I always said I would like to revue days out so the best place to start would be one of my favourite places, none other than the Sydney Aquarium in Sydney, Australia.
You may have picked up so far that I have a very large soft spot for Australia. It is my favourite country and to be honest it feels like my home. When I visited at the start of the year I managed to talk my fellow traveller and my little brother to come to the Aquarium.
I looked forward to the visit all day and the warm breeze across Darling Harbour made it the perfect sightseeing day. We walked from the Opera House to where the aquarium is situated (30 minute walk)
The exhibition starts with some smaller displays of tropical fish close to a tank where a full size crocodile resides. As well as this novelty, there is a huge tank for seals but the real attraction being the underwater walk of massive sharks and positively the biggest stingrays and turtles around.
On leaving the shark tank, you walk through a very impressive tropical fish display, including a glass floor.
I would dedicate at least an hour of time to the aquarium, probably two hours to fully appreciate the place. I believe it's open quite late usually and costs around £15 for an adult. Once you see it, you will agree it is worth it though.
Verdict: The people behind the aquarium have done a very good job. It made for a very fascinating day out to which I would happily go back to.
Price: 8/10
Entertainment 9/10
Location 9/10 In one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Saturday, 21 June 2008
LongHorns, Stirling
On a quiet Wednesday night, we decided to go to Stirling to eat at our favourite restaurant, The Riverhouse however the car park was absolutely mobbed and decided against it. Heading back into Stirling town centre we found a little restaurant on Friar Street called Longhorns. I had noticed it before but never had the chance to try it out.
There were a few diners there, but it wasn't busy and we were seated a table or two away from the majority of the other customers. The tables, chairs and general furniture were certainly nothing spectacular, and could have done with an update but I reminded myself I was here to sample the menu.
Now, the menus were tatty laminated pieces of paper which offered up tex-mex cuisine. I struggled to chose between a bacon cheeseburger and an enchilada. Luckily, Tub wanted the enchilada too and we decided to have half and half.
Anyway, by this time the restaurant was getting busier and busier so the food took about 20 mins to arrive. When it did I was shocked by the size of the plates, they were huge! The food presentation was okay, my burger came in a nice bun with a bit of salad and a portion of fries. The enchilada came with the same, but was bathing in a puddle of salsa sauce.
The burger was quite good quality; it had a nice meaty taste and a generous slab of beef and bacon. The enchilada was the real winner though with large chunks of chicken and cheese in a deep fried wrap covered on salsa and sour cream. It was absolutely delicious and definitely a filler for even the biggest appetite.
So all in all, it was a most positive experience at Longhorns that even the most shabby interior could not put me off. I will certainly be going back for another enchilada in the near future.
Food 8/10
Service 8/10
Price 8/10
Verdict: A very modest, worthwhile eatery
Longhorns
Friar Street
Stirling
There were a few diners there, but it wasn't busy and we were seated a table or two away from the majority of the other customers. The tables, chairs and general furniture were certainly nothing spectacular, and could have done with an update but I reminded myself I was here to sample the menu.
Now, the menus were tatty laminated pieces of paper which offered up tex-mex cuisine. I struggled to chose between a bacon cheeseburger and an enchilada. Luckily, Tub wanted the enchilada too and we decided to have half and half.
Anyway, by this time the restaurant was getting busier and busier so the food took about 20 mins to arrive. When it did I was shocked by the size of the plates, they were huge! The food presentation was okay, my burger came in a nice bun with a bit of salad and a portion of fries. The enchilada came with the same, but was bathing in a puddle of salsa sauce.
The burger was quite good quality; it had a nice meaty taste and a generous slab of beef and bacon. The enchilada was the real winner though with large chunks of chicken and cheese in a deep fried wrap covered on salsa and sour cream. It was absolutely delicious and definitely a filler for even the biggest appetite.
So all in all, it was a most positive experience at Longhorns that even the most shabby interior could not put me off. I will certainly be going back for another enchilada in the near future.
