Ribs 'n' Bibs Lincoln Review

Ribs 'n' Bibs, The Strait, Lincoln

Cuisine - American

Price - Medium/High - Ribs 'n' Bibs doesn't have the largest variety on the menu in the world but with the plates they post, you'll be expecting to part with at least ten pounds. The cheapest dish they serve up is the pulled pork bun which is tagged up at an average £10.95. On the high end of the scale, the specials often pose up just over the twenty pound figure but on the set menu, the dearest is the dinner known only as Vitamin P being £23.95 (you do almost get every cut of pig possible though). When it comes down to the beverage sector, the simplistic soft drinks start at a measly £1.75 and a bottled beer or cider begins at £3.60. They host a wide array of divine cocktails as well as some traditional US draft beers. During the week days R'n'B show some spectacular deals like meaty Monday's and Sweet Tuesdays giving customers unique deals to cash in on for dining out on a work night making your routine that extra bit special. 

Service - 8.5/10 - The service at R'n'B was unnassailable to say the least, from the moment of approaching the welcome bar to the final step onto the cobblestoned street, the staff had it nailed. Prior to going, I had a table pre booked which I arrived ten minutes early to, however the friendly team already had it ready for me and my fellow diner to seat at. The specials menu was thoroughly explained to us as well as an in depth, relaxed conversation about the cocktails, it was almost as though we'd known the waitress for a long time and were just having a general natter. After having our drinks and food order taken our divine treats flew to our tables; the refreshments were almost instant and the food took little over fifteen minutes. Not only that but the waitress adjusted the meals to our preference, so I was rather fussy and had the pork bun minus the bun but it was to no objection from the staff. Everything was spot on and every request we had was completed, they even granted us with a humorous bib and wet wipes for our messy, meaty meals. 

Atmosphere - 8/10 - Again, faultless. The noise levels were absolutely on point and at no moment did I feel like I was being drowned in the sound of a hustling diner. A chilled background music blessed the speakers at a gentle decibel, enough to relax me as a diner but again not too loud that it overpowers the natural vibe. Everyone was chirpy and buzzing off the excitement of chewing down on some specially cooked meat masterpieces, meaning it was a mellow environment to be in. An overall ambience that was a pleasure to be around and I certainly wouldn't grumble at going back.

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - U S A, U S A. Cut through the brickwork in this place and the mortar will just ooze red, white and blue. America from wall to wall with pop art of some of the USA's most famous stars, super heroes and cult classics which just scream you know which state makes it big time. A roped fairy light dresses some of the more basic elements in the establishment and bring that extra bit of cute enlightenment to gaze into whilst nibbling on your rib bone. Some other North American staples I noted were the tin gas and oil signs that were posted up on the surroundings as well as the cannibalistic animal horns, boosting up the overall honour of being in a carnivorous environment. I'd have love to seen some movie props in the place such as a mock gas pump or some glitzy Hollywood Boulevard memorabilia but apart from that it's brilliant. As of tables and chairs, the place has been set out perfectly with a comfortable manoeuvrable area. I loved the beer bottle crates which held the condiments, however it would have been ideal to have seen the house sauces which they sell for sale available for tasting. A running theme of ribs and bibs galore ran through the place as they actually sell their own merchandise including t-shirts, aprons and mugs which is a phenomenal marketing idea as well as business brand recognition.

Presentation - 7/10 - Well how many ways can you present pulled pork, sweet potato fries and a serving of slaw and make it come across as picturesque? The plate was clean, crisp and compact yet had a bursting colour from a few of the flavour elements. My sweet potatoes came across fanciful and plump with their decent size and crusted seasoning, not forgetting to mention the sharp purple of red onion which cuts through the porks dullness. I have to mention that the mountain of meat is normally served in a prominent white roll, so the image below doesn't do the dish full justice, however the presentation is still of mediocre standard and didn't put me off at anytime. The organised sectors on the plate made it easy on what you were eating, allowing diners to combine flavours as they wanted and the large oval plate left room to mop up any excess juices left over from the succulent pork shoulder. Simplistic, effective and probably the most efficient way to deliver such a messy looking meat. I'd say it was certainly a image enough to wet ones appetite.

Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - To impress a BBQ pulled pork professional like myself (I wish) would take something pretty spectacular and R'n'B definitely did that. For starters, my first bite into my decadently crisp and sweet fries was magnificent; the outer skin was ruffled and salty which broke straight into the fluffy inner which held a steamy hot temperature along with a sublime seasoning. The freshness of the cooking from the food was a class above with no part of my meal being luke warm, the piping hot meat just shows that care and consideration has been given to every customers plate choosing and that no shortcuts are being taken in the kitchen. My slaw had the ultimate ratio of mayonnaise to vegetables and I'm not normally one for it but this side was an exception; perfect crunch, proportion and a decent taste which complimented the rich pork. As of the pickled red onions and pork, they left me craving more even though my stomach was bulging through my shirt; a tangy, sweetness from the purple strings married the tender, smokiness of the shredded pork to a point of heavenliness. Mouthwateringly amazing meat that I could eat a pigs worth of. Portions for price left not only my pocket smiling but also my stomach as for only £10.95 I had some phenomenal food with the heartiest of portions. It's totally worth starving yourself all day to chow down on some of R'n'B's caveman size plates but even if you were full the prestigious flavours leave you dreaming of meat in your food coma.

Overall - 8/10 - Ever since I selected Lincoln University as my university of choice, I have been craving to take my culinary tour on a trip to the cities most notorious smokehouse and I can say with great certainty that it didn't disappoint. With a reputation bigger than Steep Hill itself, R'n'B and all its brand recognition has a lot to live up to and no wonder why every customer that steps through the door leaves hours later with a glistening glow on their face. Second to none service, affordable meat platters and some unique cocktails and beers, what is not to love? Any foodie or carnivore should jump in and gnaw their way through some of the most flavoursome plates to grace the modern bbq, sampling tender chunks of your ultimate meats. If you're feeling up to it and are into the whole Man vs Food universe then Ribs and Bibs offer a food challenge as well, either putting you on the wall of fame or shame depending on whether you can conquer the feast that lies on the day; yet another unique and loveable charm toting up alongside the companies special branded sauces and memorabilia. Situated on the left of The Strait leading up to the cathedral, R'n'B doesn't come across as nothing special and rather petite but the miniature meat mecca really is hidden gem and I recommend it to anyone. Join in on the banter and grab yourself a rib bib, get messy, get saucy, get meaty, I'm done hundred percent going to be returning sooner rather than later.

http://www.ribsnbibs.co.uk

What Does Your Steak Say About You?

What Does Your Steak Choice Say About You?

Nearly every carnivorous, meat eating human being to grace the earth has had the golden opportunity to indulge in some of the finest cuts of red meat known to man. By this I’m referring to beautifully tender slabs of steak that have been cut straight off a cattle market, sent to a hot griddle then fed into our greedy little gullets.

Since the first chunk of beef was wolfed down back in the day, technologies have severely changed thus for mankind developed and discovered different cooking techniques as well as the ability to define the divine slices that can be found on a cow; talk to any modern butcher or chef and they can give you the complete blueprint of the animal and how to cook each piece to perfection.

But now, in the fine year that is 2014, we do tend to stick to the classic cuts, meaning that in pubs and steakhouses the same slabs are consistently on offer leaving us hungry, meat heads making a vital choice. So the waitress or waiter approaches, we have made the final call but what does our steak choice really say about us? .  Minus the sides, the butters, the dips and leave yourself with a naked meat strip, which one is actually your ideal choice when it comes down to the final crunch.

Fillet

Feather light, the upmost of tenderness and is picturesque presentation wise. The fillet has an extreme elegancy about it and the flavor is just to die for, grab yourself a butter knife and carve your way through this nugget of heaven because their aren’t many other cuts of beef like it. Averagely you’d be looking at an acute 8oz chunk and for that the price would normally burn a big hole in the bank because this beefy, bad boy doesn’t come cheap. The type of person I’d expect to be sinking there into this would be a foodie coinsure, an upmarket, finer things in life kind of guy or a genteel woman as it sure enough just oozes class.

Sirloin

Known as the New York Strip, the sirloin automatically makes me think of a busy city steakhouse and grill, but as a steak it keeps a certain degree of meaty authenticity at the same time. Probably the most jointly well known cut of a cow, you’d often find an average Joe reaching out for this in a search to suppress his carnivorous cravings but don’t let that confuse you with it being commercial. Often served up in a hefty heap with a trim of fat around one side, the sirloin poses a tad of flavor but more solidarity, completing a well-rounded steak. Ideal for breaking the steak virginity and kicking the mouth water for meat, the New York Strip is a mediocre occasion cut.

