New Dessert House On The Block: Kaspa's Leeds

If you tend to lose all sense of control around sweet treats, then I'd find the nearest comfortable place to pop yourself down on to gather some composure before I continue, because there's a new haven in town and it's about to take the Leeds' restaurant scene by storm! Not that you can pick up a three course Italian here, of course, but it's about the equivalent in pudding form - an actual eatery dedicated to all your favourite after indulgences. Gelato and waffles being their speciality but catering for all your candied needs in one pink paradise.

Jamie's Italian Leeds: Super Lunch Menu

It's no secret that I'm partial to a good Italian dish. In fact, if I had to make an ultimate decision and eat at the same restaurant for the rest of my life it would have to contain a menu filled with Italian cuisine; no ifs, no buts. I shouldn't be thinking about pizza, pasta, bread specialities and fresh cuts of meat after a hefty indulgence on holiday but that can't be avoided when looking back on my complimentary visit to Jamie's Italian on a pleasant, sunny day last month.

Mini Egg Chocolate and Coconut Easter Cake

Five A Day Advice and Recipes

Happy bank holiday Monday, guys! It's seems like forever ago since we had a 3 day weekend so to relish in a day of freedom - whether you're lazing around doing nothing or spending it being counter productive - is something to engulf. The August bank holiday, for me, pretty much marks the end of summer. September swarms in and soon enough we're swapping sunglasses and flowers for scarves and crispy, golden leaves and as much as I love the warmer weather, I can't help but pine for my favourite time of the year! Saying this, there was no better time to publish a guest post very kindly written by Alyson Yazi to feature on my blog - because if there's any opportunity to get back into a healthy routine and shed off that ice cream enforced timber, it's a change of season. Enjoy!

Healthy Homemade Granola Bake

Cielo Blanco Leeds: The New Menu Launch

"Why the hell have I never thought to come here before?" - no word of my lie, that was my first thought a couple of weeks back as I entered the restaurant I so quickly disregard during my regular Trinity shopping trips. Even before the food arrived I knew this was gonna be one of those unforgettable dining experiences as I strolled past the beautiful outdoor terrace and into the vibrant, lively atmosphere where I was shown to the large table at the back set out immaculately ready for the lucky samplers of the evening (VIP style at its best). There's plenty of places in Leeds with the familiar indoor setting but Cielo Blanco is definitely on the higher end of the scale. Their interior is flamboyant retro meets traditional and cultural, with striking designs, printed tiling, exposed brick walls and funky, industrial features - plenty of prettiness to meet the eye, and perfect for someone who loves a backup of Insta photos to grace your feed with a pop of colour  (like me, obvs). Not to mention, having first class access to the view of the outdoor balcony where I was seated; the pride and heart of Leeds in sheer view. Already I felt comfortable, zoned and in the mood for some bladdy good grub!

Leeds Food and Drink: There's A Mr Nobody In Town

And the award for the coolest name in restaurant branding goes to... 

Another new addition to the circle of eatery and cocktail fuelled places in Leeds City Centre, Mr Nobody replaces the popular Rare steak restaurant that located on Lower Briggate, directly next to Lambert's Yard and if the launch night I was so kindly invited to last week is anything to go by; this friendly scene ideal for all ages, families and all, will prove to be just as welcomed. The logic behind the name was pretty straight forward - John Farrar, the chef who has worked for no less than 11 Michelin starred restaurants hated the idea of featuring his own name in the title and replied to a suggestion with the response "Who am I? I'm Mr Nobody!" - and there you have it, problem resolved plain and simple. 

Life: new menu tasting at Black Swan Leeds

The first time I visited Black Swan was for the Leeds Xmas Meet back in December. Before this, I'd heard so much about the delicious food on top of a traditional rustic pub meets industrial city vibe yet I'd never been to try the tantalising tastes. Luckily, I was kindly invited back there to trial their new February winter to spring menu and I wasn't disappointed! Black Swan has such a lovely, warm feel to it; with the cosy dimmed lighting (albeit not great for a non-high quality camera), friendly service and wooden interior. You're instantly welcomed on arrival and in such a handy location, it's the perfect unwinding venture for a classic sit down meal with grade A chef skills. That was my conclusion at the end of a rainy Tuesday evening last week.

