Lunch At Yard & Coop Liverpool | Just Add Ginger

A few weeks ago, I was struck down with hand foot and mouth disease. After a really shitty week of isolation, hardly any sleep, skin that I wanted to tear off my body, and generally feeling sorry for myself, to say I had cabin fever was an absolute understatement! So in order to get some semblance of normalcy back, and to say thank you to Ryan for being an absolute hero for putting up with me and looking after me, I decided to take us to Yard & Coop as a bit of a lunchtime treat one Saturday. 

Yard & Coop has been top of the list of places I've wanted to try out since before Christmas. I was actually invited down to an event there in December but due to a combination of work and a family birthday I was unable to attend. But their menu stuck with me, and as a big fan of anything battered and chicken-y, I just knew I had to head down there at some point and see if the food tasted as good as it sounded.

Heading down the stairs to the main restaurant space, I was really impressed with how aesthetically pleasing everything was. Set in what looked like an old warehouse, the industrial-style fixtures and original building features made for an intimate and cosy atmosphere, which was added to by the inclusion of a designated "Coop" booth seating area towards the back of the restaurant. 

After spending most of the previous evening perusing the menu, there was no doubt about what I wanted to order. But with such a wide variety of dishes from which you could choose, Ryan asked for some guidance from one of the front of house team. With all dishes under £20, light bites, large plates and salads to sample, I think for a first-time visit it is definitely worth getting some input as to what some of the staff's recommendations are. If you're as indecisive as me, you could be sat there for a long time otherwise.

Fortunately, with choices narrowed down, we ordered quickly and waited for our food to arrive. At the time we went to Yard & Coop, it was relatively quite, and service was really prompt - something I was incredibly grateful for (don't cross a hangry heavily pregnant woman)! 

Deciding to try something a bit different, I opted for the "Not chicken nuggets" (aka crumb coated halloumi) with chips, a side of Mamma Mia sauce, and slaw. The only thing that was a little frustrating when it came to ordering was the selection of sauces. In between mega spicy ones, ones containing ingredients I can't have, and BBQ based options, choices were a tad limited. But this is no fault of Yard & Coop, and entirely circumstantial. (If I wasn't up the duff I would have nailed that blue cheese sauce!) Ryan went for the boneless thigh, chips and both Bourbon BBQ and Blue Cheese sauce coupled with a cheeky Gamma Ray. 

I think it's testament to how good a plate of food is if you get totally engrossed in eating and ignore everything else around you. And for the first few minutes this was definitely us. We must have looked like a right anti-social pair, but the food was just so delicious neither of us could help it. My haloumi came out hot, creamy and melt-in-the-mouth and really hit the spot, whilst Ryan boldly commented that the chicken was some of the best he has ever had. Of course with such a statement I had to have a nibble and it was really delicious - the perfect blend of succulent meat and crunchy crumb - definitely something I need to order for myself next time! 

I was really impressed with the portion size. It was perfect for lunchtime, and comfortably filling. Yeah, sure, I couldn't quite finish everything, but I'd rather that than to be left wanting. And I think for anyone else, the plate size would be perfect. Forever on the lookout for a new and affordable place to stop by when we're in town, where you always get bang for your buck, Yard & Coop definitely made it to one of the top spots. 

Even though our bellies were full, we just couldn't leave without having at least some kind of dessert. It was my duty as a food lover and blogger and a sacrifice that just had to be made! Deciding to be sensible and share, we opted for an Oreo milkshake. Incredibly smooth, without those annoying bits that clog up your straw, and undeniably more-ish, this was the perfect way to round off our meal. So involved in polishing off our shake we didn't even realise there had been a mix-up and we'd actually been given a Nutella one instead. It didn't bother us at all (we hadn't even noticed the difference in flavour) but it was lovely that the staff were so apologetic and willing to make us a new one. 

