Zed Bar, Leeds is A - OK

Delicious Chicken Rigatoni

The fabulous coffee and cupcake offer

Zed Bar is located in Chapel Allerton, Leeds 7 next to the Mustard Pot pub and it certainly serves up some competition. There is an attractive, glass partitioned outside space where you can dine alfresco before entering the main building. I have eaten here twice on Sundays and on both occasions the atmosphere was pleasantly buzzing but there were still plenty of tables remaining.

Most recently we sat inside by the window as the interior can seem a little dark for daytime but this is more than made up for by the friendly helpfulness of the staff and the pleasant ambience within. There is no table service here you choose from the menu and then order at the bar which personally is the arrangement I prefer as it puts the customer in control, no waiting for recaltriant staff when you are ravenous.

My usual Sunday companion, Dad, chose Chicken Rigatoni  because he loves the creaminess of this pasta dish. I opted for the Revitalize Salad as I was feeling a bit under the weather, this fare sounded as if it would perk me up and I wasn’t disappointed. For drinks we opted for a pint and a half of bitter. The hand pulled which would have been our usual choice was off so we were recommended a replacement which was a suitable substitute. There is a well-stocked bar, where you order the food, as well as a good selection of coffees plus hot chocolate and Suki tea.

The food arrived quickly and it was piping hot, a pre-requisite I’m sure you’ll agree. Dad’s Ragatoni Pasta was enveloped in an unctuous garlic and cream sauce studded with chunks of beautifully cooked pink ham and succulent chicken, seasoned with just the right amount of black pepper. My Revitalise Salad comprised mixed leaves, pieces of salty, soft  feta and crispy and chewy haloumi cheeses, slices of roasted peppers and cubes of butternut squash plus the most glorious, firm and flavoursome pitted, green olives. All served with warm pitta bread. I certainly felt refreshed and delighted after enjoying this multi-textured, vegetarian dish. The portions are sufficient and not overwhelming which is exactly right.

The menu here is eclectic: You can choose from Sharers (or Tapas) at 3 for £10, a Sunday roast and an alternative Sunday dinner option, pizzas and burgers, breakfasts and salads and a good selection of desserts that we have been too full to try so far. The prices are reasonable £9.50 for a Sunday Roast in Chapel Allerton is a little below average.

Zed is a popular evening venue, and in some ways the dark wood interior and ambient lighting lend it more to this, but the outside area embraces the day light and brings it indoors just enough for this to be a comfortable lunchtime venue too. Examples of the delicious cupcakes, available as part of a cupcake and coffee deal, displayed on the bar add to the sense that Zed is much more than just a pub opening at lunchtime, but is really trying and succeeding to be a part of the local café culture.

http://www.arcinspirations.com/zed/

Zed Bar

16/18 Stainbeck Lane

Chapel Allerton

Leeds 

Yorkshire

LS7 3QY

Tel: 0113 2688 494

Revitalize Salad

Zed from the outside

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Kitchen, Greek St, Leeds

Entrance to La Tasca, Greek St, Leeds

Our Server Edu

El Menu del Dia es muy bueno

On entering La Tasca the space is bright and airy. The sense of lightness creates a cheery ambience and the air is buzzing with lunchtime conversation. There is a large bar to the right with a couple of full sized, dried hams hanging in authentic, Spanish fashion, a nice touch. We are offered a choice of seats by a very friendly waitress. On sitting we discover that our table is quite wobbly but this is soon rectified by the ever helpful staff.

Two menus are presented to us: A Menu Del Dia (Menu of the Day) at a very reasonable £5.95 which comprises a choice of two tapas and tomato bruschetta, although I’m not sure how Spanish the latter is? Also available was the main menu where tapas range from £2.95 to £7.50. I opt for the Menu of the Day, my companion (Mum) chooses three tapas from the a la carte (if you can call it that for tapas) including the £7.25 Fresh lamb cutlets with a crushed pistachio crust (Castilla).

To drink I opted for tap water, and there was no attempt to upsell to the bottled variety, which I was relieved about.  Mum had a raspberry and pomegranate fruitiser which was pronounced delicious. There was an extensive wine list and beers and spirits to choose from had we so wished.

When the food arrived it did so promptly and the highlight was the Pescado blanco frito (Malaga); white fish pieces in special San Miguel batter: Deliciously moist and flaky fish, melt in the mouth batter, well- seasoned, a flawless dish. My Mixed bean, orange and mint salad (Castilla) was arrestingly fresh and full flavoured, particularly pleasing were the baby broad beans, skins removed, which reminded me of the broad bean and bacon dish much favoured by the Spanish and often served as a tapas.

