Star rating: *****
One of the Northern Quarter's curry cafes my sister had discovered Kabana, a run down take out looking building and thought I should try it.
Now it looks like a take out on the inside too but the delicious, authentic meal was a far cry from the deep frying meals of a take out. You can feast like a king here. We ordered a cheesy naan bread, two lentil dishes and a vegetable bhuna (the menu changes daily).
We had our orders taken and set about finding seats at the busy lunch time. The clientale was made up of mostly men, just out for a quick bite in the middle of a working day and strangers sat side by side on the rows of tables available.
We managed to find our own table, each table had its own jug of water and had a chat till our food arrived. The chef had taken the initiative of taking out one of the lentil dishes and adding a 60p chappatti instead. He said if we still wanted the lentils he'll get us another one. He was very right, we didn't need the extra lentil dish and were glad for the extra bread.
The cheese naan was delicious, infused with other spices in it, the lentil and the vegetables were both mouth watering and we'd licked the plates clean before we could stop.
All for 8 pounds.
This is a cheap and delicious restaurant. It closes at 5 or 6 so is more for lunchtime or an early dinner. It's one of a kind food was some of the best I'd ever had.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Sapporo Teppanyaki - Manchester, UK
Star rating: ***
As a young member of the new millennium it feels wrong to admit this, the thing is even though I've had a my share of decent Japanese meals I'm not the biggest fan of the cuisine everyone seems to love.
The restaurant was lovely, the staff were great. My food, was like what I expected, not suitable for vegetarians.
They tried. I had my tofu starter, I find that tofu can be either cooked yum or yuck. The chewy, flavourless tofu was more of the latter. There was a wonderful dip, some garlic-y one that I loved and dipped everything in. We got chips (always good) and some vegetables all made in front of us. I got extra chips as I failed to catch them in my mouth (they flip them at you and you have to do a sea lion impression).
My aubergine thing was in a sauce too sweet and oily. Maybe my ordering was off.
Despite my unsatisfactory eating experience the dinning experience was wonderful. The novelty of having your food made in front of you doesn't wear off (I've been to may share of places around the world) and the atmosphere was relaxed and cosy. Everyone else enjoyed their food and mine was adequate I suppose.
If you're looking for sensational vegetarian bites this might not be the place, but if you want to have a fun, light dinner you'll know where to go.
As a young member of the new millennium it feels wrong to admit this, the thing is even though I've had a my share of decent Japanese meals I'm not the biggest fan of the cuisine everyone seems to love.
The restaurant was lovely, the staff were great. My food, was like what I expected, not suitable for vegetarians.
They tried. I had my tofu starter, I find that tofu can be either cooked yum or yuck. The chewy, flavourless tofu was more of the latter. There was a wonderful dip, some garlic-y one that I loved and dipped everything in. We got chips (always good) and some vegetables all made in front of us. I got extra chips as I failed to catch them in my mouth (they flip them at you and you have to do a sea lion impression).
My aubergine thing was in a sauce too sweet and oily. Maybe my ordering was off.
Despite my unsatisfactory eating experience the dinning experience was wonderful. The novelty of having your food made in front of you doesn't wear off (I've been to may share of places around the world) and the atmosphere was relaxed and cosy. Everyone else enjoyed their food and mine was adequate I suppose.
If you're looking for sensational vegetarian bites this might not be the place, but if you want to have a fun, light dinner you'll know where to go.
Jerry's Diner - South Beach, Florida
Star rating: **
On our way to another place but caved and went into this huge diner. It was cold, the staff varied from lovely to moody.
I had some vegetables in a fried sandwich thing and onion rings.
This is the place for a buttery, artery clogging meal. I was greasy for days afterwards (and yes, I did wash my hands).
The menu is huge though and I'm sure there's a lot more on offer but my too greasy reflex was warning me to stop.
On our way to another place but caved and went into this huge diner. It was cold, the staff varied from lovely to moody.
I had some vegetables in a fried sandwich thing and onion rings.
This is the place for a buttery, artery clogging meal. I was greasy for days afterwards (and yes, I did wash my hands).
The menu is huge though and I'm sure there's a lot more on offer but my too greasy reflex was warning me to stop.
