by Cedric | Apr 16, 2019 | Food and Drink, General
After a phenomenal meal at Jen’s, what more could one want than a delightful dessert. So ample and varied was the potential fare at the Chinatown Bakery that one is almost at a loss for what to order. Personally, the standout choice for me was the coconut pandan, which is pictured below. The dough was soft and easy to tear apart. While the pandan was green, it did not leave me feeling unwell. I was only ill when I thought about the 23 years I had to wait to sample it.
I gave my dear old friend Emily free choice on whichever delicacy she wanted. Being a woman of impeccable taste, both in friends and pastries, she went for the Deli Taiyaki with Nutella. I had a little bite of this delicious sweet fish and must saw I was deeply impressed. The texture was almost like that of a crispy pancake. Nutella is Nutella, of course, can cannot be more, but it worked well here.
Below is pictured more options one might elect for in this wonderful bakery. The one in the bottom right is the sausage bun. I can assure you, it is everything you hope it will be. Try it if you dare, utter delights ensue.
The last two things I opted for were the peanut mochi and the custard bun, both of which were oozing with flavour. I would say the mochi just tipped it for me. They are both pictured below. The peanut butter in the middle of the mochi was a little dry for my taste, but overall proved a superb treat.
The above picture is merely there to illustrate the level of artistry contained in this delightful bakery. I am so happy to be able to recommend it to you.
by Cedric | Apr 13, 2019 | Food and Drink, General
Hellfire what a glorious find. Ms Charlotte, a dear old friend of mine from Warwick suggested Jen’s to me. I was due in London for a Todd Rundgren concert (which was excellent, thanks for asking). My friends and I met outside Leicester Square tube station and walked the short 300ft to Jen’s. The first thing which astonished me was that we could see one of the chefs making dumplings in the window. She had her own table for all to admire her dumpling making skills. I was very impressed by this.
We had to wait a little while to get a table but once we did, it was worth the wait. The wooden seats (not the stools) were quite low and one is tempted to bear down on them at full speed. I advise you not to do so, as they are rather very hard.
Half of us ordered the roast duck. It is pictured below. Beautifully cooked and arrived with alarming speed. the flavours are difficult to describe. Suffice to say this was a jaw dropping dish. It is ever so rare to find duck well done. Tesco’s hoisin duck sandwich will never be the same.
The other half opted for the BBQ pork with rice. I had this myself and must say it was the better of the two dishes, though I am biased. Stunning dish all round. Very much recommend.
But but but, what really stole the show were the array of aforementioned dumplings, half of which were fried. The other half were good, but nothing compared or ever shall compare to the fried dumplings. These were an exercise in pure joy. Though I would advise you to wait some minutes after they arrive to avoid burning yourself.
And of course… the fried dumplings!
St Nick would you to be informed that at Jens, one is served Chinese tea in mugs with handles. This is a particular affront to his dainty and antiquated ways, with which I have no issue. Nonetheless he is taller than me and capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm so it’s best not to cross him. Otherwise, top marks for Jen’s!
by Cedric | Apr 10, 2019 | Food and Drink, General
It is about time I wrote about this place. When I lived in Newcastle briefly, I would spend at least three nights a week at Colonel Porter’s Emporium. The location is fabulous, their array of gins puts Wetherspoons to shame and the decor is quite unique.
First World War England doesn’t provide for the most politically correct decorating style. However, if one can overlook the disturbing implication of Empire celebration, this is a really sterling pub. One of my favourite ciders in England, Orchard Thieves, is served here. While I take strong objection to paying £4 for a pint of any description, I submitted myself to this astonishing charge for the quality of the cider.
Colonel Porters is most well known for their selection of gins. My personal favourite is the saffron gin, which I first tried in Blue Lips Bar in Naples, which I also suggest. My sister often opts for the Edinburgh gin, but my all time favourite is Lymington gin. I’m unsure whether they have the latter in stock.
