Valentine's Day at Bistro Jacques | Just Add Ginger

This year, it was my turn to plan what The Boy and I were going to do for Valentine's Day. Having planned a very romantical excursion to The Liverpool Philharmonic to watch the Valentine's Day concert there, I thought that after we had seen the performance, we could jump a taxi home and just fix something to eat there. 

But on a whim, after we left the concert, we decided to just pop our heads in to Bistro Jacques to see if they happened to have a free table. I didn't hod out much hope. It was about 10pm on one of the busiest nights of the year. There was not a chance a table would be free for us. 

To my delight, a table had just become free....And the kitchen was still open. This was our lucky night. After being shown to a corner table, and handed our menus, my tummy did a little somersault in delight. 

I have never been to Bistro Jacques before. I have visited Bistro Franc with The Boy and my mother and father-in-law, and I wasn't disappointed then. But I was intrigued to see how Bistro Jacques was in comparison.

The atmosphere in the restaurant already surpassed that of Bistro Franc. The restaurant seems much more intimate a setting, with French-themed décor adorning the walls lit with low-lighting.  The intimacy added additional romance to the evening, and made it seem like you really could be sitting in a Parisian restaurant on a magical, romance-filled evening. 

Bistro Jacques offered a Valentine's Day 3 course meal with a complementary glass of fizz. And this suited us well. Having only really eaten rubbish during the day, we were ready to sample something hearty and nutritious, and the menu offered plenty of choice.

For starters, I opted for toasted brioche. The Boy went for the pigeon breast. Neither of us could find fault with our choices. My brioche was soft and delicious, neither too small nor overbearing. The chive hollandaise sauce complemented the combination of mushrooms and prosciutto to perfection. It was easily one of the most beautiful starters I have ever had. It wasn't too heavy, and really got my appetite going ready for the rest of the courses. 

The Boy's pigeon was tender and succulent. I, having never eaten pigeon before, was pleasantly surprised when I sampled a piece. The Boy must have been impressed too because he polished off the plate in next to no time. Similar to my choice, the portion size was perfect for a starter, and got us both even more excited for our mains. 

For our main, we could not have chosen two dishes more opposite in direction. The Boy chose the beef bouguignon, and I, the salmon. Looking back, the dishes we chose could not have been more perfect for us. It makes me laugh because if you had asked us to pick for each other, these would have been our first choices. 

I love salmon. Boyfriend can be a little funny with fish so we rarely have it in the house. Salmon is my little treat to myself from time to time and this makes me a little picky about the way it's cooked. But I needn't have had reason to worry. The salmon was thick and meaty and gorgeous. The skin was crispy and delicious, and the ratatouille, which I confess I had been a bit nervous about, was a lovely, and unusual accompaniment, and one that I never thought would have worked. But it did. The fish herb pesto really hit the spot and really highlighted the flavour in the salmon. Ohh...just thinking back to how yummy it was my tummy is starting to rumble.

The beef bouguignon was Boyfriend's first try of the dish. It came presented beautiful, in a rustic pot atop a wooden board. The pot was filled right up to the top and fit to burst with vegetables and pieces of beef. I'm not really a fan of beef unless it is minced and in a meatball or burger patty, but I did try a little piece. It was buttery, tender, and nearly melted away in my mouth. The gratin daupinois was creamy and rich, but at the same time a lot lighter than other potato-ey alternatives. 

And the wine.. Oh my goodness I just have to mention the wine. Even though I had salmon, the bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape we ordered was the perfect choice. It was deep, and rich, and spicy and beautiful, leaving a subtle after-taste in your mouth that I can only describe as"chocolatey" (it probably isn't chocolatey at all, but there is a hint of sweetness there that cuts through the spiciness.) 

That's not mess on the table....it's passion!

By the time dessert came around I was starting to feel a little bit full. My belt had to be undone two whole notches! But it was all so worth it. I decided to take a risk and ordered bread and butter pudding (which I'd never had before.) The Boy was more traditional and ordered the cheeseboard. 

My bread and butter pudding was yummy. My photo doesn't do it justice, because as soon as it came out I tucked in straight away and forgot all about documenting the experience! I really don't know how to describe the flavour to you, but just trust me when I say that it was delicious, soft, and very, very more-ish. If you take a trip to Bistro Jacques and it is on the board as a dessert, definitely give it a go. If you're sweet-toothed like me you won't be disappointed. 