Burger and Beer - South Beach, Florida
Star rating: **
Our jet ski was lovely, friendly and had offered to take our crew (sister, cousin, boyfriend - all avid meat eaters) to his favourite burger joint if we were game. I was worried as the man had divulged his diet consisted of meat, meat and more meat. No salad, no dessert.
My meat eating buddies though were tempted and after a greasy burger and had decided to go. My hunger wasn't great so I didn't fight it. We sat outside on benches by the road. The staff were accomodating when we asked to change seats and the service wasn't lacking because we were outside.
The vegetarian option was a portobello mushroom burger with cheese. So I ordered that. We also had battered pickles (yum yum yum) and fries. Unfortunately my burger remained distinctly meaty with me double-guessing how or what it was cooked with. The sweet potato fries were also a disappointed with me stealing everyone else's thin and fat chips. I too a couple of chips and made a chips butty as well. It was ok, but not what I had in mind.
My crew decided 5 guys was better as though their burgers were good they were a bit too weird and meaty. And a lot pricer then 5 guys with a price tag of 15bucks a burger meal (mind you each burger was GINORMOUS)
Good enough of your a meat eater but don't sidle along if you're a hungry vegetarian.
Our jet ski was lovely, friendly and had offered to take our crew (sister, cousin, boyfriend - all avid meat eaters) to his favourite burger joint if we were game. I was worried as the man had divulged his diet consisted of meat, meat and more meat. No salad, no dessert.
My meat eating buddies though were tempted and after a greasy burger and had decided to go. My hunger wasn't great so I didn't fight it. We sat outside on benches by the road. The staff were accomodating when we asked to change seats and the service wasn't lacking because we were outside.
The vegetarian option was a portobello mushroom burger with cheese. So I ordered that. We also had battered pickles (yum yum yum) and fries. Unfortunately my burger remained distinctly meaty with me double-guessing how or what it was cooked with. The sweet potato fries were also a disappointed with me stealing everyone else's thin and fat chips. I too a couple of chips and made a chips butty as well. It was ok, but not what I had in mind.
My crew decided 5 guys was better as though their burgers were good they were a bit too weird and meaty. And a lot pricer then 5 guys with a price tag of 15bucks a burger meal (mind you each burger was GINORMOUS)
Good enough of your a meat eater but don't sidle along if you're a hungry vegetarian.
Bella Cuba - South Beach, Florida
Star rating: ****
My first taste of cuban food was at this restaurant where we wondered in cautiously and dubiously. We were the only ones in the restaurant (more cause for concern but it was quite late). We decided to not eat too much as it was close to bedtime and we didn't want to be too full.
We shared a soup starter, Cream de Malanga, a vegetable I've never heard of, which was good if not extremely creamy, then I had my stuffed red pepper with goats cheese and tamarind sauce. The test explosion was delicious, my boyfriend who had just sampled his first red snapper was left silent and eating as well.
Definitely a great experience with Cuban Cuisine.
My first taste of cuban food was at this restaurant where we wondered in cautiously and dubiously. We were the only ones in the restaurant (more cause for concern but it was quite late). We decided to not eat too much as it was close to bedtime and we didn't want to be too full.
We shared a soup starter, Cream de Malanga, a vegetable I've never heard of, which was good if not extremely creamy, then I had my stuffed red pepper with goats cheese and tamarind sauce. The test explosion was delicious, my boyfriend who had just sampled his first red snapper was left silent and eating as well.
Definitely a great experience with Cuban Cuisine.
Khatmandu - Didsbury Manchester, UK
Star rating: ****
My sister loved it. I felt like Indian. We were in Didsbury after meeting a friend to sit in the sun. So we went to Kathmandu.
We were seated straight away and got our water. It was a very busy restaurant but the seats were very comfortable, I know I ended up sitting on them for around 3 hours.
We started with something my sister discovered they do. You can get naan bread with korma sauce as a dip. I've never had a korma before because given the choice I'd choose the extra-spicey-burn-yourself-tomato-y sauce but the coconut creamy concoction was lovely. My main was the afore mentioned sauce with aubergines. The vegetarian menu is extensive and mouth-watering, enough to satisfy every taste bud. The too full to eat syndrome kicked in and we sat for hours digesting one of the most delicious meals.
The price was moderate and the food was delicious. With Manchester's many indian cuisine this definitely came on top.
My sister loved it. I felt like Indian. We were in Didsbury after meeting a friend to sit in the sun. So we went to Kathmandu.
