thingsthatmakeourtummyhappy

[thingsthatmakeourtummyhappy]

OXBO Bankside

My second visit here. The first time, I raved about it. The second time, not so much. The food was still good but this three course meal wasn’t as great as the 5 course tasting menu we did before. Starter was great: Gin Cured Salmon, main course okay: Sea Bass and a side of broccoli and Dessert mediocre at best: plums, ice cream and some sort of dry cake that I left on the plate. They do a ‘Prosecco Friday’ deal and the service was poor. Shame.

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Stone Crab - Saundersfoot

https://stonecrab.co.uk/

Delicious little fish restaurant on Saundersfoot Harbour. Sadly had sold out of some of the dishes we wanted to try, such as Lobster Thermadore and Cod on Vegetable Risotto. I had the Makeral Pate, which is one of my favourite dishes. It really was delicious with the warm bread. This was followed by Plaice stuffed with crab meat and Chilli. Again a lovely combination but almost too much crab which overpowered the delicate fish. Looking forward to coming back next time.

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As the website states ‘The Foragers are a pair of hunter gatherers: we spend our days creating delicious food from the wild, rummaging in the hedgerows for the best fruit, foliage and fungi.’ That food my friends, is bloody delicious and without a doubt one of the best places to get a Sunday roast in St Albans. Just for pretty cauliflower cheese and home made spirits if nothing else. Find them at the Verulam Arms, St Albans ❣️

http://the-foragers.com/about-us/

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Food based presents are always an absolute winner for me! This one, from our friend Paul was especially good! I’m sure lots of you have heard of Pho and Bun. Vietminese food, is probably one of my favourite cuisines, and this tasty lot did not last very long!

https://vieteat.co.uk/pho-bun/

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There are so many good pubs in St Albans that you can be spoilt for choice with food. The Cock Inn (no sniggering please), is one of my particular favourites. In the summer they do a fun wine and cheese tasting in the garden which is a great afternoon activity... just don’t make evening plans!!

http://thecockinnstalbans.co.uk/

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I’m a lucky girl and fortunate to have in-laws that live in the beautiful Welsh seaside town of Saundersfoot, home of the gorgeous St Brides Hotel (amazing spa if you’re ever visiting). Last New Years we went as a family to the Gala Dinner and Dance, which was great fun. The food was plentiful and my dress barely fitted me by the end. We’ve also been for a large dinner of about 16 people and dinner for my boyfriends birthday, If you’re in this neck of the woods, I’d definitely recommend the restaurant at St Brides Hotel. The welsh lamb is to die for!

https://www.stbridesspahotel.com/index.php?cID=192

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If you are anything like me, you probably spend your life stalking restaurants in countries that you never visit and salvating over online photos of spectacular meals! The Roof Garden Restaurant in Hotel Forum Rome, was one of those restaurants that I’d wistfully looked at from afar on Facebook. So, when we were fortunate enough to visit Rome last year, I made sure we booked and it was not a disappointment. Overlooking the coliseum (barely, but it’s there if you look hard), this was a beautiful restaurant, with a piano player and gorgeous views. It doesnt come cheap but then we all deserve st least one amazing dinner when on holiday right?

https://www.ristoranteroofgardenforum.it/en/

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Have yet to make it to Galvin at Windows for dinner yet but we did manage to make the ‘Picnic in the Sky’- £30 each for a sharing platter and a cocktail. Food was delicious but by far, not enough of it. Cocktail great. However this does become a pricey day out as you settle in the Galvin bar and work your way through the rather expensive cocktail menu! Views of London are pretty good if you go on a bright day.

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AYOS is a Turkish grill in sunny St Albans. Slightly pricier than your average turkish restaurant, but this is justified by the classier interior. We went for a family dinner and it did not disappoint.

https://www.ayosrestaurant.com/menu

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Cheese and Wine pairing at Club Gascon. It can’t get any better. Although that spongy looking cheese was a bit hit and miss!