Boyfriend's cheeseboard offered a range of different cheeses to sample, with accompanying crackers, celery, butter and chutney. He enjoyed it very much, especially coupled with some sips from his glass of Chateauneuf. I'm definitely more of a sweets person at dinner, but if you aren't really in the mood for pud or want something to share, then the cheeseboard would be perfect. 

There was something really exciting and magical eating so late. It made us feel very French indeed and we sat back and reminisced about our little Parisian getaway in the summer, and the night we got engaged. We left the restaurant feeling comfortably and jolly. I had one of the best dining experiences at Bistro Jacques, and I can't wait to return to sample more of the menu!

For more information about Bistro Jacques, and to peruse the menu, head to:

http://www.bistrojacques.com/

A Very Center Parcs Christmas | Just Add Ginger

   

Christmas is without question my absolute favourite time of year. There is just something so magical about it. And I don't think this magic ever disappears, regardless of your age. Several childhood Christmases for me were spent at Center Parcs, so when my parents decided that for Christmas 2014 they would be going to Sherwood Forest Center Parcd in Nottinghamshire, my excitement level rocketed from one thousand to one million in seconds.

If you're a child, Center Parcs at Christmas is just wonderful. Everything is festively decorated, Santa has a grotto all set up so that you can visit him, and there is excitement in the air. It's electric, and you just can't help but buzz with delight that the man dressed all in red will soon be paying you a visit.

So, alongside my sheer delight at the thought of visiting Sherwood Forest again, there was also some apprehension. Were things going to feel the same? Was I going to get just as excited as I would if I were a child? And would I be able to infected the Boy with all my child-like excitement on Christmas Eve?

So it was with baited breath that the Boy & I arrived at Sherwood Forest in December. The minute I indicated and the car turned into the park entrance, all my fears were immediately quashed. The Center Parcs sign was covered in a beautiful blanket of fresh, white (all be it pretend) snow. It was just the prettiest sight to behold, and instantly put us in to an even more jolly mood. The snowy reception continued as we pulled up to the little hut to check ourselves in. A flurry of snowflakes danced in the sky and coated the cars waiting in the queue, with Santa Claus making an appearance to greet guests coming in to the park and bid farewell to those leaving. Any impatience someone would have felt waiting in the long line of cars to check in and start their holiday would instantly have disappeared at that sight. 

As is tradition in the Ginger household, the holiday was scattered with events, activities and days out. Mini adventures. We are not a family who does "sitting inside relaxing" very well. If there is somewhere to visit, we will go. If there are friends to see, we will meet up. And if there is a family bowling tournament to be had, we shall play! Boyfriend knows how active we are as a family for doing things, and it was really lovely to take him to all the places surrounding the Center Parc that we had visited previously. Rufford Abbey and the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre were a big hit. The Boy and I wandered for what seemed like hours through the paths leading up to the Major Oak, using his little reference book to identify mushroom and fungi, and then taking it in turns to pose next to Robin Hood's famous hangout. 

As I had no doubt they would be, all the staff at Center Parcs were all absolutely lovely and incredibly helpful. We all felt so welcome wherever we went, and any questions that we had were answered and solved with immediacy and due care. In no way did we ever feel like anything was an imposition. The Boy and I ensured we scheduled a date night during the week, which we spent at Huck's (an American-esque restaurant in the Parc center) and me, with eyes bigger than my belly, asked for a "doggy bag" to take some food back to our little cottage. Not. A. Problem. You really do get the impression that staff would bend over backwards to make sure that all guests are happy and smiling, and that was a very comforting thought indeed. 

The most magical moment of the week had to be on Boxing Day. For several of the days we had been away, I had got the most horrendous dry cough and had been dosed up on medicine to try and make me feel better. Aside from the occasional day out and trip to the Parc center, I hadn't really ventured outside. Not even to the pool. (Which, consequently, the Boy & Papa Ginger absolutely loved.) On Boxing Day, there was a firework display over the lake near the Pancake House. It had been bitterly cold all day, so bundled up in ever imaginable layer, the Boy and I ventured out. 

The display was beautiful, and mid-way through, the snow came fluttering down. It was such a beautiful and romantic moment and I don't think I will ever forget it. 

The other asoect that I was really impressed about was the very early morning "Woodland Awakening" (I believe it was called that) walk that Boyfriend and I went on. Led through Sherwood Pines by our guide, we were taught lots about the local wildlife, plants and trees. The knowledge of our guide was amazing, and it's really annoying that I can't remember his name (if you are reading this Sherwood Forest Center Parcs he led the walk on Christmas Eve morning. He was absolutely excellent.) Even though it was the very early morning, we were all engaged and ready to learn about the immediate surroundings, listening to birds singing high up in the trees, and looking out for plants...watching, sniffing and listening. 