So, would I head back to Yard & Coop? Oh yes! I think the concept is just brilliant - the blend of chicken dishes and a super-cool setting make for a really refreshing change to our usual L1 haunts, and it's great knowing there'll always be something on the menu that I want to eat. And with a range of affordable dishes (I think the most expensive is £15.00) there is something to suit all budgets, whether for lunch, light bites or dinner. 

For more details about Yard & Coop, head over to their website. Headed there already? Let me know what your favourite dish was in the comments.

25 Food Question Tag | Just Add Ginger

It's no secret that I absolutely adore my food. I love cooking it. I love eating it. I love going out to restaurants to sample it. Put a plate of food in front of me, and I am one happy girl. Last week when we were away, I put on 5lbs....5lbs! Yes, as soon as the wedding dress came off, the bridal diet was well and truly over!

I found the 25 Food Questions Tag whilst searching online and knew I just had to give it a go. If you are as passionate about food as I am, then TAG you're it....it's your turn to have a go next!

1. What's your favourite breakfast?

I go through phases, but at the moment it would either be chocolate porridge, banana and yoghurt, or smashed avocado on toast. I've just discovered avocado, and am literally obsessed!

2. How do you drink your coffee?

With a splash of milk. I used to be one for having all the syrups, but now I like keeping it simple.

3. What's on your favourite sandwich?

Hmmm...that's a tough one. I have a love/hate relationship with bread, and don't really eat a lot of sandwiches any more. But if I had to pick something it would be mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, chopped tomatoes and pesto.

4. Soup or Salad? 

Soup. There's nothing like a big hearty bowl of soup on a cold day or to have as the ultimate comfort food. Spiced parsnip is my favourite!

5. What's your favourite cookbook? 

I'm a really big Jamie Oliver fan. And his Ministry Of Food cookbook is brilliant. I know how to cook several dishes in there by heart and they always hit the spot.

6. No more sweets or no more hearty food? 

Do I really have to choose? Really? Oh gosh this is such a tough decision. I guess if "sweets" means desserts then I'd have to get rid of them. I love my puddings, but nothing beats big dishes of hearty, home-cooked food.

7. What's your favourite cuisine (country?) 

Italian or Indian. It's a tough call. I love them both.

8. What's your favourite food movie? 

Chocolat....Johnny Depp and chocolate. Is there any better a combination?

9. What's your most guilty pleasure? 

There's a dessert at our favourite restaurant that I just love. Every time we go there I order it, even if I'm full. And I once ate two in one sitting. At home though it's a big mug of hot chocolate...delicious!

10. What's your greatest inspiration source? 

Watching Masterchef. I watch it every year and after it's finished that's when my passion for food goes in to overdrive. Watching Ryan cook is fascinating too. He has such a palette and isn't afraid to try anything. I really wish I was more like that.

11. Cooking at home or going out to dinner? 

A bit of both. Home-cooked food is amazing, but going out is such a treat, and something I really look forward to.

12. High end or low profile? 

If this is in terms of restaurants I like to sample both. I love supporting local businesses, so visit both family-style, or one off restaurants and high flyers. I learn a lot from both and always appreciate the food. 

13. What's your favourite restaurant? 

Yukti. Every time.

14. I do my grocery shopping at...? 

Tesco mainly, with a few visits to Asda every so often.

15. The tastiest food I've ever eaten was...? 

Again, this is a really difficult question, and one that's so hard to answer. I can't say there has been one dish that has surpassed all others, but I was blown away by a sea bass dish I had at Bill's last weekend. It was divine!

16. What's your favourite cocktail? 

Basil Grande. They are quite difficult to come by so as soon as I spot one on a cocktail menu I order it.

17. Coffee with George Clooney or Heston Blumenthal? 

Has to be Heston - I'd love to pick his brain and learn more about him as a chef. I think he's fantastic.

18. What should not be missing in your kitchen? 

Herbs and spices. I'm not the most confident at experimenting but I love adding things to make dishes extra tasty.

