All Things Vegan at Wagamamas

After cutting out meat throughout January, purely to see if and what effect it would have on my body and partly because I love a good challenge. I’m incredibly fond of meat, always have been but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found the inevitable bloating feelings and sluggishness in my energy levels. With my daughter turning vegetarian, she urged I try and ditch the animal products and so I did!

I was kindly invited to try the vegan menu at my local Wagamama at Cabot Circus, Bristol, in exchange for a review. Would I miss my regular favourite of spicy beef ramen? Let’s see;

We were greeted and promptly seated and ordered our drinks. I opted for a beautiful sparkling sake. Light and bubbly, it was the perfect way to liven up my taste buds in anticipation for my first course. We it’s to share a bowl of the chilli garlic salt edemame beans which were firm and perfectly cooked.

Next we tried the Yasai Gyoza. 5 steamed dumplings, filled with tasty vegetables with a dipping sauce. Delicate in flavour, they were my daughters favourite. To this we ordered the Mixed Mushroom and Pannonia aubergine Hirata steamed buns. Ok so these really hit my meat hankering spot. The mushrooms were incredible. Thick, firm and juicy, creating that perfect umami flavour. Added to the crunch of the crispy yet light panko  crumb on the aubergine, these were deliciously filling.

Now we were ready for our mains. My daughter opting for her favourite of Vegatsu. A take on the popular Katsu dish, this was a crispy Panko crumbed seitan fillet, on a bed of rice and covered in an aromatic curry sauce served with a side salad.

I went for something different than my usual choice of ramen and instead tried the Yasai Pad Thai. Rice noodles with bean sprouts, spring onions, tofu, leeks and chilli and topped with fried shallots, peanut, mint, coriander and lime. This dish was incredible, the lime was a wonderful contrast to the amai sauce and the peanuts gave it the added texture. I ate this dish so fast the the tofu was almost gone before I took the photos!!

We were so full at this point that we almost laughed when we were offered the dessert menu. Never one to turn down sweet offerings, we shared bowls of each flavoured sorbets. 

Lemon grass and lime with mint and pink guava and passion fruit. Both delicately flavoured and completely vegan, they were the perfect end to the meal. 

Since January, I have significantly cut meat out of my every day diet and now only have it occasionally when I eat out. It’s not made a massive difference to my wellbeing but I’m far less bloated and the environmental impact is enough to want me to continue to become more plant based. 

Have you checked out the vegan menu at Wagamamas? Do you have a favourite dish or recipe you’d like to share? 

***Disclaimer***

I was offered this meal for 2, in exchange for social media and or blog posts. All opinions are my own and no monetary exchange took place. 

The Steak Barn and Ice Skating at Old Down Country Park

Last weekend I was kindly invited down to Old Down Country Park, in Tockington, Bristol, for a session on their ice rink. 

Now, if, like me, you have a fear of falling over, then I’m not sure ice skating is the best idea. I KNEW I hated the thought of slipping so I have no idea why I thought ice skating would be any kind of fun for me. But we have to try these things for ourselves so we know for the future. Silly Sam! 

Sure enough, it took me around 20 minutes to even consider setting foot on the rink, even though I was kitted out in skates and watching my 16 year old daughter, skating effortlessly around the ice albeit laughing at her petrified mother. 

With only 10 minutes left of the session, that’s right, I had spent the entire time contemplating doing it that I wasted an entire session! So after 5 minutes of manoeuvring and dithering, I was finally on the ice. Resembling a scene from Bambi, I was wobbly legged and gripping on to the sides as I aimlessly tried to ‘skate’ around the edge. It’s safe to say that ice skating is definitely not for me!

Picture purely to certify that I got on to the ice! 

The rink itself was large and well covered, perfect for this wet December. With the addition of a Christmas tree and festive fairy lights that gave it some added warmth. Having come during the evening, once the park itself had closed, I noticed there were traditional style wooden stalls that sold a range of hot snacks, similar to those you’d find at a Christmas market. 

After our session, we then headed over to the on-site Steak Barn for our dinner. 

Having not been given a time slot for our visit, we did arrive around 30 minutes before the kitchen had opened but nevertheless, we were welcomed with the offer of drinks at our table and the waiting staff couldn’t have been more attentive. 

This rustic Steak Barn, with stone walks and timber beams was wonderfully cosy in such a horrid wet and windy Saturday night. With more fairy lights, Christmas decorations and a big log burner, we felt warmed and at home. The Barn also had a family nook, with activities to keep children entertained and big comfortable sofas for the parents. Dogs on leads were also welcomed, much to the delight of my daughter who got to smooch with a furry guest on the next table. 

