Patisserie Leila – 88 Stokes Croft, Bristol

It's official, I've found a brand new macaron-related muse within the sugar-sweet reaches of my beloved Bristol! Until now, only Clifton's Lahloo Pantry has succeeded in satisfying my relentless macaron addiction and yet, I have been unwittingly in the presence of another outlet for my adoration having recently stumbled upon French-orientated 'Patisserie Leila'; situated within the eclectic surroundings of Stokes Croft...I love that such a chic establishment, complete with stylish awning and a spectacular macaron tower effect window display has been branded with its very own street art and that, most importantly, the confectioneries themselves (at a mere 80 pence each) are just divine – the praline variety in particular proving an absolute must-have with a lighter-than-air consistency and rich-flavoured filling. Consequently, It really is worth a visit – if not for the macarons, then for the hand-crafted cakes and pastries that have so clearly been lovingly prepared; bringing another angle of creativity and artistic flair to this most notorious part of our City.

http://www.patisserieleila.com/

ZERODEGREES Microbrewery - Colston Street, Bristol

I couldn’t believe that it had been three whole Months since the last meet-up of the collective inhabitants from my former workplace; three months in which I was supposed to be locating an appropriate outlet for our next foodie foray. You may recall my anxiety at having to cater for a large party of varying tastes and juxtaposed preferences and as such, I again leant towards ‘the safe bet’; booking a table at ZERODEGREES Microbrewery; a venue which not only offers a contemporary line-up of hand-crafted beers but also an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas and grills that I’d envisaged were bound to hit the spot...

Date and Time: Wednesday 13^th June 2012, 19:30

Name of Establishment: ZERODEGREES Microbrewery*

Location: 53 Colston Street, Bristol

Reason for visit: Co-worker chow-down

As the flagship branch of a four-part franchise, Bristol's version of ZEROZEGREES is described as a pairing of 'substance and style', effectively shaping the functionality of its large and lofty space to create an edgy, almost futuristic feel. Here, pipelines gleam overhead and sizeable steel vats facilitate an intriguing focal point whilst encompassing the USP of the venue itself. Channelling a sense of factory finesse, this is an establishment that embodies its surroundings and in fact, I'd noted how the mechanics of the brewery had been incorporated within the historic presence of Bristol’s Christmas Steps whilst climbing towards the neon blue wording above the main entrance from the back-streets below. It also lends to the area, a example of sustainability; its wooden-cladding and mish-mash of building materials providing a notable contrast to the drab concrete that is commonplace within its proximity. Plus, perhaps reflecting its somewhat detached existence, as well as the cool ambiance of its interior, service is really rather aloof. Yes, although our table awaited us, we were not rushed to take our seats, (despite how busy the restaurant had become) – in fact, we ended up asking when it was appropriate to do so, thinking that we’d perhaps been forgotten altogether. This seemed to set a precedent for the remainder of the evening whereby the blurred line between laid-back and just plain slack meant having to campaign for attention and thus, enduring an excruciating wait between courses. Furthermore, we found that high ceilings and a well-attended space equalled a distinct imbalance in terms of the acoustics – in short, there were moments when we couldn't hear ourselves think!

When it came to the menu, the premise of modern European favourites transcended to four main sections; pizza, pasta, mussels and grills. I opted for the Sweet and Spicy Italian Sausage pizza (£9.25) which I'm afraid to say appeared rather lacking upon first look; the roasted mixed peppers proving the prominent feature and the meat content, distinctively sparse. Having been cooked in a traditional stone-hearth oven, I was expecting a little more from the base which was decidedly average to say the least – comprising the likes of an unsuitably soggy centre and edges that bordered on charred! Others were rather more impressed with the dishes they had chosen, the mussels in particular (at £14.50 a kilo), were reportedly fresh, generously portioned and intricately flavoured; in this case with lemongrass, ginger, coconut milk, coriander and green curry paste – yum! Now, when it comes to dessert, I'm a person who likes to consider one's options prior to the onset of the visit at hand – subsequently, I was relatively miffed at the distinct lack of an online dessert menu; especially as, for me, this can function as the ‘make-or-break’ course – not to mention determine whether I indulge in a starter. As a result, I held out for what constituted a rather mediocre chocolate fudge cake which, although was rather prettily plated - sporting a latticed, spun-sugar style crown - was disappointingly dry; the microwaved middle layer of frosting not quite saving its unpleasantly heavy composition. Other dishes were perhaps rather better received, an eton mess type ensemble proving the star of the show with its well-executed balance of sweet versus tart.