19. What's your favourite snack? 

Depending on how I feel, either some cheeky chocolate biscuits, crisps, or cheese and crackers.

20. What's on your pizza? 

Same as my sandwich - mozzarella, pesto, basil and tomato.

21. What food do you really dislike? 

There are a few. I really can't stand celery, radishes, marzipan, cherry liquor, and anything pickled!

22. What's your favourite food blog? 

She doesn't write exclusively about food, but I do like watching Niomi Smart's food videos on YouTube. Everything looks so delicious and colourful.

23. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten? 

Sheep testicle. I didn't realise what it was, and I really thought it was yummy. 

24. What's on your food bucket list? 

I'd love to go to a really high end restaurant to eat. There's no food item on my bucket list really. I love being curious and discovering things as I go.

25. I couldn't live without...? 

Chocolate. Or cheese. Both hold a pretty big place in my heart,

Fancy having a go at this tag? Leave your links or answers in the comments!

Bet you're feeling hungry now, aren't ya? 

Tapas For Tea at Lunya | Just Add Ginger

I am quite a "picky" eater. Not in terms of me being fussy. On the contrary, I'm far from that, but more in the way I eat. I'd much rather have lots of bits of food I can nibble on than a big meal, especially when I'm meeting up with friends. So when Sarah suggested we meet up and go to Lunya, my taste-buds were instantly ignited. Having been to the restaurant a few times before, I knew that choosing the dishes I wanted was not going to be a problem.

Each selecting three dishes from the menu, we sat back, and waited for our food to arrive. Mixing the familiar with the more unknown, we chose Salt Fish Sliders, Croquetas, Cabrales (a very strong blue cheese,) Cauliflower Bunuelos (deep friend cauliflower,) Black pudding, and Piquillo Pepper Hummus. (Apologies for not being more specific with the dishes, but I can't seem to re-find them online!)

The black pudding was unquestionably one of my favourite, and something which, to be honest, I'm surprised I hadn't ordered before. Cooked to perfection, melt-in-the-mouth and accompanied by onions and peppers, it was flavourful without being too heavy, which is something you don't really want as part of a tapas dish. 

The salt cod sliders came in second place in competition for my foodie affections. I was a little scared that the fish might be like whitebait (which I am really not a fan of,) but it was deliciously light, and I almost wish there had been more than just one to have each. 

The bunuelos and the croquetas added that crunchy element to the meal which I love. We did not ask as to what flavour the croquetas were, but they did remind me of the bitterballen that Boyfriend and I sampled in The Netherlands. 

The only dishes that left me a little perplexed were the hummus and the cabrales. On the menu it stated that the dishes included pastry cases but when they arrived, the dips were plated alongside what seemed more like mini bread sticks, with no apparent filling. It wasn't enough to raise the confusion with a member of staff, but it certainly left me a bit confused because it was unexpected. The lack of pastry did disappoint me a little, and I don't think I would order either of the two dishes again. Aside from my love-hate relationship with bread, it was too similar to something I could make for myself at home.

Whether it's somewhere to rest your weary feet after a day's shopping and enjoy a glass of sangria, for date nights or dinner with friends, it's definitely worth giving Lunya a try. With a vast menu and warm atmosphere, there's definitely something to please everyone. 

For more information, or to peruse the menu, click here. 

#AtoZChallenge / Chilli Con Carne Revisited

I first posted my favourite way to cook chilli con carne back in 2012. It is by far one of my favourite comfort foods to cook, and because of late, I have been trying to eat really healthily, I wanted to share my revamped version.

Firstly, I put a very small amount of olive oil in to a wok or frying pan. To the oil I add a sprinkle of all the spices I want to use: smoked paprika, paprika, coriander, cumin, fennel seeds and sometimes a pinch of cinnamon and chilli powder. The amount is purely to taste, but I like my flavours really strong so add quite a fair amount of each spice. 