We were seated straight away and got our water. It was a very busy restaurant but the seats were very comfortable, I know I ended up sitting on them for around 3 hours.
We started with something my sister discovered they do. You can get naan bread with korma sauce as a dip. I've never had a korma before because given the choice I'd choose the extra-spicey-burn-yourself-tomato-y sauce but the coconut creamy concoction was lovely. My main was the afore mentioned sauce with aubergines. The vegetarian menu is extensive and mouth-watering, enough to satisfy every taste bud. The too full to eat syndrome kicked in and we sat for hours digesting one of the most delicious meals.
The price was moderate and the food was delicious. With Manchester's many indian cuisine this definitely came on top.
The Modern - Manchester, UK
Star rating: ***
After a day of shopping we were hungry. Very hungry. After some deliberation we opted for the option of going to the modern because a. it was close and b. it had good reviews and a 3 course for 15 quid deal. We were greeted by an elevator when we absently pressed the 6th floor. For future reference 6 = BAR, 5 = RESTAURANT. We did find out the bar had a better view of the city as the restaurant's window was partially clouded over.
The vegetarian options are pretty limited. For a main you were either having the hoity pie or a veggie casserole. I decided to find out what a hoity pie is and had some beetroot salad. As we waited for the food the staff were very attentive and had also brought us a basket of warm rolls. My started of beetroot salad was good, my hoity pie was good (but filling) and the waitress let us cancel our desserts because we couldn't take anymore. For those who were as ignorant as me a hoity pie seemed to be a potato, creamy, cheesy, cauliflower-y thing on a cup of pastry. I thought it tasted pretty good and would recommend people trying it.
The hearty British meal was good, but failed to be exceptional despite having a bit of a hype. Apparently my meat eating friends have raved about the meat. So maybe better if you're not a vegetarian?
A filling, hearty meal that's nice on a cold afternoon.
After a day of shopping we were hungry. Very hungry. After some deliberation we opted for the option of going to the modern because a. it was close and b. it had good reviews and a 3 course for 15 quid deal. We were greeted by an elevator when we absently pressed the 6th floor. For future reference 6 = BAR, 5 = RESTAURANT. We did find out the bar had a better view of the city as the restaurant's window was partially clouded over.
The vegetarian options are pretty limited. For a main you were either having the hoity pie or a veggie casserole. I decided to find out what a hoity pie is and had some beetroot salad. As we waited for the food the staff were very attentive and had also brought us a basket of warm rolls. My started of beetroot salad was good, my hoity pie was good (but filling) and the waitress let us cancel our desserts because we couldn't take anymore. For those who were as ignorant as me a hoity pie seemed to be a potato, creamy, cheesy, cauliflower-y thing on a cup of pastry. I thought it tasted pretty good and would recommend people trying it.
The hearty British meal was good, but failed to be exceptional despite having a bit of a hype. Apparently my meat eating friends have raved about the meat. So maybe better if you're not a vegetarian?
A filling, hearty meal that's nice on a cold afternoon.
Friday, 9 April 2010
Five Guys - South Beach, Florida
Star rating: ***
Had a grilled cheese sandwich which was just what I wanted at the time, no veggie burger, most burger joints sneer at that anyway but they had a vegetable sandwich too. Warning: Large fries means LARGE, like really really LARGE.
Yummy, filling, cheap. Great. And your meat munching friends will definitely love you for taking them there.
Had a grilled cheese sandwich which was just what I wanted at the time, no veggie burger, most burger joints sneer at that anyway but they had a vegetable sandwich too. Warning: Large fries means LARGE, like really really LARGE.
Yummy, filling, cheap. Great. And your meat munching friends will definitely love you for taking them there.
Ola at the Sanctuary - South Beach, Florida
Star rating: *****
Imagine dinning under idyllic starlit skies, on a balcony overlooking a quiet south beach road. A nice warm night with a light breeze, beautiful dim lighting. This is the best meal I've had in Miami so far.
On the waitress' recommendation, she was also a vegetarian, I had a dish which was described to me as plantain slices with layers of spinach and bechemal sauce as well as tomato sauce. This had black bean paste drizzled on it and something green I didn't quite figure out. This cuban invention was divine, the type of food you try to eat slowly but fail to. The flavours came through but weren't overpowering.
