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/

Bosnian and Herzegovinian Supper Club at The Bristol Cookhouse

At the beginning of the month I was kindly invited along to my first ever supper club, held at The Bristol Cookhouse. Being only a short stroll away from my home on Gloucester Road, I had been wanting an opportunity to visit and this was the perfect event. 

Having absolutely no idea on what to expect and not having tried Bosnian cuisine before, I was really quite excited. 

I arrived just as the first course was being served up, generous servings of homemade pickled vegetables, grown in the garden of host Dino Zelanika and a glass of Sok of višanja- sour cherry codial. 

Pictured here we have, pickled carrots with garlic, olive oil and parsley. Turšija- salty vegetable pickle. Shredded mixed rainbow pickle. The aubergine being my favourite, perfectly pickled but with a beautiful spicy kick and the carrots were something I never gave much thought tomin regards to pickling but worked so well! 

Having arrived to the Supper club alone, I was worried I wouldn’t fit in, possible eat alone and generally feel out of place but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was warmly greeted by Dino and sat with a table of personal friends and former mentors of the host and it was lovely to meet such a diverse range of people. Bosnian food is very Mediterranean in the way that it’s small plates, meant for sharing. The mezze like dishes meant we sat and discussed each dish, each favouring our own elements. My favourite of the night being the incredible Maslena Pogač- Tear and share butter bread. This loaf was impeccably laminated, spiralled in to bite size rolls and oozed deliciously warm butter. Our table didn’t leave a crumb! 

With breads must come cheeses! Or more importantly, meats and cheeses! An absolute winner of a course, a plate bursting with cured meats and specialty cheeses from Livno, Balkan prosciutto and dry beef salami. A top this selection was an incredible pine bud syrup which I could of licked clean off the plate. Almost like a balsamic glaze in flavour but much sweeter. 

The relish in the middle was the stunning Ajvar, made from peppers and aubergine.

After our mezze plates we then moved on to a clear soup. Made from homemade beef and chicken stock, this felt almost medicinal. That century old broth you’d drink to combat colds and ills and warmed you from within. Accompanied by a little semolina dumpling that sat like a little duck in a pond. It was the perfect way to cleanse the pallete before the main course.

Starting to feel full, we moved on to the mains. 

Burek- A Bosnian meat pie with beef and lamb was simple and rustic in flavour. Encased in light filo pastry and cooked into an individual spiral, it’s the dish that almost broke me! 

Zeljanica- Bosnian cheese and greens pie. This was stunning. Light in both flavour and texture, I loved it. Not too unlike the Greek Spanakopita, the cheese was mild and creamy and sat between light flaky filo. 

Grasak sa Piletinom- Chicken and pea stew. This beautiful stew reminded me of the food my nan would make. It was perfect winter food. Simple in ingredients yet full of flavour and texture. 

I enjoyed the Zeljanica so much that Dinos wonderful mother and cook of the evening, Stella, let me take some leftovers home. I have no shame when it comes to asking for more!

Not quite finished for the evening, I was struggling! Could I even fit in dessert? The answer is of course yes. Always yes! 

We had the Baklava sa orasima- Baklava with walnuts and sour cherries. 

This was deliciously soft and unlike any kind of baklava I’ve tried before. The cherry/walnut combination almost gave it a Bakewell likeness and the juice of the fruit gave the pastry its softness. Served with a side of poached quince, gave it that contrasting lightness. Quince was a first for me and something I would like to eat more of. It wasn’t too dissimilar to a pear in its texture and flavour, being very delicate, almost aromatic. 

I had the most lovely night at The Bristol Cookhouse and of course being a guest of the most delightful host was a bonus. The next Bosnian supperclub will be held on the 2nd of February with tickets purchased here https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bosnianandherzegoviniansupperclub/220758/

The Ashville Steak House- Review

Nestled away in a little back street off Coronation Road in Bedminster, you’d find a little pub that from the outside, looks no different to any other ‘local’. But The Ashville delivers so much more than a regulars watering hole, serving up some of the best quality meat South of Bristol. . 

When Socialight first invited me down to try out The Ashville, I had already known what I was in for as I had previously visited for a steak tasting social event. The sheer joy I felt, knowing I was to return to try yet more courses AND enjoy them with my husband was very exciting. 

If you’re no stranger to this blog, you’d be well aware that I’m very much a lover of meat in all forms. The rarer the better in my eyes! 

