Five problems all Foodies Face

1)

Choosing where to eat out:

You'll probably have an easier time naming your firstborn or choosing your first house.

It normally begins with mentally consulting the list etched into your brain of places you once spotted/read about and promised yourself you'd try. 

Ends in an anxiety-fuelled decision half an hour before the damn place closes.

Currently, I'm experiencing this after moving to Bristol. Tearing my hair out over which Korean restaurant I want to try first? First world problems...

2) 

The only problem worse than number 1, for me, is the cardinal sin of having to eat somewhere you've never heard about.

Picture this, yourself and a few friends meet up after work. A few wines in and you're peckish. Of course, as a self-respecting foodie you've probably planned exactly what you're cooking, but you're a total food-slut and easily swayed.
"Let's try that burger place a few doors down," Hannah recklessly suggests.
Unbelievably, everyone nods in assent, though no one has even been. "Why not?" they say. HA!

You know why not. Each time you eat out is a sacred experience, God forbid you try somewhere really disappointing and spend the evening internally bitching about the tragic excuse of a brioche bun you're eating.
Alas, the ultimate foodie problem is finding the courage to visit a mystery restaurant. Okay, it could be good.. What if it's crap? I mean, surely I've heard of all the good local places already, right?! Is it new? Should I quickly consult the holy bible (TripAdvisor)?
Drink your wine and chill out, Luce.

3) 

Menu meltdown.

Attempting to resist the temptation of reading a menu online before eating out. You're usually the friend who has the menu semi-memorised. In fairness, it's probably a necessity, because god help the poor waitress waiting on your order decision otherwise...

4)

Being a sucker for food fads.

You're the first person to get entranced by the newest popular fad foods that promise to revolutionize the market. Shedding a silent tear as you shell out £6.95 for a tiny bag of Chia Seeds to make your porridge look more instagramable. Note to self, stop calling Avocado 'avo'...

5)

Coping with Airplane/Service Station Food. 

The place where, removed from the exotic delights of a Malaysian Laksa or a Sweet Potato Pakora, your snobbish food habits are fully exposed, as you reluctantly prod a stale Cheese & Pickle as if you might bring it back to life. "excuse me....any chance of a quinoa salad?"

Getting experimental: Cauliflower Rice

Didn't anticipate this blog featuring much of my own cooking because, well, I'm not very good.
Dinner usually involves throwing various ingredients at a frying-pan and hoping I don't get sick. Okay, that's an exaggeration. But still, nothing much to blog about, right?

But I got thinking. I'm sure there are many people out there like me. People who are overwhelmed by a Nigella Lawson or Jamie Oliver recipe. Perhaps I could be helping some poor starving fool with my easy-as-shit creations. If I can make them taste good I'm sure anyone can.

Tonight's dinner was a foray into the mysterious and dubious world of vegetable improv.
Courgetti? Caulirice? Mushroom 'burger-buns'?

"R U MAD?"
It seems lately the fashionable foodie trend is to make low-carb veggie versions or everything. At first I was majorly side-eyesing the whole phenomenon.

But as I starting taken my Gluten Free diet more seriously to help my stomach troubles, I softened to the idea. 

After tonight's rather delightful dinner, I'm ever softer (oo-err).

I don't know what to call this dish... perhaps Asian-style Veggie Caulirice. Yes, that.

How do you make the darn stuff?

Cauli rice is SO simple I can't believe I didn't try it before.
You chop about a third of a cauliflower head into florets and grate it all up. 

Fry it for a few minutes. aaaaand that's literally it.

My Recipe

First off I boiled a handful of frozen broad beans (though I think edamame would be better with the Asian flavours in this dish) and an egg.
I mean, ye I probably shouldn't have boiled them in the same pan, but I told you I ain't a chef.

As they boiled, I fried the caulirice with onion, garlic, and quite a bit of ginger. I use the stuff in a jar (duh) but you can grate fresh if you fancy.