After letting the wok get hot (*poetry alert,*) I throw in a pack of lean turkey mince. Turkey mince is a great alternative to beef mince and much less fatty, so great if you are on a health kick. I let the turkey start to brown, and then add one diced red onion. Once the turkey has started to turn golden, I drain one can of kidney beans and one can of chickpeas, followed by a handful of diced mushrooms. You can add some chopped peppers too, but this time I chose to keep it really simple I stir this regularly until all the turkey is completely golden, the kidney beans and chickpeas soft and the mushrooms tender. 

After checking to make sure my turkey mince is cooked, I add one can of chopped tomatoes and a few glugs of mushroom ketchup for added flavour, and extra spices to taste. You could also try adding some chopped ginger or garlic too, but sometimes it's nice t keep the ingredients really simple. I used to sometimes use one of those packets of chilli con carne spices, but now I just make my own spice concoction, just because then I know what's going in to my food. 

I let the chilli simmer on a low heat for about ten minutes until the sauce has thickened, then plate up. I don't cook rice to go with it so instead either sprinkle some grated cheese on top, or some fried onions for extra crunch. (I love the French's French Fried Onions!) 

If you've got a favourite comfort food, please share it in the comments. I'd love to know what meals  everyone else loves to eat!

The Healthy Ginger: A Day in Meals

A Day in Meals. From Left: Morning Coffee. Muesli. Chocolate Treat. Lunch. Water Cup (Paperchase.) BBQ Pasta

Morning

Because I get up quite early to head off to work, I don't usually feel like eating anything until my first shift is over. So instead, to keep me ticking over, and to ensure that I do not get grumpy, I have to have a cup of coffee. I like the Nescafe Vanilla Cappuccino sachets because they go super-frothy when mixed with water, give me a caffeine boost and taste delicious. 

This will be my first and last coffee of the day, so I make sure I sip it slowly. Because I have recently enforced a coffee ration on myself, if I need a pick-me-up during the day, I'll have a green tea (I drink Twinings Earl Grey Green Tea.)  This gives me a little bit of a boost if I need it, but doesn't make me over-caffeinated 

After I've come home from work - and if I haven't had breakfast with my work colleague - I will have a bowl of Dorset Cereals muesli. I add in golden linseeds for added crunch. 

Mid-morning 

If I;m feeling a little bit peckish around midday, and I've been particularly healthy over the course of the week, I will treat myself to a chocolate fix. I know that from experience if I deprive myself of chocolate for too long I will eat loads of it all in one go, and feel completely rubbish afterwards. But a little hot of chocolate every few days is enough to keep me going. 

Lunch 

When it comes to what I eat at lunchtime, it completely depends on the day. If we have leftovers from ea the night before, I will eat those up, but if not, I'll make myself a sandwich or some pasta (unless of course I;m out, in which case I'll pick up lunch wherever I am. I will usually try and incorporate some fruit. At the moment I am obsessed with citrus fruits. 

Lunchtime is usually the point where I make sure I drink lots of water. Sometimes as work in the afternoon, I'm so busy that I forget to keep myself hydrated, so by drinking a few large glasses of water after I've eaten, this keeps me from getting a headache or starting to feel lethargic.

Tea Time

Boyfriend is an absolute superstar and normally takes on the role as Head Chef. Our dinner (or tea as I now say) will usually have lots of veggies (mushrooms & peppers are a must in our house) and some kind of accompanying sauce. We buy meat in bulk so normally defrost what we need beforehand. Boyfriend is really good at coming up with his own creations, so the recipes/meals are either made up on the spot, or ones that have been tried and tested before. 

Sometimes after tea, if I'm feeling tired, or need a bit of a treat, I will have something. I don't deprive myself of anything. I listen to what my body is telling me, and if I'm really craving something, I'll have a little bit of it. Usually it's chocolate, hot chocolate, or some kind of cake. A small portion of yummy, but oh so cheeky dessert is enough to see me through. 