As a microbrewery, it seemed almost customary to accompany our dinnertime decadences with one of the venue’s indigenous beers and with so many to choose from, (from black lager to wheat ale and fruit beers), it is easy to complement each and every dish with a suitable brew. And, what better to cut through a (supposedly) meaty pizza than the crisp zest of the house Pilsner with its fruity lime notes and 100% Czech Saaz content. Not only that, ZERODEGREES' Pilsner is without doubt a personal favourite be it reminiscent of the great British Summertime and the festivals that grace our fair city when the sun opts to make an entrance. Yes, although I’ll never completely abandon my 'Pinot' habit, there’s potential to make a beer-drinker of me yet!

In conclusion, a reasonably-priced and enjoyable evening within an addictively buzzy atmosphere – although the cuisine didn’t wow me, I would certainly return for drinks; perhaps even frequent the outside space, weather permitting! As a brewery, it’s unsurprising that the quality of the beverages take centre stage and yet, the fresh, innovative content of the menu seemed to promise rather more than it fared in the flesh - if we return to the initial description of ‘substance and style’, I'd suggest that just as the latter has been achieved and then some, there are leaps and bounds required for the substance element to function on a comparable level...something, I'm sure, that isn't beyond the capabilities of the brains behind what is an otherwise appealing venue.

And now for the second opinion…

One of my dining companions gave ZERODEGREES a rating of 7/10 and in three words, suggested that it, ‘could’ve been better!’

References:

http://www.zerodegrees.co.uk/location-bristol.html

An account of Canapés, Cupcakes and Cocktails' time in Sorrento...

Touching down in Bristol following a seven-day stint in the Neapolitan Riviera with a distinctively pinkish tint to my skin tone and a new-found ‘pizza paunch’ I had originally planned to provide a brief snapshot of this particular foodie foray via a series of photographs; facilitating my reformed appreciation of Italian fare. I mean, albeit one of the most instantly recognisable genres of cuisine on the planet, there are certain factors - such as the presence of home-grown ingredients and the authenticity of dining beneath the Mediterranean sunshine - that really enhance the dishes that arguably don't quite cut it back in good old Blighty. Consequently, the images earmarked for inclusion are as follows and yet, shunning the confines of a caption or two in favour of a full report of my findings seemed rather more fitting...not to mention, an opportunity for me to prolong the memories of what was altogether, a fantastic week...

Date and Time: Monday 28^th May - Monday 4^th June 2012

Destination: Sorrento

Location: Neapolitan Riviera/Amalfi Coast, Italy

Reason for Visit: In the words of the mighty Cliff - “We're all going on a...Summer Holiday” - well, I am!

Sorrento’s focal point, Piazza Tasso, is positively humming with hustle and bustle; snacking is commonplace and a vibrant café culture exists of the heart of its battle between chaotic consumption and chill. Thus, in light of its wonderfully cosmopolitan air, I'll begin with my means to the internationally acceptable sport of people-watching which, for me, seemed more appropriate from behind the rim of a coffee cup. Though many venues have wavered to meet the requirements of the ever-present tourist trade, cappuccinos and lattes are strictly for breakfast time and instead, espresso-based beverages take centre stage - my favourite, the Espressino, which layers an unmistakably Italian blend with steamed milk and cocoa, both kept me on my toes and satisfied my self-confessed coffee snobbery at each and every turn! Furthermore, the apparent demand for a rich-roasted hit meant that coffee features in a number of entities; spanning a variety of desserts (Tiramisu anyone?!) and confectioneries whereby espresso-flavoured candies supposedly keep one’s caffeine levels topped up ‘till lunch! It is also customary to receive a small selection of bite-sized treats with one’s coffee which was unsurprisingly well received on my part; come on, everyone loves complimentary edibles…non?!