Rump

A full of flavor blade of beef for literally any day of the week. Go to any supermarket, pub, restaurant or steak shack and you should be able to slam your jaw into a round of rump steak. Call it the typical steak, one of the originals, ideal for that classic meaty meal. As a diner, if you’re ordering this I’d presume an ordinary, standard person just chowing down on something you know is going to taste good. Slightly commercial, the rump has a tendency to possess a difficulty to eat when not flashed properly but for the pound savings you pay, it’s totally worth the risk.

Ribeye

Marbled with a large percentage of fat, this decadent dream tops my list as my all time steak love. When cooked to a moist, medium rare the Ribeye holds a beloved buttery taste with a tongue melting texture, which will send you straight into paradise.  The fat content homes the flavor and it goes without saying, if you select this off the menu, you are tending not to be worried about the waistline. Coming in a 10oz cut the majority of the time, the Ribeye is a definite meat lovers steak or someone who forgets everything and lives by the only live once attitude. Maximum taste, a few inches on the waist, the Ribeye is genuine comfort food winner.

Porterhouse

The best of both worlds and is there for someone who thrives off a taste of everything. A porterhouse, or sometimes as its known when cut to a smaller thickness, the T-Bone, is a unique cut where you can sample both a fillet steak and a sirloin all in one place. Divided by a bone between the two, the sections are rare to feast your eyes upon, let alone your belly and if you do happen to cross it, don’t expect a budget priced beef. The price is high and is the weight in meat is too, so when ordering it you tummy better be growling and your wallet best be full. An open minded, belly brimming carnivore would be definitely indulging into this meaty mecca and certainly lives for an experience.

Zak's Norwich Review

Zak's, The Street, Poringland, Norwich

Cuisine - American 

Price Range - Low/High - As an all American diner Zak's really prides itself on it's US classic's and it's gut busting burgers. When browsing at the menu it's obvious that the beef patties and beef dogs are the real pride in the USP department. The cheapest complete meals that you can chomp your jaw on are the hotdogs which are only a feeble £8.95 and include a hearty dog with a variety of toppings and a side of potatoes. On the expensive plates, it's obviously the steaks again as they posted up a heafty fourteen ounce prime ribeye at £18.45. For sharing or for one single hungry, belly buster they showcase an ultimate meal; a heart stopping meat combo containing literally every meat on the menu and two sides, be warned though as the bill will burn your pocket just above the £30 mark. Quenching your thirst at Zak's is a lip wetting treasure because you can get any refreshing pint of beer or cider for an average of £3.60 and soft drinks are £1.85 for a regular or £2.25 for a large. 

Service - 7/10 - First impression and it was clear to see that they were busy on a Saturday night, so we were told their would be a possible twenty minute wait on a table by our genuinely friendly hostess. Menus already in hand, being blindly read through we were appointed to a table within a quick ten minutes where we continued to browse on what would boost our dinner time diets. When it came down to taking our order the waitress' were faultless because nothing was too much; they adjusted the meals to our requirements by changing the side orders and even ask how we wanted a burger cooked which is a basic, yet rare occasion in today's eateries. Orders placed and it was time to wait but before we knew it the onion ring starter flew to our table from out of the kitchen and they were fresh, hot and luscious to the eye. Within another perfect time we had our mains infront of us but there was a slight mix it up it has to be said. My fellow diners requested a specific side order but the meal seemed to have a completely different one but after quickly addressing the issue the waitress fix the problem. At no point was anything too much to ask for and I was somewhat impressed with the patients and persistance to make the customers time a enjoyable one. 

Atmosphere - 7.5/10 - A slight buzz loomed the atmospheric surroundings and at no point did I feel uncomfortable at all. Even the background music which was an upbeat, post war, American playlist slotted in nicely to set a cheerful tone when I was eating my grub. Even though there was some minuscule issues with the servicing, the staff remained calm and looked as though they had full control of every situation at all times. Some restaurants suffer on Saturday nights because of the weekend busy boom but credit has to be given because the Zak's crew nailed it. As soon as you walk through the door you can get a gentle whiff of the grill working meat which is always welcoming and makes hunger screaming that little bit extra. 

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - American, oh so American. Everything about the establishment from the moment you walk in just screams the U S of A, even in the entrance hall they have a life size traffic light. It's big, in your face and nails their style to a pinpoint. Pillars and walls were plastered in collectible sports cards, it had a hanging basketball net and also behind the bar they trophied some genuine American football helmets which all fitted the theme perfectly, not forgetting the vintage car grills hung up. My favourite piece of property was by far the Mobil gas pump which was placed neatly in the corner next to dining table, it was larger than life, quirky but had every element you recite when you say born in the USA. The booths and tables could have had more of an authentic American diner feel but the plain Jane table set up didn't take to much away from the rocking status. Even the beverages on offer were nostalgic being burly U.S ales by the bottle and stereotypical buds on tap. Neon coke signs and tin metal number plates will certainly make you want to do the jailhouse rock. 

Presentation - 6.5/10 - I think I need a bigger plate chef. The already large, oval plate was absolutely brimming, for starters the sweet fries were jumping the brim and starting to flop on the table then the corn was seemedly dumped on top if the colesaw. My chicken didn't exactly yell appealing either because to be honest it was hard to tell looking at how it was placed which part of the bird it really was not forgetting to mention the bacon strips that just laid on top if it. I'd like to have seen bubbling golden batter piercing the eye, partnered with a small side order of fries so you actually get a decent idea of what's going on. Finally the bones from the chick proved to be a certain annoyance because after I tore off the meat they were lifelessly getting in the way on the plate, in the end I had to put them on a side plate because knowing me I'd have scooped one into my gullet.

Food/Value For Money - 7/10 - Give a man a healthy meal and you can feed him for the night, but give the man a hearty, mountain high meal and you can feed him for the weekend. A key factor that really saved Zak's food was that they were oh so generous with the portion size. At £12.95 I settled myself a pile up of food, all be it not the most expensive to create but a tasteworthy meal to say the least. My plate contained a farms worth of sweet potato fries, half a deep fried chicken, a couple of bacon strips, an ice cream scoop of coleslaw, corn and a tidy little side salad to balance the health element. The plate had both positives and negatives but overall it was definitely on a level playing field with other US dining imitators. Firstly my chicken, the bird sunk my heart from the moment I saw it and at my initial bite it didn't change much either. The batter was dry, hard and so paper thin that you could see the bones beneath in some place and the flesh of the chicken wasn't great as well. Don't get me wrong it was seasoned well and the meat was prominant in some places but I felt the need to douce the dryness with condiments, it was extremely taste killing how overcooked the bird was. On the other hand you had the fries which took up most of the plate and they were spot on. Decadently bubbly, crisp and sweet with a lengthy, fluffy pop beneath the skin that I could indulge on for hours. The bacon again was to die for; unhealthy, had a solid, crunchy snap to it and the saltiness just kept me craving more of that piggy American breakfast goodness, I'm such a huge fan of strips rather than the classic back bacon. To summarise it I'd say the meal was mediocre if not a little bit below par but the portion size really brought it to a new ball game leaving me to score only averagely. 

Overall - 7/10 - Zak's stations three restaurant/diner retreats around Norwich and has a sterling reputation for being one of the cities fine business developments serving up burgers and shakes for many of years. Pretty much faultless service, fast food and a great Stars and Stripes experience can be had at Zak's because of the rare props they do have on show, you could literally spend hours looking around spotting different signs and counting the quirky quotes plastered on the all American tin billboards. When it comes down to food, it's the burgers and hotdogs you should really be having; Zak's has built itself on the pride of it's patties for so many years and the creativeness of the combinations on the menu can leave you pondering for hours on end and let us not forget the meal sizes. Mountains of food at an affordable price, it's a great place to take the family for a welcoming bite to eat and not forgetting to mention if you're hungry some US comfort food loving. Don't expect fine dining and luxurious food just throw on a bib, get messy and leave with waddling belly without breaking the bank. There's obviously always room for improvements but it's a true place for tummy topping food and in'n'out style meal, enjoy and eat on. 

http://www.zaks.uk.com

Takeaway Time - Lucky Tandoori

Lucky Tandoori, Dereham Road, Norwich

Cuisine - Indian

Options - Takeaway & Delivery

Speed - 8/10 - My indian excursions have brought me to the conclusion that normally I'd expect to wait twenty minutes maximum for my meal and this place was spot on. After entering, browsing and telling the cashier our curry favourites, he quickly whisked our order away to the kitchen where we then proceeded to wait. In the shop they have a TV to watch whilst you wait and also some local leaflets, meaning you shouldn't get bored; for a Saturday night the takeaway was quite empty it has to be said. As the clocked swept by it was a mere, under average, fourteen minutes before our food crawled out which was impressively swift for a tandoori house. 