Also little dough breads were served which were strangely sweet and warm and really kind of chewy. When we asked we were told it was told it was a gluten free bread, made with tapioca and yukka (don't know how to spell it) flowers. We just asked for a few more servings.
What complemented the food beautifully was the attentive staff, they intuitively made sure everything went smoothly and pandered to all our desires before we knew we wanted them, making the cosy meal between me and my boyfriend perfect.
The place was unpretentious but all this did come at a price and the bill came to a bit more than the average, yet it was worth every cent. Makes me hungry to even think about it.
Imagine dinning under idyllic starlit skies, on a balcony overlooking a quiet south beach road. A nice warm night with a light breeze, beautiful dim lighting. This is the best meal I've had in Miami so far.
On the waitress' recommendation, she was also a vegetarian, I had a dish which was described to me as plantain slices with layers of spinach and bechemal sauce as well as tomato sauce. This had black bean paste drizzled on it and something green I didn't quite figure out. This cuban invention was divine, the type of food you try to eat slowly but fail to. The flavours came through but weren't overpowering.
Also little dough breads were served which were strangely sweet and warm and really kind of chewy. When we asked we were told it was told it was a gluten free bread, made with tapioca and yukka (don't know how to spell it) flowers. We just asked for a few more servings.
What complemented the food beautifully was the attentive staff, they intuitively made sure everything went smoothly and pandered to all our desires before we knew we wanted them, making the cosy meal between me and my boyfriend perfect.
The place was unpretentious but all this did come at a price and the bill came to a bit more than the average, yet it was worth every cent. Makes me hungry to even think about it.
Basso 56 - Manhattan, New York
Star rating: *****
This was awhile back now but I still remember yuuuuuuuuuum. I had a lovely artichoke started, seasoned with lemon and a beautiful pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce (I love my aubergines). There were many choices on the menu, the staff were delightful, the restaurant beautiful. The bread at the beginning could've been warm but was still scrumptious.
Definitely as good as the tripadvisor recommendation that took me there said it would be.
This was awhile back now but I still remember yuuuuuuuuuum. I had a lovely artichoke started, seasoned with lemon and a beautiful pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce (I love my aubergines). There were many choices on the menu, the staff were delightful, the restaurant beautiful. The bread at the beginning could've been warm but was still scrumptious.
Definitely as good as the tripadvisor recommendation that took me there said it would be.
Monday, 29 March 2010
Miriam - Brooklyn, New York
Star rating: **
So imagine my huge disappointment was when I had to suffer one of the worst meals I've had since the olive garden incident. A tasteless coucous with a sour, unseasoned tomato sauce and pumpkin and butternut squash that resembled and tasted like something you'd get out of a jar of baby food. This puke worthy main should come with a warning.
I still have some hope as the mezes were THAT good and all my carnivorous friends loved their meals. Maybe it was bad choosing on my part.
Worth another try but definitely don't go near the couscous and vegetables.
This looked good, this looked really good. Opposite some prime second hand shopping this looked like a place to eat. We shared some mezes which were all delicious yet it could've done with bigger portions (one stuffed vine leaf, one stuffed pastry)
So imagine my huge disappointment was when I had to suffer one of the worst meals I've had since the olive garden incident. A tasteless coucous with a sour, unseasoned tomato sauce and pumpkin and butternut squash that resembled and tasted like something you'd get out of a jar of baby food. This puke worthy main should come with a warning.
I still have some hope as the mezes were THAT good and all my carnivorous friends loved their meals. Maybe it was bad choosing on my part.
Worth another try but definitely don't go near the couscous and vegetables.
Market Diner - Manhattan, New York
Star rating: ***
After some friday partying me and my friends were on a grease hunt. We wanted burgers and milk shakes. We wanted fries and pizzas. We were hungry and determined. Following a recommendation we found ourselves in a healthy pizza take out where the pizza was served at room temperature and just found ourselves walking right back out despite the fact the one slice we shared was good we knew it wouldn't hit the spot.
This left us walking around Hell's Kitchen, then the Theatre District and somewhere inbetween this giant diner hailed us. It was everything we wanted and more. I got a veggie burger and we shared our plethora of fries (sweet potato not so good, regular and waffle fires scrumptious) and someone had a brioche french toast with caramelised apples which was yummy. Everyone else had regular burgers which I did without.