From Mum’s choice the Fresh lamb cutlets (Castilla) were perfectly cooked and the pistachio crust delicately flavoured although there was little evidence of the garlic and rosemary marinade. The Superfood salad (Cueta) was a good texture enhanced by pieces of creamy avocado, although there was an underlying flavour that couldn’t be identified, unusual but not unpleasant. Both salads were ideal for vegetarians or vegans. The Pork belly (Segovia) was a little disappointing as it had not absorbed any of the outstanding, garlic and tomato flavour from the wholesome rosemary, herb-scented beans it arrived in.

Although presented in small portions, as is the way with tapas, this lunch was filling and so we finished off with sorbet and ice cream respectively. These were refreshing and flavoursome. The vanilla ice cream was particularly impressive as it contained vanilla pod seeds which defined the flavour beautifully.

There are nods towards healthy eating here, which the Spanish are not renowned for, most notably no salt on the table, only pepper. Also a wide vegetarian choice and a variety of fresh salads including a super food one with quinoa and goji berries, probably inspired by Gillian McKeith! Additionally beans and pulses are used liberally in the cooking and there are a number of gluten free options on the menu.

I would strongly recommend the Menu of the Day as being excellent value. The atmosphere created here in the new La Tasca is bright, lively and warm. Additionally the staff  are lovely, really helpful. Our server was Edu and he was efficient and charming, one of two members of staff from Spain. Some of the dishes may be considered a little on the pricey side but you are paying for innovation and presentation plus good quality ingredients.

This is a very different experience to Spanish tapas in Spain, and I speak from experience having just returned from holiday in “Spanish” Spain and living in Madrid for a while. This is not rustic, peasant food saturated in garlic and olive oil it is much more refined and apparently a great deal healthier.

The new La Tasca re-opened with a flurry of flamenco dancers and lunch here feels like a tango on the tongue!

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Kitchen

Greek Street

Leeds LS1

www.latascakitchen.co.uk

Menu Del Dia and other tapas

Sorbet and ice cream for desert

Inside La Tasca, Leeds

Reviews Restaurant - Leeds Art Gallery Café

 

Deceptively substantial and delicious

Leeds Art Gallery Cafe

Walking into the Art Gallery café is a little like walking into the foyer of an exclusive London hotel, and therefore slightly intimidating. This impression is created by the original, ornate tiles on the walls and floor which were uncovered by a restoration project about four years ago and the enormous leafy palms in beautiful planters that are dotted around the place. In fact this area between the Art gallery and Leeds Central library was closed up and hidden for many years but has now been opened up again for everyone to enjoy.

I was very impressed by the efficiency of the service and once in the queue to be served any feelings of trepidation soon disappeared, and I was served very quickly. As I was eating alone  I attempted to choose a varied plate to comment on.  My choice was a sandwich and salad combo for £6.50. I opted for a pasta salad with chorizo and a mozzarella and tomato focaccia.

There was a choice of any sandwich and salad from the choice of three, and sandwich and soup for the same price. Any of these were also available on their own as well and priced accordingly. There was a good selection of sandwiches including pleasing choices for vegetarians, most notably a mixed bean wrap. The soups were tomato and basil and mushroom and goats cheese.

Taking my diet coke to my table, I could have chosen from a variety of speciality coffees, teas and cold drinks, my food order followed promptly with charming service from the young man who attended to me. The food was impressive: The orzo pasta was just like rice in appearance and texture and a delicious accompaniment to the small cubes of tasty, garlic infused chorizo and red pepper, offset beautifully by sun blush tomato, parsley and fragrant coriander. The bowl appeared quite dainty but with each forkful taken the quantity didn’t seem to diminish.

 The herb focaccia with baby spinach, pesto and vine tomato was lightly toasted and substantial. The pesto was a little overwhelming but nonetheless the combination was delicious. I was surprised by how filling this lunch was. In fact I had to take half the focaccia away with me in a napkin and I do not have a small appetite.

This was a little like the best of aeroplane food, before the changes, ( I intend to start a campaign to bring back proper three course aeroplane meals included in the price of your ticket). Hence my lunch at the Art Gallery Café did not look very much in terms of quantity, but this initial impression was deceptive because it was very filling as well as being scrumptious. As we all know it was a perennial mystery why those small ceramic bowls of food served up en route to our holiday destination were so filling. I had always believed it was to do with altitude but having been so replete at the Art Gallery café this week I’m beginning to wonder?!

