Showing posts with label toast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toast. Show all posts

Leaf on Portland Street hasn't been open long. It can't have been, because a tea room I haven't heard of? Really? Leaf also is really passionate about tea, which is something I like to see. Tea shops that don't just serve tea but are BIG on tea are welcome in a world of artisan coffee blend shops!



This is self evident when you first walk in. The space is huge compared to what you'd expect given the shop front, and due to the nature of the building has a very spacious New York Loft feel to it, complete with iron girder columns. As you walk in, there's a large display on the wall showing tea blends of all varieties and tastes, with jars of loose leaves for you to smell and read about. For a tea lover like me, this is very much a kid-in-a-candy-store moment!

I'm approached by a member of staff who I later found out was called Carrie (or Cassie? I'm so sorry I forgot!!), but who was superb, telling me about the tea blends, suggestions on ones to try based on my tastes, and enthusing about their ethos, telling me about upcoming free tea tasting sessions. A friendly and enthusiastic knowledgeable member of staff greeting you as you enter is always a damn good sign in my book!





I had a wander around to take some photos. The space is really huge, and Carrie told me that there was also a large basement area that was event space too. I took my seat and read the menu. It was nice to see a good array of teas in the menu too, as well as some delicious looking lunch and snack options. I was a touch late for breakfast, but the staff were accommodating enough to still allow me to have some granary toast and marmalade.

After discussing with Carrie about tea blends, I decided to go for a flavoured black tea, and went for Wild Cherry. This was brought over to me in a modern glass teapot baring the old adage of "Where There's Tea There's Hope" (I quite agree!) . The tea was delicious, but as it was also a black tea, I thought I'd try a little milk.

I went to the counter and asked Carrie for milk. At first she simply looked at me and didn't react, so I thought she hadn't heard me. Then I realised as her eyes widened that she was in fact trying to compute what I'd asked for without recoiling in terror. "With wild cherry?" she asked, aghast. She turned to another member of staff behind the bar and asked "can I have some milk... for this gentleman's Wild Cherry Tea...", informatively. The other member of staff bent backwards, "really?!" she asked in astonishment. I didn't take even the slightest bit of offence or insult at this, because this was clearly two people who enjoyed their tea, and knew their tea well! We laughed, and said how with it being black tea it could still work, similar had worked with various chai teas and lattes, so I gave it a try.



It was alright, but eh... better without the milk. The staff were right. I'll remember that next time. TRUST THE STAFF! This impressed me actually. It's nice to see somewhere with as much enthusiasm for tea as a lot of places have for coffee.

The toast and marmalade was tasty, and I was now thoroughly warmed up from the cold December air of Manchester. Carrie told me that as the tea shop was under offices, their heating pipes ran down through the tea shop, keeping it perpetually toasty warm. Handy! 



Before I left I  had a look at some Christmas gift sets they were selling, as well as a framed receipt, which on closer inspection I saw was their very first sale, their first transaction. That's a nice thing to commemorate and display, and shows a pride in what they're doing.

In short, Leaf is spacious, modern, pleasantly furnished and decorated and fairly priced for both food and drinks, as well as being run by a friendly, knowledgeable and efficient staff.

Well done Leaf, I'll be back soon!



LEAF
113-115 Portland Street
Manchester
M1 6DW
(0161) 883 1138
www.thisisleaf.co.uk

Leaf

by on 11:30
Leaf on Portland Street hasn't been open long. It can't have been, because a tea room I haven't heard of? Really? Leaf also i...
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Provenance Food Hall and Restaurant sits on Market Street in Westhoughton, and has always boasted an impressive food hall of local fresh meats, pies, produce and the like, but also has an upstairs restaurant which I've never been to before, so whilst in Westhoughton I thought I'd pop in for some breakfast.


The restaurant area is on a first floor mezzanine level, looking down over parts of the food hall like a minstrels gallery. It's decorated in bright and fresh neutral colours, grounded by a natural wooden floor. Light cascades in through sash windows on two walls. Glimpses through cut-outs in the walls show further seating areas, for use in the full restaurant of an evening.

I took a menu from the bar and had a read. The breakfast offerings look good, but as I read the menu I realise that the rest of the menu looks superb too! Steak nights, grill nights, Afternoon Teas and all sorts of other tempting things. I already decide before ordering that I must come again to the "proper" restaurant in an evening.


I decided to order sourdough toast with whipped butter and marmalade, and a pot of Birchall's English Breakfast Tea, and was told to take a seat anywhere I like and it'd be brought over. I chose to sit by one of the sash windows and look down out over Market Street. Even seated I can see the fine quality finish on everything in this venue; the restaurant is the same quality and fit as the downstairs foodhall, meaning everything is spotless, modern, and pleasant. The staff upstairs seem to be as friendly and helpful as the staff downstairs too. It all feels very professional, whilst still very friendly.