And yes.....at the weekends I do sneak in my glass of red! 

Got any good recipes or healthy diet tips & tricks? Please share them in the comments below!

The NO-vember Challenge 2013

Winter has always been my favourite time of year. 

The nights get colder, the skies get darker, and there is just a general sense of excitement and festivity in the air that you don't really get at any other time of the year. 

With Winter also comes scrummy comfort food. And scrummy comfort food is the kind of food that I find it really hard to say "No" to.

So, I decided that for the month of November, I'm going to have a bit of a detox and create a challenge for myself...

The NO-vember Challenge

For a whole month (or longer if I think I can manage it,) I will be challenging myself to eradicate all my little vices from my diet. I will be taking out all: 

Chocolate 

Takeaway 

Alcohol

Cake/Biscuits

Sweets 

No doubt that this ill be a particularly challenging challenge (haha) for me, but I know that having a month off in the build up to the festivities of Christmas will do me the world of good. 

For the month of November I'll be posting more recipe ideas and updates on my NO-vember progress

Boyfriend is going to help me through this challenge, and if you would like to take part too, leave a comment below and we can help support each other. 

Feel free to save the NO-vember Challenge image above and add it to a challenge post relating to what you are giving up (but don't forget to link back to me.) 

Good Luck! 

Blogtember 2013: If I were a Rich Girl

I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to challenge myself as a blogger. 

Sometimes, it's so easy for life to take over from writing. Especially when there are other things that need to be done during the day. I sometimes feel really inspired to write when I'm doing other things, and then when I'm free to write, all motivation goes flying out the window, and I end up half-asleep on the sofa. 

I found The Blogtember Challenge over at Story of my Life and I simply could not let the opportunity for a challenge pass me by. So, henceforth, September shall be a month of being an ultimate blogger! (Follow the link if you want to join in too!) 

I missed yesterday's topic, but today's (4th September) is: 

"If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, 

what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)"

There is no question about what I would do.... And of course, I'd have to be pretty rich to be able to take 3 months off. So with that in mind, and a huge amount of funds at my disposal, this is what I'd do...

....Travel To The Places I Love! 

Starting first of course, with a first class flight over to de Efteling in The Netherlands. 

It is by far the most amazing place on Earth for me. I have such fond and happy memories there, and just being in the grounds of this amazing places makes me feel all giddy and lit-up inside. 

I'd go on all the rides at least 3 times, eat in every restaurant/cafe, load my camera up with photographs and my suitcase up for souvenirs. I'd have to stay in the Efteling hotel, and would take Boyfriend along with me for the trip. I'm always talking about Efteling and how much I love it, so I think it's really important I take him to share in this experience with me. 

After my stay at Efteling, I'd hop on a private jet and fly straight to Australia 

I have only ever been to Australia once, in 2005, to visit my Auntie and my cousin who live out there. I'd fly out to Perth to see them first, then fly over to Falls Creek to visit my friend, who is currently out there. I'd stay for a month, eat amazing food, drink wine, and spend time with lots of lovely people before learning how to snowboard and ski one-handed! 

And then, for the last month of my adventure, I'd get on my jet and fly to 

NEW YORK CITY 

I've already been there twice, but New York is one of those places I could go back to over and over again and not get bored. I love it there....the atmosphere...the people..the food...all of it just makes me so happy! 

I'd stay right next to Central Park, drink Cosmopolitans, eat at fancy restaurants every night, and finish off the trip with a visit to the Louboutain shop to buy myself my dream pair of shoes! 

I'd spend days wandering around Central Park, sitting on rocks, reading books in the sunshine, and taking in the sights. 

I wouldn't go alone either. I'd make sure all my closest girliefriends came with me. We'd go near Christmas of course so that we could see all the amazing Christmas decorations and soak in the festive atmosphere!