Center Parcs was just as magical as I remembered - especially in the snow. It really was a fantastic place to spend Christmas. The modernisations of the cottages (at least the one we all stayed in) really added to the cosiness of the place and the family-friendly approach that Center Parcs so wonderfully achieve. Would I spend the festive period here again? Most definitely! Would I recommend it to friends, whether with families or not? Absolutely. My only wish is that there was one literally just down the road from us, because I think I'd be there all the time and never get bored of gazing out at the trees. 

Ginger's Jollies: Camping at Cae Du Rhoslefain

The last bank holiday weekend we had, Boyfriend & I decided that it would be a great opportunity for us both to stretch out adventurous legs, and have a camping weekend away. Me,having been camping before - but never in England - left Boyfriend on a mission to decide where we were going to go. With so many options out there, there is no way I could have decided where to go! 

It wasn't until the Monday before the bank holiday that Boyfriend sat me down and told me that he had found the perfect place for us to camp. Within about ten seconds of me looking at his laptop screen, my wanderlust kicked off....Big time.

Cae Du Rhoslefain is nestled on the Welsh coast. It is one of those places that immediately struck me as the type that if you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't know about it at all. Which, for us, was perfect. The campsite is quite large, and although when we went it wasn't too busy, you can tell that in the summer, it must be fit to burst with happy campers.

I have never seen a campsite like it. You are literally right on top of the sea. All day the melodic sounds of waves lapping against the shore, and distant sea birds tickle your ears. Visiting Cae Du was like entering a bubble. Being there makes you feel completely detached from the rest of the world.

We made the decision to not take the car, but to get the train down instead. This was the first time I had ever carried a "proper" camping bag. To be honest I didn't think I was going to be able to do it. Between us, we literally took everything with us that we needed. And that meant our bahs weighed an absolute tonne. Even with all the clasps strapped around me, I knew that with one wrong step, I would easily topple over! 

Photo Credit: Boyfriend

But, being the stubborn old goat that I am, I knew I had to do this. Carrying the bag from train to train wasn't that bad, but when we got off the train at our final destination, reality kicked in a little bit. I had to carry my 10kg bag to the campsite. By myself. Oh shit. 

After about a 2.5 mile walk full of gorgeous scenery, nature, animals...and very colourful language, we arrived at the campsite, checked in with the farmer, and began to set up camp. We chose a spot on top of a slight incline overlooking the sea. It had started to rain, and we didn't want to take the risk of being too close to the water and freezing to death. As it happens, we pitched right in front of the railway line (don't worry there is a stone wall and shrubbery to separate campsite and track) but with trains passing once every few hours, and stopping before midnight, we barely even noticed. Alongside the bleating of lambs and calls of the sheep, it made for very atmospheric background noise.

The Cae Du Rhoslefain campsite offers toilet and shower facilities, as well as a sheltered area to sit and cook should it decide to pelt down with rain. You can also buy lamb burgers and fresh eggs from the farmhouse if you need supplies. Just having these little luxuries to hand made the whole weekend more comfortable. I don't mind roughing it in the slightest, but knowing that there was a toilet close by did put me more at ease. We were also very lucky and had lovely neighbours who lent us some fire-starters for our campfire, which, for some reason, just refused to stay aflame. 

That was one of the things that I thought was great about Cae Du Rhoslefain; they let you have campfires. In fact, at the top end of each pitch there is a pit surrounded by stones should you want to build a fire. This was one of the many cherries on the cake that weekend. I'm renowned for feeling the cold really, really easily. Amongst my friends I'm known as the reptilian woman because even a cool summer breeze is enough to make me shiver. So to be able to have a fire was my saving grace at night. And we didn't have to find our own firewood either. The farmer's son also came around with bundles of wood for sale each evening for £5.00 each. With two bundles bought each night, we were well sorted and kept nice and toasty, roasting marshmallows, listening to Pink Floyd, drinking wine, and looking up at the stars.

It did rain a bit during the weekend. But that didn't bother us. When you live in England you come to realise that just a bit of rain can't stop you from doing anything, because, well, you'd never get anywhere. There is something really therapeutic about sitting in your tent and listening to the rain too.  And it didn't hinder us. Boyfriend could still light the fire so we could cook and make hit drinks, and showery bursts always stopped just in time for an evening round the fire. It was just heavenly.