Taste - 7/10 - Saturday night and I was feeling rather spicy (hence the reason for opting for a cheeky indian treat), so I opted for my usual chicken tikka chilli masala, pilau rice and finally a plain poppadum. Hot, hot, hot, my goodness, the chilli masala boasted brutality as though it had been taken fresh from the rivers of hell, it was by far the spiciest of it's kind I've ever encountered; this being said, I felt it fair as the menu did state extremely hot with a huge four chilli rating. The sauce from the curry was a deep, rich brown and was very runny upon comparison to other takeaway joints however the wateriness didn't ruin the dish as I felt it helped to spread the heat capsicum and engulf all the naked strands of rice with extra flavour. From the first folk full my lips began tingling, my eyes drew heavy and my nose resemble a dripping broken tap; I fear for the toilet tomorrow and anyone who has to be around me. My chicken was well charred, tender and plump but it there was only several pieces which I felt wasn't generous enough. The crispy poppadum help me to mop up the excess sauce and the rice was mainly ideal, it had the classic white colour that you get from balsamti and the fragrance was greatly decadent. Sauce ratio compared to every on the plate drowned the dish; you can see from the picture the rice gasping for air around the plate edge. Another strange thing was the inclusion of a piece of tomato in the sauce which you don't often find in a chilli tikka but it didn't take away from the great kicking, prominent, green chillies throughout. Overall an honourable curry which was slightly too hot with a lick too much sauce but it was certainly tasty and authentic. 

Price - 7.5/10 - The trend with other curry houses continues at Lucky Tandoori because on intial comparison with other takeaways it was of a similar price. For starters, my extremely hot chilli tikka was tagged at £5.80 and my rice only a measly £2.00, touting up to a final £7.80. After browsing the menu, researching into the delicacies, I noticed they do offer a large variety of quite unique dishes but you do have to part with your pounds for them; I noted down a Bengal style fish fillet which costs £7.95 and also a beautiful, tandoori king prawn curry that would dent your wallet £11.95. This being said the curries do tend to have a set average on the menu where chicken tikka's are around £6.00 and the lamb tikka's around £6.40. The rice and sundries peaked at £2.40 and obviously start at a low price of £0.60 for a poppadom. On the back of the menu they have a few set meals for singles and groups which boast offers and selective items for a feast as well as the Thursday night meal offers which are £5.95 or £6.95 a piece.

Overall - 7.5/10 - If you love your hot curry like me and you want to discover somewhere what might seriously slap your tastebuds then give Lucky Tandoori a whirl. Even by my spicy standards I struggled to plow through the dish but by at no means did this mean I disliked it. They are obviously talented enough in the kitchen to spruce up a tummy satisfying curry with worthy flavour and by the speed of the service you can't go much wrong. Averagely priced tandoori takes up seventy percent of the menu but it has to be said, they do have some rather expensive dishes too if you fancied something unique, not forgetting to mention the set menus on the back. An area I was severly shut down by was the lack of rices because normally Indians poster a huge variety but the menus here seemed to lack so many, for example they didn't even have the famous and delicious onion rice on offer. To sum up my visit to Lucky Tandoori I'd say that it was a mediocre Indian takeaway that wasn't bad but it wasn't nothing extraordinary either, just somewhere you can silence your rumblings for a decent tasting curry.

www.luckytandoori.co.uk

Tel: 01603 762555

    : 01603 762700

Takeaway Time - Good Food Tandoori

Good Food Tandoori, St.Stephens, Norwich

Cuisine - Indian

Options - Takeaway & Delivery

Speed - 9/10 - Curry in a hurry. The GFT was super swift when it came down to taking my order, whipping up my grub and pushing it through the swinging door in the big takeout bag. After penciling down what I wanted to chow down on, the cashier gave me a rather confident estimation of around a fifteen minute wait so I proceeded to sit and ponder the menu; within a rapid ten minutes my food was handed to me. This time gave the place great promise as it's enough time for them to toss up some fresh ingredients and not only that I didn't have to wait too long, often on a Friday night in an indian you'd be expecting a solid twenty minute wait at best. If they do tell you a longer time for the tandoori, fear not as the establishment has a television and magazines to keep you entertained whilst you wait. 

Taste - 8.5/10 - Peeling back the silver tins with excitement and pure hunger, I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw and smelt. My rice hosted an authentic aroma that you often get from a traditionally cooked pilau and the flavour didn't fail me either; you could taste the flavoursome ghee that had been worked into the fluffy curry bed and the portion size was absolutely untaxable. Continuing with the side dish the colour just popped in your eye with a sunshine brightness and the few spice pods just dropped in that traditional feel. I opted, as always, for a hotter chilli tikka chicken masala and I can comfortably say it's up there in the top indian takeaway curries I've eaten. Unusually the sauce was a sliver runnier than I am used to, however I found this much better than the thicker, lesser sauces in the past; as it was more slick I could combine it with the rice easier with pleanty left over for scooping up with a crispy poppadum. The heat pushed the pin in perfection with a the fiesty kick you look for in a chilli tikka but it wasn't over the top that it left my throat closing up and my tummy turning; the long green chillies in the dish are what really seperates a mild mans masala toa spicy tongue dance and overall I thought it matched the description to a decimal. Meat wise I couldn't really fault it as the chicken was plump, succulent, soft and moist however a few more pieces could have really set the bar above the rest. Rounding up the meal I felt it was all in proportion and the flavours were nailed, there's no doubt this place boosts authenticity. 

Price - 8/10 - For an indian takeaway the Good Food Tandoori is a tad bit cheaper than many of it rivals but what really pushes it out above the rest is the day to day meal deals they offer. On the front of the menu they poster a selection of special offers which are basically meal deals where you get select curries, rice and sundries for a cheap price; these start at £4.85 for the vegetable option and peak at £6.20 for the most. If these offers don't tickle your pickle then don't hesitate too much because the main menu isn't dear either; my meal of a chicken tikka chilli masala and pilau rice came to penny pinching £7.55. Various sundries cost different prices as you'd expect as poppadums are a measly 50 pence and naans start at £1.50. The priciest curries are £8.15 each and they are the king prawn cuisines but if you're looking for a chicken dish expect to part around the £5 mark. It has to be said that they also threw in a free bag of onion salad to munch on with my meal.You have to bare in mind curries are never going to be cheap as a takeaway because of the complexity of the food but GFT is healthier for the bank balance that most tandoori houses. 

Overall - 8.5/10 - When it comes down to selecting an authentic curry house or indian we often don't try various place as we love to stick to what we know but I've learned that change is mostly for the better. After hearing rave reviews from friends about the GFT I decided to give it a whirl and my goodness I am impressed. To start off with it's one of the speediest spice serve ups I've had from indian takeaways and the service was completely unassailable. The flavours for the price are second to none and as I mentioned the authenticity and traditionalism of the food are fantastically real. On comparison to the few indian takeaways I've had before this place is well up there in the top of the charts and I'll certainly be returning to curb my curry cravings; don't knock it on the head over your favourite tandoori because these guys know indian. Be warned if you want to park for pick up it's a bit hard to find a space as it's directly next to Quasar in the city centre but don't be put off as there are pleanty of spots within walking distance that you could creep into. Love curry at a cheaper price then you'll love the Good Food Tandoori, check it out for a satisfying spicy experience.

Tel: 01603 765119

    : 01603 765218

Café Football London Review

Café Football, Westfields (Stratford), London

Cuisine - Gastro Pub

Price Range - Medium/High - The menu at Café football isn't the largest in the world it has to be said but the items that they do sell are all of a similar price. A few salads make up the cheapest plates which are £8.95 then the tipping point for the other end are the steak options which are £22.95 a piece. Upon reflection of the menu the average set back for a meal is around the £14 mark and for that you can pick up a burger with fries, pizza, salad or a few selection of British classics. Drinks can be slightly on the expensive side if you are opting for alcohol as cider's are £5 each and beers vary, beggining at £2.50 for a half. Soft drinks are cheaper as they start from only £1.95.

Service - 5/10 - After my visit, the service in Café football is enough to put me off from going back again. To start with five of us were crammed onto a table for four which was extremely uncomfortable, they didn't even set an extra set of cutlery so it was clearly a four seater table. After ordering our first set of drinks it must have taken at least a solid twenty minutes for them to arrive, only for the waitress nearly to be conned into giving them away. A fellow on another table was attempting to claim the drinks as his own but we were quick to notice and grabbed them back but surely you would have thought the staff knew where they were going?. On a plus our food was out faster than our first set of drinks which was good time but this wasn't enough to redeem the mistakes so far. Finally and very rudely, the bill had an automatic service charge of 12.5% sneakily placed on the end; we noticed and asked the waitress if this was a mandatory payment to which she said no. After asking for it to be removed, the young girl was least impressed, snatching the bill back abruptly as if we were in the wrong, then proceeded to throw our new bill on the table in disgust. I felt this was totally unacceptable and unprofessional. 