Ordering our food, we enjoyed a plate of complimentary toast whilst we waited. Thick slabs of hot, smoky bread with a generous knob of smoked salted butter. 

I’m so easily pleased. Bread and butter is a sure fire way to keeping me happy!

For my main course, I ordered the rib eye steak (£19) which came with chunky chips and a sauce of my choice. I went for the Stilton butter of course! 

The steak was perfectly cooked to my liking- medium rare, with a more than generous knob of the Stilton butter. So much so, that my daughter took some for meal. She opted for one of the few vegetarian options, the caramelised onion and Brie pie (£9.95) but was sadly disappointed. With only the slightest hint of either elements, her pie was more pepper, tomato and spinach and struggled with a strange aftertaste. There was a very limited choice for both vegan and vegetarian customers which let the meal down slightly.

Overall, our visit to Old Down Country Park was a positive one. The staff were fantastic and a real credit to this place. A huge thank you and mention to the lovely girl that looked after us at the rink. She was patient, warm and very friendly. 

The rink will be open throughout December at the hours listed below, and through to the 23rd of January, although I would suggest checking the website for the listed days and times of these. Prices for the skating are £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for children. You can buy tickets online or at the Barn Cafe during opening hours. https://olddownestate.co.uk/events/ice-rink-real-ice/

Sholay Indian Kitchen- Review

This month I was kindly invited down to Sholay Indian Kitchen at Wapping Wharfs Cargo development. Yet another offering in the ever diverse combination of food retailers that reside there. 

Sholay is run by the team behind the award winning The Mint Room in Clifton. Focusing on Indian street food, what this shipping container lacks in space, certainly makes up for in its food. Keeping its menu simple yet full of flavours whilst using the freshest, local produce. 

The container itself is compact but tastefully decorated with quotes and images from Bollywood films, including a beautiful mural that really takes centre stage.

Having been sat at our table on a particularly wet and rainy evening, we found Sholay to be rather busy but this didn’t distract the staff being super attentive and accommodating. 

The menu itself was simple and varied. Dining with my 16 year old daughter was no challenge, we wanted one of everything! With her being pescatarian, she found a wide range of things she could eat without feeling like she was missing out, something that we really appreciate.

Ordering a signature mojito, one rum and one virgin, we agonised over what dishes to order. There’s very little in the way of description on the menu so it was a little bit of a pot luck when it came to choosing. 

Waiting for our first lot of small plates, we gazed across the long shared bench at our neighbouring diners to guess which dishes they ordered, the open kitchen wafting amazing aromas our way and making us ravenous. Patience isn’t one of my strong points at the best of times! 

Being a meat lover, my first choice was the peshwari lamb cutlets (£8.50). Glazed with a house made marinade, grilled to perfection, served with house salad garnish.

Our favourite dish of the night, chilli paneer (£5). The menu stated that it was ‘practically addictive’ and they weren’t wrong. Sticky and tangy sweet with beautiful charred edges, we ordered a second plate! 

The kale and onion bhajis (£4.50) were everything a bhaji should be. Crispy yet light and full of punchy spice. 

Spy the second plate of paneer? 

For my main meal I went for Grandmas Curry. A medium spiced, hearty curry that tasted not too different from my own. On the bone chicken, vegetables and generous chunks of potato made for perfect comfort food and the side of bread was used for mopping up the left over broth. Just what I needed on this wet evening. 

My daughter went for the masala fish and chips (£12). The fish was firm and flaky, but a little on the dry side and lacked on flavour. A side of chutney would of been preferred over the pot of ketchup but the fries were crisp and seasoned beautifully. 

With more soggy customers turning up and the container getting a little more cramped, we finished our meal and left. Not before being offered a choice of kulfi for our travels. Went opted for the honey rose and it was the perfect way to end the meal. Sweet and creamy and reminiscent of milky lollies from my youth. We sat under a sheltered spot by the harbour and took in the twinkling lights of Bristol before heading home.

 

You can find them here;

Sholay Indian Kitchen, Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6ZA

www.sholayindiankitchen.com

**Disclaimer**

Although I was offered this meal in exchange of a review, all opinions are my own.

Review; Salt and Malt, Chew Valley Lake

Lat week I had the most wonderful meal at Salt and Malt at their Chew Valley lake residence.

Now, even after living in Bristol for over 8 years and getting married just down the road from Chew Magna, I had still never had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful place. 