Here comes the very difficult bit: put the rice onto a plate, top with the beans, the boiled egg, and half an avocado. Psyche, still simples.

Top with hoisin or soy sauce. Some chilli would be nice too I'm sure.

TA-DAAAAAAAAAAAH.
Took me about 10 minutes, was cheap as chips and filled me up far more than I expected.

I think the trick with caulirice is to make sure you add filling ingredients to it, so that the low-carb content doesn't leave you hungry. The high-protein of egg and avocado for example, kept me satiated.

Damn good chilli: Mathilda's Chilli Bar, Stokes Croft

I've always been a firm believe in quality over quantity. I'd much rather have a small, concise menu that doesn't cut corners, than a sprawling menu that takes on too much. 

As such, I bloody loved the concept of Mathilda's: you want chilli? they do chilli, and a damn good one at that. 

Don't expect much else. But if that's a problem, head to your nearest chain pub for a sub-par plate of literally whatever the hell you want. 

Tucked away underground, in the Bearpit between Cabot and Stokes, Mathilda's is easy to miss. It's unassuming amongst the graffiti'd tunnels. A very cool looking place nonetheless. 

Golden syrup pots hold cutlery, glasses are redundant when a can does the job, and decor is minimal. Stylish in a no-frills way. Very Stokes Croft.

Speaking of no frills, the prices are very very reasonable. For £8.50 I had a full meal, and a can of Stowford Press. In fact, the deal was £6.95 for a bean chilli and drink, but I extravagantly splashed out £1.50 to upgrade to a mixed brisket chilli, topped with cheese. Feckin' bargain. 

As my attractively filtered photograph hopefully demonstrates - it's a tasty dish. Thick, well-flavoured chilli was packed with different beans, alongside tender chunks of brisket. 

I'm also pleased to say that, unusually, I didn't even need to reach for the Tabasco because it packed just the right punch of heat. 

The rice was nicely cooked, and the addition of guac and jalapeños were the icing on the cake. 

Ate it all up. Just sorry I didn't leave room for a Sundae.

The onion rings and FRIED PICKLES (!!!!) looked impressive, so you bet your bottom dollar I'll be back to try em.

I really urge you to try this place if you're around - it's so nice to support local, and when it's this good there's no excuse not to. No frilly, just good chilli.

Twitter's here for you folk to keep up on their deals/drool over their photos: 

https://twitter.com/MathildasChilli

The Afternoon Tea Series: Cox and Baloney Tearoom, Bristol

Officially no longer an unemployed student, I have been hired as a Marketing Executive and moved to Bristol.
As a result, my blog posts will largely be about Bristol based eateries than Cardiff's - but never fear, my ravenous appetite and I will often be back home.

What better way to celebrate my new job and flat than a lovely afternoon tea!?
Only problem was deciding where to visit first. After having my eye on this vibrant, cutesty Boutique & Tearoom in the trendy Stokes Croft area of Bristol for a while, Cox and Baloney was my choice.

First impressions; this place is gorgeous. Mismatched furniture and cutlery, bright wall-paintings and knick-knacks aplenty, these guys have the afternoon tea aesthetic down to a T.
Staff are super chatty and personable, as common in the quirky Stokes Croft, known for its independent business and community feel.

Priced at £18.50 per person, the afternoon tea is admittedly more expensive than I was expecting.
For the price, you get a pot of loose-leaf of your choice, three tiered stand with a selection of sandwiches (Ham & Mustard, Egg Mayonnaise and Cucumber, Tuna and sweetcorn, and Cheese and Chutney), a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a selection of mini cakes (we were given carrot, some kind of crumble-topped berry cake, and a bakewell slice).

What I loved most about this place was the atmosphere - you are made to feel so welcome by the chatty staff, there was a buzz with hen parties and birthdays (dressed up in 50s tea dresses no less!)

