The tale of two curry houses...

There are many things that I wanted to write about in the post exam period, a.k.a 'Christmas time!'. Alas, they can wait. I always try to give constructive criticism about restaurants and food experiences, but sometimes standards are so poor that I cannot help but warn you so that you do not waste your time, money or positive energy on certain products or establishments.

This weekend I had two restaurant based disappointments. Firstly, Sultan's Palace in Liverpool City Centre let me and a lovely group of healthcare professionals down. Dirty floors. Dirty glasses. Bubbling lassi (classic sweet/spiced Indian yoghurt based drink).Waiting almost 4 hours for a 2 course meal. Waiting staff stretching their whole bodies across the table to ensure we got the right curries. Such movements should be saved for Pilates and Yoga. There were few smiles and minimal concern about our dining experience. Plus, to top it off, the food in my opinion was rather mediocre. 5/10.

The second disappointment of the weekend was Cafe Sekander on Allerton Road, South Liverpool. In this establishment I saw something I had never seen before in a restaurant. A chef staggered down the stairs in flip flops into the kitchen(which didn't look ready for service whatsoever).He was followed by another member of staff who had a toothbrush topped with toothpaste behind his back on his way to the kitchen. THIS WAS NOT A GOOD LOOK. The expression on my Dad's face was absolutely priceless. Needless to say we did not partake in the devouring of curry there this weekend.

I don't like to sound too brutal, but I have been to both these restaurants before and had totally different experiences and tasty food in clean and cheery atmospheres. I have worked in an award winning curry house before and I can relate to some of the challenges that serving staff and chefs may face, but the service I experienced this weekend was inexcusable. First things first, brush your teeth at home!

If you fancy a curry in Liverpool this week, give these two places a miss. You could cook up a lovely one for family and friends for a fraction of the price.Plus I'm sure you would smile heartily at whoever eats you curried goodness and not stretch all over them without their consent. Failing that, you could place an order at Kebabish Original on Lodge Lane... I have a lot more to say about them. They won't be letting you down anytime soon. 

Bargain busters!

It's revision week for me and many other students across Scotland. What can boost our morale, nutritional intake and brain function...food!

I just did my last food shop of the semester with Tori... we got so many bargains! The majority of our food items cost between 9p and 22p. This included all butter croissants, apple pie, seeded bread, fresh watercress and rocket, butternut squash mix, free range eggs and more...

How do we do it?

Shop late and shop savvy. Use your imagination. Use your freezer. Don't be a slave to sell by dates.

Follow this and you can get healthy, tasty, bargains. Yellow stickers are your friend. There's absolutely no point being a food snob... sometimes it's just more fun being an 'el cheapo'!

The hens are happy, we're happy...

Just some of tonight's bargain shop

Save your money for the children...for breakfast?

When I started college at 16, I stopped eating breakfast regularly. It wasn't my parents fault. Many a time, my Mum had a toasted bagel with some sort of  jam or peanut butter on it to give me as I dashed through the door for my daily 'power walk' to catch my train.  I claimed  that 'I didn't have time'. My brother, however, is the biggest breakfast champion out there. He would NEVER start the working day without some sort of breakfast. On countless occasions, Sam has uttered those sensible words,"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." He's right. You'll be pleased to know I'm now a believer in breakfast and I even bake tea bread to share with my flatmates.

(59p bag of bread mix, free raisins, a dash of mixed spice, a cup of strong tea = enough  freshly baked tea bread for 6 and one happy Ana)

As a young child you are not responsible for making your own food choices. In my opinion, as a child you shouldn't be. Parents and guardians should be responsible for what they feed their growing children.  Recently, I was horrified to find out that in Great Britain 1 million children go to school without breakfast everyday. This angered me to know that in one of the most resourceful states in the world, children are not being fed adequately by their own families, let alone the longer term secondary impacts on a child's education.