So there you have it. With unlimited funds and the option to go wherever I wanted, and do anything, this is what I would do. 

They do say home is where the heart is.

Ahhh...

....If I were a rich girl.....

Ginger's Jollies: Hanover Street Social

I am really lucky. I am in a position in the job I have where I get great holidays. I have had nearly 5 weeks off over the Summer, and it has been lovely having the time off to just recuperate, get on top of my college work (I'm studying for Playwork Level 3,) and have some time for rest and relaxation after a crazy last term (if you haven't guessed yet, I work in the Education/Childcare sector.) 

Whilst I've been having lots of time off, Boyfriend has been at work. So I wanted to take him out for a surprise night out/meal, just as a bit of light relief away from all the stress. I'd never been to the Hanover Street Social before, and nearly always go past it when I'm in town, so it seemed like the perfect place to take him. 

Our bubbly treat

The inside of the restaurant was really beautiful. There were candles on every table, and the lighting really set a romantic and relaxed atmosphere. The décor was really understated and cool, and the moment you stepped inside, you just felt relaxed and comfortable. Our waiter was really friendly and smiley too, and let us take our time in looking over the menu, which just added to the general feeling of calm and relaxation of the restaurant.

I had tried to decide what I wanted to eat before we went out, but of course, as is custom with me, when we arrived at the restaurant and saw the menu, I changed my mind. It all looked too delicious for words. So as an aperitif while we looked over the menu, I ordered us a glass of prosecco each. It's kind of become a dinner tradition to have one at the start of the meal, and this one didn't disappoint! 

For my starter, I ordered beef spring rolls with hoi sin sauce. I'd never heard of having beef and hoi sin as a combination before, so wanted to see how the flavours worked together. 

My Beef Spring Rolls

The portion size was amazing. There I was thinking that I'd get a few dainty spring rolls sitting on my plate, and BOOM, I was hit with a plate of beefy goodness. (My mouth is watering just looking at the picture I took.) There wasn't any fault I could make about the spring rolls...they were jam-packed with beef, the pastry was crispy and melt-in-the-mouth, and the hoi sin dipping sauce was the perfect accompaniment. I really appreciated the presentation on the plate (well, board) too. It was really rustic-looking and down to earth and let the food do all the talking. 

Boyfriend's black pudding starter. Sorry the photo is a bit blurry....I was a bit excited to start eating. ha

Boyfriend had the Grilled Stornoway black pudding on potato hash with poached egg and grain mustard sauce to start. 

Oh my goodness! 

I'm not over-exaggerating when I say it was to die for! The dish was so visually appealing, the egg was cooked to perfection, the potato was crispy and gorgeous, and the black pudding.....Soft and rich and succulent, scrummy and sensationally beautiful. I've only recently discovered black pudding, and I honestly don't know where I've been. This starter was the black pudding of champions. And it took all my willpower not to go in for another bite. 

Then, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it was time for the main course...

My slow roasted belly pork. How beautiful does this look?

As a main course, I had chosen the slow roasted belly pork with Stornoway black pudding, apple and ginger puree, cabbage, bacon and sage jus. 

When it comes to food, presentation means a lot to me. If a dish looks beautiful, it sets the whole premise of the food itself. And my main was absolutely stunning. I had also completely forgotten that the pork came with black pudding as well, so I got a nice surprise when I slid my knife into the meat and found it gently resting on top of the belly pork! 

It really was a testament t how well the belly was cooked when I cut through it with just my fork (I can't use a knife and fork at the same time.) The flavour was absolutely gorgeous, and I don't really think I could have been more engrossed in eating a plate of food. The black pudding in particular was an absolutely sensational addition to the main. 

I am definitely a black pudding fanatic after this visit! 

Boyfriend's "blue" steak.

Blurry photo alert! Think I was too anxious to get chomping.