Three pancake recipes to spice up pancake day

The Hedonist Project: Liquor & Whisky Parlour

It's hard to keep track of the new bar openings in the centre of Leeds, so much so that it's hard to choose between so many great venues. However, what makes The Hedonist Project different is its flagship, pop up notion - every 3 months it will change direction and focus on one variety in particular - adapting the name, the decor, the menu, and the highlighted alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately I missed the last two; Hogarth's Gin Joint and The Rum Shack beach bar in the summer, but was lucky enough to head to their launch of their freshly furnished Whisky and Parlour bar a couple of weeks back now - AND to make a situation even better, The Hedonist Project now has a permanent premises on Lower Briggate, slap bang in the middle of Leeds City Centre, making it a popular location for people to call in and enjoy a drink (and a snack) on a cold, winters afternoon. Refined and now serving food alongside their spirit collection - there's no excuse not to pay them a visit. 

Life: a luxury stay at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel

Those who know me, know I'm the definition of an introvert. There's nothing I love more than peace and tranquility, the opportunity to relax and unwind my inner tiring mind, put my feet up with a hot drink catching up on trashy TV, indulging in some pampering treats whilst soaking up the country air; so, when I was asked if I would like to review a night at Ox Pasture Hall, the luxury Scarborough hotel with a king suite, dinner and bed and breakfast included I was absolutely delighted and quite frankly, totally flattered.

Life: moving to Cuba at Revolucion De Cuba, Leeds

Ignoring the pelting rain outside, last week I was fully in holiday mode as I headed down to the brand new Revolucion De Cuba bar restaurant situated on the famous Call Lane in Leeds. Long story short, there used to be a sectioned part of the ordinary Revolution bar based around the Cuban style fiasco and now, they've brought the almighty to a whole different environment (and a brilliant one at that).

Life: the Bar Soba black card Leeds launch night

With the dark, winter nights drawing in, it's becoming a barrier for a blogger who relies on natural lighting (like moi). However, when a venue comes to life with outdoor warmth shining through it becomes even more difficult to capture the essence in its finest hour of glory.

Life: cocktails, pizza and pool at Slate NQ

The last time I visited Slate NQ it was a rowdy and rather exciting launch night so when I was invited back to have a sample of the real Slate experience of food, drink and entertainment a few weeks back, I was thrilled and just couldn't say no! 

Life: food menu tasting at Mojo

Being a blogger has its perks, and one of the biggest perks is being exclusively invited to menu tasting events (even if my dodgy sensitive stomach does say otherwise). A good few weeks ago now I headed down to Mojo, a famous Leeds debut that shockingly (due to my lack of drink-sociable lifestyle), I've never visited before. From word of mouth, it's known as the hidden gem you go to dance on tables at 4am so adding food to their seriously cool dive bar vibe can only mean one thing - even more fun!

With the bar solemnly based around music; framed artwork, portraits, vintage tickets and a huge Beatles feature gracing the walls, it was totally up my street (apart from the fact good ol' Paul McCartney's eyes were strangely and creepily pierced out). The small but quaint room also has an American vibe to it, the seating areas being face to face diner booths, the wooden interior and the bar being brightly lit with all drinks on view. I was ashamed I'd never set foot in there before!

Upon arrival, I was taken into the bar with welcoming guidance, an offering of some drinks and some seriously tasty coated popcorn snacks. Although there were some serious funky cocktails on hand, I stuck to my boring roots and settled for just a glass of water (which proved to be the sensible idea for the flavoured food about to make its way forward). After spotting some local (and not to mention my favourite) fellow bloggers, I took my seat at the crowded (and eagerly hungry) table with my camera in hand and a few friendly casual chats later, Mal, the food creator himself introduced the starters. We were handed trays filled with a choice of mac and cheese balls, beer battered pickles, quesadillas, and chipotle mayo and tequila sauce on the side. All three were nothing like I'd had before but I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed them all. The pickles were surprisingly nice and as a non-beer lover, can confirm they weren't too strong. The quesadillas had a mixture of vegetables which were ever so flavoursome BUT the mac & cheese balls were certainly my favourite, the added jalapeno gave them just the right amount of delicious juiciness. 