I observe other visitors who join after me, a mother and her children enjoying breakfast, some ladies-who-lunch ordering eggs benedict, and two young girls ordering soft drinks. It's nice to see that there's a mix of customers.



My breakfast arrives, beautifully presented, but to be honest I wouldn't have expected any less from Provenance from what I've seen. The Fairtrade tea is delicious, and the sourdough toast has a superb crunch to it, the butter and marmalade both being of good quality, meaning you feel a bit spoilt for your breakfast, which can never be a bad thing.

It was a very tasty breakfast, and cost less than four quid. Brilliant.

Great place, and I can see that the quality and service are priority here, so I look forward to returning to try the evening menu sometime, and was already advised by another staff member to book in advance due to popularity!




Provenance Food Hall & Restaurant
46-48 Market Street
Westhoughton
Bolton
BL5 3AZ
01942 812 398
http://www.provenancerestaurant.co.uk/

Provenance

by on 12:50
Provenance Food Hall and Restaurant sits on Market Street in Westhoughton, and has always boasted an impressive food hall of local fresh...
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Northern Soul is the UK's first gourmet grilled cheese restaurant, and sits in a shack of small shops near the Arndale, in the trendy Northern Quarter of Manchester City Centre.

The place genuinely makes you smile as soon as you approach and hear the music playing, and people inside chatting, laughing, and the staff themselves smiling and laughing too. They've embraced the casual rough-and-ready style, with chunky wooden furniture and exposed roofing, and bar seating giving full view into the kitchen, giving the place the feeling of a classic American diner, but with a modern twist.


The clever way this place is set up means that as well as bar seating and "booth" or table seating, there's also seating allowing you to sit outside and face inside, or inside and face out, to watch the world go by, and on a summer's day like today, the open feel of the place gives it a pleasant and happy vibe.



We took a seat at the bar, and were asked if we'd visited before, which we haven't. We were told to check out the main menu chalkboard, and when ready, simply order at the main till, give our name, and wait for our food to come out. The menu is hugely appealing, with simple "cheese toastie" style offerings such as "The Soul", to full meal sounding offerings such as Tandoori Chicken, as well as sides and soups, and nothing costing more than £6.50, which is very pleasant indeed. There was also a separate drinks prep area with a blackboard offering teas, coffees, and hand made loaded milkshakes.



We decided that we both fancied the Ham & Swiss, and ordered at the till, where it was nice to see that despite the place looking simple and rustic, we were able to pay by card. Drinks-wise I went for a pomegranate San Pellegrino, and my partner went for a Cookies and Cream milkshake, which at £5 seems a little pricey compared to the rest of the menu, but was very good quality, and thoroughly enjoyed.


It was satisfying to be able to sit at the bar and watch the kitchen team in their black and yellow aprons preparing our sandwiches, and using heavy presses to keep them pressed down onto the cooking surface to cook to perfection. This made me feel like watching an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network, and I really liked that; it made the place feel genuine and unique. I could imagine Guy Fiyeri watching the sandwiches being made, and tasting them with satisfaction.


Our name was called out, and our grilled cheeses arrived in front of us, presented on gingham paper wrap with a pickle spear and a side of freshly made coleslaw. Just from looks alone this was no simple toastie, this was a big grilled cheese sandwich that meant business, oozing the secret three-cheese blend, and packed with delicious ham. The toast itself was perfectly smooth and crunchy from the sandwich-press method on the cooking surface, and gave a hugely satisfying crunch to bite through, followed by the warm and gooey delicious filling.


We both thoroughly enjoyed the sandwiches, and agreed the quality was superb. Even whilst munching our way through, we looked up at the menu, deciding what we fancied next time. I definitely fancy The Classic, with caramelised red onion chutney!

Looks can also be deceptive. Sure this was a toasted sandwich, but by the time I was half-way through my second half, I was getting full! This was a FILLING sandwich... when has that ever happened for under seven quid?


Northern Soul isn't fine dining, but it's simple and good hearty comfort food which makes for the perfect freshly made lunch that won't break the bank, which for Manchester's Northern Quarter is pretty rare, and as they also have a loyalty card, it's very tempting to make it a regular thing instead of just bobbing into the local Tesco Metro for an overpriced plastic packaged sandwich, or a lukewarm sausage roll from Greggs.

Love you, Northern Soul. Back soon!



Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Church Street
Manchester City Centre
M4 1PN
http://northernsoulmcr.com/
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I had to check the spelling. I can never remember the name! Ziffy something... ziggy? ziggyblart? Something like that... *checks online* ah yes... Ziferblat! Ziferblat started in London but now is here in Manchester, and is a unique concept which a lot of people are investigating, as it's that rare beast of being something Manchester City Centre hasn't seen before!