In my mind, there is no excuse for hungry children in class at the very start of the school day. Only this week, I saw multiple loaves of bread for £0.05 this week. Even if you are on the tightest budget out there, 5p towards a child's breakfast is not much to ask. There is increasing support out there for families on tight budgets in the UK. In many parts of our world, the same options may seem like a pipe dream to some struggling parents.What it all comes down to is PRIORITIES. Do you feed your children or get a fix for your addiction? Do you feed your children or pay essential bills or fix much needed appliances in the home? I hope I never find myself in this position. There are genuine people working hard to make ends meet, but unfortunately, some children are suffering from straightforward neglect and parental laziness.

The question I ask you is, is it society's responsibility, the government's responsibility or just a families' responsibility to make sure children are fed properly. I would really appreciate more comments on this.

Thank you Trevor, Lynda et al who have already shared theirs with me.

Back with a bang

It seems like forever since The Rice Cooker got some much needed love and attention.
Alas, no more! I promise.

Just a little note, for those of us who sometimes almost let our pans go 'bang' on a semi-regular basis, here's a reminder to keep our 'bangs' limited to non-violent smoke free punchy flavours.

 

This sign may save lives

Levi Roots; cassava, shame and smiles

In my last post, I mentioned my excitement at almost seeing Levi Roots, the founder of  beloved Reggae Reggae sauce and  other products such as Reggae Reggae peanuts, pasties. On Saturday, I met him in the most awkward of circumstances.

Levi Roots was scheduled to do his cooking demonstration at the Liverpool Food and Drink Food Festival this Saturday, which he did. He started off with his signature song, which I essentially know by rote..." put some music in your food today, gimme some Reggae Reggae sauce...". Seeing Levi sing this live, was more than enough for me. He started cooking, with haddock, tomatoes, a mixes of Caribbean spices, avocado and obviously, sassily poured Reggae Reggae Sauce. During the demonstration, he was being interviewed, sharing his life experiences with us and his journey from his normal life from his flat in Brixton to running the most prominent Carribean food brand in the UK within 6 years.

The demo carried on. All nice, all good. I was bursting with excitement, although I must admit we had a quick food break as we were not going to let hypoglycemia blur such a positive experience. On our return, Levi started a competition of  'Guess what this food is and you can win a prize!' WOW. In his hand, on a snazzy stage, in front of at least two hundred people he held an object ; a cassava.  It's also commonly known as yuca and manioc. In my heart I knew the answer. I shouted out. My friend Carrie said I could be a bit louder, so naturally I raised my voice. He looked at me. I thought I had won! Joy of joys! I walked down from the back, to the stage to collect my hard won cassava.

The awkwardness started after taking the cassava, people started laughing and clapping. How nice! As I made my way back to my space, I realised, the prize was not the cassava, but a sachet of Reggae Reggae sauce or Reggae Reggae peanuts that Levi already had given to another member of the audience. I was mortified. With Carrie by my side, we went around the side of the tent to give the cassava back. Minimal fuss was intended. I put in on the stage, apologised to the presenter and intended to leave. At that moment, Levi saw my shame, told me it was okay, kissed the cassava and gave it back to me. Relieved and honoured, we left quickly, to the sound of more clapping and laughter. Carrie kindly hid the cassava in her bag, whilst I cried with laughter and a hint of embarrassment.

 Returning the cassava

 Levi Roots giving me the cassava 

Leaving the tent with my famous cassava

 Carrie having a shot with the cassava safe at home

Basking in light with the best prize ever

This all true. There are witnesses. Ask Carrie. Ask Ursula or about two hundred

 others.

Here ends the tale of Levi Roots; cassava, shame and smiles.

Vegan cake and whistles

I used to be very skeptical of vegan cookery. Honestly, I was. Until about 3 years ago. I'm definitely not vegan. As my friends will tell you I ate fistfuls of  Filipino and Portuguese grilled chicken on bank holiday weekend. However, I have great respect for those who regularly cook delightful meat free, tasty vegan food, whether it be thali from Juicy Jones in Barcelona or chocolatety mud pie cakes.

