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.

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.

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.

Graffiti On A Sunday

After a delightful sun-filled wedding on Saturday, we decided to hit the streets of Bedminster on Sunday and check out the goings on at Upfest. This annual graffiti event is really starting to draw in the crowds and brings North Street alive with the sound of hip hop beats, smell of barbecuing grills and an enthusiastic, jolly crowd of on-looking appreciators.

The Great Gatsby

Last night, my friend Georgia and I followed a few yummy plates of Sushi with a trip to the cinema to see the much hyped, glitzy, blinged up, Great Gatsby. Initially it did take a bit of time to adjust to Jay-Z's pumping beats set against the glittering 20's backdrop but as soon as I did, I actually surprised myself by quite enjoying the movie, being swept up in the hip-hop-jazz vibes. The beginning and end had the addition of being set in a sanatorium with the narrating character Nick as a recovering alcoholic, but with a few frivolous scene boosters, the story was pretty spot on and as long as you can see past the fruity tan of Leonardo Di Caprio, the actors seemed to be pretty well cast. I liked the fact that the original book cover illustration by Francis Cugat, which Fitzgerald had written into the book as he loved it so much, made an appearance on several occasions.

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...

 

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!

A Sunny Trip To Crook Peak And Cheddar

The sun made a very rare appearance on Saturday and so we quickly grabbed the opportunity to make the most of it, starting with a rather strenuous climb up Crook Peak, just outside Bristol. From the top, there are outstanding views stretching as far as Glastonbury Tor (just try and ignore the motorway view from the other side). It was breezy and fresh, the sky was an absolutely stunning shade of blue. We stayed atop this wonderful spot breathing in the pure air and taking in the glorious rays of sunshine which warmly rested upon our wind-blushed faces.

We followed up this invigorating trip with lunch in Cheddar. If you haven't been there, you really should, the drive down into the gorge is reason enough. Very soon, huge, towering walls enclose your path, their breathtaking presence only improving when you stumble upon the quaint village centre with it's mill pond, trickling stream, rambling stone buildings. And of course, we mustn't forget, the wonderful shops packed full of the local cheese!

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!

BUGS!!!

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Upfest opening exhibition for Bugs the other week which was great fun. There were loads of bugs which had been decorated by Bristol's finest graffiti artists, not only in the gallery but all along the streets of Bedminster in Bristol. If you get a chance you should head on down for a Bug hunt!

Hidden Orchestra

Had a great night seeing Hidden Orchestra at the Thekla last night.

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.

The Clifton Lido

The Clifton Lido is such a fab place to go for a quiet mid/beginning of the week drink. Tonight was no exception.

Bowling Fun

Last night we had a staff night out at the Hollywood Bowl in Bristol. I think my bowling skills need a little practise, that's all I can say.

Silly Saturdays

Last Saturday was fun, I headed off for a girls night out and Chris went to a Dressage night with show ponies and sexy stable boys theme!

Beth Jeans Houghton And The Hooves Of Destiny

Continuing to keep up one of my new years resolutions - to buy one new piece of music a month - February's choice was Beth Jeans Houghton And The Hooves Of Destiny, with the debut album Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose. I have to say it really is amazing, I love her distinctive voice, which sometimes reaches operatic echelons and is enriched with dreamy violins and harmonies. Chris and I were lucky enough to catch her performing live at the Louisiana in Bristol last year which is a tiny venue and felt very intimate and low key, the best way to see live music in my opinion. Here is a great song, Dodechahedron from the album.

   

Fish And Chips

A celebratory meal last week meant beer battered hake and chips at The Mud Dock and very nice it was too!

No. 1 Harbourside

This year will be full of challenges, changes and exciting new adventures. Chris and I reflected on life on a Sunday walk, taking in the sights of Bristol and stopping of for drinks at No.1 Harbourside. Such a great place for drinks and chats.