Arriving on a Thursday evening, I was surprised at just how busy The Ashville was. Not in an overcrowded way, there was a happy atmosphere with a large family party enjoying a feast at their table and several couples enjoying their date nights, possibly relishing a child free moment to chat and eat at their own pace. Something I’ve learned I need at least once a week to keep my sanity!

With its white washed walls, chunky wooden furniture and fairy light covered ceilings, I felt like I had stepped in to a little countryside Inn. I also loved the hand tied table flowers that gave the setting such a personal, homely feel.

We were greeted with a warm welcome from the owner, Sandor, who was friendly and attentive to all guests who were both dining and arriving. 

Seated at our table we were quickly salivating over the quite simple menu. Deciding which cuts of beef to have, which sides and sauces and wether we wanted starters or dessert more. With me, if you put cheese as a starter or dessert, I’m going to want one. So we decided to share a baked Camembert. This was off their Specials board, not the main menu. 

We could hear this little beauty before we even saw it! A hot, bubbling bowl of deliciousness that was the perfect size for one, but maybe on the smaller size for sharing. But for greedy folk like me, it was just perfect to whet my appetite before the main event. I did feel that the salad garnish was not needed but loved the thick cuts of toast for dunking.

Opting for our favourite cut, both my husband and I ordered the 10oz rib eye. I adore this tender cut, with its rich marbling of fat, I’m always guaranteed a juicy steak and this one made no exception. Perfectly cooked at medium rare, this steak was well seasoned and beautifully chargrilled. With each steak comes a generous portion of triple cooked chips, grilled tomato, onion and a salad. For me personally, I found the chips to be quite an effort to eat. Roughly chopped  in shape, these are pretty hard to the outside and not so fluffy on the inside and didn’t soak up the meat juice like I’d expect a good chip to. I’m not a great fan of salad with my steak and did leave it this time but my husband seemed to enjoy his.

Feeling pretty stuffed and suffering from a case of meat sweats, we ploughed in regardless and ordered a dessert to share. A generous slice of ginger cheesecake from the Specials board was the perfect ending to our meal. 

**Disclaimer**

Our meal, although complimentary, was offered in return of a review. All opinions are my own. 

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.

The Jetty Bottomless Brunch

I don’t think there’s anything that can put a smile on my face more than the words ‘Bottomless Brunch’. Add to the fact this was coming from one of my favourite restaurants in Bristol, I knew I had to go!

Arriving on a particularly nippy Sunday morning, I was greeted with a smile and shown to a cosy booth with high backed sofa seats and was promptly offered a glass of Champagne as I waited for my other guests to arrive. If this was the way things were looking for the rest of brunch, I was in for a treat! 

My two friends arrived, again, offered some more Champagne and we got down to choosing who was having what first. With options varying from simple overnights oats and granola, classics such as Eggs Benedict and Full English to the more adventurous dishes like Maple glazed confit duck on waffles and bacon and maple syrup pancakes. I’m such a big fan of sweet and savoury foods so they were definitely on the cards! 

I started out with the Jetty’s own take on the Eggs Benedict, ‘Jetty Benny’ was avocado, poached eggs, crispy bacon and a beautiful Hollandaise sauce a top an crisp English muffin.

The pancakes were a big hit, my two favourite being the caramelised Apple and cinnamon cream and the bacon and maple syrup. 

The dishes were small and light, so that you could actually make the most of sampling your favourites from the menu without filling up too quickly. 

We decided to end our meal with a beautifully made Bloody Mary- I like mine spicy - And the duck waffles. This dish was one of my favourites of the morning but did feel that the skin was far too soft. Confit should always produce the crispiest of skins! 

The Jetty Bottomless Brunch was great value for money, costing £39.50 with Prosecco or Bloody Marys and £54 with Champagne or Espresso Martinis. Service runs from 12-4pm every Sunday at The Bristol Harbour Hotel

Felsons Cocktail Lounge and Stick Hall- Review

If I was to tell you there was a dedicated snooker and pool hall on Corn Street, would you know what I was talking about? No, neither did I!

Nestled above Walkabout on Corn St, you’ll find Felsons. A stick hall and cocktail bar. Spread out over 2 floors and 5 rooms- 2 of which can be hired privately, Felsons have a range of quality tables, dining areas, leather sofa’d booths, a well stocked cocktail bar and a great kitchen serving up all the best drinking matched food you could need. 

