Bristol Restaurant Review #3: Rockfish Grill

Last week I had a fabulous meal at the Rockfish Grill in Clifton. An excellent fish restaurant serving up fresh fish from South Devon. Fish restaurants are big at home in Ireland, but since moving to England 5 years ago I have been disappointed by the lack of fish restaurants despite having lived in many locations. Therefore I was thrilled when I found out about the Rockfish Grill and it went on my list of places to go.

When I originally told my partner that I wanted to go to the Rockfish Grill and I had to make clear to him it was a FISH restaurant rather than a shellfish restaurant – to some people this might seem a little silly, but I had to make sure my partner knew what he was getting himself into as he had never eaten any fish other than battered cod before he met me. That said there was plenty of shellfish that would have kept even the most unadventurous fish eaters happy.

The menu is amazing – there is so much variety that you want to have everything. They even bring out the fresh fish to let you have a look at it if you are still undecided.

Between the four of us (me, my partner and the parents) for starters we had Shrimps on toast (£7.90), Mussels steamed with Bay, chilli and garlic (£6.50) Squid fried with aioli (£6.90). All were fantastic. The shrimps were little tiny things all stacked on some toast, beautifully tasty and snaffled in a second, the mussels were also fantastic, the sauce was nice (so nice my partner order extra bread to soak it all up) and the squid was also nice, but nothing you couldn’t get elsewhere.

For main my parents both had Rockfish Seafood Stew (£17)which came in a bowl and then some in an additional pot. My partner had a red gurnard (£15)with potatoes simply but beautiful – a wonderful fish. And finally I had the Fritto Misto di Mare which is a range of fish fried in aioli – monkfish, red gurnard, Silver mullet, squid and large prawns. There is nothing I love better than sampling a wide range of food, and this dish was no exception. All the food was served simply, there was no fluff,  it was all simplicity and taste.

We found the dessert menu to be a bit on the strange side, neither my partner nor my parents were tempted by anything on the menu, I was – there was a lot I had never tried before – and I’m all for trying anything once.

Overall an enjoyable experience, wonderful food and good service (they even called a taxi for us at the end of the evening). Although  its a bit out of my student budget price range I hope to go again soon.

Also note that on Wednesday’s at 11am they are now doing free intros to fish just in case fish is still alien to you and you want to learn more.

Bristol Restaurant Review #2: Wagamamas

Like I mentioned in my previous posting I spent the weekend in Bristol. Wagamama’s is an old favourite from my Manchester days and I’ve been twice in a matter of weeks. Unfortunately they have yet to open one in Cheltenham but if you are ever in Bristol and need food – this is the place to go.

The first time, it was the last supper with a colleague who was leaving work to go to Australia. We went straight from work and arrive just gone 5pm and got seat right by the window. Shortly after we arrived the placed was packed which was both shocking as it was a Wednesday and it was still early in the evening.

I tried a juice for the first time (apple and ginger) it was nice, however it was the first juice they made that day and it was cloudy and didn’t mix that well (not that this affected the taste). So I had to keep stirring the juice with my straw which was tiresome – so sometimes being an early bird isn’t that great.

The food

The menu had been updated since I had last been with more fish dishes on the menu such as salmon and smoked haddock versions of their more traditional dishes. I was tempted to have the smoked haddock ramen as I normally go for the Chilli Beef Ramen – but instead I went for one of the specials – smoked haddock kedgeree (not that I really would consider it pan-asian food) – but it was delicious, although after eating such a large plate of rice I did find it getting a bit dry towards the end. 

The second time I went it was with my partner, it was a much busier atmosphere on a Saturday night at 8, but after awhile you get used to the general buzz and the service is so quick it doesn’t matter if it busy. I indulged in a lot more food this time round. We got sides of Duck Gyozas (deep fried duck dumplings which we always have – yum!!) and tried a new one Ebi Gyozas (prawn and vegetable dumplings) which came with a fantastic citrusy sauce that wasn’t like anything I’ve tried before- fantastic. For my main I tried what some might consider as the English person’s answer to pan-asian food – the chicken katsu curry – which is breaded chicken served with sticky white rice and chip-shop style curry sauce – not my usual “high quality” dining experience but on such a cold day it was a delight.

Desert on both trips was the the coconut ice cream with mango sauce which is cooling, light and refreshing after a heavy meal and great for settling the stomach.

Prices:

2x juices, 2x main, 2x dessert = £31

2x sides, 2x mains, 2x dessert, 2x Beer = £41.

Weekend Away: Bristol

I had a fantastic (and busy) weekend away. I work in Bristol City Centre, but it was nice for once to spend time there is a non-working environment and actually see some of what the city has to offer.

One great thing about being away from home is the food – you can always treat yourself to some great meals out without feeling guilty. After some shopping in Cabot Circus, my parents and I went to eat at La Tasca for lunch, unfortunately the service was completely terrible and after sitting waiting for 20 for them to come to take our order when the place was pretty much empty we walked out and went to Zizzi’s instead.

Dinner was fabulous – we went to Clifton village to a fish restaurant: the Rockfish Grill. Which I would highly recommend even if it was on the pricey side.

The second day my partner and I indulged in Cream Tea for 2 at Patisserie Valerie which was just as great as the last time I went with a friend.  For dinner it was Wagamama’s – an old favourite that my partner wishes that we had in Cheltenham.

Aside from food there was shopping to be done and drinks to be had. Shopping wise it was the first time I had really done any shopping up Park Street, as I usually stick to Cabot Circus. But there was a great variety of shops perfect for Christmas shopping, in particular there was a great independent store Bristol Guild which does everything from Christmas things to cards and stationery to Kitchen things and glass ware. It was heaven. My partner wanted to buy the place out. I will most likely be purchasing a few Christmas presents from there.