On the first day we hopped on the train and went a few stops down the line to Machynlleth, or "Mac" as we affectionately refer to it. Stopping there was a completely off-the-cuff decision. The sky on the Sunday started out very grey, and after our walk to the station, the heavens opened and it lashed it down. Visiting "Mac" was the result of a quick Google. 

And boy am I really happy we found it! "Mac" was a lovely place to visit on a rainy day. There are a plethora of little shops to go in to, cafes, and pubs. We stopped off a few times along our jaunt through the village. Had some lunch. Picked up charcoal and fire-lighters and more wine, and then went for a cheeky afternoon beer in the local pub. 

Churchyard in "Mac."

Staying in Cae Du Rhoslefain was just amazing. Because we were in such a bubble, I rarely had phone signal, so wasn't constantly going on Twitter, Facebook, and checking my emails. Boyfriend and I really got to spend some quality time together, doing the things that we love and being outside amidst rolling hills, trees, and the coat. We joked how we are both just as bad when it comes to checking our phones, but on our weekend away, it was just the two of us. 

On Monday, we set out a little early to do some more exploring. The farmer's wife kindly ordered us a taxi from a company she knew, and soon after, a taxi arrived. We were all set and ready to head to Tywyn top find something to eat, but our taxi driver suggested that instead, we go to Aberdovey. It was honestly like having our own private tour guide. If you have never been to that part of Wales before you wouldn't have a clue where to go, but we got lots of recommendations of places to go in Aberdovey, things we could do, and where we could get food before our journey home. We even got help knowing which train station to go to to hop of the train back to "Mac" ( back to Mac - hehe.)

Photo credit: Boyfriend

We ended up going to the Penhelig Arms for some lunch before the journey home. It is such a gorgeous little pub/restaurant filled with sea-related décor, and located a stones-throw away from the water. The food was delicious, and definitely enough to keep us going. After getting our fill, Boyfriend and I headed across the road and just looked out over the water. It was just gorgeous. 

Even though we were only away Saturday - Monday it honestly felt like we had been on an extended summer break. We got home so relaxed and at ease that it felt like we had been away for ages. 

If you love camping and being outdoors, then I cannot recommend Cae Du Rhoslefain enough. It is a hidden gem on the Welsh coast and surrounded by amazingly picturesque landscapes. There are so many things to do and see and experience that I could happily stay again and again and not get bored. How could you tire of looking out at the sea everyday? Whether you take your car, or walk/train it like us, it is definitely somewhere every camping-lover needs to go.

For more information about the Cae Du Rhoslefain campsite, visit: 

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/apr/16/10-best-campsites-for-views

http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsites/uk/wales/snowdonia/gwynedd/35-cae-du

Ginger's Jollies: de Efteling

When Boyfriend & I were away at the end of April in The Netherlands, we took a trip back to one of my most favourite places in the world. A beautiful, picturesque theme park in The Netherlands called Efteling. 
I have been going to Efteling with my parents since I was a teeny-tiny toddling baby, and it's a place that - whenever I go back - I am filled with that childhood excitement and wonder.

One of the things I love so much about it is that it is completely untouched. All of the rides are completely unique to the park, the music is just beautiful, and all of the food and retail outlets have the complete "Efteling stamp." There are no franchises to be found here. Efteling is in its own magical bubble. When you're there, you are away from reality and can just completely relax.

The theme park is really family-oriented. A bit like the way Chessington World of Adventures is in England (minus the zoo.) There are faster rides for the more adventurous theme park go-er, but the majority of rides are inclusive of children and families. Many of the rides also have the means to accommodate those visitors who have additional mobility needs, which gets a huge thumbs up from me.

And even if you aren't keen on theme parks, but want to join in on a day out with your friends and family, Efteling's attention to detail is just phenomenal. The park is filled with beautiful bright-coloured flowers..... animatronics....pretty squares.....talking bins! A big section of the park is Fairytale Land, where there are things to look at, scenes to watch, and music to listen to. So even if you don't want to go on any rides and prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are still things to look at and enjoy.

A newer addition to Efteling's list of attractions, is the water/light show Aquanura which takes place just after the park is closed. It is the "largest fountain spectacle in Europe" where water is used to choreograph a dance to the music used throughout the park and on the rides. I've seen the show in the dark and in daylight and it is absolutely wonderful.