I arrived with my husband on a quiet Wednesday night but surprisingly Felsons was in full swing. With a few empty tables just waiting to be played on, I was surprised how laidback and un macho this place felt. No judging looks at this complete novice, this place was for just about anyone of any ability. 

The main floor was laid out with good quality but standard tables in a slightly industrial decor with art and graffiti adorning the walls. 

Next to the bar and lounge however was the premium tables and were of much higher class. 

Eddies Room, named after Eddie Felson himself, is one of two private lounges available. With a premium table, leather sofas, a 43’’ TV and bar/food tab for you and your party of up to 15.

And again, the Hustler Lounge providing a private space, ideal for parties. Giving you seclusion from the rest of the hall and has the bonus of having your own hostess. 

Whilst we were here, we got to sample a few of the amazing cocktails on offer. We chose a quiet spot, not too far from the bar, in a leather seated lounge area. I love that it had the atmosphere of a cocktail lounge without feeling overwhelmed by an over masculine or ‘sports’vibe. I could totally see this as the ‘wags’ area, great for chats over drinks whilst the men do the pool stuff. 

 Opting for something new, I couldn’t quite grasp my choice! 

The Corona-Rita! A classic Margarita with a whole bottle of Corona running through it! 

Having whetted our appetite with drinks, we then sampled some of the dishes on offer. 

With classics such as Loaded nachos, Crispy Chicken wings, Parmi chicken skewers, Sweetcorn Fritters with maple bacon, Beer battered onion rings, an array of wraps like the  Halloumi and avocado pictured here, loaded fries, an array of burgers, it’s clear that this deep fried lovers menu is perfect for pairing with your favourite tipple. It was great to see a good variation for vegetarians too. 

You can also find a range of great midweek deals and offers like this one we spotted. 

Be sure to check out the Felsons site before you visit to see any up to date offers. 

*DISCLAIMER*

I was invited to sample the menu and tour Felsons as a guest and all opinions are my own. 

Honest Burgers Bristol

Last week I headed down to Clare Street for a masterclass with Honest Burgers, the latest offering Bristol has in its forever expanding and competitive burger field. With owner Tom Barton,  proudly boasting that his burgers are the best in terms of quality in the UK, I knew I needed to try these for myself! 

After an intro from Tom about his journey from tiny stall holding, catering for friends and then in to the world of running a business, Honest Burgers is now a chain of 23 branches spanning the country. With some of the bigger burger chains failing to win over the ever loving independent market in Bristol, Honest Burgers has a lot to prove. 

During the earlier talk, we got to sample a solo patty. So tender that you could of cut it with a spoon-we didn’t! Seasoned at the point of cooking so no moisture was drawn out, you could taste the quality of the beef and the fat really sung out.

The restaurant itself was much like any other new restaurant here, using reclaimed wood, the mixture between long benches and comfy booths, instudial style lighting and light walls, it lets the food do the talking. 

The menu isn’t huge. With only 1 chicken and vegetarian option, the menu really focuses on the use of its (very good) beef patty. Using chopped chuck and rib cap and 20% fat in their patties ensure not only a juicy, flavoursome burger but they can also serve these medium rare due to being approved to do so due to high quality cuts of meat used.

All sauces and their rosemary chips are house made and all other produce are sourced locally. 

With a table full of hungry bloggers, we were given plates of chicken wings, onion rings and house sauces to try. 

When it came to choosing my burger, I went with The Bristol (£12.95) beef, Westcombe Dairy smoked cheddar and cheese curds, bacon, shoestring fries, white onion, cider gravy and pickles. What a beast!! 




As expected, the burger was superb! I loved the addition of the housemade pickles that cut through the meat and gave it a sharp crunch. The smoked cheese worked well with the saltiness of the bacon but sadly this meant I couldn’t really taste the cheese curds. Of course with this particular burger giving a nod to the classic poutine, I had high hopes for that expected cheesy squeak. 

All burgers came with a side of rosemary salted chips. They were the thick cut, skin on kind but possibly a little too salty for my taste. I couldn’t get enough of the side of cider and bacon gravy which was rich and deliciously sweet and I happily dunked anything I could in to it! 

It’s fair to say that Honest Burgers really did live up to the hype. Good, honest food without pretentious ingredients that left me feeling full up and satisfied. With the owners attitude, passion and knowledge, I really do hope they do well in Bristol. 

**Disclaimer**

Although I received my meal in return of a review, all opinions are my own.