Whilst staying in Hackney, London for a long weekend, I visited Stoke Newington Farmers' Market, where I sampled a range of organic raw milk products, met Hackney Growing Communities and came across Yam the Cassava's, Global Fusion Vegan Creole Bakery. We enjoyed many samples at Global Fusion's stall; coconut soda bread, banana bread and mango and linseed soda bread. After much deliberation (because they tasted so good), I bought a mango and linseed cake. Before leaving their stall and asking a fair few questions, we had to do one last thing; eat the remains from the sold out chocolate mud pie.

Self explanatory 

We did this 

Mango and Linseed vegan organic goodness

Outside the stall with legendary fritters and cake

On Sunday afternoon, we headed to Nottinghill Carnival for children's day. Apart from inventing back pack dancing and sharing it with the general public, whilst blowing my whistle with great enthusiasm, we also had some hearty food such as curry goat and rice from Kensington Temple and barbecued chicken with sweet chili sauce from the Filipino church group near St Johns Gardens. However, the thing that excited me the most that day, even more than thinking I'd spotted Levi Roots, was getting an actual slice of mud pie at Global Fusion's stall near Portabello Market. I got to meet the magnificent Colga Parker, Global Fusion's founder and learn more about her motivation behind her mainly organic, vegetarian and vegan repertoire. It may sound corny, but you can taste that a lot of time and dedication in her food.

Sadly, Colga is hoping to retire within the next couple of years, so if you want a slice, or an entire cake of her fabulous products, you have to do it soon. Keep your eyes peeled, you can find Global Fusion anywhere from Glastonbury festival to local farmers' markets across London.

On Sunday we got our hands on this..oh yes...

PPDM

Inspiration for this blog comes from all kinds of places. Today, approximately 45 minutes ago inspiration came from one of my Mum's kitchen cupboards. It didn't leap out at me, but it came. I found a pack of uncooked poppadom discs,whilst having a look for tasty dairy free crisp like snacks. Even though this pack of poppadoms were 'best before' 2009, they still tasted as crunchy as ever and even fresher than some that I've tasted from any South Asian restaurant.

What has flash frying poppadoms discs for 3-4 seconds either side taught me this evening? My poppadom vs crisps list will show you.

1. Poppadoms are very cheap. A medium sized pack of poppadoms only cost us 45p. In many parts of the UK, 45p cannot even get you one packet of crisps!
2. After a while, crisps can become flat and flaccid. Poppadoms are almost eternal. Just like rice, beans, flour etc. I don't really believe in best 'before dates'. Just use your own judgement.  
3. Poppadoms are quick to make. After your oil is heated, you only need 8 seconds to rock your own world.
4. Poppadoms can be spelt in various ways. Pappadom. Papadum. Popadum. Crisps aren't as lexically flexible.
5. Poppadoms are great for those with food allergies. There are no secretly added cream powders, acidity regulators or dubious e-numbers. The pack I used only had 5 ingredients, urid flour (black gram flour), rice flour, salt, calcium carbonate and vegetable oil. Simples.
6. Poppadoms are amazing with a variety of dips. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for all crisps.

So, if you're looking for something crunchy, with simple ingredients, that's ready in seconds, poppadoms are for you. If you buy pre-fried supermarket bought stuff, prepare to be disappointed.

I will certainly be buying some poppadom discs to fry up for my new flat mates. 

Take it away!

Things have been a tad hectic recently!

So, after a busy week, instead of cooking, my parents and I decided to get a takeaway. This turned out to be quite interesting deciding what to get. We hardly ever get pizza, so pizza was out. I didn't really fancy Chinese food. In addition to this, our usual Thai place doesn't deliver and they have changed chef recently - which wasn't a good move in my opinion.

Eventually, I saw a really interesting menu, which happened to be an eatery from Singapore. I also found another takeaway menu from France, not to mention the takeaway menus for takeaways that have closed down.