The concept is that of "micro-tenancy", where instead of paying for the food and drink you consume, you are instead paying a per-minute charge for the use of the space. The food and drink part is free! You're coming "home" to relax, where the food and drink is laid out for you. The best way I could describe it is a youth club for adults: you're buzzed in through the front door (which is tricky to find really... it's not massively signposted, but it's near Home Sweet Home in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter), where you then go upstairs and "check in" at the main desk, where you give your name and are explained the concept and charging system, and asked to simply clear away after yourself. From there... well do what you like really!


For 5p-per-minute you can use the space to your heart's content... whether you choose to find a comfy couch and chat with your friends, a quiet chair in the corner to read, or just listen to the music whilst playing chess with someone you've just met, the environment is that of a social comfort space. At first I wasn't sure about the concept, and worried that in being given a little alarm clock at check in, you'd feel "metered" as it were, but although they don't seem to give clocks out now, I didn't feel pressured, in fact I felt very relaxed. There was no rush, they didn't want you out after your drink, or need to clean up after you, so you didn't feel you were being an imposition, and in this spirit, there are board games, magazines, and papers dotted around for you to enjoy.




The food and drink situation is that of a communal kitchen area, where you can help yourself to both hot and cold drinks, cereals, snacks, biscuits, and tasty cakes, plus as much toast as you can handle with a bunch of tasty toppings and spreads to your delight. The kitchen is equipped with plenty of cupboards of plates, mugs, and cutlery for you to do what you want to do, including things like a coffee machine, ice machine, and a dishwasher. The only request is that you clear up after yourself, and if the dishwasher is on, wash your plate/cup and set it in the drainer. Seems fair!


The venue itself is bright and airy with both modern and kitch vintage touches, and lots of comfy couches and chairs, as well as tables,  chairs, and a breakfast bar, which seems fine for the customers, which seemed to vary from business types having a bowl of cornflakes and a quick meeting, to the hipster types sat around being beardy together whilst drinking camomile tea. I noticed a highchair available, a couple of toilets, and elevator access to the place itself, so they seem to be trying to cater for everyone where possible, and to be honest that seems to be their ethos; come in, chill out, relax, and have a nice time. Even their wifi password is "takeyourtime". I could come here with friends, colleagues, or even just come here with my dad (who I think would love it here).

In the time I was there, I was able to use their lovely fast wifi, gorge on toast and marmalade, then some ginger cake and chocolate biscuits, and feel thoroughly relaxed... and upon settling my "bill" at the door... it came to £2.50! I felt like I was undercharged, so left some cash in the "donations" suitcase by the door, especially considering how friendly and welcoming the staff were.

I've decided that I love this concept, and I can see it doing very well with others too, who will also come to love the idea after they experience it!

I will most definitely be back. Guaranteed.

Ziferblat

by on 14:58
I had to check the spelling. I can never remember the name! Ziffy something... ziggy? ziggyblart? Something like that... *checks online*...
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It seems Horwich is definitely becoming the place to be for tasty treats and great food! Evidence of this can be seen in the latest business to open on Winter Hey Lane: CHILL @ The Cowshed. An ice cream parlour!




A lot of work was put into the fixing up of this building, which used to be a butcher shop. The exterior was sandblasted, but the interior keeps the same exposed wall and stone flagged floor, which gives a lovely rustic effect. I'd describe the effect they're going for as seaside vintage shabby-chic, and it works well, complete with rough boards and mismatched china. Its location is excellent, being next door to a bank and a car park. Both handy things for such a visit!



Inside, the cosy space has several tables and chairs, around a central column, behind which is the main counter, which displays a delicious array of tempting ice creams, which (as the lady behind the counter is quick to tell us) we're welcome to taste the flavours of to get us in the mood for more! A most coherent and agreeable suggestion! We were told that a new flavour had just come in, blackcurrant and liquorice, and told that a sample would be brought for us to try. Fab!

There is a blackboard proudly listing the 22 flavours that the parlour stock, and another blackboard mentioning the days food options should you feel peckish. We're also told the soup of the day. This is good really, it means that in the depths of winter, CHILL will have other options as well as ice cream.



I quite fancied something foody first, so went for good and simple cheese on toast and a cup of tea. I asked if I could also have ham on my toast and was told that wouldn't be a problem. It was nice to be asked what type of bread I'd like to. Although initially served open-faced as a classic cheese on toast, a member of staff brought out an extra slice of toast, which we thought was kind and thoughtful. It was hot and tasty, and my tea was served in a dainty teapot with traditional cup and saucer. Very civil.

This reminded me a bit of Delicieux, and with good reason. Debbie Halls-Evans, the owner of the former Delicieux is seemingly on-board helping out here and there, loaning chairs and the such, and is soon to open a pop-up restaurant located within the parlour itself, in an adjoining room.