More or less straight after, the anticipated stand out mains were brought to our stupidly excited selves. The feast included two burgers; The Achiote which was a mexican pork burger, and The Veggie which was made up of a beetroot and bean burger, complete with a ravishing garlic mushroom, three lots of assorted chicken wings, and just to balance out the high amount of unhealthiness (and to somehow make us feel less guilty), some celery sticks with a blue cheese dip. As I'm so fussy with cheese, the dip was a little too sour for me but it didn't stop me from getting stuck in to the rest on offer. 

I'm not a huge burger eater, it's not something I'd choose to have at home but the amount of brilliant burgers I've encountered as Leeds have expanded their range of servings has built up my love for appreciating a good double whopper. These two were definitely that. The only meat I usually eat is chicken, I don't like pork and I did hesitate before I took a bite but it turned out this pork was something else. The jalapenos and squeezed lime sitting in with the soft, tender meat amounted to a great spice tasting - and the bearable, not the 'my mouth is on fire, someone please hose me down' kind. I'm not a vegetarian as such but I am a picky meat eater so the veggie burger was perfect! It wasn't too bland and the succulent layered mushroom completed the warmth. Combining with Mojo's signature hot sauce gave the burgers the WOW factor and really brought the distinctive flavours together. 

For the chicken wings there was the Mojo Louisana No.1; a crispy serving, Mojo Luisana No.2 which were once again coated with the ever so delectable and tangy secret hot sauce and finally, the weirdest, most abstract but so unique it works, PBJ which stands for peanut butter jelly/strawberry jam (yes, you heard right). I'm not the biggest fan of chicken wings as I think they're sparse and not as tasty as a breast of chicken so I was a tad apprehensive but these were amazing and I savoured all three despite their differences. The seasoning of them was obviously cleverly thought through and they didn't fail in meeting my tastebud needs; especially the ones I turned my nose up to begin with. The peanut butter wings were oh so very nutty and oh so very yummy. I'd definitely recommend! 

Whilst we were enjoying our meals, we were also able to sample some drinks. I'm not too keen on classic ale and the Camden Pale confirmed my dislike. However, the pinot wine was lovely and sweet. I just loved how Mojo made it far from ordinary, they mixed things up and made it appropriate for everybody!

Although I was so full I could burst, I did the traditional gesture of raising an eyebrow when the mention of dessert happened. The rum and ginger chocolate brownie and ice cream, and The Barrel Aged Shake - a bourbon with maple syrup, vanilla and ice cream may or may not have stole the show. The brownie was gorgeous - just the right amount of dense and moisture and the zest of ginger made it more devouring. The milkshake was extremely rich but addictive, I'm now all for alcoholic milkshakes! Despite being in a heavy food coma, the finishers of the day - Mojo's own chocolate truffles - made a successful and scrummy ending.

The whole evening was fabulous. The atmosphere was so laid back and friendly; the service was flawless, the staff were seriously passionate about producing the best and were genuinely ensuring we had a great time. The amount of incredible food they cooked up for us was so generous and the setting was so right; from the small details such as the Mojo voodoo dolls on top of the burgers and their signature slogan printed on the hand wipes, they really make it their own scene.

Without aiming to repeat myself, I'm not an extraordinary experimental food lover and always stick to the same options back home but dining at Mojo's changed my mind, allowed me to push myself to challenge and try something I'd normally back away from, and it transformed my opinion. Huge thank you to both Mojo and SLB PR for the invite, for the complimentary hot sauce and voodoo dust (which I can't wait to try out) and compliments to the chefs for boosting my mojo (pun definitely intended). I'll certainly be heading back there sometime soon!

Have you eaten in Mojo before? If you're based in Leeds and are looking for somewhere to go for this last bank holiday of the year, Mojo is part of the Merrion Street Festival. With live music, entertainment and fantastic food and drink, I'd definitely urge you to check it out! 