I strongly recommend a lunch visit here. They also offer a hot dish of the day which on my visit was a curried beef pie with Bombay potatoes and a riata style sauce, which I’m assured was delicious. The surroundings are opulent and the food is good and delivered promptly.

 Leeds Art Gallery Café, The Headrow, Leeds LS1

Lunch deal at the Art Gallery Cafe

Reviews Restaurant

Top Ten Recommended Restaurants, Leeds, Yorkshire, UK

Reviews of Restaurants - You can read about all these restaurants in detail on this blog.

Outside The Cross Keys

French Restaurants

Kendalls Bistro, Leeds City, Leeds

Chinese

Crown Buffet, Gower Street, Leeds 2
China City, Leeds Road, Glasshoughton, Castleford (near Xscape), West Yorkshire WF10

China City, Glasshoughton, near Leeds

Fish and Chips

Nash's, Merrion Street, Leeds LS1
Murgatroyds, Harrogate Road, Yeadon, Leeds LS19

Thai

Sukothai Restaurant, 8 Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, Leeds 7

Italian

Casa Mia Millenium, Millenium Square, Leeds City, Leeds 1

Gastro Pubs

The Mustard Pot, Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds 7
The Crosskeys, 107 Water Lane, Leeds City, Leeds LS11

Traditional British with a twist

The Arts Cafe Bar and Restaurant, 42 Call Lane, Leeds City, Leeds LS1
The Birchwood Farm Pub, Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford WF10 (near Xscape)

Arts Cafe Millionaires Shortbread Sundae

Arts Cafe

Dynamo - A Yorkshire Hero

Inspirational Northerner (UK ) - Dynamo, Magician 

Dynamo walking on the River Thames 2011

Did you know that the world famous Magician, Dynamo hails from Bradford West Yorkshire and that he developed his magic as an antidote to the bullying he experienced as a youngster?  It’s not very easy to find great role models for young men these days but Dynamo is certainly one.

The Bradford magician was bullied at school and on the estate he grew up on largely due to his diminutive stature and fragile appearance. Dynamo was born Steven Frayne, December 17, 1982 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. He grew up on West Bowling, Wyke Manor and the notorious Delph Hill Estate, historically one of the most violent and run down social housing initiatives in the North of England. 

He was raised by his struggling single mother as his father was in jail most of the time throughout Dynamo’s youth. Therefore it was his  grandfather  who  was the primary male influence. As a pool hustler he reputedly showed young Steven all the scams and tricks of the trade. He also used to do magic tricks and it was this influence that opened Steven's eyes to something he could be good at, that could possibly create an escape route from his  poor, violent   neighbourhood.

When he first started experimenting with card tricks, Dynamo found he was getting a lukewarm reception. It was then that he apparently decided to incorporate dance and hip hop music into his routines to create a very individual  Act . It seems that he never looked back. Dynamo has recently walked on the River Thames, near Westminster Bridge and performed for Natalie Imbruglio where he turned a cardboard butterfly into a room full of live, fluttering creations.

Dynamo has performed on the celebrity circuit for stars like Coldplay and Paris Hilton, and in front of Prince Charles. He has also appeared on numerous TV shows including " "Friday Night" with Jonathan Ross and the MTV EMA's where he performed for Nelly Furtado, Joss Stone and The Foo Fighters. He has also endorsed Sony Ericcson, Motorola, Nokia, and Adidas , an indication of how big the boy from Bradford has become.

Yet this is no star struck wannabe; when interviewed on BBC Breakfast News (28.07.11) about who he had performed for he cited people from his estate in Bradford at the top of the list and when questioned about his low key, non-flamboyant style Dynamo replied that you couldn’t show off where he comes from or you would be shot down in flames (probably literarally!).

Therefore he has nurtured an  unassuming style that catches people unawares. This was also deliberate he claims to make the bullies a bit unsure, a little bit scared (BBC Breakfast News 28.07.11). His best known tricks involve levitating objects and people and making playing cards jump out of the pack . Dynamo may be best known for swallowing a polo mint and pulling it out of his neck with his chain.

Currently he is traveling the globe performing his specific blend of magic, amazing and astonishing thousands.