A vast stretch of reservoir nestled in the foot of both the Dundry and nearby Mendip hills, this little restaurant had the most amazing scenic views. 

We arrived a little earlier than planned so took a little walk around, taking in the sunset over the lake and feeding some ducks on the bank. The restaurant itself is right by the car park so it’s easy to find and there is a little playground outside, perfect for those with young children.

The restaurant itself was wonderfully spacious, light and well ventilated. With large pull open doors that can we opened in summer to give that lovely ‘outside, in’ feel. 

We were received with a warm welcome from the lovely Zowie who couldn’t of been more attentive. The staff were an absolute credit to this restaurant and made us feel incredibly special. Something I’ve found quite rare lately.

My husband and I were seated at our table, right by the glass doors so we could watch the sun setting which obviously was the best place to be sat. Enjoying a cold glass of house white, we salivated over the restaurants new tapas menu, wanting one of everything! 

The new ‘Tapas Tuesday’ menu featured plenty of seafood choices, as well as vegetarian options for the reasonable price of £3.50 per plate or 3 for £10. 

After agonising what we would go for, this is what we decided on;

This was my ultimate favourite. So much so that I ordered it twice! Curried brown butter shrimp on toast. This was heaven.

Seeing as we were at a fish and chip restaurant, I couldn’t help but order something deep fried. Halloumi with a side of chilli jam really hit the spot!

One of the nights show stoppers. Cured sea bass with orange. Incredibly light and flavoursome 

Crispy cod cheeks with a chorizo dip. The fish was beautifully firm and flaky, with a sweetness enhanced by the salty, smoky chorizo.

My husbands favourite. A punchy dish of squid with chilli and peanuts

An absolute beast of a crab claw, with a generous pot of garlic aioli for dunking. 

If that lot wasn’t enough, we shoved a pudding in too! Cinnamon Creme Brûlée with apple sorbet. Stuffed!!

It goes without surprise that Tapas Tuesday runs every Tuesday, with the full regular menu on offer too and you’ll also get 50% off your bottle of wine too. The restaurant has a no dog policy within the restaurant but are more than welcome, should you dine outside on the terrace. Salt and Malt is also fully accessible to disabled customers. 

Wings Diner, Bristol

Last month I celebrated my birthday and what better way to celebrate than to go and eat some beautiful, yet dirty chicken!

Ladies, gents, those in between....I found chicken heaven...

Wings Diner, was and still are a pop up, now residing at Small Bar on Kings Street. Serving up delicious fried chicken with an Asian inspired twist. Not forgetting the veggies and vegans of course! But for me, it’s all about the chicken life. Think fried chickenburgers, wings and pieces, but not like those weak offerings from your local fast food takeaways. I’m talking thick, juicy pieces of bird that leave you so greasy and full that you’re calling for help. 

I went for the Thai style burger first. With a fat juicy chicken thigh on a bed of lettuce, topped with cheese and Srirachanaise (it’s a thing!) and I couldn’t of been more delighted that they used the softest, squishiest buns. I happen to be rather fussy when it comes to the right type of burger bun.

And because it was my birthday, I didn’t plan on mucking around. I came for food and lots of it! So next came the dirty fries. 

Twice the photo because this had double the flavour of anything I’ve ever eaten before. Crispy little fries, covered in fried chicken, cheese and Korean sauce. These were incredible. The Korean sauce was like an umami bomb, that salty, heavy taste that was suitable for eating as a solo dish but no, here I was scoffing them as a side to my already deep fried meal. I couldn’t even finish my food as not only did I have the burger and fries but I was desperate to try the blue rice and had that too. I was so not sorry, the garlic sang like a

Morning bird and of course being blue in colour just added to the spectacle. There was wings involved at some point but after a while I was seeing stars and close to removing my trousers. My husband opted for the 2 piece meal, which he promised me was some of the most juiciest of legs he’d come across and loved the crunch of the coating. 

Gasping for breath, we left full, happy and faces covered in food. We’ll certainly be back.

I seriously can’t recommend Wings enough. And if you do get the chance to go, order the spicy peanut sauce with everything. I could of bathed in the stuff!

Los Hermanos Combinados

Los Hermandos Combinados are definitely no stranger to me in Bristol. A street food stall, run by two brothers with a passion for cooking insanely tasty food, with a nod to their Spanish father.

Popping up at the Harbourside Market, Tobacco Factory Market and other local street food events and festivals, these guys are proving to be a massive hit! 