Furthermore, the home-blend loose leaf are not only delicious but really imaginative. I chose the 'Sir Bountiful' to indulge my coconut obsession. A play on my favourite chocolate bar, the Bounty, black tea is blended with dried coconut slices, chocolate drops, thistle and cornflowers. The sweet, rich tea was the perfect accompaniment to the sweet foods, I was mad about it!

The sandwiches were served on really soft, thick slices of bread: lush! The cheese and chutney was especially enjoyable. However, I would say the were fillings were a little on the thin side.
The scones were great, and the jam was really chunky with strawberry pieces, just how I like it.

No complaints on the cakes, well spiced carrot, dense, rich bakewell. However, I wouldn't say they were particularly impressive in comparison to others I've had.

Overall, the experience was lovely, their stand-out point being the unique teas - clearly a lot of thought went into them and it was fab to see more than the standard offerings of Assam and Earl Grey.
I'm glad I went to try, but based on the price, the food didn't stand out enough for me to return for Afternoon Tea. I will however, be back for another cup of Sir Bountiful and toastie, which are much more reasonable.

The Afternoon Series: Boston Tea Party

Going a little off-road with this post, as there isn't a Boston Tea Party in Wales.

However, through living in Exeter for University, and frequently visiting Bristol, I am well acquainted with the South-West chain of cafe-come-brunch bars. 

In fact it's fair to say that I'm a big fan -their range of cakes and treats are broad and delicious. Their vegetarian and gluten free options are great. Their prices are reasonable, and they are always in quirky buildings, each with a slightly different aesthetic to offer. 

Their Afternoon Tea costs £9.95 per person (min. 2) and is served daily from 2pm from memory.

Their tiered stands contain four types of sandwiches (the standard offering of smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and cream cheese, ham and mustard and egg mayonnaise).

A GIANT scone is served with strawberry jam and clotted cream. It is freshly warmed and delicious. 

Finally, there is a random selection of four cakes, cut into small slices. 

It is HUGE! The first time I had it, I ended up taking about 2 napkins stuffed with cake home with me. For me, this is no bad thing - afternoon tea is meant to be dinky and refined but I'd much rather too much than walk away peckish. 

Tea is really high quality, served loose leaf in quaint tin teapots - there is a choice of English Breakfast, Assam and Earl Grey.

For me, the highlight is certainly the cakes. The selection of cakes will vary each time, and they're all - without exception - stunning. Even better, the friendly staff are often open to suggestion if there's a certain treat you have your eye on for the stand (I recommend the coconut chocolate flapjack and the Bosco cheesecakes)

On the downside, the bread of the sandwhiches have (on occasion) tasted dry, as if they've been sat around.

Also, the mustard in the ham and mustard actually blew my head off and made me sneeze - watch out if you're sensitive to this!

One final negative is the lack of a refined experience. The cafe is self-serve, you are given standard issue mugs; no quaint tea cups or saucers. 

However it's delicious, and if you're after a silver service experience you should expect to be paying at least 50% more.

Boston Tea Party's are great places with tasty grub and a welcoming atmosphere. If you venture Bristol-way, there are several worth checking out! 

Coconut Crazy: Co-Operative Chocolate and Coconut Flavour Bombes

Much like a magpie to a bejewelled necklace or a moth to a flame, it seems there is something inherent that draws me to anything coconut flavour.
Whether its in curries or cakes, rest assured I will find and devour it.

Disappointly, then, is Britain's lack of coconut products on the shelves of our supermarkets. Despite the increasing popularity of coconut oil and milk, for their acclaimed health benefits as 'good fats' and uses in Dairy Free products, there are simply still not enough coconutty foods about, for my liking.

Meandering through the aisles of my local Co-Operative Food, I stumbled upon a box of these chocolatey beauties. Wide-eyed and near dribbling, I of course promptly purchased them and headed home to enjoy them with a cup of tea and a couple of willing reviewer friends.