Atmosphere - 6/10 - As I said previous our situation was already uncomfortable from the seating situation let alone the fact that fellow diners were after our drinks. The place was absolutely jammed packed and the bellowing drone was overwhelming; it wasn't ideal trying to talk loudly between the table and when the waitress' took the orders they were almost shouting themselves. At the bar area which was right next to the seated diners you could see the hustle and bustle going on, it reminded me of a Saturday night on the town and this probably didn't help the noise situation much either. An element I did enjoy was upbeat music that was playing, it was adrenaline pumping and cheerful which was reminiscent of the sort of music players would be listening to in a changing room pre-match. For some reason I just couldn't relax and the constant thought of where the drinks were and whether or not they were going to get our order right put me on edge.

Decor/Theme - 9/10 - Now this is an establishment really after my own heart, what more could a footballing foodie want than a restaurant themed around the beautiful game. As soon as you entered you are greeted by a cabinet display of classic boots which players would have worn, not to mention the names and pictures of heroic players posted everywhere on the walls. Down the tunnel towards the toilets they had framed shirts of players from around the globe which was a great, authentic touch. Living up to the sports reputation, the mutiple flat screens only seemed an essential, even in the head rests of booths their were small screens all displaying sky sports news. On the back of booth's they had sticker book photos of players both present and past, creating a childhood touching memory of when I used to collect them myself. All in all my favourite part had to be the superbly clever menu; most of the items ranging from cocktails to pizzas had unique names and played puns on famous footballing figures. For example a pizza named "The Special One" possessed Portuguese toppings refering to the Portuguese managing mastermind that is Jose Mourinho. Even the on the backs of the menus the meals were set out in 4-4-2 formations. 

Presentation - 7.5/10 - Opting for a healthy salmon noodle salad there isn't many different ways you can present it and it was fair to say I was at ease with the way they did so. The bowl that was placed in front of me was huge and if required to you could wear it as a helmet; the fact that the bowl was like a bucket left me chirpy though as they did generously fill it up. Baring in mind it was a salad it did lack colour and a bit more diversity in vegetables would have worked a treat but because it was just noodles, carrots, spring onions and salmon it just didn't cut it. After looking at other peoples plates they seemed to have nice, quirky dineware but mine just didn't have the wow factor.

Food/Value for Money - 7.5/10 - My main of the salmon noodle salad stands in at £11.95 which I feel was very just. The noodles were perfect and there certainly was pleanty of them, by this I mean the cooking time had been nailed by the chef because they are easily over done from past experience. A negative aspect was the same as what I said earlier, the lack in variety; fair enough a salmon noodle salad doesn't have a shed load of ingredients but the addition of some bean shoots, a little chilli and other oriental flavours could have given the dish so much more excitement and promise. The ratio of salmon to noodles was greatly satisfying as you'd expect the restaurant to try and hold back on the fish as much as possible but they didn't and their was pleanty. You noticed the salmon flavour rush through straight away with prominence because it has such a delicious flavour; it was strong, seasoned well, had large, meaty flakes and maintained that spicy teriyaki flavouring it advertised in the menu. Overall I'd say that it was a decent meal that I'd buy again at the same price but I would exactly call it phenomenal food. 

Overall - 7.5/10 - Café Football has so much potential to be a real great, novelty food chain that can branch out to footballing foodies around the country however there are many things that need to improve. The staff and unorganised atmosphere really do let this diner down and the fact that they don't show much consideration really does put me off returning in the future. With a decent tasting meal, enough to satisfy most hungry people, served up at a fair price for a London shopping centre food outlet, it's fair to say they would be successful if they could handle the rush and demand, not to mention the fantastic theme. Being an investment of Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs alone, it's teasing to any football fanatic and by no means should you let the service put you off but just don't expect the staff kissing your feet. My advice would be to pop in off the run of a shopping trip at Westfields or to visit at a time when it's going to be least busy to get the full potential but at all costs avoid the rush hours. To conclude I'd like to think this is a phenomenal idea with a perfect USP but it just needs improvement and polishing up in many departments in order to come out top of the league. To put it in a league it would be a definate Championship playoff squad that could be promoted under new management.

http://www.cafe-football.com

Gaucho London Review

Gaucho, Chancery, London

Cuisine - A La Carte Steakhouse & Grill

Price - Medium/Very High - Gaucho possesses some seriously superior food and with all of the beef served being sourced in Argentina the prices are going to be bumped. The cheapest meals on the menu were the salads which were labelled in at £8.75 for the lowest vegetable concoction; at the next end of the scale I witnessed probably the most expensive meal on a menu on my excursions so far worthy of the very high tag. The meal in question was Gaucho's signituare sampler plate hosting a large cut of every steak on offer, weighing in at 1.2kg and then pushing a price of £99; a real treat if you're a rich steak lover. I'd say the average price for a meal in the restaurant was around the £25 mark with all side orders being around £5 and when it came down to drinks the selection is available to suit any bank balance; examples range from beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Service - 10/10 - Absolutely unnassailable from the moment we entered the restaurant. Every single member of staff within the establishment was chirpy and enthusiastic in making the diner's visit second to none; it's as though the customer was rare gem and the staff's job was to cherish them. The steaks were brought out raw on a board prior to ordering, explaining thoroughly about each cut and every question we had was confidently answered with assurance. When it came down to selecting a wine, our waiter was extremely helpful as he offered a sampler taste of our choice bottle and if we didn't like it, he was happy to change it. Not only this but seeing as we were hungry for steak we opted to order some extra medallions to no problem of the chefs or staff and as you'd expect they asked how we liked them cooked. The gentleman who waited our table was professional but comical and no issue we had was too much for him; he brought us everything we needed and kept up his attentativeness without being irritant. Finally our food was served up in a great time which wasn't too fast or too long to wait making it that all more enjoyable, not to mention the waiters even remember who had which steaks and how they were cooked. 

Atmosphere - 10/10 - I think I'll find it hard as a foodie to ever eat at anywhere as relaxed as Gaucho. The modernist music with a slowed beat made for a peaceful yet classy set then the perfect timings of the meal deliveries just helped to let us kick back even more. Even the staff seemed chilled and the non-frantic surroundings made it that bit more special; for a restaurant in London I expected a booming environment but I was so wrong. To me the tables were filled enough to make a steady turnover without the feeling of overcrowded hustle making for again a truly pleasant experience; there is nothing better than being able to sit back and enjoy some fine food without a dim, over busy atmosphere to kill the mood. Finally after every deep breath you got a prominent whiff of a grill working steaks and fresh food being prepared which as a hungry diner, made my mouth water. 

Decor/Theme - 9/10 - To nail the establishment in a phrase I'd have to go with a plush, upmarket eatery with a subtle lick of cattle. My favourite highlights within the place would have to be firstly the clever yet classy use of the cow skin to cover the chairs and stairwell, reasoning for this is because it makes you appreciate the animal and think of the stellar flavours that come from the creature. With this they could have easily made the place look tacky and outdated but the fact that they only use it slightly rightfully claims a vibrant quirkiness. Also the tables are set at a measured distance apart so the feeling of being clustered and uncomfortable isn't there; another key point is the open kitchen boast's confidence in skill and shows cleanliness too. Upstairs has some coushty leather stools to sit on if you fancy a few beverages pre or post meal with a luxurious bar knocking up great drinks at your order. 

Presentation - 8/10 - For the money that's paid this is the only disappointment for me however this being said my steaks still looked very fanciful. The five medallions were placed into a circle like shape on the centre of a large white plate which was appealing but somehow I just feel they should really be doing a little bit more. A touch of garnishing or slight piece of creativity could have really livened the dish up but that being said there was pleanty of room to shuffle the steaks for cutting room. One thing I did love was the fact that the meats were all of a similar medallion size and that they were all defined, clean cuts. 