After much deliberation, we decided on a new Persian BBQ house. I had forgotten the name and the phone number for it, so thanks to Google street maps and it's zoom facilities, I found the number. Unfortunately, somebody forgot my portion of tzatziki among other things. However, I will give them another chance and update you all on that at some point.

I don't know anyone who has a tidy takeaway drawer! Therefore, the moral of this story is SORT OUT YOUR TAKEAWAY DRAWER! Trust me. I would never give you bad  food advice.

...Sahara...

I've had quite a few foodie experiences of late, so I wasn't sure what to start of with this month.

Lebanese will do.

This week I finally got to go to Sahara, a Lebanese restaurant in Arrad Street. 3rd time lucky. Unfortunately on my previous attempts it was closed.

Strangely, I wasn't overly hungry when Aimee, Danny and met. We ordered drinks, Lebanese mint tea with one suitably sophisticated cup, Aimee's choice, mango juice and milkshakes. Although I didn't have a milkshake, I've been asked to add they were mighty fine.

I felt slightly dissapointed by Sahara. Maybe because I had hyped up my expectations and we were early bird dinners, which is unusual for us. I also felt that there wasn't a clear distinction between these Lebanese dishes and other  generic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours . That being said, the Hummous Bil Laham (hummus topped with seasoned lamb and pine nuts) was deceptively good. I've had some hummus in my time, but this was light, flavourful and smooth. Although the bowl it came in looked small, the portion was very generous. That dish alone deserves 9/10, but unfortunately one starter cannot speak for the whole experience or the pleasantly warm yet not so sticky Baklava.

I'd recommend trying Sahara for few starters with friends before a main meal or drinks in another vicinity. I'd definitely pop in for a quick Hummous Bil Laham again.

Kensington Market

On a recent trip to Toronto, I discovered Kensington Market, with the help of a travel guide, Jay and Linda and my Mum's perseverance in finding it ( I almost gave up!) Although, I have not been to Kensington Market in London, England, I have a gut feeling that it is distinctly different to it's namesake in Ontario's capital city.

My preferred market is filled with almost any kind of food you could wish for. I was very tempted to buy maize mix and latino cheese, but I was too scared about customs seizing the maize blend that Noelle introduced me to in our favourite Menorquin locutorio (communication centre). I did buy 'Doubles' though. For years, a Trinidadian family friend,Charles, has been telling me how amazing they are. Now I know. Doubles consist of 2 slightly spiced flat breads (bara) generously filled with chickpeas in a rich curry sauce (channa). It's cheap and tasty, and I have been assured you can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, something which I have no objection to whatsoever.

Apart from a range of international eateries and bakeries, such as Hungary Thai and The Patty King, there is also a range of boutiques, second hand shops, green grocers and even a dentist in the market. If you aren't lured in by fresh empanadas and just get the feeling that you want to eat everything in sight, you can just nip across to Chinatown to its Chinese bakeries or whatever else you fancy.

Unfortunately, I heard only last week, that Toronto City Council intends to close the historic market area down, which is spread over a few street.  This is due to health and safety hazards in the area, as well as the promise of a large new supermarket. If this goes ahead, it would not only be a tragedy for all the businesses and their staff, but it would be culturally damaging to Toronto. Where else is anyone going to blast 70's inspired Ghanaian soul music, in Ga and Twi, over a green grocers shop opposite a roti wrap cafe? My answer: absolutely nowhere. I will be keeping tabs on the situation of Kensington Market and its alternative car garden.

 

This alien agrees with me that the market should stay open.

Tasty Sweetheart

I love spreading the word about 'new' places that I discover. I had walked past the Sweetheart Bakery on Renshaw Street (near Lime Street Station) in Liverpool many times before I went in. I finally went in with my friend Dec, when we were in need of a pre-lunch snack before our Lebanese lunch this Easter. It was that day that I discovered the fabulous combination of char siu (cantonese style barbecued pork) and slightly sweet bread buns.

