Its been a while, I think its time we got back together!

It feels such a long time since I was part of the blogging world, but well, I miss it. Ive been inspired to rekindle my passion by a lovely lady starting her own blog, its brilliant id urge you to check it out (www.haneats.com) for if ever you're in Birmingham (or surrounding areas).   I might not have been writing about my adventures but I've certainly still been enjoying them. Still residing in Beeston I am gradually working my way around the restaurants in this quirky little town. Ive infrequently visited Nottingham city centre but I have to say when I have done so there's been some great finds. I've ventured to Yorkshire most recently too so have a few cracking recommendations for there if you're ever up that neck of the woods. I have been to Cafe Roya in Beeston recently, and it certainly didn't fail to disappoint once again. But i'll start with somewhere in Nottingham, seems appropriate for the first venture back.


RED's True BBQ: Let there be meat
I visited REDS for a girlie dinner. I am a big meat eater and never shy away from a large portion (this is what I'd heard on the grape vine) so I was excited for my first RED's experience. My Mr has always been a fan of RED's and he tends to be good with meat so again I was looking forward to it. IT was however, a big disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the company was exceptional, and I had a great time. The food however, not a patch on my friends in terms of satisfaction. 

I went for the half BBQ chicken, a safe choice I know, but one I've grown to love at places like Turtle Bay, like Bill's and even Nandos (sometimes!). I chose the normal fries as my side order, perhaps a bad choice in hindsight, never go for normal when there's sweet potato available.


The food came, it looked delicious, sadly didn't live up to its appearance. My chicken was incredibly dry, I couldn't actually finish it as it had the same effect as a number of ryvita! The chips were good, but nothing to write home about.


One of my pals opted for the ribs with a side of macaroni cheese, I heard no complaints from her and the macaroni cheese sure did look tasty!


Another friend, the pulled pork sandwich, she enjoyed it but said again, nothing special.


The atmosphere in REDs is very cool, feels very trendy. You sit on long tables with other meat eaters, there are anglepoise lamps (difficult to manoeuvre with big groups, but cool nevertheless)


The wine was good, we enjoyed a bottle of Jarrah Wood Pinot Grigio (Australia) - nice and refreshing.


I would probably visit again, but definitely not if wanting to impress guests with food options. I'd be wary of disappointment.

I hope you have better experiences but this one wasn't for me!

'That Japanese restaurant on Lenton Boulevard'

Last Friday was date Friday. I was taken on a surprise trip to 'That place on Lenton Boulevard' (Lenton, Notts, NG7). It's called Higoi, it's Japanese, they serve mainly sushi and sashimi and my goodness it is to die for.

On slightly untraditional form we ordered a bottle of Pinot. I should've been brave and tried the Sake, maybe next time, it was a really great wine actually. Maybe surprising for a very traditional Japanese restaurant .

I have read tons of fantastic reviews from people all around the country about Higoi. I urge you to have a read for yourself

I'd been before but was excited to introduce Mr M to the world of 'real sushi' 

We ordered a sushi main course to share and a sashimi main course to share. We were treated with a mango jelly appetiser before the sashimi arrived in this magnificent boat 

As it was date night I decided not to take too many pictures, but I can assure you the fish was so fresh, all of it absolutely delicious topped with different caviars and garnished with a variety of salad. 

Here's the sushi. Equally as amazing. I wish I could tell you what each one was but I was enjoying myself far too much! 

Definitely give Higoi a go. It's a little pricey, but worth every penny. I'm a fan of sushi in any form. Yo!, in a packet from m+s, a botched job by myself. But this place really is miles above the rest. 

Have yourself a sushi Friday too!

Friday is Cocktail Day

After a Friday night of cocktails I realised we've developed accumulated quite a list of our favourite cocktail bars. 

Last Friday we visited a new favourite - Tilt 

Last Night was Pepper Rocks 

Another great place for a drink, if a little pricey, Saltwater at Cornerhouse

An old favourite, not an independent bar, drinks very sweet and mostly rum based, nevertheless a fab place for a fun evening; Turtle Bay

The Living Room, a great place for a quiet drink or a romantic evening, a nice one to take the parents too also.

A few other places worth a visit:

• Brass Monkey (student prices most evenings)
• Pitcher and Piano (gorgeous decor and nice food too)
• Dino in Hockley 
• Browns 
• Belle and Jerome (Beeston)
• Boiler Maker (such an exciting experience, will write about this soon)
• Coco Tang (more of a night out but a fab cocktail selection)
• Bad JuJu Tiki Bar (closed for refurbishment at the moment)

Will add more soon!

An oldie but a goodie..

3 Years ago 3 single friends and I were looking for a place to 'drown our sorrows' / probably have a nicer time than we usually would, on Valentines day. It seems like Valentines day is an excuse for restaurants and cafe's alike to hike up the prices to try and ensnare unsuspecting boyfriends/fiances/husbands who are all in a panic having left it too late and there's nothing left at their usual haunts.  

This meant our search spread further than the usual places we'd visit in town. We came across Fothergills, we'd never heard of it, and subsequently i've found out there aren't many people who have. But we booked ourselves in for the 3 course Valentines menu and had a truly lovely time. 

I've since been back a few times, once with the same girls for an impromptu dinner and once with my Dad for a more laid back lunch. 

Pork Belly, the girls said it was fantastic, I'm not a one for crackling but it doesn't look 'alf bad!

Dressed Crab Salad, the crab was fantastic, left me feeling a lot fuller than I expected, never a bad thing!

The strange thing I found about Fothergills is how different the atmosphere can be each time you visit. On going with my Dad it felt extremely laid back, there was a very 'pub-esq' feel to lunch which although was nice and appropriate for the occasion I think had I been going for a slightly nicer lunch out with family it may have been a bit disappointing. 

It's very quiet during the day though, and by quiet I don't mean empty, it's just quite a nice place to chat with not too much noise or hustle and bustle that you do sometimes get in another favourite of mine 'Brown's'. Perfect for my hard of hearing Dad it has to be said!

I can't remember the exact name of this dish, it looks like a 'Hunter's Chicken' the mushy peas a really nice touch

Here he is having his Chicken and Ham Hock pie. No complains from Dad camp 

I really love the exposed brick in the background here

 Tackling dessert of course!

Warm Chocolate Brownie for Dad

Quite a lot of attention to detail with the snazzy sugar structures

And ice cream for me. I think this particular day they had some fabulous flavours so I couldn't really say no. 

It has to be said, for a change of scenery Fothergills is somewhere you should try. It is a really nice place to go for Valentines day (cheeky reminder to the boys!) but sometimes feels a little less 'smart' than you expect during the day. 

Valentines evening table

It's in a really nice part of town, with really lovely architecture; right opposite the Robin Hood statue in the shadow of the castle and is very welcoming to those just looking for a pint or a cup of coffee.

At the moment they're doing a 2 course lunch for £10.90, it'd be a shame to miss out!