Food/Value for Money - 9.5/10 -My initial mention has to go out to the complimentary bread board at the start of the meal which eased me up nicely for my main course. On the platter you had a hearty, warm selection of breads ranging from cheese profiteroles, rustic brown bread and finally a sliced potato cake; serving alongside these were small bowls of seasonings and a delectable chilli and garlic oil for dipping. For free the bread board was spot on and flavours were full, stating that this place doesn't do bad food. My main I opted for was a selection of steak medallions being rump, ribeye and fillet, I had to go with an additional two pieces as well because of the reputation my friends gave the food. Butter knife in hand (yes, butter knife) I carved a slice into my first medallion only to see that it had been cooked to absolute perfection as was the same with every other piece which is an amazing skill of the chef to be so careful and clever. After I eased my way through slicing the meat I took a bite and the flavour was outstanding, the steaks were by far the best I've ever eaten; the tenderness of the beef just melted in my mouth giving off an almost decedancy in taste. The edges of the medallions had an exquisite charcoal crust, deepening the flavour even more; at no point did I even think about a condiment or more seasoning as each slice was so full bodied. For £28.50 some people would say that the meats are overpriced and expensive but my goodness if you try them they are certainly able to live up to it, as I said it's by far the best steak I've eaten. At breaks inbetween my steak like heaven I ordered some sweet potato fries to nibble on which were topped with cuts of smokey chorizo; these were, again, fantastic with a plump, flavoursome sweet potato complimented with the smokey, yet slight spice in the sausage. You know it's a phenomenal meal when you carry on eating even though you're body is brimming to edge full; I finished mine then even had room for a piece of friends cut aswell. 

Overall - 9/10 - Gaucho has topped my list of restaurants and is now by a length one of my favourites I have visited. Everything from the unique customer service, to the relaxed atmosphere and most importantly the Argentinian steaks, this place is heaven to a anyone who loves to eat out. The menu may be expensive but for the quality of the food you recive after pushing out the pennies you can't complain; steak can be found at many restaurants but believe me, you'll be hard to find it on this level. For fine dining and celebrating Gaucho is the perfect spot but for a quick bite, off the back of the cuff scenario perhaps you should go elsewhere but it's a must visit in my book. It's a shame I didn't live near by or visit London more often as I'd be booking reservations on the regular and asking for them to have me a custom table in the corner. To sum up this review I'd say if you didn't like steak or any kind of grilled food, go to Gaucho and I'm sure you'd be converted, I'd even go as far as saying it could turn a vegetarian into a fully blown steak muncher. My final note is a thank you to my fellow diner and friend who treated me to this stunning experience and introduced me to quality food. Thanks. 

http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Takeaway Time - Lim's Fish & Chips

Lim's Fish & Chips, Unthank Road, Norwich

Cuisine - Fish & Chips 

Options - Takeaway Only

Speed - 10/10 - A little bit of advice on if you want fantastic tasting fish and chips as fast as possible... Visit Lim's. The second you step in the door the two guys are literally edging to take your order with the fry cook buzzing acrossed if you want anything cooked to order. With no queue to wait in, I was seen to straight away having my order of cod, chips and mushy pea's being noted. By the time I took the money from my wallet the gentle scooped my chips and wrapped my meal quicker than a Christmas elf then had it waiting in a bag for me to take home. If you want something cooked to order take into consideration the obvious frying time but more times than not they have everything ready and hot. 

Taste - 8.5/10 - Patriotic passions are running high in the country seeing as it the World Cup and I couldn't get the craving of the traditional fish and chips out of my brain; to say my hunger was suppressed is an understatement. My chips curessed the classic taste and texture of the "Chippie" spreading an even amount of crispy pieces with plumped full potato sticks on my plate; the outer skin wasn't overly greasy, remained with a crustiness and was fluffy in the centre. With the cod their were a few areas for improvement as I prefer the thickness to be more on the depth rather than length however this being said it was ideal for flavouring. The flakes held together well and the fish itself was a lot more fleshy and tender towards the fatter end; one thing I loved is the fact that it was boneless and moist meaning you wouldn't have to worry about choking on a sharp bone. Batter can be easily ruined but Lim's seem to have nailed this crucial point; the golden coating on the fish was beautifully crisp with a slight seasoning which was peeled off of the whole fish with ease. The density of the covering was the same throughout but a couple of areas were a tad soggy but this didn't overly ruin the taste. Finally my portion of peas for one were mouthwatering by the way they were piping hot, plump but properly mushed and tasted the exact way you would expect from authentic chip shop peas. At the end of munching on my plate my lips did feel slighlty greasy but this is something you'd expect from a fried meal, at no point during eating did it taste overly oily. 

Price - 9/10 - The takeaway in total for a piece of cod, chips and a portion of mushy peas set me back an acute £5.30 with the peas being only fifty pence for the pot. To breakdown the whole plate for value this is a phenomenal bargain and by far one of the cheaper chip shops around. Portion wise my chips would have been easily capable to serve two people as the pyramid stack of potatoes was fit for a king, I really did struggle to plough through them all and my appetite was eating away at my stomach before I started the meal. Again the slab of cod was long and plump yet it was still cheaply priced up as elsewhere you get similar priced fish with a smaller scale size; more often than not you see a stubby flat piece thrown in your paper wrap for these prices tags. For one person my pot of peas was perfect because it wasn't too many that it slathered over the plate and it wasn't too little so you didn't get a taste; the fact that they offer more if you want is superb but for one person they hit the spot. 

Overall - 9/10 - What more can I say than Lim's is a fish and chip shaped diamond set in the middle of Norwich's golden triangle. Fish and chips are served up faster than you can say 'fast food Friday' here and the two guys who slave away in the shop possess such an energetic persona that even the quick charm keeps the customer coming back. The competitive, cheap prices twinned with the flavoursome, fresh food keeps Lim's in fighting contention to be one of the cities finest chip outlets as prices around town will mostly be more or equally good for the quality of grub you get here. With food cooked to order you will never leave disappointed so don't hesitate to drop by for a speedy takeaway if your tastebuds are tingling for some tradition. If you do drop by portions are hearty meaning you should go hungry and save yourself for some great quality chips. 

All Bar One Norwich Review

All Bar One, Tombland, Norwich

Cuisine - Gastro Pub 

Price Range - Low/Medium - Upon the food menu for the restaurant, nothing stands out as being extortionatly price or unaffordable. Meals vary from a small wallet tickling of £7 to the most expensive meal being a ribeye steak which sets the diner back £14.50. Drinks obviously depend on the choice and this bar prides itself on it's massive wine selection; you can buy by the bottle or the glass. They also offer great cocktails and beers and soft drinks are around £2.70 a piece. 

Service - 7/10 - After entering the bar we were quickly appointed to a table by our smiley hostess. It took a small amount of time to recieve our menus but when we did we were given a fair amount of time to decide our meals; the waitress was brilliantly attentative and cheerful throughout the visit but unfortunately we didn't recieve requested condiments and the tables didn't have their own salt and pepper mills. However this being said our food was delivered quickly and to a piping hot temperature. My dining partner was asked how he would like his steak cooked which shows great customer consideration and care. 

Atmosphere - 8/10 - Being a bar in the city, on a Thursday night, you expect nothing less than a busy, booming environment and that is exactly what we got. The place was dotted full of diners and drinkers all chirping away, relaxing on a night as the weekend draws close, this giving off an atmospherically positive vibe. In the background we had a selection of loud music playing which sometimes came across as too loud but I think this depends on where you are situated in the restaurant. Generally everyone was in high spirit but the only problem was that occasionally the noise did pose a bit too loud. 

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - Within the whole build an on going theme seemed to reoccur, one of which I am a huge fan of. A description I would go for is a prestine, upmarket, modern bar with the right amount of rusticness to balance it out. My favourite feature was the mass selection of wine bottles propped up in a glass frame near the door along with the stylish leather high tables for two. The style has been clearly set and nailed suiting the target market down to a T. Our high table was slightly wobbly but it was nothing too drastic. The open plan kitchen stated confidence from the cooking department and gave off subtle fragrances to hungry restauranteurs. My final point is about the long, clear bar which is easy to access if you were just joining as a drinker. 

Food Presentation - 8.5/10 - Refering back to my point of modern and classy, the food presentation again shows this. Effort has clearly been made to make the food look fanciful as multiple techniques have been put into play, firstly the whole meal was cutely served on a thin, tile slate, the fries were in the trending metal bucket and my dips in tiny pots beside those. They have understood the new wave of food service and appeal to the modernist market, making it a decent dining specimen for the current century. Upon the slate was a piece of paper which proved annoying when trying to pick up excess sauce and slaw but saved on mess at the end of the meal, also the burger was held up tall with a giant skewer, keeping it together well. Although a lot of aspects are taken into consideration, the food still came across as neat, appealing to the eye and yet still remained classy. Simple but affective. 