Currently, the Sweetheart Bakery is the only Chinese bakery in Liverpool, having opened in 2011. The bakery makes sweet and savoury combos like rolls filled with pineapple and char siu, as well as plain sweet buns, like the 'extra creamy' buns and pineapple and butter buns. If you fancy something more savoury, the pork floss and spring onion rolls are grand too, but still a bit sweet. Other popular buns are hotdog and cheese and ham and spring onion. Don't worry if you don't like pork - there are lots of options. All of the buns are under £2.00 and you can see the chef making the dough in the back! If you speak Cantonese, you can have a wee chat directly, if not the helpful assistant will translate for you.

If you're in Liverpool city centre and you feel like something quick, sandwich-like (but not a sandwich) and you only have a handful of change,the Sweetheart Bakery is worth paying a visit. Or you can just go anytime,  pick up a brightly coloured 'Hello Kitty' tray and tongs and get started.

!Viva Mexico!

Two days ago was Mexican Independence day! Three belated cheers for Mexico! I’m not going to get into the politics that surrounds ex-colonial nations finally becoming recognised states – that’s for another day.

Here’s my take on Viva Mexico, “Edinburgh’s Original and most authentic Mexican Restaurant”.

Last week, Noelle, my amiga americana, and I were looking for lunch in the Royal Mile area of Edinburgh. We were so hungry, we could have eaten a scabby horse (a Liverpudlian phrase). We walked up the street and I said “Viva Mexico”. Noelle smiled. We went in.

I picked from a set menu lunch plan – the kind that runs out around 4pm, not 2.30.  For only £8.50, you get  cheese nachos or sonoras (refried beans with classic Mexican trimmings) and sopa de tortilla, plus whatever you actually order. I like good quality food, but I also like bargains.

We had fish tacos and pork in salsa verde enchiladas.  Both served hot – unfortunately, this is not a given in many eateries. The pork was soft and there was just enough salsa verde surrounding the pork, which generously filled the enchilada. The soup was spicy and deceptively filling, although it came in a small bowl. If you’re not too keen on spice, if you let the staff know I’m sure they’d accommodate you. They seemed nice like that. I’d never had sopa de tortilla before, but Noelle, having lived in Mexico had assured me it was good stuff.

 My only disappointments were that there was no Hibiscus flower water available, but the replacement horchata (made from rice milk, sugar and spices) was really creamy. It was so delicious; Noelle smiled even more and ordered two. The other slight disappointment was the music, as many of the ‘Latino tunes’ were exactly the same as the ones we had danced to the night before. Not everyone likes to listen to Pitbull when they’re eating.

So, if you’re looking for some homemade style, classy comfort food, which doesn’t skimp on the sour cream, Mexican authenticity or service, go to Viva Mexico on Cockburn Street in bonnie Edinburgh. You won’t regret it.

Lemon slice intro

When I was a child, there were many jobs I wanted to have, including a vet, a lawyer, a millionaire and a food critic. Also, when I was a child, the internet in our house was dial-up and you were paying for it by the minute. Faffing around on the internet was limited by my parents (as it should be with children). However, now, as every blogger and social network user knows, the internet is HUGE and anyone and their grandma can put anything on here!

As a 21 year old, there are still many career paths I may end up perusing, but whatever happens being a foodie is not something that will be shelved. I might never get paid for it, but that is not the point, as my fellow foodie friends know. Food is a necessity. A joy. A gift. However, it can be a poison, a problem and quite literally the death of you.

Life hits you with a plethora of reality checks, when you don’t want them but I thank God for the twisted kick they can often give you. When life gives you lemons, you can make lemonade, lemon drizzle cake, Roobios tea, sticky lemon chicken or lighten your hair with lemon juice. The choice is yours.

I’m actually allergic to citrus fruits, but I’m quite happy to make a virtually lemon sprinkled food for thought, lunch/dinner suggestions and comments on food and maybe even inedible things...

It’s not always the time to eat, but it’s always the time to write.