Yet not only has this mystery magic messiah escaped poverty and bullying he also has to live with Crohn's Disease, which he discovered several years ago. This man is a true hero and someone that all young men of a certain age regardless of their background should try to emulate. Not only that we can all learn something from him about how to live life in a genuine and respectful way.

www.dynamoworld.com 

Fact File ( www.wickepedia.org)

His first TV appearances were on Richard & Judy, followed by a Channel 4 special 'Dynamo's Estate Of Mind'. Frayne then released a DVD called 'Concrete Playground'.[4]

On 18 March 2011, Dynamo appeared in a small clip on BBC1 for Comic Relief, highlighting the work that British Airways had done in raising money.

On 25 June 2011 Dynamo was apparently photographed walking on water; crossing the River Thames on foot in front of the Palace of Westminster, to publicise his forthcoming series Dynamo: Magician Impossible. This will feature guest appearances by Rio Ferdinand, Ian Brown, Noel Fielding, David Haye, Mat Horne, Natalie Imbruglia and Robert Sheehan.[5]

Releases:

 Dynamo's Underground Magic (DVD)[6]

 Dynamo's Estate of Mind Channel 4

 Dynamo's Concrete Playground (DVD) Warner Bros

Places to eat and drink: The Mustard Pot, Chapel Allerton, Leeds 7

The Mustard Pot

Stunning outside space steals the show.

As we arrived at The Mustard Pot on a warm Sunday lunchtime the walk through the car park gave way to something rather spectacular; a fabulous countrified oasis hidden away from the main road. Firstly an attractive pergola with tables and seating offered some shade, then just before entering the pub a vast grassy area with traditional pub garden benches and tables opened up to the left.

This is a field of some size and not a climbing frame insight! That is not to say that children are not welcome they are and there were several very young customers in the restaurant when we left.

Now to the food: We sat down inside which has a distinct bistro feel to the décor with wooden floors, tables, a more formal dining section and low slung sofas and chairs around the periphery. A member of staff attended to us straight away. The obvious choice was Sunday lunch although there was a fairly extensive menu available.

I ordered roast chicken with trimmings and my companion (Dad) opted for beef. The food arrived quickly and was nice and hot. My chicken had a seasoned, crispy skin and was moist. Dad was happy with his medium rare beef which was cooked perfectly.

The Yorkshire puddings were clearly homemade; soft in the middle and crispy round the edges. There were also roast parsnips which were good with a pleasing, savoury toffee taste, and carrots and cabbage were plentiful. The accompanying gravy was deep, rich and full of flavour. We both had real ale to drink and there are always three or four to choose from here as well as a good selection of wines, lager, bottled beers and soft drinks.

There are several establishments offering a traditional Sunday lunch in this area so competition is tough. The price for Sunday lunch at the Mustard Pot is slightly above average for the area, and a Sunday lunch is a Sunday lunch. However there is no doubt that the surroundings are worth a great deal here and for that reason this meal is considered to be good value for money.

http://www.themustardpot.com/great-british-food-in-leeds.htm

Try a Thai food Sunday buffet in Leeds – An interesting change from Chinese.

Try Thai food at Sukhothai, Chapel Allerton, Leeds - You wont be disappointed.

Entrance to Sukhothai, Chapel Allerton, Leeds

Interior of the restaurant

At Sukothai in the Leeds suburb of Chapel Allerton, on a Sunday in July, we were met by an oriental  lady in traditional costume who greeted us in the traditional manner with hands together and a slight bow. The entrance and the interior of the restaurant were beautifully decorated with carved wooden figures and statues and the food was very authentic too. I can vouch for this having been fortunate enough to visit Thailand myself and sample the food there.

My companion entered into the spirit of things by trying a Thai beer, quite a departure from his usual real ale, and he said it accompanied the food very well. What was available on the lunch buffet was probably a little less chilli hot than my Thai experience provided but this is a good thing, as what I sampled on my trip was a little too chilli heavy for my western palate. What was available here was absolutely delicious and comprised three help yourself courses.

From the starters prawn and pork dumplings were soft yet delicate with soy sauce and crispy garlic accompaniments, corn fritters were substantial and moreish with a chilli dip, sweet crispy noodles were delicious and crunchy and a surprising pinky red colour, a real highlight, and hot and sour soup with chicken and mushroom was spicy and fragrant.