Food/Value for Money - 7.5/10 - The meal I opted for after a brief look over the menu was the crab and lobster burger. My plate came with a large sesame bun with, what resembled a fish cake inside it sided with a pot of skin on fries, a pot of sweet chilli dip and finally a mango slaw; all of which cost £10.50. First of all their were pleanty of fries, these provided the average flavour you'd expect, except they were brilliantly seasoned, had a fairly crisp skin and tasted authentic with the slight skin on. When it came down to the mango flavoured coleslaw I didn't really feel there was enough to comment on the flavour as the portion was poor and minimal, however this can't be said for the sweet chilli dip. Looking back at the chilli condiment the main highlights were the tantalising tang you immediately get from sweetness then a small rush came through to kick in the zing of the chillies; this was up their with some of the best dips I've had and gave life to the burger and the fries also. Finally my "burger"; I was really looking forward to this as not often do you get the chance to chow down on lobster and crab at such a cheap price but overall I was disappointed. The texture was completely off and after every bite it resolved to mush in my mouth, the bun was tasty and slightly sweet but it was overkill with the pulp in the middle. My patty in the bun would have been better off served alone as a fish cake because with the bun and various toppings it really failed me. There was a portion of crab and lobster I could taste but nothing to get any eater excited. Overall I don't think you can complain about the price for the meal quality as the affordable price gives you a just above average meal that leaves you satisfied to part with your pennies.

Overall - 8/10 - An interiorally beautiful establishment, posing as an upmarket wine bar which serves up a variety of dishes, All Bar One is the ideal place munch out if you fancy a long chilled evening on with a few bottles of wine and some nice food. With a bit of something for everyone's taste, both food and drink wise, I'd say this place would be ideal to take a partner on a date, as there seemed to be many couples dining out; not to mention if you fancy a relaxing gathering, the bar is for you. Nothing is too out of price, the staff and atmosphere are merry and finally the pro-modern style makes for a great experience. The food may not be the best but it certainly doesn't lack flavour and for the price you can't grumble; alongside the presentation  I'd say that the whole meal makes it justifiable and fair. Finally next time you dine out in the city or tombland for that fact, don't tick All Bar One off as it's an stylish gem that shouldn't be overlooked as "just another chain". 

http://www.allbarone.co.uk/all-bar-one-norwich/

TGI Friday's Norwich Review

TGI Friday's, Riverside, Norwich

Cuisine - American Bar & Restaurant

Price Range - Medium/High - On the menu the price ranges from the lowest being a £8.99 which is a spicy pasta dish and a Caesar salad, a few other items pose around the £10 mark which are burgers. An average for a meal will set you back about £14 like the chicken and faijitas but the high end of the plates are peaking at £21.49 being a sixteen ounce steak. Drinks in TGI's can be expensive if you opt for the alcoholic side with 330ml bottles of beer emptying your pocket at £3.99 a punt and pint sized ciders being £4.39; cocktails are obviously costly depending on your choice. Finally the soft drinks settle at £2.69 and are of unlimited refills, proving a real bargain if you're a thirsty person. 

Service - 8/10 - The service within TGI's was overall, pretty much faultless. From the moment me and my party stepped in the moment we left, we were looked after brilliantly by the waitress who chased down all our needs; throughout the meal the young lady was chirpy, smiling and enthusiastic about her job, leaving us as comfortable customers. When it came down to the delivery speed of food and drink, again faultless as it was all out and ready for chowing on in unassailable time. The staff do make you feel extremely welcome and the fact that one waitress looks after one table makes it that extra bit more personal. An element I did notice was that ninety percent of the waitress were female. My final point is how I noticed a few ladies were walking round making balloons for people, upon which they then got to keep. A negative I did find, also reflecting on the food quality, was how they didn't ask one of our party how he wanted his burger cooked, this showing not the best attention to deal or food quality. 

Atmosphere - 9/10 - Being a massive worldwide brand, TGI's has a high end reputation to live up to, so I didn't expect no cuts in the atmosphere department. The place seemed alive at all times as the murmur of customers buzzed, the background music played out and the multiple flat screen tv's ran out clips of a variety of videos which also links with it's US diner theme. Within my hour and a bit visit the staff must have had a birthday celebration boom as they had to deliver, what sounded like a ritual chant. Each customer who had a birthday had their table approached by multiple members with a dessert, then proceeding to sing a birthday celebration song/chant which can be heard throughout the diner; this is quite an awesome touch which adds to the overall experience. 

Decor/Theme - 8.5/10 - In a few words I'd describe this eatery as glittery, glamourous and in your face American. Most of the things you associate with the modern Hollywood lifestyle you can find here alongside the charm of the world famous New York diners. It's as though the creators of TGI Fridays took the best of the west coast and mixed it with the east to create a restaurant shaped love child. The bijou booths scattered around the building settle nicely alongside the bolstering bright lights that replicate those you see round dressing room mirrors, also the open kitchen and rounded middle bar are real positive USP's. Customers can even sit around the bar on cute stools to share cocktails if you didn't fancy sampling some of the food on offer. My two favourite things in the restaurant were firstly the TGI/Jack Daniels Harley that's in the window and secondly the fact that nearly every spirit you can think of is placed above the bar on show, leaving me admiring the huge selection of liquor.

Food Presentation - 7.5/10 - Upon reflection of the look of my plate, presentation wise it's neat. The meal had been delicately sectioned in a trio, dividing the protein, carb and veg into seperate areas with the sauce placed in its own little pot. An aspect that could be improved is if the sauce pot was much bigger as I would argue that it was far too little for the amount of grub I had to dip into it. As for the prawns, the fact that the fantail was left on marries well with the attraction element and often makes the fish look more genuine. The dish served it's purpose properly being the perfect size for the meal, my chips looked rustic with the slight skin on which I enjoyed but the veg was thrown together on a side of the plate, not giving off any fanciful feeling at all. 

Food/Value for Money - 6.5/10 - Disappointing overall, my meal walloped the wallet at a £14.99 price tag and consisted of mainly frozen produce. I opted for the jack Daniels cajun battered shrimp from the menu which, when it arrived, had a total of eleven battered fantail prawns, a jack Daniels bbq dip, skin on fries and a small portion of vegetables. First of all the veg was cooked nicely as they still had a bite to them, however it was few and far between as I had minimal greenery on the plate. The fries were flavoursome with a potatoey, crisp, rustic skin on them, not to mention the seasoning was decent and their was a pleantiful amount to get through; my main concern here though was that the chips did tend to get cold quick. Moving into the prawns and they were about average to sum them up; the batter was bubbly and crisp with an acute spicy flavour but the actually fish itself was lacking somewhat. The prawns flesh was plump and tart but it just didn't pack the cajun punch I craved from the menu, also the fish flavour really wasn't their, however you cannot argue with the quantity as eleven prawns tops up the tummy tightly. Finally onto the sauce which was one of my favourite items from my meal, it was delicious. With a hint of smokey bbq flavour concocting beside the sweet JD taste, this sauce just works perfectly when anything is dunked into it; the whiskey flavour was subtle yet noticed and also it contained small pieces providing texture, overall giving off a sweet, tangy taste that tantalised the taste buds. Everything but the sauce could be bought elsewhere cheaper in my opinion but the portion size was filling. 

Overall - 7.5/10 - As far as restaurants go, this place is more of a tourist attraction than a exclusive eatery as TGI's itself holds a big brand reputation worldwide. Many people will know that the franchise only normally establishes restaurants in larger cities, as it grew out of New York City, so it's a unique experience to Norwich to get such a place. If I ever recommended anybody to go to TGI Friday's it would be for the atmosphere and service as after my visit these were the things that made me want to go back. With friendly staff that make each customer feel special and a shibaz, showbiz American theme, the place has a shining persona, attracting people who pass by. Sadly the food and value really let the hype down because not only can you find the meals at any other "American" restaurant, you can also find them a lot cheaper also; more than anything here you are paying for the brand as the food doesn't take incredible skill to cook and replicates any high street diner out there. I'd like to mention that they do offer a wide range of decadent cocktails here and the variety in drinks is second to none, these are something I certainly come back to shuffle through. TGI's is one of those places you visit to say you've been, just don't expect nothing out of the average food wise, not to mention the prices are too high for the quality; portion wise, you'll leave full. 

https://m.tgifridays.co.uk

Takeaway Time - Flaming Galah Review

Flaming Galah, Ber Street, Norwich

Cuisine - Pie & Mash

Options - Takeaway or Order for Collection via Social Network or Telephone

Speed - 10/10 - Absolutely nailed all the aspects people look for when going to a takeaway joint, fast food, in your hands within the time it takes to exchange your English pounds with the cashier. My meal was ready within an instant, serving as a real treat for my rumbling stomach. It possibly took me longer to read the menu than it did for the gentleman to take my order and whip up my meal, the cue was non exsistent also. Be warned that not all pies are available upon entry, so to curb that ring in advance and pre-order your pie craving; I was advised that any pie on the menu can be made to order and takes roughly twenty minutes. 