Food 8/10
Service 8/10
Price 8/10
Verdict: A very modest, worthwhile eatery
Longhorns
Friar Street
Stirling
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Belucci's, Canberra
In January this year I went to visit my Mum, Sister and Brother in Canberra, Australia. I took my friend with me as Tub was reluctant to fly long distance. While I was there it would be my birthday so on that night we all went out for dinner to a well known Italian restaurant called Bellucci's.I believe there are around of 3 or 4 branches of this restaurant in the city and we chose the Dickson one which was probably the closest to us.
We had a 7pm reservation and arrived on time. The dining area was very large and open plan with lots of tables quite close together but well laid. The kitchen area was also open with only a counter separating it from the tables. The decor was neutral and modern but inviting.
As soon as we sat down a server came over to take our drinks order and handed us large menus. The variety was excellent with lists of pastas, pizzas and international cuisine going on forever. To be honest, it was hard to choose as everything sounded great.
We decided to order some garlic bread to share for a starter while we waited for the main. I opted for a pasta dish called Linguine Al Formaggio while the others had pizza or pasta. The dishes didn't take long to arrive and looked fantastic.
My linguine was served with tender pieces of chicken, fresh tomato, ricotta and herbs in a light cream sauce. I added plenty of cheese to this (as I do with most compatible meals!)
I want to describe it more for you but I don't think my description could do this meal any justice no matter how hard i try. I have to say it was one of the best pasta dishes i have been served in my life - a perfect sized portion of the freshest ingredients creating a most perfect taste that I know I will never manage to recreate [insert sad face]
After the meal, everyone commented on how lovely their meals were. I tried a bit of my sister's pizza while not being the best pizza in the world, was still pretty nice but was really pleased with my own choice.
All in all it was a lovely night with the best company. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday in my favourite country with my favourite people and was pleased when on the last night of my holiday, we got to go back to Bellucci's to try that lovely pasta once again.
Food 9/10 excellent.
Price 8/10 From what I remember, it was a little expensive but justified.
Service 8/10 polite and efficient for it being so busy.
We had a 7pm reservation and arrived on time. The dining area was very large and open plan with lots of tables quite close together but well laid. The kitchen area was also open with only a counter separating it from the tables. The decor was neutral and modern but inviting.
As soon as we sat down a server came over to take our drinks order and handed us large menus. The variety was excellent with lists of pastas, pizzas and international cuisine going on forever. To be honest, it was hard to choose as everything sounded great.
We decided to order some garlic bread to share for a starter while we waited for the main. I opted for a pasta dish called Linguine Al Formaggio while the others had pizza or pasta. The dishes didn't take long to arrive and looked fantastic.
My linguine was served with tender pieces of chicken, fresh tomato, ricotta and herbs in a light cream sauce. I added plenty of cheese to this (as I do with most compatible meals!)
I want to describe it more for you but I don't think my description could do this meal any justice no matter how hard i try. I have to say it was one of the best pasta dishes i have been served in my life - a perfect sized portion of the freshest ingredients creating a most perfect taste that I know I will never manage to recreate [insert sad face]
After the meal, everyone commented on how lovely their meals were. I tried a bit of my sister's pizza while not being the best pizza in the world, was still pretty nice but was really pleased with my own choice.
All in all it was a lovely night with the best company. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday in my favourite country with my favourite people and was pleased when on the last night of my holiday, we got to go back to Bellucci's to try that lovely pasta once again.
Food 9/10 excellent.
Price 8/10 From what I remember, it was a little expensive but justified.
Service 8/10 polite and efficient for it being so busy.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Jolly, Edinburgh
Last December, on a cold Friday night I went along to Tub's brother's birthday meal in Edinburgh. I love the capital city at night, especially at christmas. It has this great atmosphere and makes visiting a real treat.
After a battle through roadworks and heavy traffic, we first visited Le Monde in George Street, a classy bar with several themed levels which also offer meals. We were only stopping for a drink and seeing as Tub's parent's paid, I have no idea of how much it cost, although, I do imagine it would be quite expensive compaired to the average price for a pint. As it was a Friday night, the bar was bustling. It had a trendy, after-work feel about it and we struggled to hear ourselves over the loud chart music.
After about an hour, we headed to the restaurant for our meal. We were eating at Jolly, an Italian place near the Playhouse. On first arriving I have to admit both the exterior and interior left a lot to be desired. This was hardly the Ivy, but I suspected the food may make up for the grubby feel about the place.