Willie Harcourt-Cooze – Cheltenham 26th Nov

Think back to the documentary earlier this year on Channel 4: Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory (catch up here) and his Chocolate revolution. As you may know (or at least have guessed) he also released a companion cookbook. The cookbook contains recipes for what you can cook with his chocolate which is available online and in various stockists (I believe Waitrose does in fact stock it).

 

(Photo Credit – Amazon)

On the 26th November however, Willie Harcourt-Cooze will be doing a demo/tasting/book-signing at Waitrose in Cheltenham 10.30-14.30.

If you can’t make it Willie does sign every copy of the book that he sells through his own website.

Wish List: Vintage Twinings Tea Caddies

(Photo Credit: The Lark)

With Winter drawing near thoughts have turned to indoor gardening (and herbs). Earlier this year Alison from the Lark had made her own windowsill garden at the time I went and bought a normal planter and planted some herbs but for us it was still summer. But now with it getting colder and darker I look for something to brighten up the place more and these self made plant pots seem ideal. Maybe I’ll try getting hold of something similar and see what I can come up with.

Ah. If only PG tips had such tins as that’s all I seem to drink.

Restaurant Review #3: Svea Cafe

For a perfect Saturday lunch in Cheltenham I love to go to Svea, a Scandinavian restaurant on Rodney Road in town. It does light food, quick service and great tea and cakes.

 

The whole place has a unique quirky feel. With odd and ends cups, plates and cutlery giving a great homely feel rather than polished. I love it. Perfect for relaxing and the sort of place you could go yourself  with a book and just enjoy it.

The menu is Scandinavian – so immediately you have something with a difference. The food is fantastic, and is of course the main reason I keep going again and again.

I have tried several dishes from their menu: Hono (hot sandwich) with both meatballs and sausage topped with a fried egg. Frolunda which is meatballs in a creamy sauce and Kungshamn which is a herring dish.

My favourite was by far the Frolunda, which is considered a classic dish of Meatballs in a cream sauce with mash potatoes and Lingonberry jam and a salad. The sauce is warm and creamy and works well with the mash and tightly packed meatballs and lingonberry jam. I personally thought the Lingonberry jam was delicious, but my partner found that it didn’t really go with the meal. Each to their own I guess.

Dishes are reasonably priced making it a great place to drop into on a saturday afternoon after completing some shopping in town. Or even if you prefer coffee and cake rather than a full meal, Give it a go!

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November…

As always there are several fireworks displays lined up in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire – there is something for everyone no matter where you are:

Cheltenham

• Fri 6th Nov – Birdlip School, 6pm display at 6.50pm. £4 adults.
• Fri 6th Nov – Bishops Cleeve Primary School, 6.30pm. £4 adults.
• Sat 7th Nov – Cheltenham Racecourse, 5pm display at 7pm. £5 adults.
• Sun 8th Nov – CACSSA, 5pm, display at 6.30pm. £6 adults.
• Sat 14th Nov – Burley Fields, Leckhampton, 7pm. £6 adults.
• Sat 14th Nov – St Edwards Junior School, Charlton Kings. 6pm. £4 adults.

elsewhere:

• Sat 7th Nov – Sir William Romney’s School, Tetbury, 6pm display at 7pm. £5 adults.
• Sat 7th Nov – Stratton School, Cirencester, 5.45pm. £3.50 adults.
• Thurs 5th Nov – Bathurst Park, Lydney, 6pm. £2 Adults.
• Sat 7th Nov – Fern Bonfire – Speech House Hotel, Coleford, 6pm. £4 adults.
• Sat 7th Nov – Gloucester Docks, 6pm. £4.50 adults.
• Sat 7th Nov – Dursley Rec, 6pm. £4 adults.
• Sat 7th Nov – Vineyards playing fields, Tewkesbury, 6pm. free.

Photo Opportunity: Train Journey into Wales

With the Swindon Trains from Cheltenham out of action this week I’ve been unable to make my connection in Gloucester to get to Bristol first thing in the morning. Instead I’ve had to take a little detour to Newport and then loop back to Bristol.

Watching the sun rise the past couple of days has been a pleasant experience,  and I decided to take a few pictures with my phone of the sky (unfortunately my camera is still out of action). But the pictures still came out alright: the rest can be viewed here.

Recipe: Spiced Apple and Walnut Muffins

 

I had this recipe on my To-do List and finally got round to making it. The recipe was found at UK Handmade and can be found here. These muffins were absolutely delicious and easy to make (the hardest bit for me was getting the container I keep sugar in open).

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can use ordinary eating apples rather than cooking apples – so I made this recipe without having to do any extra shopping, if you bake regularly (which my partner does) you should have all the ingredients lying around and apples are a staple fruit in most households.

Casserole Sunday: Chorizo Toad-in-the-hole

Yesterday we made chorizo toad in the hole. Not strictly a casserole but we made it in the Le Creuset and it is a nice warm hearty meal. Delicious. We’ve made this dish (and normal toad-in-the-hole) numerous times over the past couple of weeks in part because of how easy it is to make.

What do we need?

• chorizo sausages
• shallots (6)
• 125g flour
• 3 eggs
• 300ml milk
• Shallots
• Gravy

What do we do?

1. Start as we always do, preheat the oven 200 degrees.
2. Then cook the sausages and halved shallots on the hob until soft.
3. Mix up the batter. Then add the batter cook in oven for 30 minutes until golden.
4. Make up some shallot gravy (cook some shallots and then add some water and gravy granules) to serve with the toad in the hole.

I was first doubtful of serving shallot gravy with chorizo, but the toad-in-the-hole needs some moisture, and it actually did end up working out well.