When you get the munchies or have a tummy hangover this place is a food eden, we asked about star spots by the staff on our way out and the place boasts guests such as Keanu Reeves and Cynthia Nixon, so who knows who will see you in your dragged out of bed best.
Olive Garden - Manhattan, New York
Star rating: *
No good food comes out of times square so when my mum's friend vehemently advocated the Olive Garden I decided to let myself be surprised. Especially when I was told unlimited salad and bread were on offer.
There was a stench hanging in the air and we were told to wait for 45mins, we had some good cocktails going in that time. Definitely recommend the Mango Margarita, which is cool and refreshing. We had a chance to skim through the menu which to be honest was uninspired, with a horrible calorie count for every dish. We both decided on a creamy mushroom ravioli.
The bread was delicious, garlic-y and buttery. The salad was lovely, with lemon and parmesan. The ravioli was filling but was boring and bland. Just something to give you a bad belly ache. What this place should do is just stick to what it does well, the salad and the bread. Mmm. I know I only had the ravioli but with that overpowering smell I didn't want to stick around and find out what else they had to offer.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Max Brenner - Manhattan, New York
Star rating: ****
For a chocolate break you won't forget in a hurry, this delicious chocolate fest is nestled in the busy union square.
This is definitely not where I'd go if I wanted a savoury meal rather it's a place of indulgence. Pages and pages of things you didn't know you could do with sugar. We had a combination of the non-chocolate and chocolate, I had a cinnamon apple waffle, with syrup and ice cream. Beautiful. My friend had a banana chocolate filled crepe. Beautiful but not as beautiful as mine. My mum had an omelette and an italian hot chocolate, vanilla cream milk with some smooth velvety milk chocolate; yes I stole it. We got some spiced fries for the table but I thought they had a funny after taste and got suspicious about if they were cooked in the same oil or area as some meat.
There weren't many non-meaty savoury options, actually just the funny tasting fries if you're not an egg-eater so I'd recommend a small tiny savoury snack somewhere else before falling into the sweet haven of max brenner. Even the most hardcore dieter would give in and it'll be worth every moment on the lips.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Shelly's Trattoria - Manhattan, New York
Star rating: ***
The setting was lovely, quiet after all the hustle and bustle. You do get a bit of a seafood stench but you get used to it. Also, even though the prices seem to be a bit above the norm, the pizza is definitely enough for two (tried and tested). The pizza was simple in flavour, the way a pizza should be and light on the digestion. We got lovely complimentary breads, parmesan crispy bread and what appeared to be a sun-dried tomato loaf, it would have been a pleasant bonus if the loaf was warm when it arrived.
In typical tantalizing style desserts were brought out to tempt you to go against your better judgement. We got some tiramisu, which was a bit on the creamy side yet sweet and moist enough to keep me happy. If you were wanting something sweet and couldn't bear the idea of the huge desserts on offer (creme brulee, strawberry cheese cake and some cannolas.
The service was great, welcoming, friendly and helpful. It was a cosy experience after all and a filling one at that; it's hard not to be full after american size portions!
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Helmand - Afghani Restaurant, Cambridge MA
Star rating: *****
Just next to a shopping centre it's a perfect post-retail therapy meal. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm. You get a feel that you are in Afghanistan with the soft music in the background and a glimpse of a giant stone oven.
The service was acceptable, the staff generally nice but nothing exceptional. The menu had a mouth watering variety of options for vegetarians which made making a decision difficult.
Flat Afghani bread was served with a variety of sauces and some butter for the less adventurous, for starters we had the bowlani, two pastries, one filled with spiced potatoes which was divine and the other with leeks and scallion both drizzled with yoghurt mint sauce. I ordered the 'special' for my main course; this was aubergine (eggplant) on a roasted tomato sauce, spinach, pumpkin with a garlic/yoghurt sauce, okra with some pallow rice topped with some raisins (rice with a variety spices such as cinnamon and cumin). The aubergine was soft but not greasy, the pumpkin was sweet and melted in your mouth and the rice was a lovely subtle accompaniment to the meal.
The meal was delicious and the portions were generous. The prices were fair for such a lovely meal and it was great to have a filling meal in the USA that was not soaked in cheese and butter. This restaurant is highly recommended for vegetarians.
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