Taste - 9/10 - With my classic pie taste buds tingling all week, I opted for the traditional mince beef and onion pie bonza deal which tops the pastry off with a dollop of mash, scoop of mushy peas and a slosh of gravy. No words can describe how my hunger was suppressed from the first bite with a beautiful fork full of flavour. First of all you get the peas which were flavoursome and didn't come across earthy as sometimes peas can do; the gravy was at a perfect consistency and possesed an ideal temperature that didn't burn the pallet; my mash was some of the best I've tasted with it's beautiful, smooth creaminess and subtle seasoning. One thing I would say is that the whole dish would benefit from a touch more gravy and peas as they were so morish, leaving me scraping for seconds. Moving onto the main event, the pie; the lid was deliciously crisp and made a good crunch when I pierced my fork through it, the taste was buttery, crisp and had the flaky texture a pastry should have. The whole pastry casing was cooked to precision as all of the crust packed full flavour, wasn't soggy and for filled the true heartiness of the dish. Overall the casing was rather deep with the filling bursting through the brim after breaking through; my mince beef and onion filling kept a piping hot heat, warming my stomach and the flavour was meaty, rich and moist to the bite. Overall the meal filled my empty stomach to the brim but left me craving more scrumptious pie.

Price - 9/10 - The menu within Flaming Galah posts up three main options depending on how hungry you are. First up you can opt for any pie on its own which sets the wallet back £3.95; this price is totally fair because the pies are large and the variety of fillings would cost tons more elsewhere, for example, some of the exotic meats. The second choice is for what they call a bonza deal, being any pie, a large ice cream sized scoop of mash, a slathering of peas and finally a ladle of gravy, this setting back the consumer only £4.95; for an extra pound this seems like an ultimate steal and the flavour is certainly worth the upgrade. The final meal option is as above but with a choice of hot or cold drink, only being another pound on top at £5.95. 

Overall - 9/10 - For a long time I've really been looking forward to reviewing Flaming Galah because of it's fame on trip advisor and ever growing custom, and I think it's fair to say I definitely wasn't disappointed. As far as I know this is the only pie and mash outlet within Norwich and I can guarantee it's the only Australian pie and mash shop within east anglia, so straight away it has a great glowing unique persona within the city. Not only this but the establishment often boasts exotic specials on a weekly basis, giving foodies from all round the chance to tease their taste buds with something new, as they have offered up boar, kangaroo and various other combinations all in a pastry pie. With restaurant standard flavours at street food prices, Flaming Galah is an unsung hero for food in Norfolk and it's unlikely they will fail to satisfy customers as it's a cheap, hearty meal. The speed is instant, the price is fair and the taste is divine so make no excuse for not visiting this place, they offer pleanty of variety, from meat lovers to veggies pies and are happy to take pre-orders over social network and telephone. My final point would be to say if you want something other than the classic pies, then you be best to order in advance as they seem to fly off the shelf, don't hesitate to call or contact as the customer service is second to none. Flaming Galah is worthy of its great reputation and trip advisor rank; make no question about it; if you love pie go there, if you don't, this place will turn you into a true pie boy/girl.

Tel: 07837915375

Takeaway Time - China Garden Review

China Garden, Colman Road, Norwich 

Cuisine - Chinese

Options - Takeaway & Phone Order for Collection 

Speed - 9/10 - Upon arrival outside China Garden I was somewhat sceptical seeing as there was a few people inside and it being seven o'clock on at Saturday evening but I was wrong to be. After a brief look over the wide varietied menu, we placed our order of two curries, one Cantonese style prawn dish, three rices and one portion of chips, then deciding to stay in the shop and wait for the arrival of our food. Within a short wait of fourteen minutes our takeaway was ready to go, in this time the girl had served another six people showing how flowful the Chinese gets, the business is non-stop so if you want to avoid a ten minute wait it's best to order for pick up. It's worth a mention that the shop has benches to sit whilst waiting as well things to read and a television to watch. 

Taste - 8.5/10 - Chinese is always a tough choice for me as I'm quite indecisive with my food, so I opted for something different in the form of a sweet and sour king prawn Cantonese style with a portion of the essential that is egg fried rice. First of all the prawns were certainly worthy of the 'king' title as they were large and meaty, not to mention I had around eight or nine of them which I felt was a generous amount. The sauce was flavoursome and had a syrup like texture with a nice tang to it; I thouroughly enjoyed the balance of sweet and sour in the dish because of the juicy pineapple chunks along side the crunchy vegetables. Variety of the vegetables was a pleanty with the savoury bite of the peppers and the slices of onion, however I wasn't too keen on the fresh tomato as I feel it didn't really have much of a place in the dish. With the prawns they had a thin batter which was properly seasoned and possessed a crisp crust, making for tasty combustion in your mouth with the sauce. My rice portion was filling and wasn't dry like you sometimes find with the fried dish, the freshness made it fluffy and it also had a lot of chunky egg pieces within it. If I was to pick out one negative it would be the sauce should be of a larger quantity as it was that delicious I was left craving more with my uncovered rice. 

Price - 8/10 - Independant takeaways like Chinese and Indian seem to be getting ever more expensive nowadays as more pop up, providing tough competition for each other. My meal came to a total of £7.30 which you'll find is cheaper than your average indian meal, the king prawn Cantonese was £5.00 on it's own then £2.30 for the egg rice. The menu for China Garden does have a massive variety of dishes and sides which are obviously all at different prices depending on the contents, for example chicken balls are £4.10 and set meals start around £7.00. If you really fancy a Chinese takeaway treat they offer up a whole duck for just over £20. When it comes to average prices China Garden is on par with other Chinese's and showcases a wide varied menu. A key point I will point out is that prawns are expensive to buy in the current times so actually £5.00 for around eight battered king prawns is about right. 

Overall - 9/10 - As far as Chinese's go in Norwich, China Garden is well up there in being one of the greatest, better still, one of the best takeaways in the City. For as many years as I can remember the establishment has been positioned where it is, with a solid reputation that keeps customers coming back for more, even more so since Chinese became Britain's most popular takeaway. It's success is evident, serving busy weekends Friday to Sunday, for the past decade. The taste of  China Gardens food fulfils every Chinese craving, leaving the treat of the unique tastes tantalising your taste buds. As well as the speedy service and tasteful food, the shop gives off fair pricing and variety making for a really well rounded eatery. If you live in the area, fancy a great quality Chinese meal or are just treating yourself to takeaway make sure you visit China Garden as you'll struggle to find a better food den in Norwich. A certain must try for all food lovers and hungry people around town. 

Tel: 01603507798

Number 12 Norwich Review

Number 12 Bar & Dining, Norwich, Farmers Avenue

Cuisine - Gastro Pub

Price Range - Low/Medium - Number 12 prices up the meals on an average between the £10 and £20 mark, depending of course on the contents of the plate. The cheapest meals are set at £8.95 which is the homemade lasagne and also the burrito, where as the high end of the menu peaks at £19.95 being the twelve item mixed grill. All steak dishes will set you back £18.95 and are a hearty ten ounce cuts of meat. The pub offers smaller plates as light bites which are cheaper to go with the lunch time menu, where you can buy two selected meals for £12. Soft drinks cost £2.00 each and a pint of larger is around the £4.00 mark. 

Service - 9/10 - After booking a table in the mid afternoon, we arrived at Number 12 later in the day where we were greeted by the bar man; then being happily pointed towards our ready set table upstairs where we quickly had our drinks order taken. Their was a short wait for the food menus to arrive but the waitress was apologetic about this when they did arrive. Throughout our meal the staff were extremely friendly, attentative and punctual, delivering food, drinks and condiments at a fast rate. It's very clear that they are well organised and are very used to dealing with busy situations as most of the tables were full. An area of sheer brilliant customer care was when one of our party was offered an alternative to the burger as he could eat beef, the waitress was fast to act upon this and asked the chef if he could make a chicken burger instead, then going ahead to make it. This statement shows real consideration and is a genuine act of consideration. 

Atmosphere - 8/10 - Obviously being in the city centre and an ever growing, popular bar on a Friday night, the place was jam packed. This gave the whole area a real nice vibe and atmospheric noise, however sometimes it came across slightly too loud, meaning I had to shout across to other party members. An upstairs segment for the restaurant go-ers seperates them from the bustle of the bar area, making the atmosphere more comfortable, eating downstairs is an option but would make meal time a tad awkward. Nice touches to be noted are the fact they offer live music on certain nights with Lee Vasey and have a jazz like background music when you can hear it. 