Back in the day, Master Brewer Colonel porter teamed up with Chief Chemist Archie Jones to create Newcastle Brown Ale (ala Dog, Journey into Space, Lunatic’s Broth). In this Emporium we celebrate this fine feat. Colonel Porter’s
I haven’t ever sampled the food here, aside from the array of popcorn – which is grand. So it would be remiss of me to give you any kind of advice. However, I can tell you this is a warm pub where you shall feel welcome and drink in comfort. The location is superbly central and the staff are deeply knowledgeable. I highly recommend Colonel Porter’s.
by Cedric | Apr 7, 2019 | Food and Drink, General
You’ll never guess which reviewer was in Newcastle last week! Well, you might be able to, it was me. After marvelling at the architecture surrounding Newcastle Station, I was driven to Casa Antonio. Now, when I lived in High Heaton I would go here quite often. The most attractive feature of Casa Antonio is that you can get 3 courses for £4.95. Yes you read right.
Potato Skins are generally my choice for starter, though the soup of the day are always winners. Crispy and light, they pair wonderfully with the sauces provided. But what is great about them is that they still have some of the potato flesh inside which means some of them are chewy. Really there isn’t much else to say, but trust me when I tell you that this dish is fantastic.
Father went for the ragu pizza, which I had a bite of. The dough was made fresh, the topics were good quality and the smell thoroughly intoxicating.
I, on the other hand, went for the pepperoni. When I lived in Rome, I craved one such pizza. Of course it did not occur to me then, until it was too late, that pepperoni has a different meaning in Italian. In this fine language, pepperoni refers to peppers, such as a bell pepper. So you can imagine my shock when my pizza arrived in Rome with green topings instead of red ones!
Nonetheless, the pepperoni (in the English sense) from Casa Antonio was sterling. Not too filling and piping hot. Really delightful dish.
The third course is either ice cream or coffee. Having travelled four hours from Birmingham, I decided to have a coffee. Their espresso is really very good. Cafe lunghi, not so much. I hope you’ll find the time to eat there next time you’re in Newcastle. When considering the volume and quality of food one can get for under £5, the value for money is astonishing.
by Cedric | Apr 1, 2019 | Food and Drink, General
Now, I know what you’re thinking; this pub is part of a chain. Historically I’ve avoided any such pub, but on this occasion it appears Nicholson’s have taken over and made no material alterations to this pub. It retains a quintessential charm which I’ve sure it must have had in the 17th century. Wooden beams abound and there is no shortage of latticed stained glass partitions. There is an oddly modern extension around the back but the resulting space housed us for our lunch, so I can forgive the teal wood conservatory-esque modern atrocity.
Let’s talk about the Sunday roast. I had the beef, and good grief, what a meal. The parsnips were outrageously flavoursome. The beef just fell apart and joined beautifully with the home made yorkshires. Tasty taters to boot, I was thoroughly impressed.
Patricia being a fountain of wisdom, tried her first fish and chips. They are pictured above. I was only able to taste a morsel of her fine wine and haddy, but the batter was absolutely top shelf, as was the softness and flavour of the haddock. Cooked very well, as expected.
St Nick, as he often does, went for the steak and ale pie. Now when I see mustard seeds anywhere near batter, I make a point of sampling it. And much to my surprise, St Nick let me do so. Wonderful crispy home made batter! I was not privy to any more morsels.
The Eagle and Child lays claim to a number of interesting literary connections. J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and fellow writers met here and dubbed themselves ‘The Inklings’. They nicknamed the pub ‘The Bird and Baby’. A public house since 1650, our hostelry takes its name from the crest of the Earls of Derby. During the Civil War, our building was used as the playhouse for Royalist soldiers. Eagle & Child
Our dear friend Charlotte, who formed the solar plexus of this trip, opted for the roast chicken. The generous portion she allowed me to sample was teeming with flavour and very well cooked. I would recommend it.
In all, I was impressed by this historical pub. The location, service and quality of the food overall lent themselves to a sterling experience which I am eager to repeat. I’d like to thank St Nick personally for suggesting it.