Espressino

Complimentary Nibbles

Another ingredient which is utilised across a range of consumables is fresh lemon which is locally produced and used as the basis for a number of products - on the most part, the business of Limoncello; a strong liquor and perfect palate cleanser/digestif given its bitter-sweet bite. Best served ice-cold, or slurped through biscotti, its strength is not to be sniffed at and, whilst we're on the subject, my companion and I found ourselves toasting to the concept of European measures upon several occasions, be it something that accentuated our evenings’ entertainment somewhat. Solaro, the local wine of Sorrento was also rather palatable, though the Aglianico del Taburno proved a smoother red by comparison and Bagnoli (di Sopra), a 'Rosato' from the Veneto region, was, without doubt, my favourite tipple to compliment dinner. Plus, by the end of the trip, I’d also become rather accustomed to Italian lager with a crisp Peroni or Nastro Azzurro proving my first port of call following a sweaty descent into Sorrento town from the mountainous location of the hotel.

The Grand Hotel Due Golfi* really did pull out all the stops when it came to the standard of their cuisine; exceeding my expectations of the usual tried and tested meals for the masses and shunning a buffet style affair for 'a la carte’ table service. Hence, worrying about the restrictions of my self-imposed half-board status became somewhat redundant with the first meal that I sat down to and subsequently,  throughout the course of the week, delighted in the fact that almost all bases were covered; namely, dishes that I wouldn't have necessarily chosen elsewhere and yet, thoroughly enjoyed. I developed a taste for Escalope for instance and keenly sampled oodles of seafood as well as a selection of regionally influenced pasta dishes (macaroni, ravioli and lasagne to name but a few) - these mapped Italian cuisine for me and, despite a couple of oddities here and there (breaded cod on a bed of ready-salted crisps anyone?!) I found myself eagerly anticipating the surprise factor of each and every dinnertime adventure! That said, there was something missing from the three-courses plated each evening; something fundamental to the Country's culinary culture and, as a result, my primary reason for opting to eat-out upon several occasions....yep, you guessed it PIZZA!!!

Cannelloni - Sorrento Style!

First a little history (courtesy of the lovely Thomson's tour guide who accompanied us on the journey from the airport) - pizza actually originated from Napoli and, in June 1889, to honor the Queen consort of Italy (Margherita of Savoy), the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito created the ‘Pizza Margherita’; a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, to represent the colours of the Italian flag. Yes, it’s fair to say that, history aside, I ate some of the best pizza I had ever tasted during what I'd coined as my eating expedition – my absolute favourite from within a rustic trattoria called ‘Mimi’ in the nearby village of Sant'Agata Sui, (which incidentally is also home to Don Alfonso 1890; a Michelin-starred restaurant with a fantastic reputation for unpretentious yet faultless fare). Here, pizzas are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, meaning that their bases are of the perfect consistency; thin, crisply edged and not too doughy which, in addition to the fresh, flavoursome ingredients used to top them, equaled mouthfuls of absolute joy – no wonder it was so well-attended with a rowdy queue of locals that snaked all the way from the take-away counter to the front door of the establishment! My companion and I also sampled the Italian-take on fresh bruschetta - pizza’s crunchier cousin – which, slathered with local olive oil and topped with sun-ripened tomatoes, fared as a perfect lunchtime snackette.

Bruschetta's Betta'!

Parma Ham, Fresh Rocket and Parmesan

Now, when it comes to eateries abroad, I’m not one to brandish the word ‘favourite’ around, tending to avoid repeat-visits to a single establishment in favour of a more thorough drinking/dining experience overall. Instead, I’ll document a few that, for me, constituted my top-picks of the region starting with a fantastic outlet for another Italian tradition…Gelato! Yes, this is another of Italy’s USPs and, in fact, I can't believe that I have documented my trip thus far without mentioning it! And, with over 80 flavours from peanut to pineapple and KitKat to coconut, Bougainvillea* was an obvious choice.