Efteling is open for a Winter season, as well as throughout the Spring & Summer and heading on in to Autumn. I have visited the park twice in the Winter and it is even more magical (if that is at all possible!) There has been a huge ice rink, winter decorations, and a plethora of huts outside as you walk around the park selling hot snacks, drinks, as well as my beloved Chocomel. 

I cannot recommend a visit to Efteling enough. I would go back to the park every year if I could, and I prefer it heaps more over Disneyland. Efteling has a more magical feel for me. Maybe because it's one-of-a-kind. Maybe because the style and attention to detail suits me more. Whatever the reason, it's a part of me, and it has a place in my heart that will never, ever die. 

Have you ever been to Efteling? 

Fir more information about Efteling, visit: 

http://www.efteling.com/

Ginger's Jollies: Haagen-Dasz (Easter Chocolate Egg Creation)

I have pretty much loved ice cream since coming out of the womb. Mama Ginger always has said that ice cream was her biggest craving when I was nestled warmly inside her tummy, so naturally it makes sense that I have grown up with a massive sweet tooth. 

So when Haagen-Dasz contacted me and asked of I would be interested in reviewing their new Easter Chocolate Egg Creation,* I very quickly and very excitedly accepted the invitation. I booked my train tickets to London, rang up Mama Ginger, and on Saturday, after a very small breakfast, we headed down to Leicester Square in great anticipation!

Image Source: Haagen-Dasz (received via email)

Now, you know me, I can't help but be drawn in by the appearance of food. I know that's not always a good thing, but if a dish is laid out looking pretty on a plate, my taste-buds will be instantly tantalised and I will be even more tempted to dig in. 

Before I get in to my experience of the dessert, let me tell you what is involved...

The dessert consists of a dark chocolate egg, filled with vanilla ice cream, and topped with mango sorbet. Additional scoops of mango and raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream surround the egg, as well as a raspberry coulis, and mango and raspberry pieces. The dish is finished off with a piece of Haagen-Dasz branded chocolate.

So when I first took a look at a photo of the Easter creation (above,) I immediately felt a massive surge of excitement. This didn't look like ice cream.....This looked like a little slice of heaven. And at £8.00 for the creation, the dessert isn't shy of prices that you may spend on a simple pudding at a restaurant. Even MG agreed that the price is "very reasonable." 

Especially when the dessert actually came out. I don't think we really knew what we were expecting and we both got overwhelmed. It was absolutely massive! MG actually exclaimed as soon as it arrived "it's huge!" It can be hard to gauge portion sizes from promotional photos, but neither MG or I were disappointed. Three generous size scoops of ice cream & sorbet, fresh fruit pieces, lashings of raspberry coulis, and half a standard size dark chocolate Easter egg filled to the absolute brim with vanilla ice cream. 

Oh My Goodness. 

Tummies instantly rumbled at the sight. You definitely get a portion size worthy of the price.

And, me being me, and taken in by attractive looking food, I really appreciated the layout of the dessert on the plate. Especially the little scoop of mango sorbet placed on top of the vanilla ice cream to resemble a fried egg. With me, it's the little things that bring me joy.

I put a Ginger the Food Critic head on and sampled each of the elements of the dish separately first. The ice cream and sorbet did not disappoint. The ice cream was creamy, and the sorbet jam-packed full of flavour. MG actually said that her favourite part of the dish was (what we think was) the raspberry sorbet. To me, it was a hybrid ice-cream/sorbet creation. But, never having had raspberry sorbet, I'm not sure. Either way, it was really yummy, tasting exactly like raspberry ripple ice cream and taking me back to my childhood days. 

The coulis went exceptionally well with everything. It was the very delicious, fruity, cohesive glue that joined everything together. It wasn't overpowering of any other aspect of the dessert either. And together with the dark chocolate it was a match made in heaven. The chocolate egg by itself was a bit bitter for both MG & me, but the coulis definitely sweetened it up. But had the egg been milk, or even white chocolate, I don't think it would have worked as well with the coulis.

The pieces of mango and raspberry were really fresh and smelt gorgeous. Inhaling the aromas of the fruity aspects of the dessert, as strange as it's going to sound, put me in a really good mood and transported me straight to Summer. 

I think if the dessert had just been ice cream and chocolate based, it wouldn't have had the same impact. But because there was ice cream, fruit, coulis and sorbet, it broke up any sickliness of the dish and made it even more flavourful and seasonal. 