The pick of the mains were beef and coconut curry which was sweet, spicy and creamy, a real stand- out, spicy stir fry seafood was also a hit with a plentiful catch of fish, squid and king prawn, and spicy thai salad was full of deliciously pungent beef, due to the fish sauce, and very refreshing. Also duck stir fried with chilli oil and sweet basil was so soft it pulled apart and there were more, too many to describe here.

The final course was not as stunning as the myriad of mains but it served to finish off the meal nicely. There were banana fritters and syrup but no ice cream, a creamy concoction in beautiful glasses finished with passion fruit pips and an abundance of fresh fruit, including my personal favourite pineapple.

This is a very different experience to the Chinese buffet we Brits have become so used to. Although superficially it may appear similar, the Thai flavours seem more delicate, a little hotter and the ambience a touch more refined which is probably a reasonable reflection of the cultural differences between these nations.

We were charged £9.95 each for the buffet although it says £12.95 on the website and I’m not sure if this was a mistake or if there has been a price reduction, either way it is very good value for the quality and quantity received. The site also recommends that you book for the Sunday buffet but we didn’t need to probably because we got there quite early, about 12.30 pm. However if you were a big group, booking is probably advisable as the restaurant was getting very full as we left.

CHAPEL ALLERTON: 8 Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4PE
Tel: 0113 237 0141
http://www.thaifood4u.co.uk

Outside the restaurant

Artist Rooms – Damien Hirst, Leeds Art Gallery 15th July to 30th October 2011

'Mantra'

'The anatomy of an angel'

About Time Too! What took you so long?

Just why has it taken so long for Mr Hirst to exhibit in the city where he grew up and went to school? There can’t be many people in the country who haven’t heard of Damien Hirst. The 46-year-old Turner Prize winner’s outlandish artworks involve, a sheep suspended in formaldehyde (‘Away from the flock’, showing at the exhibition), spliced sharks and a human skull encrusted with bona fide diamonds, and he spent his formative years in Leeds. 

He is the artist people love to hate – but this notoriety has done him no harm. In fact, it has meant he’s become one of the most powerful and richest artists in the world. Not bad for a boy who attended Allerton Grange High School.

After school Hirst attended Leeds College of Art and Design before daringly exhibiting a 14ft-long shark in formaldehyde at the Young British Artists show in London, sponsored by Charles Saatchi. Three years later, he bagged the Turner Prize. Today his works command some of the highest prices in the art world.

The Leeds show includes photography, painting, sculpture and installation – as well as the iconic formaldehyde piece ‘Away from the Flock’, which was first exhibited in 1994 at the Serpentine Gallery in London.

As a school boy he collected dead things, and his carrier bag of corpses (insects, birds, leaves) was never far from his side. He also did work experience at Leeds city morgue. Therefore it’s not difficult to see where some of his inspiration came from. There is undoubtedly a distinct theme of death running through many of the works in this exhibition. However they are also beautiful and interesting and visitors should not be put off by this reference.

Highlights include ‘The Pharmacy Restaurant and Bar’ : A representation of the interior of the Notting Hill restaurant that Hirst co-owned in the late Nineties until 2003. Most notable is the molecule motif used throughout from the chair backs to menu covers and the wall paper combining references from the New Testament with images of pharmaceuticals in miniature. It is very cleverly done. Hirst designed the whole of the actual restaurant  interior.  Also ‘Mantra’ , butterflies and glass paint on canvas.  A visually stunning wheel of colour  comprising  butterflies of all shapes, sizes and hues. This is particularly effective from a distance. Finally  ‘Away From The Flock', The famous sheep in formaldehyde, and indeed the creature has been well preserved.

This exhibition is well worth the wait but disappointingly there is no catalogue of the works on view. Therefore I am in the process of creating one which will shortly be available on this site.

Artist Rooms: Damien Hirst runs from 15th July until 30th October and is part of The Artist Rooms collection, which, happily for us, sees collections of modern and contemporary art held by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland going on display at venues around the country.

15 July – 30 October, Leeds Art Gallery, free

'Away from the flock'

'Spot Painting'

Naked Wines Tasting Tour, Royal Armouries, Leeds - July 2011

The Royal Armouries, Leeds

www.nakedwines.com

The second floor of The Royal Armouries War Museum in Leeds was an interesting choice of venue for this wine tasting extravaganza. On arrival we were given a glass, a booklet listing the wines and growers and a warm welcome.