They are priced at £2 for 4, each of which contains 233 calories.
They consist of chocolate cake, topped with a coconut butter cream and enrobed in a layer of milk chocolate, drizzled with white chocolate.

Our Thoughts:

Tasty outer layer of chocolate, nice and thick. No complaints here.

The chocolate cake middle that dominates these 'bombes' did not blow us away (pardon the pun),
It is really quite dry. One pal commented that he 'got bored' of eating, whilst waiting for the coconut buttercream.

The coconut buttercream is, by all accounts, the star of the show. Creamy, rich, and coconutty, it provides a lovely companion, moistening the lack-lustre sponge and complimenting the chocolate flavour very well.
However, there is simply not enough of this stuff. As you can see from the image, there is a rather measly cone of buttercream, so you only end up with heavenly mouthfuls when you reach the middle of the bombe.

Another friend commented that she rated the product a 6/10 - but would have given the coconut buttercream alone a solid 8/10.

Concluding Thoughts:

Definitely pleasant, and I would have it again.
But, it would be so much better if the buttercream was evenly distributed, more plentiful - or better yet - the sponge was improved.

To end with another terrible pun: we weren't nuts about it.....

Kaspa's Desserts

As this is my third-consecutive sweet-food themed blog post, it does not perhaps need to be clarified that I'm a total dessert person.

I have often mused, whilst pondering a restaurant menu, that I'd rather skip straight for dessert - or better - choose three sweet courses.
Imagine my delight, then, to hear of the opening of Kaspa's Desserts on Cardiff's City Road.

The place seems perpetually busy and its Instagram-worthy waffles are the talk of the town. I visited to see what all the fuss was about, and four visits later, I thought I'd share my thoughts about the place.

Firstly, it is a chain with branches popping up at lightening speed. In fact, a Kaspa's is currently being fitted out on Cardiff's St Mary Street - a far more central location that I'd be more likely to visit.
Finding out that Kaspa's is one of many makes the place a little less special for me, as I generally prefer to support local business'.

That being said, there are very few dessert restaurants, fewer still that stay open late. In this sense, Kaspa's is definitely filling a gap in the market; the almost guaranteed wait for tables is testament to this. Families, teens looking for a place to hang out of an evening, and dates seem to populate Kaspa's.

The interior is pretty funny - the first descriptor that comes to mind upon entering, if I'm honest, is 'stripclub'. The hot pink and black colour scheme, glittery walls and thumping R'N'B music genuinely make me think of some sleazy nightclub.
Ultimately, though, I'm there for the desserts and don't let the tacky aesthetic faze me.

The eye-popping menu is a treasure-trove of treats; colossal ice-cream sundaes laced with rainbow bright syrups, milkshakes made with every candy-bar imaginable, hot cookie-doughs, and crepes and waffles loaded with toppings.
The counter is also home to various cakes, pies and cheesecakes.

The prices are reasonable for the sizes; a giant waffle or crepe with a couple of toppings will set you back £5.

Personally I'm not crazy about this place - their syrups are cheap tasting, the ice-cream served with the waffles is soft-serve out of a machine, the crepes can be rather rubbery, and I'm fairly sure they buy most of their cakes in (the luminous blue 'bubblegum cake' looks very suspect).

BUT, when my stomach's inner-child calls, and I have an oreo-topped-waffle shaped hole to fill, this place really hits the spot. More to the point, it is the only place around of its kind (as far as I am aware).

Their hot cookie-dough - available in Smarties, Milk or White Chocolate Chip and served with ice-cream - is my top recommendation. It's stodgy, sweet and the ultimate in comfort food.
My most recent visit  surprised me with a delicious pecan pie; I can definitely see myself returning for another slice of it.

Kaspa's isn't upmarket, it isn't high-quality, but nor does it pretend to be.
Actually, I think it does exactly what it sets out to do: providing inexpensive, generously-portioned sugar-feasts whenever kids (or big kids like myself) should desire them.