Café Latino* is a peaceful haven tucked behind a busy high street – think, leafy greens contrasted with vibrant red blooms as well as a series of orange trees that criss-cross overhead, effectively filtering the dappled sunshine. A chilled-out soundtrack and central water feature complete a noticeable aura of calm and an extensive cocktail list, reasonably-priced cuisine and even a gluten-free menu secures its suitability for any occasion.

Another cobbled side-street led me to meet the acquaintance of William Guglielmo, the renowned chef and proud owner of the Old Taverna Sorrentina* and its adjoined cookery school. William enthusiastically took me through photographs of his farm; explaining the traditions associated with its olive and lemon production and the origins of his family’s business, (which, for the record, dates all the way back to 1860.) Although disappointingly I didn’t have time to participate in the advertised four-course cookery session, I developed quite a soft spot for this particular establishment; not only for the sensational gelato and home-made limoncello granita (which is served with a generous dousing of vodka…hic) but also due to the passion behind its substance and the charismatic persona at the forefront if its appeal.

Elsewhere, Bar Orlando in Sant'Agata Sui, curiously branded with the legend of the smoking cat, was a hidden gem with excellent service and unbeatable value for money and, at the other end of the spectrum, Bar Embassy within the designer streets of Capri, although pricey, was an ample platform for a spot of people watching – the eateries of Capri, boasting their famous clientèle in a collage of crinkled photographs!

Parrot-dise for 16 Euro for two dishes of Gelato in Capri

The legend of the Smoking Cat - Bar Orlando

Consequently, rarely does a city combine phenomenal beauty with the buzz of a busy city and neither does a week within it come so reasonably priced. At 6-7 Euro for a cocktail, 2-3 Euro for coffee and around the 8 Euro mark for a main course, I was rather pleasantly surprised at how lightly I was hit in the pocket, (finding myself in the rare position of having enough moolah left over to hit the likes of Duty Free prior to my return flight!) Obviously, to venture to the likes of Capri (the playground of the rich and famous) or to the trendy seaside of Positano, will set you back considerably more and yet, to balance these areas for a well-rounded trip really does seem to serve the ideal holiday destination, (yes yes I'm Judith Chalmers minus the mahogany tan!) Finally, I may have returned with a little excess baggage (mainly around my midrift you'll understand) but everything put in front of me, no really...everything, was fresh, wholesome and delivered with gusto, the latter perhaps the reason why even the aforementioned oddities were, at least on my part, embraced as part of a culture to be proud of; and for blimmin' good reason!  

References:

*http://www.grandhotelduegolfi.com/

* http://www.bougainvillea.it/

* http://www.cafelatinosorrento.it/

* http://www.oldtavernasorrentina.it/

Rhyming Dining - Bristol Style!

In the mood for Bristol food?

Indulgence…West Country style!

We’ve got famous pies, bars in disguise,

Come hither, stay awhile!

From British tapas..posh fish n’ chips,

To Retro Candy…fun Fizzy Lips!

For the home of the cupcake; seek a pink, Park Street base,

Experience alfresco dining with Brunel’s gurt bridge in your face!

Try Illusions Bar for magic tricks

Find artisan treats upon the cobbles of St. Nicks!

A perfect spot to rest one’s feet,

Amidst the experts in cheese, fresh produce, cured meat!

Where it’s well-known chains that play their part,

Versus home-grown brains and locals with heart.

From pop-up banquets; Castellano’s church-based feat;

To the glitz of the UK’s largest all-you-can-eat;

And from Supper Clubs to old-man pubs,

Sunshiney cider on the Apple Boat,

From the independent venues that flank Stokes Croft

To the Gloucester Road stop for curried goat!

So get it done, complete the tour

Where every taste is accounted for,

A truly ‘foodie’ City; that’s cool, diverse and pretty.

Simply said, there’s nowhere that I could love more…

May the torch be with you...!

Bristol holds...the Olympic Torch!