The venue was a good choice because this was a light airy space with some bench style seating, although most people chose to stand. The room was laid out with tables for different countries and their growers with of course the wines. One of the really great things about this tasting event was the opportunity to meet and talk to the wine producers.

The procedure was to pour a small quantity of a wine of choice into your glass and taste it. That is either imbibe and swallow or swill and spit. The whole approach was very informal and it was possible to help yourself to whatever you wanted. Fortunately there was also a table with cheeseboards, pickle and relish, grapes and baskets of assorted crackers to soak everything up!

I’m no wine expert, I simply know what I like, but luckily I had friends and family members with me who were a bit more informed. Therefore there follows a round- up of our favourites on the night: 

France and Italy

Domaine O’Vineyards O’Syrah 2008 (Ryan and Joe O’Connell). This was considered to be a lighter red with rhubarb undertones.

II Barone Pinot Grigio 2010 (Alessandro Botter). Described as a Pinot Grigio that was ‘nearly dry’.

Spain and Portugal

Carlos Rodriguez Rioja Reserva 2006 (Carlos Rodriguez). A soft and fruity, easy drinking, red wine with no after taste.

Montaria 2010 (Antonio Ventura). Considered to be a full bodied red with blackberry overtones and a lingering finish.

Negriros Douro Reserva (Mario Negreiros). Red described as having a blackcurrant and treacle bouquet and being woody, strong and substantial on the palate.

Germany, Austria, Slovenia

Tilia Estate Pinot Gris 2010 (Matjaz Lemut). Medium dry white with  grapey overtones.

New Zealand and Australia

Blackwood Ridge Shiraz 2008 (Matt and Sam).  A plummy red.

Ladies who shoot their lunch Riesling (Matt and Sam). A very light, smooth and just sweet white wine. Delicious.

Chile, Argentina and South Africa

Arabella Viognier 2011. A strong white, recommended with spicy foods (Stephen de Wet).

Arabella Chenin Blanc 2011 (Stephen de Wet). A light and fruity white, nice and refreshing.

Fizz, dessert and port

Tarlant Tradition Champagne NV (Melanie Tarlant) – The pick of the bunch in my opinion: Very light, crisp and refreshing.

Borgo Dei Sassi Pinot Rosato NV (Alessandro Botter). Described as sparkling and refreshing with rose with a sharp note which is pleasant on the palate.

As you can see there was a huge variety of wines on offer. There were some good deals to be had on the night with the cost averaging at about £5 a bottle. There are certainly several reasonably priced wines on the website too and this event undoubtedly succeeded in effectively promoting the idea of buying good wine online from independent growers.

http://www.nakedwines.com/ppc_google_brand_official?gclid=CPK8wpv_t6oCFRRC4Qod_lsi5A

Leedslovesfood Festival Review

Fresh Food

Live Cooking

Glorious Cupcakes

It was so good, they went there twice!.

 The Leeds Loves Food Festival took place on Saturday and Sunday 2^nd and 3^rd July and included a diverse mix of food and drink  from homemade cupcakes, old fashioned tea and scones and ostrich burgers to Whitby seafood.  Other food and drink events were taking place at assorted venues  around the centre of Leeds too (there were  stalls in Victoria Quarter), but  Millenium Square was the main attraction.  It was packed out during a very hot two days, the clement weather possibly contributed to the crowds that gathered. My friends attended both days.

 There was a gorgeous waft of so many smells fused together on the approach to the area.  On arrival there were plenty of stalls where cooking took place there and then so the food was freshly made and there was an opportunity to watch how it was cooked.  A large seating area in the middle of all the stalls, meant people could buy food and sit and watch the live cooking challenges  shown on the big screen.  There was interaction too with the presenter coming into the crowd asking people what they were eating and what they thought about it , this was beamed onto the large screen behind as well. 

It was such a popular event, that it was difficult to find anywhere to sit and people spilled over into Mandela Gardens to sit and eat what they'd bought.  The atmosphere was very lively  with the sausage tasting  appearing to be very popular, as were the Pudsey Pickles stall and the Bedazzled Cupcakes outlet (http://www.bedazzledcupcakes.co.uk)

My friends ate at the Mango Vegetarian stall (www.mangovegetarianltd.co.uk) , an Indian vegetarian eatery, specialising in gluten free and vegan food, based in Wetherby.  You could choose three things from the menu for £2.50.  They both went for two samosas and one Indian Spicy Roll . The Spicy Roll consisted of shredded cabbage, onions and carrots rolled into a thin pastry, flavoured with red and green chillis.  The chutney that accompanied them was delicious and plentiful too.  The samosas were nice, but not the best they had ever tasted. However in their defence, this was the first time my friends had eaten gluten free samosas and it could just be an acquired taste. The Indian Spicy Rolls were described as “very moreish”.  A large glass of ice cold mango lassi  accompanied the food (£1.50) which was considered a bargain.