After my lunch, I had a sample taste of a few flavours (Turkish delight,lemon meringue and the amazing wild cherry), but settled on white chocolate and raspberry flavour. The ice creams are availible in tubs at £1 a scoop, or in cones varying from classic wafer cones, to waffle cones, coloured cones, and chocolate-dipped cones! This is pretty good value considering the price a lot of places charge for ice cream. It also goes without saying that it was delicious!


After such a tasty and good value visit, and with such friendly and pleasant staff, I will most definitely be returning to CHILL, and I look forward to seeing how they progress and grow. I have at least another 21 visits planned to try all of the flavours! They don't have a big internet presence currently, which in the age of Twitter and Facebook can make things tricky, but they have a placeholder on their website, so I have no doubt that we have more in store from them!


CHILL @ The Cowshed
46 Winter Hey Lane
Horwich
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL6 7NX
www.chillatthecowshed.com

CHILL @ The Cowshed

by on 18:30
It seems Horwich is definitely becoming the place to be for tasty treats and great food! Evidence of this can be seen in the latest ...
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After Julie's Fancy Dress closed down, 877-879 Moss Bank Way in Bolton has been occupied by Zest Fine Foods, Delicieux, and now Café Italia. Only time will tell whether the tradition of businesses failing there will continue, or be abated by traditional Italian fare.

If there's one thing Bolton and Horwich in particular has an abundance of, it's Italian restaurants. Within a 10 minute journey you have Max Italia, Leo's, Casa Nostra, Il Toro, Ask Italian, Bella Italia, and within 5 minutes walk, Chianti. The question is whether Café Italia can make itself stand out amongst the competition.
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In this particular instance, I only popped in for breakfast, as I kept meaning to visit since it opened, so I may have to judge the "more than just a café..." tagline another time.

First impressions are good. As you walk into the venue, it distinctly feels more like a restaurant than the casual coffee shop feel that Delicieux had, but not as formal feeling as when it was Zest. The floors have been stained in a deep red, the furniture is dark wood with cream upholstery, and accent colours are in soft natural pastels. Although it may look a little more formal, there are also a few couches and the outdoor balcony seating area for those just fancying a coffee and a croissant. One big addition since Delicieux's occupation is the addition of a large window on the front of the building, which lets a lot more light in, and makes the space feel brighter and more airy.


The formal aspect includes being seated upon entry and given a menu, which is a nice touch, but whether such attention will be able to be maintained as it gets busier is yet to be seen, especially with how incredibly busy Delicieux got, leading to its decline in customer service. The menu is traditional Italian fare, and ranges from breakfasts and lunches to full evening meals and traditional Italian desserts. It's not an extensive menu, but what is offered is a good selection.

I just fancied a breakfast, so I asked for a cup of tea and queried whether I could get a cheese and ham toastie, as the menu mentioned sandwiches on the breakfast part, but not whether they were served hot/cold, and also didn't mention a price. The member of staff behind the counter said that wouldn't be a problem, and she'd be happy to ask the chef to make me a toastie. Good so far! I wasn't asked what type of tea I wanted, but given it was breakfast, I suppose 'English Breakfast' made more sense.

The tea was brought over in a pot which provided two cups, a jug of milk and a selection of sugars and sweeteners in sachets. Always nice to have the choice rather than receiving one type and having to enquire about more. The tea was good, but the teapot was one with slight pouring issues, leading to a wet table.


My toastie took a bit longer to arrive, but it was hot, and made with good ham and good cheese. What more could you ask? And the best part was that a pot of tea and a freshly made toastie (a possible off-menu item) came to just . Bargain!
£3.90

Early reports mentioned that for the first few weeks of operation, the restaurant was cash-only due to needing to set up a card reader, but this is now not an issue, and I was able to pay easily with my card.

Although it was only a quick visit, the restaurant seemed friendly, well appointed, and clean (including the toilets). The staff are friendly and professional but not overly intrusive, which could be taken as being aloof by those expecting a similar operation to those of the previous staff.

As I left I noticed that there was a nice selection of deli goods on offer, and a good selection of ice creams available, which may prove popular in the warmer months.


















My only particular negative is the same problem which plagued all of the venue's previous owners... the parking. The parking has always been minimal there, and is tight and tricky to navigate. It's fine when it's quiet, but whether it will affect custom on busier days remains to be seen.

All in all a pleasant first visit, even if only a quick one, and I definitely intend to visit and try some of the Italian meals for dinner sometime!



Café Italia
877 - 879 Moss Bank Way
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL1 5SN
(01204) 495 039
www.cafeitaliabolton.co.uk



Cafe Italia on Urbanspoon

Café Italia

by on 12:56
After Julie's Fancy Dress closed down, 877-879 Moss Bank Way in Bolton has been occupied by Zest Fine Foods , Delicieux , and now ...
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