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It’s been such a long while since I last food blogged but it’s my New Years resolution to get back onto it! Yesterday the girls and I visited OXBO on Bankside for a book a table deal. £25 for 5 course plus a glass of bubbles. It really was a fantastic deal; we were expecting tiny little portions but the portion soze was great and the food really was very good. Courses included a lamb saag curry, smoked kippers on a quinoa salad, cauliflower soup with hazelnut and parsley and desserts such as rhubarb cheese cake and a peanut butter and salted caramel panacotta. Well worth the deal.

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https://www.galvinrestaurants.com/section/61/1/galvin-la-chapelle Galvin la Chapelle So let's talk about Galvin. I've wanted to visit Michelin starred La Chapelle for forever. The food was good, it really was but I was just expecting that little bit more. I felt a teeny bit disappointed when leaving. I wanted to think AMAZING but I just thought 'that was really nice'. I had the mackerel to start. Followed by the lamb. The fish was good, I had high expectations. The lamb was just good. The coconut panacotta didn't burst with flavour like I wanted it too and was a little bit dull. However the services was exemplary. Oh well. Galvin at Windows next.

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http://www.oxotower.co.uk/who/oxo-tower-restaurant-bar-brasserie/ The oxo tower brasserie. Quite simply delicious. Unfortunately this was last summer and I forgot to take notes! I had the cheese to start and the John Dory for Main. The chocolate coconut dessert was INCREDIBLE. As always, any meal at the oxo tower has spectacular views. As it was a nice evening, we managed to to a balcony seat also.

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Smith and Wollensky: London Let's start with the decor: Copper wash basins gorgeous hand towels, expensive cutlery. This restaurant makes you feel special. Now for the food- Oysters 1/2 dozen £18 beautifully served, slightly too much loose shell but cannot always be helped. I'm in my happy place when I'm eating Oysters! Scallops £18- succulent, sweet, purée of callanlonni bean and carrot complimented very well. Served with crispy salty bacon deliciousness. The bread was served warm, thinly sliced, with oodles of salty butter. The steak - oh my god the steak. Rare, sealed and salty on the outside, pink and soft in the middle. The whipped potatoes. Best thing I've ever tasted! If I could marry these potatoes I would! My only criticism was the sautéed mushrooms which were burnt and really not that edible. Silver service standard. Almost Michelin star. Fully recommended

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🍴Almond coconut butter!🍴 I just tried this one for the first time and completely fell in love! It’s divine. Did you already try this combo? Nut butters are one of vegan or vegetarian protein sources! And is no palm oil!!! Try to spread it on banana, cut apple, whole grain or rye bread or simply add to smoothies, porridge or plain yoghurt! I don’t wonder it has won taste of 2015! Managed to get mine in Selfridges in London. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 #nutritionist #nutritious #vegetarian #vegan #paleo #foodblogger #healthy #healthylifestyle #instafit #foodfam #foodie #fitgirlcode #fitfam #eatclean #fitness #exercise #yoga #pilates #refinedsugarfree #energy #palmoilfree #glutenfree #nutrition #nutritiondense #smoothie #protein #nutbutter #almond #coconut #Londonist

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Porkys BBQ London (Camden) I love reviewing a burger joint as it’s quite rare that I demolish a whole burger. Porkys is a little shop almost opposite Camden Lock market. Short, to the point menu (bonus points). Good authentic American vibe, even down to the rock music (extra bonus points). But, the important bit, the food! House burger with seasoned fries and extra avocado was delicious! Burger sauce was the winner for me. Finely diced onion and lettuce and to top it all off, chilli vinegar (sop mop )!! Nice little touch of wet wipes to leave feeling fresh. 4:5* would definitely return. Twitter:@PorkysLondon

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http://www.thalassaseafood.co.uk/ Like good sea food at a reasonable price? Get yourself to Thalassa in Southgate!