Inside it was busy and tables were crammed together tightly into a small dining area. A wood burning oven was visable from our table and I watched the chef spinning the dough around in the air then popping it into the oven to create the most fantastic smell. I think it was at that moment I was convinced I just had to try the pizza!
For starters, most of our party ordered minestrone soup. I passed on a starter, opting to keep room for my pizza but did order a large glass of sweet white wine, which was delicious.
Not long after the starters were finished, the mains arrived. Tub and I both picked the half pizza half pasta deal, having pepperoni and lasagne. The meals arrived on plastic plates (I kid you not!) with a sloppy serving of lasagne next to half a slice of the thinnest pizza I have ever seen.
Unfortunately, the lasagne was very dissapointing. The presentation was enough to put you off (think thrown-onto-the-plate-without-a-care, school dinner style) and tasted like they had chucked the ingredients into a blender and poured it onto my (plastic) plate.
As you might have guessed, I am really passionate about lasagne. I refuse to buy ready made ones from supermarkets after growing up with my mum's homemade ones and if I'm honest, I found Jolly lasagne to be a major insult to lasagnes all over the world.
However, the pizza, well that was another matter. As i mentioned it was the thinnest, most delicate dough I have had the honour of laying my eyes on, topped with a perfect measure of tomato sauce underneath a layer of melted mozarella. The taste was, I assure you, as brilliant as it sounds. An absolute true taste of authentic Italy that has enticed me back to Jolly many a time since.
Despite the bad lasagne experience, I cannot stay mad at Jolly when they are making pizzas that good. When I venture into Edinburgh I can often be found ordering a pizza from Jolly. For a 12" Margarita it costs around £7 to take away and for 14" about £9. This is quite expensive in my opinion, but worth every penny for that freshly wood-burning oven taste. Be warned though, they tend to serve them unsliced (not good if you've forgot to pack a knife and fork!)
The general cost from what I have been told was around £6 for the pizza-pasta dish. There are other varieties for example spaghetti bolognase. A soup starter was about £3.
Since that night in December, the outside of Jolly has been revamped and looks great. I haven't been inside since, but if you do go remember to book in advance and don't let the dodgy decorating put you off. The staff were friendly and efficient and the overall experience was that of a pleasant one that I will repeat soon.
Food 9.5/10 for the pizza, the pasta was a poor 5/10
Price 8/10 considering it was the middle of Edinburgh
Service 8/10 Nice, friendly and did their job well
Jolly
9 Elm Row
Edinburgh
After a battle through roadworks and heavy traffic, we first visited Le Monde in George Street, a classy bar with several themed levels which also offer meals. We were only stopping for a drink and seeing as Tub's parent's paid, I have no idea of how much it cost, although, I do imagine it would be quite expensive compaired to the average price for a pint. As it was a Friday night, the bar was bustling. It had a trendy, after-work feel about it and we struggled to hear ourselves over the loud chart music.
After about an hour, we headed to the restaurant for our meal. We were eating at Jolly, an Italian place near the Playhouse. On first arriving I have to admit both the exterior and interior left a lot to be desired. This was hardly the Ivy, but I suspected the food may make up for the grubby feel about the place.
Inside it was busy and tables were crammed together tightly into a small dining area. A wood burning oven was visable from our table and I watched the chef spinning the dough around in the air then popping it into the oven to create the most fantastic smell. I think it was at that moment I was convinced I just had to try the pizza!
For starters, most of our party ordered minestrone soup. I passed on a starter, opting to keep room for my pizza but did order a large glass of sweet white wine, which was delicious.
Not long after the starters were finished, the mains arrived. Tub and I both picked the half pizza half pasta deal, having pepperoni and lasagne. The meals arrived on plastic plates (I kid you not!) with a sloppy serving of lasagne next to half a slice of the thinnest pizza I have ever seen.
Unfortunately, the lasagne was very dissapointing. The presentation was enough to put you off (think thrown-onto-the-plate-without-a-care, school dinner style) and tasted like they had chucked the ingredients into a blender and poured it onto my (plastic) plate.