As his main, Boyfriend had the steak, and ordered it "blue" with the sauce bearnaise. I'm not a huge fan of ultra-rare steak, but I did have a bite (I just had to,) and it was a really beautifully cooked steak. I think Boyfriend really appreciated the fact that the chips came in their own separate container. 

Eating our mains was the longest stretch of silence out of the whole evening. In my eyes, that's a clear sign that the food was impeccable. When you;re too busy enjoying your meal to say that much, it's always a good indication that you're on the right track to gastronomical paradise. 

After all that delicious food, we were far too full to order dessert. So we had an after dinner drink instead. With his steak, Boyfriend had had a glass of the House Red Wine, and it was gorgeous and smelt just like Christmas. So I ordered the same drink to have after dinner. Boyfriend ordered a brandy. 

It was the perfect way to sign off a lovely Foodie evening. 

If you haven't been to the Hanover Street Social, get down there quick. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is lovely, and you get what you pay for and so much more. Not at any point did we feel rushed, and the staff were so friendly and helpful, which really helped make the evening. It was the perfect place to go to spoil the person who means so much to me!

For more information about the Hanover Street Social, go to: 

http://www.hanoverstreetsocial.co.uk/ 

Ginger's Jollies: The Monro, Liverpool

On Saturday, I am going on holiday to France with my parents for two weeks (God BLESS the Summer Holidays!) Although I'm super excited to be going away, it also means that I will not be seeing Boyfriend for two weeks. (BOO!) With the prospect of my approaching departure from Liverpool, Boyfriend suggested that we go to The Monro as a special treat! 

The Monro is a place I drive past all the time heading back home from town, but somewhere that I have never tried, although, I have always heard some amazing things about it. And with me being the Ultimate Foodie that I am, I knew I just had to give it a try. 

They do say great things come in small packages, and The Monro is no exception. The exterior is lovely and sleek, and what greets you as a beautifully understated exterior hits you with one hell of a gigantic punch of sophistication on the inside. 

We arrived with about ten minutes to spare before our reservation, so, naturally, decided to get ourselves acquainted with the bar. Whilst we were waiting for our drinks, I got the chance to have a look around the restaurant and was amazed at how pretty everything looked. The restaurant isn't exceptionally big compared to some of the others in the city centre, but what they have done with the space works really well. The décor really made you feel at home, and reminded me of the homely, comforting feeling I get when I go in to the country pubs where I grew up....Everything in there made me feel really warm and relaxed.

When it was time, were taken over to our table, and had a chance to peruse the menu. I had looked at the selection earlier in the day, but, as usual with me, was drawn in by everything when I looked at the menu again. Everything sounded just too delicious that it came to a point where I had to make a decision then hide my menu from view. I chose the Fylde Coast Quail & Chorizo Ballontine. Boyfriend had the Cumbrian Sourced Rabbit Terrine. 

Quail & Chorizo Ballontine

OH. MY. GOODNESS. 

I had bever had quail before up until this moment, so had no idea what to expect, but whatever I had pictured in my mind, I was surpassed. I mean, just look at the presentation of my starter. Stunning. That was enough for my mouth to instantly start watering. But then I tucked in to one of the portions of quail and my heart skipped a beat. The meat was so succulent and juicy, and complemented the chorizo to perfection, and the accompaniments added a fresh note to the dish. Boyfriend wanted to try some, and it was one of those moments where I was half tempted to stuff every morsel into my mouth and say:

 "Ginger doesn't share food!" 

But I didn't, because with Foodies such as we, amazing food needs to be experienced together (and I wanted to try some of the terrine!) 

The terrine was probably the best experience of rabbit I have had. The meat was tender and went perfectly with the cranberry marmalade, adding a subtle accompanying sweetness to the bacon.

Both Boyfriend and I took a risk and ordered dishes that neither of us had tried before, and our adventurousness paid off.

Both starters were a good portion size too, and definitely whetted my appetite for the rest of the meal. Absolutely beautiful start to the night! 