Decor/Theme - 8/10 - The pub poses as a friendly, laid back, homely establishment and it doesn't fail there. With a bar area downstairs for drinkers and a swarve upstairs dining area, Number 12 caters for all lovers of the British pub, welcoming customers young and old. My favourite aspects that make the pub comforting are the classic, detailed chalkboards that state specials, the modern, home like wallpaper on the feature walls, the cute lightings and also the multiple heart warming fire places. All the tables are set out beautifully as they are neat, clean and have matching seats. If I were to pick a negative it would be the area was slightly small but that's at no fault of the management. Upon the walls, in the menu and around the pub you have quirky little quotes that show a good sense of humour, for example they have "happy minute" every day at 14:59-15:00.

Food Presentation - 7/10 - For the size of my portion and taking into consideration the number of items on my plate, the chef done a decent job. The tomatoes on the vine were something that immediately struck my eye, giving a nice subtle touch of colour; also the rustic affect of the skin on chips were different from your average skinless spud. The salad was neatly placed to one side of the plate, splitting the distribution of food nicely aswell as the drizzle of garnish over the meal, making for flavour. Overall it did feel that the food was a bit piled up as the chips and onion rings were hidden under the steak, however this showcased the mass portion you do recieve at the 12. A member of my party who had the burger had his chips served up in a pastel coloured paint pot which I thought was quite jazzy.

Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - My meal I opted for was a healthy ten ounce rib eye steak which set me back £18.95. Firstly I'd like to state what the plate served up which was multiple tomatoes, salad, two large onion rings, hand cut chips, a huge mushroom and a ten ounce steak, needless to say I left full. Everything was superbly seasoned and satisfied my tastes, as the chips had a good dusting of salt along side a tasty salad dressing which I believe was a mustard flavouring. The onion rings were crisp, giving off a balanced onion flavour to go with the mushroom was delicious as it was sizeable and didn't leak juices over the plate, showing it was well cooked. An aspect I was pleased with was the chips as they were fresh, chunky and had a crisp skin on texture, from the first bite you could tell they were better than the commercial frozen French fry. Unfortunately the steak was a tiny bit over cooked as it was more of a medium than a medium rare and I feel it lacked in full flavour, take nothing away though as the meat was still succulent and satisfying, fulfilling my appetite. With the vine tomatoes I thought their could have been a few less as sometimes removing them from the stalk was an obstical, however I did enjoy them and the balsamic dressing on the fruits was devine. Overall I feel the plate was great value for money, giving you an excellent, modern take on the British pub steak. Meat like this elsewhere in the city would set you back over the twenty mark and you wouldn't get all the trimmings like you do here.

Overall - 8/10 - Being branded the best pub for food in Norwich on TripAdvisor, Number 12 has a high end reputation to live up to and in my opinion, it certainly does that. Offering up a large selection of upmarket spirits and drinks to go with the selection of great food, the pub satisfies all crowds, giving options to everyone's tastebuds; not only this but the menu boast locally sourced produce which is great support for local business' alike. Reasonably priced tasty meals appeal to all hungry people within the city, giving customer delicious food every day; whether you want to pop in for a lunch time plate whilst out or you are dropping by for an evening of wining and dining, Number 12 makes for a quality eatery. Sublime customer service and a warm, comforting decor is something you look for in a pub, so if that's what you're looking for then pop in and treat yourself as the staff never fail with their genuinely friendly personalities. It's clear to see why Number 12 is so successful and it's certainly a must visit in my eyes, this place growing gastro pub with a bright future ahead of it. 

www.number12norwich.org/

Recipe Book Review: Save with Jamie

Save with Jamie

Overview - This book comes from Jamie Oliver, a man who has produced a large variety of culinary cook books over the past decade and embraced our tv screens with his foodie adventures. 'Save with Jamie' boasts that it will help you save money and states how to be more cost affective when choosing your meals; for example the book contains recipes for all your everyday meats and also has a veggie section, not to mention it enforces the use of leftovers so you have no wastage. A unique selling point the book has is the fact that it lets readers into secrets on various ways to store and buy produce so you save money, also stating how to joint a chicken so you can use every element of the bird. 

Average Recipe Difficulty - Easy 

Most Beneficial Readers - Students, Families, Beginners.

My Three Favourite Recipes'...

Roast Beef Brisket - A nice twist on the British classic of roast beef, Jamie shows how to create the classic plate using a cheaper yet still effective select of beef. Normally roast beef is difficult to perfect with topside often coming out chewy and tough, not only that somewhat expensive. This recipe helps you create a flavoursome, moist piece of beef at half the price you would normally pay. It's worth mentioning that the book then goes on to show what you can create with the leftover beef.

Lamb Burgers - What more could you want on a summers day than to chow down on a meaty lamb burger fresh from the BBQ, topped off with a drop of mint yogurt?. The recipe is fresh and will get your taste buds dancing as it posses a simplicitic method with few ingredients. 

Chicken & Chorizo Paella - My final favourite, I love Spanish food and at the top of my list is by far chorizo, so this recipe was a cert from the moment I picked up the book. Again it's cost efficiency and simplicity will help any budding cook create a delicious Spanish dish that they can enjoy as a quick midweek meal. 

Final Verdict - 8/10 - Overall this book is a real gem, giving a great help to the credit crunch climate that we currently live in. Not only does the book give insite into money saving tips when using food, it also promotes some really great recipes, showing people that they can still enjoy good food at low costs. The main factors I love about this recipe book is that it shows you how to use leftovers effectively and ways in which you can store goods that may not be used, for example it briefly explains pickling. An area that could be improved is if they added a couple more hands on recipes and removed some of the really basic page fillers where it's generally just using a carb with the protein, an example of this is the lamb burrito or the salmon taco. To round up this review I'd say this is a must have on the book shelf of a student on a budget, a budding cook that is looking to develop skills and finally the family cook who wants meal ideas and to tighten up on food costs. 

Takeaway Time - Rice & Spice Review

Rice & Spice, Earlham House, Earlham Road, Norwich

Cuisine - Indian & Bangladeshi

Options - Takeaway & Delivery

Speed - 8/10 - Upon arrival I was very suprised to find the place empty on an evening on a Saturday, that being said more people did start to enter as we awaited. We placed our order of two curries, two portions of rice and also a naan after a brief look over the menu, then proceeded to wait. After a short while and what was heard to be people working hard in the kitchen within 18 minutes our food was ready. The fact that it was a short wait gave me the impression that it was made from scratch and fresh which I didn't mind too much, also that it wasn't a really long wait satisfied me, I felt that it was a justified time overall. 

Taste - 7/10 - The curry I opted for was a chicken tikka chilli masala with a portion of onion fried rice. After a read through the menu this one seemed to appeal to me most as I love my hot food. To start off with the chicken was well cooked as it was succulent, tender and juicy which fell apart easily. The rice was also pleasant as it was fluffy, moist and sustained a fragrant onion flavour, which can be easily lost when cooking; I liked the fact that there was small strands of onion within the rice. Finally the area where the curry fell slightly was the sauce, it did maintain a good, thick consistency and nailed the description of being a 'very hot' curry but lacked the real flavour impact a curry has the potential to have. It was an average flavour that could be repeated in most other indian takeaways but didn't have the real wow factor to be a must eat. Also their could have been more sauce as it was lacking slightly. One thing I did like was the spice and the fact that the long chillies had been left in the curry for a heat impact. 

Price - 7/10 - Indian takeaways' tend to be the high priced, one off takeaways' that you treat yourself to every so often as meals for two tend to hit £20 and upward. My meal itself without any additional sundries such as naan breads & poppadums came to a total of £8.70, with the curry being £5.75 and the portion of rice being £2.95. I feel this was fairly priced as other indian takeaways offer similar priced menus and liked I mentioned previously it's rare you do find a cheaper option. They also validated the price with the portion sizes as the rice was big, the chicken pieces were sizable and of a high quantity. 

Overall - 7/10 - Generally this was an okay visit to an indian takeaway. Not one of the best tasting meals I have ever eaten but it did satisfy the curry craving that tormented my tummy. The speed was impressive and the fact that the food is cooked from fresh by hard working chefs is fantastic, not to mention the fact they offer a free delivery offer of orders over £10 within a five mile radius. The food however is slighlty average as the mothership of the curry (the sauce) is lacking a tad, with the rice and well cooked chicken bringing it up a standard notch. With the price, your can't really argue much as for these guys to compete and make a profit on the Indian takeaway market they have to charge like the opposition. To sum up my visit I'd say this would be an indian you would visit If you live near by as you can just pop in and be out within twenty minutes but just don't expect nothing special compared to your average local indian. 

www.rice-and-spice.co.uk

Tel: 01603 503080 

      01603 504020