the ground floor of the record store Rise on the triangle, the casual, cafe vibe was perfect for a quick and easy mid week meal. The menu is fairly small but completely catered to my tastes, even the house salad side was delicious, smothered in a yummy balsamic vinaigrette.

Bread Baking On A Sunday

Today I decided to bake bread. Armed with some lovely Sharpham Park White Spelt Flour, purchased on my recent trip to Kilver Court, I set out to find a nice recipe to follow and settled on Ciabatta. I think it turned out quite nice.

Meze On A Tuesday

I love meze! Fresh ingredients, great flavours and mostly quite healthy (if you ignore the flat bread and halloumi which are naughty extras!).