The Festival was free to get in. Last year it was a ticket policy, with people paying just to enter and then purchasing food as well, so the fact there was no entrance fee this year was a good thing.  More "free taster" stalls would have been appreciated as this is a good way for businesses to advertise their food and drink and acquire customers after the event.  This is a must attend activity for next year, just a pity it’s only once every twelve months.

The Crowds

Amazing Pies

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More Delicious Treats

Photos by Jennie Cole

Casa Mia Milleneum, Milleneum Square, Leeds LS1

This family run Italian restaurant is in a prime position on the edge of Milleneum Square in Leeds city centre and the food isn't bad either!

We went early on a Saturday lunchtime and we had pre-booked. Probably just as well as the place was quite busy when we left. We were met and shown to our table by a charming and pleasant M'aitre D. The eating area downstairs is light and airy and all the tables on the ground floor have a good view out of the wall of windows down one side.

Having imbibed some alcoholic refreshment at the nearby and highly recommended Victoria Family and Commercial Hotel (The Vic pub) we did not want more and so just requested tap water to drink which was no problem and came served with ice and lemon.

The food was excellent beginning with a plate of mixed Antipasto which we shared. There was a selection of cold meats and pickled and chargrilled vegetables enveloped in just enough olive oil dressing.We asked for a side of bread and butter to accompany the dish and we were not charged for this even though it was not provided as standard.The waiter said We are quite happy to cut it into many small useful pieces.

The main event was sublime. My Traditional Meatballs were moist and packed with flavour and the tomato sauce had a great depth of tomatoey taste. The accompanying plain pasta was the perfect foil for this. My companion chose lasagne with asparagus, seared, fresh salmon and a creamy dill sauce which was delicious if a little runny in texture.

With no room for desert we left replete and impressed with the food and service. For an establishment in the very heart of town the prices are surprisingly affordable too. However upon my return I must ask why there was a food display case absolutely full of fresh, red apples!

Casa Mia Millenium, Millenium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD (city centre)

Tel. for bookings: 0845 688 3030,  Contact us by email at: enquiries@casamiaonline.com
website: http://www.casamiaonline.com/casa-mia-millennium

Yorkshire’s authentic, tasty Chinese treasure just outside Leeds

China City Chinese Buffet and Restaurant

Leeds Road, Glasshoughton, CASTLEFORD, West Yorkshire,WF10 4LX

Situated near Xscape and the Junction 32 Retail Park, Castleford, West Yorkshire this Chinese restaurant and buffet is only a short walk from both. There is competition from two other similar oriental restaurants nearby but this is definitely the best. Nicely decorated with a traditional, Chinese theme inside and out the exterior could perhaps do with a lick of paint but inside there are no such issues: A large, light and airy space provides plenty of different sized tables, and our group of eight was easily accommodated for Sunday lunch. A central water feature with a small fountain adds to the effect of an authentic Chinese experience.

Drinks are average in price and selection and when we asked for a jug of tap water the waitress seemed a little confused and returned with a tiny one-person caraf.  More language barrier than trade barrier it appeared!

The cost is the usual price for this kind of Sunday lunch buffet.  Fortunately the food compensated for any minor niggles to such an extent that they were obliterated. There is a huge selection to choose from with approximately fifteen starters and fifteen mains. Starter highlights were juicy and huge king prawn tempura, sweet chilli dipping sauce, saucy barbecue ribs, light and tasty chicken and sweet corn soup, crispy chicken balls and  crunchy prawn toast.

For the mains we chose Kung Po king prawns with angel hair noodles which was a glorious dish by itself. The prawns were just the right balance between juicy and firm with a sweet and fiery sauce. Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice was another winner. Moist chicken coated in a crispy thin batter and a sauce of medium thickness with a good sour, sweet balance. Two vegetable dishes also stood out were: Brocolli in garlic sauce which was just al dente in a beautifully pungent sauce that was not too rich and fine green beans in a black bean sauce was a wholesome mouthful which was more fragrant than salty. Very nice!