As you might have guessed, I am really passionate about lasagne. I refuse to buy ready made ones from supermarkets after growing up with my mum's homemade ones and if I'm honest, I found Jolly lasagne to be a major insult to lasagnes all over the world.
However, the pizza, well that was another matter. As i mentioned it was the thinnest, most delicate dough I have had the honour of laying my eyes on, topped with a perfect measure of tomato sauce underneath a layer of melted mozarella. The taste was, I assure you, as brilliant as it sounds. An absolute true taste of authentic Italy that has enticed me back to Jolly many a time since.
Despite the bad lasagne experience, I cannot stay mad at Jolly when they are making pizzas that good. When I venture into Edinburgh I can often be found ordering a pizza from Jolly. For a 12" Margarita it costs around £7 to take away and for 14" about £9. This is quite expensive in my opinion, but worth every penny for that freshly wood-burning oven taste. Be warned though, they tend to serve them unsliced (not good if you've forgot to pack a knife and fork!)
The general cost from what I have been told was around £6 for the pizza-pasta dish. There are other varieties for example spaghetti bolognase. A soup starter was about £3.
Since that night in December, the outside of Jolly has been revamped and looks great. I haven't been inside since, but if you do go remember to book in advance and don't let the dodgy decorating put you off. The staff were friendly and efficient and the overall experience was that of a pleasant one that I will repeat soon.
Food 9.5/10 for the pizza, the pasta was a poor 5/10
Price 8/10 considering it was the middle of Edinburgh
Service 8/10 Nice, friendly and did their job well
Jolly
9 Elm Row
Edinburgh
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Reviews coming soon
Places I will be reviewing soon:
Jolly, Edinburgh
Belucci's, Canberra, Australia
Sydney Aquarium
Hollybank, Stirling
Kennedy's Chocolate Factory, Cumbria
Paulo Gianni's, Kendal
Castle Hotel, Cumbria
Lake Windemere, Cumbria
Jolly, Edinburgh
Belucci's, Canberra, Australia
Sydney Aquarium
Hollybank, Stirling
Kennedy's Chocolate Factory, Cumbria
Paulo Gianni's, Kendal
Castle Hotel, Cumbria
Lake Windemere, Cumbria
Kebab Mahal, Edinburgh
My first ever visit to Kebab Mahal was atleast 2 years ago. Tub's dad had discovered it when taken there by a business associate and the family had been going ever since.
From the outside, it's easily over-looked as a grubby take away. if you dare to venture in, you will find outdated far-eastern style decor with formica tables. Not the most appealing, but don't write it off until you taste the food I say.
If I recall correctly, the first time I ordered a Chicken Tikka Masala. Tub went for the Chicken Rogan Josh as usual. We had a Shish Kebab for starter, which came with a hot chilli sauce and a milder yoghurt sauce, with fresh onions, sliced cabbage, tomato and cucumber, The kebabs come sausaged shaped, and contained lamb and spices. At around £2, it was excellent value and tasted delicious.
After we finished our starter, our mains arrived not much later. As curries are made to order, they can take quite a while to come but seeing as the place wasn't that busy, they didn't take too long.
The Masala was a creamy yellow colour with generous chunks of chicken and accompanied by a huge pile of steaming rice. Tub, who doesn't like rice, had asked for a garlic naan, which arrived smelling fantastic with a generous coating of garlic. His Rogan Josh looked excellent too, with a variety of spices and herbs.
The curries were roughly around £6 each. Mine included rice while we paid about £1.50 for the naan. Considering the portion sizes, Kebab Mahal is very good value. If you do visit, you will notice that mostly the clientele are of asian decent, which in my book, is a sign of quality.
There is also a fridge where you help yourself to a chilled drink, however all tables are served with a jug of water and glasses on request. At the counter, there are usually a selection of asian desserts. All meals are also available as take away too but there is no delivery service.
For people of more simpler tastes, Kebab Mahal offer a selections of pizzas and turkish kebabs. The pizza bases are made of naan bread and aren't that great, but the kebabs are good and cheap too.