22^nd May 2012

Those who know me are aware that aside from eating-out, my other (perhaps rather more productive) past-time, is getting my sweat on in the gym. And, having been a self-proclaimed gym bunny for a good decade or so, it’s fair to say that my love of athletics extends beyond the sweaty four walls of Fitness First – so much so in fact that anticipation of this year’s Olympic Games has grown into a full blown obsession. Yes, I have the count-down clock as a bookmark on my computer desktop, I have booked two whole weeks off work this Summer to sit in front of the telly-box and my girl crush on Cheryl Cole has subsided in favour of Heptathlon great, Jessica Ennis. But surely for us Brits, the most exciting thing of all is the fact that – all together now – “it’s coming home”! OK, I know we’re not on a par with Athens but this is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime, blink and you’ll miss it occasion whereby Great Britain will be hosting the most spectacular sporting event of them all.  And, if the efforts of our top-notch athletes isn’t reason enough for a little patriotism, the fact that they’ll be running/cycling/swimming/pole vaulting (and so much more) upon home turf surely must be...Come on, dust off the bunting you have left over from last year's Royal Wedding and show your support for Team GB!

So, with this relentless enthusiasm in mind, I’m sure you’ll be unsurprised to learn that witnessing the arrival of the Olympic Torch in my beloved home-town was hot on my to-do list; clearing my schedule from 17:38 so to facilitate watching it pass through Hanham High Street – the sleepy town in which I spent my childhood – whilst basking in the festivities unfolding within Millennium Square. Here, the torch would be later ‘set-down’ before continuing its journey into Cheltenham the following morning. Prior to this however, my working-day was punctuated with sightings of the torch growing ever closer (via the live feed on the BBC's website) and identifying the torch bearers who had been nominated to take part; delighting in the fact that four would be representing said workplace, as UWE Bristol students and staff. That said, the arrival of 16:00 provoked a swift exit and, after noting the buzz of the commute towards my initial destination, I fought my way through the increasing bustle to reach my viewpoint of the Stonehill to St. George stretch. It was really rather surreal to see my former stomping ground projected around the world via the the wonders of modern technology and yet, I concluded that the choked-up pride that I experienced was a result of the response of its inhabitants whereby people (my parents included) had lined the streets in their hundreds and each shop, café and pub along the way, had been adorned with a Union Jack. Speaking of which, I had become rather aware that I too had dressed myself in appropriate attire; though, the red, white and blue of the ensemble I had subconsciously selected in a haze preceding my 8:00am coffee hit really wasn't intentional....honest! And so I stood with my face turned up towards the glare of the sizeable screen whilst Millennium Square became busier still in anticipation of the climax of the day's procession. And, whilst several sporadic hot air balloons sailed past overhead - which, coupled with the prominent nautical input, featured as an emblem of the city's heritage - British Paralympian, Blaire Hannan, lit the cauldron to a roar of applause. The unbroken sunshine and hubbub of activity never taking away from one's appreciation of what ultimately constituted a historic occasion.

And how does all this fit in with a blog dedicated to gastronomical pleasures I hear you ask...well, it doesn’t actually but given the intermittent picnicking which took place between the coverage of each stretch of the route, the red, white and blue sprinkles added to my Angel Berry fro-yo and later, finding myself with a caipirinha in each hand courtesy of the two-for-one cocktail offer until 7:30pm at Las Iguanas, I can just about justify this post! Incidentally, it will also explain why Canapés, Cupcakes and Cocktails will inevitably go AWOL come the 25^th July; for, some may not understand the gravity of this particular occasion, or think that the Olympic Games are a waste of tax-payers pennies but for me, its an event that showcases the talent within our Country and inspires others to go 'that extra mile' – and, for these reasons and so many more, I will be backing Team GB with an energetic passion all of my own.

Thai Edge - Broad Quay, Bristol

I work in a big office…and, amidst the seemingly consistent stream of notifications pertaining to birthday cards, leaving drinks, celebratory collections and co-worker catch-ups, an email caught my eye which detailed a night-out at Thai Edge. Now, as an establishment which has featured (almost daily) as part of my commute to the source of my new-found addiction, (as per my previous post), it had inadvertently, manoeuvred itself to the top of my to-do list – this particular email factoring as the final push towards booking a table whereby I guiltily shunned its originator in order to visit that very night with a small group of friends…

Date and Time: Monday 14^th May 2012, 18:30

Name of Establishment: Thai Edge*

Location: Unit 4 Broad Quay, Bristol

Reason for Visit: A previously unexplored eatery at the pole position of my ‘to-do’ list...