I think this photo speaks for itself. MG finished her dessert off, and this is all that was left of mine. I cannot tell you how delicious the Haagen-Dasz Easter Chocolate Egg Creation is. All I can say is that if you are an ice cream lover, you need to go and sample this dessert, and quick! It's on a limited run and is only available until the 25th April, so if you're near London, get down to Leicester Square quick and give this a try. Take it from me - you won't be disappointed. 

(Just don't have much to eat before you visit!) 

Have you tried the Easter Chocolate Egg Creation yet?

For more information about Haagen-Dasz, or to find your nearest branch, visit: 

http://haagen-dazs.co.uk/home

*I was very kindly sent some Haagen-Dasz vouchers to take myself & a friend to review out the Haagen-Dasz Easter Creation. This will not affect my opinions. They are my own, 100% honest, and true to me and my taste-buds.

Ginger's Jollies: Yukti

I have been wanting to write up this food review ever since I first stepped foot inside Yukti, but decided to wait until I had been back at least once. I am a first impressions kinda girl, and I go on my first instincts a lot. But when it comes to food, I don't take it lightly. I need to be seriously impressed before I decide if a food experience is worth writing about.

So. With three trips so far this year under my belt, I am ready to get started. 

For the longest time since I moved up to Liverpool, the space where Yukti resides has been empty. It was merely a shell of a building, and it always made me feel really sad to drive past it and see it looking so melancholic. I always looked at it and thought, "that'd be a great site for a restaurant." 

And then, Yukti opened last year, and you can imagine how intrigued I was. Especially because my favourite Indian restaurant in the area had closed down months previously. 

But it wasn't until just before my birthday at the start of the year that me, Boyfriend and MG finally went to investigate. 

It was the décor that instantly drew me in. As soon as you enter the main dining space, you are transported out of Liverpool and in to a world of mystery, spices, and luxe. The lights are toned down, creating an immediate sense of comfort and intimacy. Flickering tealights are placed on each table, and ornate fixtures and pictures decorate the walls. The floor space is big, but not overwhelming. Tables are spaced a good distance apart from each other (so there is no risk of unsuspectingly tripping over somebody's chair leg.) And there is a separate section dedicated to booths for those who are looking for a more private dining experience. 

But what made me smile the most, is the one glass panel attached to the wall that separates the main floor from the booths. The one constant reminder of where you are and that combines beautiful Indian cuisine and exotic décor with part of Liverpool's history: a glass painting of John Lennon. It's done subtly and in keeping with the calm tone of the restaurant, and helps combine two cultures together in a seamless way. 

So. To the food. 

The first time we went to Yukti, it was on a whim and we had no idea what to expect. I was thinking along the lines of amazing-quality Indian comfort food, lovingly dished on to a plate and ready to warm me up on a cold Winter's night. So you can imagine my surprise (and utter delight) when all the food came out dressed on the plates like this: 

I mean. How gorgeous does it look? I am literally starting to dribble looking at the photos right now. To have something so beautiful placed in front of you just makes you smile inside. Especially when the portions are a great size too. The dishes were appetisingly dressed, but definitely not minuscule. 

In the three times I've been to Yukti in the past 2 months, I've had quite a variety of dishes. So instead of focusing on a few, I'll do an overall description of my food experience. 

YUM.

I'm telling you that out of al the dishes I have sampled (and I've insisted on trying mouthfuls of everyone else's food at the table,) everything has been 100% delicious!

The breads have been thick and warm....the starters innovative.....and the main courses absolutely burst with flavour. All the portions are a good size, but not overwhelming. There is not one thing that I look back on and think, "oh no, I couldn't order that again." 

Boyfriend (who is just as much of a Foodie as me) even said that he thought it:

 "wasn't just one of the best Indian cuisine restaurants in Liverpool, but one of the best restaurants in Liverpool full stop."

Yukti is honestly one of the best Indian cuisine restaurants I have ever been to. The food is entirely affordable, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the staff are genuinely so helpful and so friendly that you feel more like you've gone to a restaurant that's been there for years rather than one that is relatively recently opened. When we went back the second and third time, as soon as we walked through the door we were greeted with smiles and conversation. Considering how many people must eat there each wee, the fact that the staff remember you makes you feel even more welcome and valued as customers. 

And did I mention this happens after the main course?

Magic hand towels! 
(Not marshmallows as Boyfriend & I thought they were at first!)

If you live in the Liverpool area and haven't been to Yukti yet, I highly recommend that you give it a visit. Dining at Yukti isn't just about a meal, it's about an experience.

Have you been to Yukti yet? What did you think?

For more information, go to: 

http://www.yukti.co.uk 

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/