Thanks to Tub's love of curry, we are regular visitors. The staff treat us like old friends, and although their english is not great, you are always greated with a warm welcome. For me, there is no where else you can get an authentic curry like those served in Kebab Mahal. I really would recommend this to curry lovers who want a real taste of Pak-Indo cuisine.
Food 9/10
Price 9/10
Service 8/10
kebab Mahal
Nicholson Square,
Edinburgh
(Parking is available accross the square for around £1.50 an hour)
http://www.kebab-mahal.co.uk/
From the outside, it's easily over-looked as a grubby take away. if you dare to venture in, you will find outdated far-eastern style decor with formica tables. Not the most appealing, but don't write it off until you taste the food I say.
If I recall correctly, the first time I ordered a Chicken Tikka Masala. Tub went for the Chicken Rogan Josh as usual. We had a Shish Kebab for starter, which came with a hot chilli sauce and a milder yoghurt sauce, with fresh onions, sliced cabbage, tomato and cucumber, The kebabs come sausaged shaped, and contained lamb and spices. At around £2, it was excellent value and tasted delicious.
After we finished our starter, our mains arrived not much later. As curries are made to order, they can take quite a while to come but seeing as the place wasn't that busy, they didn't take too long.
The Masala was a creamy yellow colour with generous chunks of chicken and accompanied by a huge pile of steaming rice. Tub, who doesn't like rice, had asked for a garlic naan, which arrived smelling fantastic with a generous coating of garlic. His Rogan Josh looked excellent too, with a variety of spices and herbs.
The curries were roughly around £6 each. Mine included rice while we paid about £1.50 for the naan. Considering the portion sizes, Kebab Mahal is very good value. If you do visit, you will notice that mostly the clientele are of asian decent, which in my book, is a sign of quality.
There is also a fridge where you help yourself to a chilled drink, however all tables are served with a jug of water and glasses on request. At the counter, there are usually a selection of asian desserts. All meals are also available as take away too but there is no delivery service.
For people of more simpler tastes, Kebab Mahal offer a selections of pizzas and turkish kebabs. The pizza bases are made of naan bread and aren't that great, but the kebabs are good and cheap too.
Thanks to Tub's love of curry, we are regular visitors. The staff treat us like old friends, and although their english is not great, you are always greated with a warm welcome. For me, there is no where else you can get an authentic curry like those served in Kebab Mahal. I really would recommend this to curry lovers who want a real taste of Pak-Indo cuisine.
Food 9/10
Price 9/10
Service 8/10
kebab Mahal
Nicholson Square,
Edinburgh
(Parking is available accross the square for around £1.50 an hour)
http://www.kebab-mahal.co.uk/
The Riverhouse, Stirling
After passing the Riverhouse on many occasions, I'd often made a mental reminder to pay it a visit and when that time came, I was not dissapointed.
It was a Wednesday night, over a year ago. Tub picked me up at work and we had the idea of going as a spur of moment kind of thing. Now the Riverhouse has a good reputation in this area and is apparently owned by TV presenter Carol Smiley's husband.
Set on what the website discribes as a 'Loch side setting', The building is close to the motorway and nestles in the shadow of Stirling Castle. When you walk into the restaurant, you just know it's going to be expensive but satisifying.
We opted for a drink before our meal in the small bar area where we were shown the menu. As it was only 5pm there was a special early menu, offering two courses and a drink for £12.95 each.
Around ten minutes later we were shown to a quiet table with a view of what they call a loch (in my opinion, a pond.)
We decided to order a salad for starters, with salmon for me and chicken for Tub for mains. The starter arrived and was very well presented, but slightly over-priced for the size.
The mains made up for this though. My Salmon came topped with a slice of smoked salmon in a delicious creamy sauce and a shared side serving of fresh veg. The chicken looked promising two, complete with haggis and a whiskey sauce. Both were a little small, but Tub admitted he wished he had picked the salmon when I told him it was the best I had tasted.
We finished off the meal with a small portion of cheesecake between us which presentation wise, was excellent, but the taste left a lot to be desired.
All together, the Riverhouse was everything I expected it to be. The overall taste of the food was excellent, but portion size was small. I'm sure I will visit again for a special occasion or to try the lunch menu.