Bridie x

Life: Slate bar opening launch party Leeds

Without a doubt, the Leeds' bar and restaurant scene is booming, and is most certainly growing to extent. Quirky places to spend the evening eating pizza, followed on by watering down with cocktails are popping up all over the place. Last week, I was invited down to the brand new bar opening of Slate NQ, a contemporary bar which replaced the popular Lounge Bar and Grill, but that now plans on making it their own. 

Offering a range of drinks from the best selection of ales, to signature cocktails, the night began by handing our playing cards to the bar staff (I'm still kicking myself for not capturing this moment) which entitled us to a free drink. I don't think I need to mention time and time again that I'm not a big drinker. I doubt I'll ever enjoy booze like some youngsters do but I can confirm the glass of Prosecco I was kindly given was the best I'd ever tasted! 

As the crowds built up, drinks began flowing and a catch up with lots of blogger babes began, I took a moment aside to appreciate the interior of the bar. Gorgeous industrial lighting hung up visibly whilst the wine bottles lined up equally side by side behind the action, waiting to be popped open.

Along with drinks, homemade pizzas were on hand with the waitresses bringing fresh goodness for the guest every few minutes. I always love the idea of being able to see what you're eating so the open preparation and cooking space with the chefs hard at work added to the fact the pizza was just as delicious as the dough looked when molded and shaped beforehand. The pizza's certainly went down a treat as we soon found out once the girls reached our table and the entire base had nearly gone. I did  manage to grab a couple of pieces, though, and my tastebuds found heaven. Definitely a luxury I could enjoy without feeling guilty, purely because it was full of flavour and crispiness (what diet you say...)

If it wasn't tempting enough, Slate NQ offer 40% off pizzas every Tuesday but they also cater for everyone's needs and wants. They have a varied menu topped with salads, meats, cheeses and much more - definitely my kind of hide out. 

It was great to see Slate had maintained the tudor like building and made it modernly cool. The decor was dark but simply effective with that old-school style feel to it. The stunning beams outside welcomed you in instantly, as did the traditional windows letting in just the right amount of light for us to sit comfortably on the leather booths and have our weekly gossip. 

As things couldn't get better, we remembered Slate also offers entertainment and gaming to keep the girls and the boys, old and young, entertained whilst they savour their food and drink. There is a separate pool room allocated just for those ball games. We did hope to have a taster but unfortunately (or thankfully), all tables were taken. At least I couldn't make a fool of myself that way!

Fancying a step out into the warm turned to chilly air, we headed off to explore the lovely, almost dainty beer garden with a string of lights and wooden benches. I get the feeling this spacious area will be cram packed when (and emphasis on that when) the sun is shining. Read: I hope the weather forecast is correct for this upcoming week!

Whilst we were taking advantage of the outdoors, we happened to bump into Leeds' very own magician Oliver Parker, and an amazing magician at that. He'd volunteered himself to come up to the opening night and show off his serious skills so I wasn't about to say no to watching some marvelous magic. His tricks had me flabbergasted; from ripping a signed Slate card, sticking it back together in reverse order from the simple rub of a pen, to transforming an ordinary heap of playing cards into a bunch in a see through block whilst the cards disappeared and reappeared in there! Dei took the plunge to be the one person who'd get the first hand experience and I think her mind was completely blown at the end of the trick of getting her to write down her name, pop it into her mouth and then having the card with his name on in her mouth instead. For a minute I thought it was the prosecco going to my head, but it was just a crazy illusion and I had no idea how on earth it was done. I'd definitely check Oliver out for some wow'ing!

Once again, I had a fabulous night. Spending my Thursday meeting up with fellow blogger friends and soaking in the laid back vibe was an evening well spent. Located on Merrion Street, opposite The Grand, it's convenient for both those casual drinkers looking for a place with a great atmosphere, or for those pre-show eaters and drinkers. Slate NQ is the perfect, generous size to spread out each section uniquely. The staff are lovely, food and drinks are satisfying, and that edgy design completes the place. Based on the opening night, I'll certainly be heading back there soon! 

Have any other Leeds bloggers checked out Slate NQ yet? Where's your favourite place to go around the city centre? I'm keen to discover some more gems.

Bridie x