British Fillet Steak

Goosenargh Duck Breast


After we had finished our starters, and our plates had been collected, we did not have to wait long at all for our main course to arrive. The service was absolutely brilliant. Sometimes in restaurants  you can be waiting for ages in between courses, especially if you go during busy periods, but not tonight. Oh no. I'd say we only were plate-less for about 2 minutes. It was absolutely incredible! I decided to go for the Goosenargh Duck Breast, and Boyfriend went for the British Fillet Steak. We also decided to order a bottle of wine to go with our mains, and our lovely waitress was really prompt in bringing it over and pouring some for us. 

If I had been happy with the starters, by the main course I was floating on a cloud in Foodie Heaven! The dishes were beautiful. I had to sit in awe for a few seconds at how pretty the arrangement on my plate was. But then I caught a whiff of the duck and had to dive in.

Now, I'm a girl who gets excited about the simplest of things, so when I discovered that my duck was already in bite-sized chunks that did not need to be cut, you can imagine my delight. I did not need my knife at all. The duck was tender as anything, and my fork glided through the breast with no difficulty. The plum-chilli sauce packed a bit of a punch (there was definitely chilli in it) but the plum immediately appeared to soften the blow. And the parma ham crisp! I'm a lover of crispy things at the best of times (particularly bacon) and this just tipped me over the edge!

The stuffed tomato

Of course I had to sample the steak as well! 
Now, the waitress had chuckled at me as I gaped at Boyfriend when he asked for his steak to be blue, but when it arrived, my reservations disappeared. It wasn't actually still moo-ing, and there was no visible signs of blood on the plate. His steak was cooked beautifully, and his knife glided through the meat like it was butter. But what we couldn't get over was the tomato. 
It was delicious!

With every bite there was a new flavour to be found. All the ingredients had infused together inside the tomato and it had the most beautiful succulent favour you could imagine! We must have spent at least five minutes discussing what we could taste, and Boyfriend even asked for the menu back so that we could see if it gave us any clues. I've never had anything like it, and I only wish I knew how it was cooked so that I can try and recreate it myself!

White Chocolate Marscapone Cheesecake

Cheeseboard

Now, by this point I had had two very yummy courses, and, you might think that I was full, but when those deliciously naughty words "Would you like to see the dessert menu?" were uttered to me, I just could not resist! 

Boyfriend and I decided to order a pudding each and then share the two between us, because we had both been drawn to different things on the menu. I went for the cheesecake, and he for the cheeseboard. 
The selection of cheese that came with the cheeseboard were lovely. There was a smoked cheddar, a Wensleydale, and a cheese with what we think was onion in (there's no dessert menu online for me to double check.) The cheese was served with crackers, celery, butter and apple. It was like a wooden platter of cheesey deliciousness. The wedges were perfect to share between the both of us, and again. the food was displayed beautifully on the board! Just looking at it was enough to make my mouth water. 
After the cheese it was on to the cheesecake. And this is going to probably sound like the biggest statement of the century, but that cheesecake was within no doubt the creamiest, most yummy-scrummy-in-my-tummy cheesecake I have ever had! I don't know whether it was the marscapone, or the chocolate, or the layer of fruit on top, or everything all together, but it was stunning! And not too heavy either. It melted in my mouth and made me feel giddy.

We were the last people to leave the restaurant area, but there were still a lot of people seated in the bar, and the atmosphere was buzzing. You could tell everyone there was having a really good time, and there was a relaxed, jovial atmosphere as we left the restaurant. 
So. Final Thoughts.....If you're a Foodie looking for a place to eat in Liverpool, then I'd definitely recommend The Monro. It's a beautiful restaurant with beautiful, atmospheric decor. The food is absolutely stunningly presented, and tastes phenomenal, and the staff are really friendly. I left feeling really sated, happy, and already planning my next visit!