Food 9/10
Price 7/10 A little pretentious
Service 8/10
Riverhouse Restaurant,
Castle Business Park,
Stirling
http://www.riverhouserestaurant.co.uk/home.htm
It was a Wednesday night, over a year ago. Tub picked me up at work and we had the idea of going as a spur of moment kind of thing. Now the Riverhouse has a good reputation in this area and is apparently owned by TV presenter Carol Smiley's husband.
Set on what the website discribes as a 'Loch side setting', The building is close to the motorway and nestles in the shadow of Stirling Castle. When you walk into the restaurant, you just know it's going to be expensive but satisifying.
We opted for a drink before our meal in the small bar area where we were shown the menu. As it was only 5pm there was a special early menu, offering two courses and a drink for £12.95 each.
Around ten minutes later we were shown to a quiet table with a view of what they call a loch (in my opinion, a pond.)
We decided to order a salad for starters, with salmon for me and chicken for Tub for mains. The starter arrived and was very well presented, but slightly over-priced for the size.
The mains made up for this though. My Salmon came topped with a slice of smoked salmon in a delicious creamy sauce and a shared side serving of fresh veg. The chicken looked promising two, complete with haggis and a whiskey sauce. Both were a little small, but Tub admitted he wished he had picked the salmon when I told him it was the best I had tasted.
We finished off the meal with a small portion of cheesecake between us which presentation wise, was excellent, but the taste left a lot to be desired.
All together, the Riverhouse was everything I expected it to be. The overall taste of the food was excellent, but portion size was small. I'm sure I will visit again for a special occasion or to try the lunch menu.
Food 9/10
Price 7/10 A little pretentious
Service 8/10
Riverhouse Restaurant,
Castle Business Park,
Stirling
http://www.riverhouserestaurant.co.uk/home.htm
Abercromby Arms, Tullibody
One of my favourite, most simple places to eat has got to be the Ab, in the small Clackmannanshire town of Tullibody. I discovered this place after my dad had taken us a few years back and have been going ever since.
The restaurant itself is attached to a lively pub and a small hotel. The whole building was renovated a few years ago when it was taken over, then started doing food. Tullibody isn't a place I would like to take a walk in late at night, but the Ab is situated on the main street so there's no need to wander into some of the scarey looking estates.
The last time we went was after a busy day at work, around 4 weeks ago. It was a Friday night and not too busy so we had ur pick of tables. For a starter we decided to get a shared one v(around £4). This arrived promptly and nicely presented with a selection of pakoras, chicken goujons, mozarella sticks, breaded mushrooms and onion rings with a little salad and two dips. It was quite a portion even shared between two, which left us with the concern of how we would finish our mains. But worry not, we made a good attempt when the main courses arrived.
For the mains, we had ordered chicken margarita for me and Tub had his usual steak pie and chips. (both around £6)
The chicken arrived in the form of two huge butterfly breasts covered in the most perfect tomato sauce with melted cheese on top. There was a mountain of chips next to a side salad and a tasty portion of proper coleslaw and it was at this point I wondered why we had left it so long since our last visit.
Tub's steak pie looked amazing too. Huge chunks of tender steak in a lovely gravy topped with puff pastry. It came with fresh veg and a pile of chips that didn't last long at all.
No matter how we try, we never finish our meals at the Ab. Starter or no starter, it's impossible to fit it all in and this time, like every other time, we left very happy customers after paying the very reasonable bill.
I cannot recommend the Ab enough. It would take a lot to beat this place for simple home cooked food with modest prices.
Food 10/10 perfect
Price 9/10 extremely good value
Service 8/10 not bad at all
The Abercromby Arms,
Stirling Road
Tullibody
Clackmannanshire
The restaurant itself is attached to a lively pub and a small hotel. The whole building was renovated a few years ago when it was taken over, then started doing food. Tullibody isn't a place I would like to take a walk in late at night, but the Ab is situated on the main street so there's no need to wander into some of the scarey looking estates.