My companions recommended the duck pancakes with all the trimmings as being soft, warm and pleasingly substantial. There were many other dishes to choose from too ranging from curries to beef and seafood dishes. All were topped up regularly and piping hot. Also there were at least three different rice and noodles to choose from.

Somewhere between courses a rendition of “Happy Birthday to you” boomed out from a tannoy,  but it wasn’t apparent who it was for. This all added to the authenticity of two cultures colliding with amusing and delicious results.

There was an ample dessert section to finish with. The still warm banana fritters with add-your-own syrup and ice cream were truly excellent. The ice cream was soft- whipped from a serve yourself machine and there was a choice of vanilla and strawberry combined or just vanilla. Also available were cheese cake, gateaux, a selection of fruit, including lychees and jelly. 

This venue was ideal for our mixed age group of eight people as we could all come and go as we pleased, no waiting around for food to arrive. Yet we never felt rushed and there was something for everyone. Also the Staff were very attentive, helpful and also authentic which just added to the relaxed ambience.

Telephone: 01977 553428

Open 7 days a week for lunch and evening meal

http://www.yellowtom.co.uk/154477

William and Victoria’s Wine Bar, Harrogate - Rich food but you don't need to be wealthy.

6 COLD BATH ROAD, HARROGATE Restaurant 01423 521510 Wine Bar 01423 506883

The fairly innocuous frontage conceals a very cosy and stylish interior. The restaurant is upstairs and the wine bar down. We opted for a great value two courses for £10 below stairs. Having pre booked Dad and I bagged a table straight away. We arrived at 12.30 pm and it was full when we left.

The waiting staff  were attentive but not fussy, drinks orders were taken straight away. A full bodied house red and refreshingly zingy house white along with requested tap water arrived promptly with a basket of rustic granary bread and butter. There was an extensive wine list to choose from.

Opting for starter and main Dad chose homemade mushroom soup which was substantial, chunky and hot!  I plumped for fried fish with sea salt and lemon which was absolutely crispy and delicious. The salt really enhanced the delightfully delicate fried flavour. Yum!

Our mains were equally pleasing and plumpcious. I chose chicken and leek pie with mash and sauted greens. The pie sauce although thin was very tasty and rich, clearly laced with much butter and cream, and the pie top although merely a lid was obviously homemade. Dad selected fish pie with garden peas and a side of chips which were not necessary but devoured anyway. Again the sauce was very rich encompassing nuggets of seafood gold including fish, prawns and baby scallops.

We were so full when we left we could barely move. This really was a considerable lunch at an amazing price which was a very pleasant surprise in Harrogate. Highly recommended.

www.williamandvictorias.com

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts – The gourmet chocolate box of the cake world! New Hotlight store opening Leeds, July 2011

 

Centre 27 Business Park on the outskirts of Leeds city centre on Tuesday 5th July 2011,

Krispy Kreme doughnuts are rather like the gourmet chocolates of the cake world. They come presented in a box of scrumpcious assorted flavours and centres. These include gorgeous raspberry and coconut with a delicious coconut cream middle and tangy fruit icing, an outstanding orange cream filled doughnut with chocolate icing and orange decoration, a  divine chocolate cream filled doughnut with chocolate icing and a moreish caramel/fudge doughnut with white caramel cream, chocolate icing and fudge pieces.

There are 15 delectable varieties in total. Jam doughnuts and ring doughnuts, iced and plain,  are part of the selection too. The plain doughnuts are lightly coated with a thin layer of white glaze, rather than sugar, which is lovely and moist. The plain ring doughnuts are deliciously light and also come in boxes of twelve. All doughnuts can also be purchased individually.

  A Single Original glazed^® doughnut costs £1.20.  A Single Filled doughnut costs from £1.45.   An Original Glazed^® Dozen costs £7.95, a Classic Assorted Dozen (a selection of our 12 best sellers) costs £9.45 and Your Favourites Assorted Dozen (your selection from any of our range) costs £9.95. This may seem expensive but these doughnuts really are quality confectionary already on sale in Harrods.

The Hotlight store, Leeds will produce fresh doughnuts around the clock and the doughnut theatre enables customers to watch them being made right before their eyes – a true sensory experience!

www.krispykreme.co.uk  

www.facebook.com/krispykremeUK

www.twitter.com/krispykremeUK

This is a re-blog due to some constructive criticism from readers regarding the Revels analogy in the original post. Such comments are always welcome. Please keep them coming. Thanks for reading.