Los Hermanos strive themselves to create the freshest dishes with a combination of smoking, curing and brining. Adding in to the fact they use all local and sustainably sourced ingredients in to their dishes, make these guys top of their game in flavours and quality. 

Imagine my sheer delight when I arrived at the screening of Wayne's World at Dinema a few weeks back (more to follow on this event) and found Los Hermanos cranking out the favourites! 

I went straight for my usual, 'El Pepito'

Consisting of sugar cured pork belly, chorizo butter, roasted red peppers and roast garlic mayo in a brioche bun. And of course I went with a side of some hearty, confit potatoes. Bliss!

My husband, being forever needy, wanted a hibrid of both meaty options and had the El Pepito and Pollo Locco hybrid- with the alteration of chicken skin mayo (holy balls!) and a curry, honey and almond bun 

I'm already a huge fan and follow these guys around like a weird stalker. If you're in Bristol, you can too! 

You can find the various visiting locations on the Los Hermanos Facebook page here or Twitter here

Bs5 Food Market, A Local Produce Haven

Last Sunday morning I visited the Bs5 Market in St George, Bristol. And boy, what a delight!

The market itself is pretty small but showcased an array of various produce, including organic vegetables, extract coffee, vintage clothing, homemade bread and cakes, plants, soaps, pies, cured meats, gins, beer and preserves, various hot food stands and free bike checks!  

Here's a selection of the foods I scoffed whilst I was there. Yes, I ate ALL of this in the 30 minutes I was there - No judgement please!

Jerk pork belly with rice and peas from Blu Fire

Gluten free coconut cake from Pearly King Cakes

Onigirazu from Tsukemono

How beautiful is pickled lotus root?!

South African Milk tart from Cook Sista 

(Possibly one of the best things I've ever eaten!)

And a few shots of the stalls, 

The BS5 market can be found in the car park of St George's park, Bristol, on the first Sunday of the month (not August) from 10am-2pm Traders vary each month and full updates can be found on both Facebook and Twitter

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Du Vin

 

Since moving to Bristol, there's nothing my husband and I love to do more than check out new or interesting places to eat at.

Earlier this month, I was kindly invited along to sample Hotel Du Vin newest afternoon tea menu and I couldn't of been more thrilled! 

I headed on over to the Grade ll listed former sugar warehouse with anticipation, to not only dine on some delicious afternoon tea but also catch up with some other Bristol based bloggers. Something I always enjoy.

After a welcome glass of Hotel Du Vins own brand Champagne, we got a brief lesson in the history of the building and a run down of the beautiful looking tea. We were shown to the private dining room and took our seats. The room itself was simply decorated but still had such a grand atmosphere to it, perfect for small weddings, functions and meetings.

 

 

So about the food. The savoury selection- Always my favourite course- did not disappoint. With mini brioche sub rolls generously filled with egg and cress, ham and cheese croissant, a Severn & Wye smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, goats cheese and spinach quiche and a tomato gallete, I was so thrilled. Everything was so light so there was definitely room for the desserts! 

 

In between courses, I went on a short tour of the bedrooms in the hotel. The transformation from a disused warehouse to a hotel was amazing yet still featured so many of its former elements, only adding to its charm. The best was the Veuve Clicquot suite. A loft style room that was sumptuous and cosy, with twin roll top bath tubs on a mezzanine level that overlooked the bedroom, was just stunning.

 

After heading back downstairs for the rest of our afternoon tea, we got to meet Dan, Head Mixologist, who talked us through his newest cocktails. One being the Breakfast Martini containing Earl Grey syrup, Chase Vodka, orange juice and buttered Bourbon. I also got to try Dan's signature Buttered Bourbon on its own. Both were gorgeously silky - and strong!

Buttered Bourbon

Feeling a little tipsy, I attempted the desserts. My favourite being the Gin & Tonic jelly and dark chocolate and raspberry teacakes. There was also mini lemon meringue pies, rhubarb and custard doughnuts and of course fresh baked scones with clotted cream, Bonne Maman jams and Lescure butter. The finishing touch was the sweet little sticks of apple candy floss on top which really set it apart from any ordinary tea.

I had such a lovely time at this event, with special thanks to all Hotel Du Vin for their hospitality and Heather Cowper for the invite. I'm already making plans to return for an evening in the cozy Sugar Bar to try more cocktails at Christmas, or perhaps even treating my husband to a cocktail making masterclass! 

Afternoon tea prices start at £20 per person with upgrades and run from 12 to 6pm daily, menus, gift vouchers and further details can be found here.