The last time we went was after a busy day at work, around 4 weeks ago. It was a Friday night and not too busy so we had ur pick of tables. For a starter we decided to get a shared one v(around £4). This arrived promptly and nicely presented with a selection of pakoras, chicken goujons, mozarella sticks, breaded mushrooms and onion rings with a little salad and two dips. It was quite a portion even shared between two, which left us with the concern of how we would finish our mains. But worry not, we made a good attempt when the main courses arrived.
For the mains, we had ordered chicken margarita for me and Tub had his usual steak pie and chips. (both around £6)
The chicken arrived in the form of two huge butterfly breasts covered in the most perfect tomato sauce with melted cheese on top. There was a mountain of chips next to a side salad and a tasty portion of proper coleslaw and it was at this point I wondered why we had left it so long since our last visit.
Tub's steak pie looked amazing too. Huge chunks of tender steak in a lovely gravy topped with puff pastry. It came with fresh veg and a pile of chips that didn't last long at all.
No matter how we try, we never finish our meals at the Ab. Starter or no starter, it's impossible to fit it all in and this time, like every other time, we left very happy customers after paying the very reasonable bill.
I cannot recommend the Ab enough. It would take a lot to beat this place for simple home cooked food with modest prices.
Food 10/10 perfect
Price 9/10 extremely good value
Service 8/10 not bad at all
The Abercromby Arms,
Stirling Road
Tullibody
Clackmannanshire
Manchester Part 2
After a rainy day out at the Museum of Science and Industry, on the way back to the hotel we stopped by a modern looking italian restaurant just off the main road.
With it being a Saturday night I did expect it to be a little busier, but lucky for us we were shown to a table straight away.
The restaurant was nicely decorated with a relaxing atmosphere. We ordered Buffalo mozarella with tomato and a prawn cocktail. Tub was really pleased with the Mozarella and talked about how fresh it tasted. My prawn cocktail was nice, but pretty standard as prawn cocktails go.
For our mains I chose Spaghetti Carbonara and Tub had Lasagne. When the meals arrived, I realised how wrong I'd been not to go for the lasagne as well, as when I tasted it, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It made my average carbonara taste very bland indeed.
As per usual we couldn't possibly fit a dessert in, but left very happy with our experience, promising to come back for that lasagne in the future.
Food 9/10 for the lasagne alone
Price 8/10 very reasonable for around £6 for a pasta main course
Service 6/10 Some of the staff couldn't speak english
Saporito,
Scholes Lane,
Prestwich,
Manchester.
With it being a Saturday night I did expect it to be a little busier, but lucky for us we were shown to a table straight away.
The restaurant was nicely decorated with a relaxing atmosphere. We ordered Buffalo mozarella with tomato and a prawn cocktail. Tub was really pleased with the Mozarella and talked about how fresh it tasted. My prawn cocktail was nice, but pretty standard as prawn cocktails go.
For our mains I chose Spaghetti Carbonara and Tub had Lasagne. When the meals arrived, I realised how wrong I'd been not to go for the lasagne as well, as when I tasted it, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It made my average carbonara taste very bland indeed.
As per usual we couldn't possibly fit a dessert in, but left very happy with our experience, promising to come back for that lasagne in the future.
Food 9/10 for the lasagne alone
Price 8/10 very reasonable for around £6 for a pasta main course
Service 6/10 Some of the staff couldn't speak english
Saporito,
Scholes Lane,
Prestwich,
Manchester.
A weekend in Manchester. TGI's
Last August, after quitting my job, Tub and I decided to take a weekend break in Manchester. My job had given me the holidays they owed me and Tub was starting his new job in a matter of weeks so we knew it may be our only chance to get away together for quite a while.
A week or so in advance I searched the web for hotels in the Manchester area. It was always a city I had been curious about, but despite living only an hour away in my early teens, I had never got the chance to see. So taking advantage of a deal on the travelodge website, we booked for two nights staying in Rochdale.
The hotel itself was easy to find. We settled into our room and decided to go into the city for dinner. We found a TGI Fridays, and as neither of us had been to one before, we gave it a go.
With it being a Friday night, the restaurant was busy. It had a nice family friendly atmosphere and we were shown to a table straight away. For a starter I had spicy king prawns and Tub opted for Jack Daniels chicken strips. Both were good quality, but not much to the quantity.
For a main course, which arrived promptly after the starter, I had Cajun Chicken Penne and a barbeque chicken salad was ordered for Tub. The pasta was honestly one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. Luckily for me, it was served in a deceivingly large dish which I only just finished.
At £9.29 for a bowl of pasta, it is a little on the expensive side, but I will definetely be going back for more.
Over the other side of the table, Tub was tucking into his salad. Not one for usually ordering salads (I suspect he worries it damages his manly image) he certainly was happy with his choice, so much so there was barely a word spoken between us during the main course.
Stuffed full, we couldn't have possibly have managed a dessert. Quite satisfied we wobbled back to the hotel.
Overall, the dining experience at TGI's was a pleasant one, especially for a busy evening in Manchester and for it being a chain restaurant (which we usually avoid!)
Food 9/10 Brilliant and creative
Price 6/10 A bit expensive
Service 8/10 Friendly and efficient.
TGI Friday's
Valley Park Road
Prestwich
Manchester
Part two of the Manchester experience continues....
A week or so in advance I searched the web for hotels in the Manchester area. It was always a city I had been curious about, but despite living only an hour away in my early teens, I had never got the chance to see. So taking advantage of a deal on the travelodge website, we booked for two nights staying in Rochdale.
The hotel itself was easy to find. We settled into our room and decided to go into the city for dinner. We found a TGI Fridays, and as neither of us had been to one before, we gave it a go.
With it being a Friday night, the restaurant was busy. It had a nice family friendly atmosphere and we were shown to a table straight away. For a starter I had spicy king prawns and Tub opted for Jack Daniels chicken strips. Both were good quality, but not much to the quantity.
For a main course, which arrived promptly after the starter, I had Cajun Chicken Penne and a barbeque chicken salad was ordered for Tub. The pasta was honestly one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. Luckily for me, it was served in a deceivingly large dish which I only just finished.
At £9.29 for a bowl of pasta, it is a little on the expensive side, but I will definetely be going back for more.
Over the other side of the table, Tub was tucking into his salad. Not one for usually ordering salads (I suspect he worries it damages his manly image) he certainly was happy with his choice, so much so there was barely a word spoken between us during the main course.
Stuffed full, we couldn't have possibly have managed a dessert. Quite satisfied we wobbled back to the hotel.
Overall, the dining experience at TGI's was a pleasant one, especially for a busy evening in Manchester and for it being a chain restaurant (which we usually avoid!)
Food 9/10 Brilliant and creative
Price 6/10 A bit expensive
Service 8/10 Friendly and efficient.
TGI Friday's
Valley Park Road
Prestwich
Manchester
Part two of the Manchester experience continues....
Welcome
Welcome to my blog!
After years of reading some brilliant blogs I finally got round to starting my own on my favourite subject(s) - dining out, day trips and places of interest. I've always wanted to be a food critic and I love days out and travelling. This ranges from a simple pub lunch to three weeks on the other side of the world.
You may notice in future posts I will refer to someone called Tub who is my lovely boyfriend and who I call Tub because of his protruding teletubby belly, that I must confess, has only developed since we started frequenting restaurants together. Tub is also my main travelling companion, who I hope enjoys our many days out as much as I do.
I will be of course, adding his thoughts and opinions too. Tub and I have visited lots of places together over the past three years so i will update these as soon as I can. I aim to recommend many places and things to do, of which most will be in the Edinburgh and Central Scotland areas.I hope you enjoy!
After years of reading some brilliant blogs I finally got round to starting my own on my favourite subject(s) - dining out, day trips and places of interest. I've always wanted to be a food critic and I love days out and travelling. This ranges from a simple pub lunch to three weeks on the other side of the world.
You may notice in future posts I will refer to someone called Tub who is my lovely boyfriend and who I call Tub because of his protruding teletubby belly, that I must confess, has only developed since we started frequenting restaurants together. Tub is also my main travelling companion, who I hope enjoys our many days out as much as I do.
I will be of course, adding his thoughts and opinions too. Tub and I have visited lots of places together over the past three years so i will update these as soon as I can. I aim to recommend many places and things to do, of which most will be in the Edinburgh and Central Scotland areas.I hope you enjoy!
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