Reflecting its name sake, Thai Edge is situated at the cusp of Bristol’s city centre; cornering Broad Quay and within crawling distance of the hustle and bustle of Queens Square. With crisp lines, white linen and contrasting violet hues within its refreshingly spacious interior, Thai Edge eschews the chaotic chintz which can so often be associated with a restaurant of this type in favour of a minimalistic approach whereby its décor has been tastefully arranged. Here, the odd bronze figurine or exotic flower arrangement, as well as the subtly-pitched Thai-inspired soundtrack, hints at a theme rather than forcing it upon your person! Instead, effectively channelling an air of sophistication, its rather more stylish features – including the likes of the ball-shaped, latticed light-fittings overhead and the use of a dedicated accent colour – sets a distinct aura of calm; the tranquil trickle emanating from the water feature at the forefront of the restaurant setting a precedent for the space beyond. Furthermore, floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate a light and airy ambiance, not to mention creating a panoramic viewpoint from wherever you happen to be sat. We did suffer the downside of this however whereby allowing for direct sunlight to microwave its clientèle, proves really rather uncomfortable and, after squinting at each other from across the table for an entire five-minute period, our party opted to move to a shadier spot, (which incidentally led to a second basket of complimentary crackers: Win!) Whilst documenting the negatives, I feel that it’s fitting to mention our servers for the evening who, although smartly attired (in purple dress) and unquestionably efficient, were particularly matter-of-fact in regards to our dining occasion; failing upon all accounts to engage with the group and instead, remaining nonchalant even in the face of a little attempted banter. I also wasn't sure whether I liked being encouraged to order my food using the corresponding number reference from the menu - after all, surely it would be preferable to learn a little in regards to the origin of the fare rather than to offhandedly opt for an M4 or S5?!

That said, my S5, or Chicken Satay to put it less crudely, was simply delicious. The meat all-but falling off its skewer and the sweet, salt and spice of the coarsely finished peanut dipping sauce, perfectly balanced – in fact, so not to waste a single mouthful, I felt compelled to finish it with a spoon! Yes, they were a long time coming but it was unanimously agreed that our starters were worth the wait; others, who ordered the likes of the Poh Pia (spring rolls filled with vermicelli and white cabbage) and See Krong Mou Yang, (seasoned spare ribs with a sweet chilli glaze) reporting that they particularly hit the spot; something which became obvious given the satisfied oohs and ahhs that reverberated around the table. That said, our spirits became somewhat quashed with another excruciating wait before our main courses made an entrance and yet, with commendable presentation all round, in addition to the sizeable sharer of steamed Thai jasmine rice that had been served 'as standard', all was quickly forgiven. I had opted for the Panang curry; a beautifully flavoursome dish with an intricate composition – the sweet, earthy notes of the coconut cream complimented with basil and punctuated with the kick of fresh red chilli. The distinctive zing of lime leaf danced upon the palate and I was pleased to find that the chicken content had been generously portioned and seemed of an ample quality; proving both tender and juicy. No complaints from my dining companions either – the Best Foodie Friend (BFF) for instance, reporting that the Pad Prew Waan which, with a pork base, constituted a stir-fry of sweet and sour sauce, fresh cucumber, tomato, onion, peppers and pineapple, comprised a colourful medley of tastes and textures that was altogether well received.

Chicken Satay

Panang Curry

We chose not to indulge in desserts on this occasion but it was duly noted that the selection is dominated somewhat by those rather unappealing ‘bought-in’ creations whereby ice cream factors as the primary ingredient. That said, the aptly-named 'Thai Specialities' section held greater appeal; the Tago and Woon Ka Ti (£4.50) a definite talking point given their unusual content. Here, we learned that Tago is essentially a coconut cream dessert with taro, sweetcorn and sago wrapped within a pandanus leaf and Woon Ka Ti consists of coconut jelly cubes topped with a water chestnut preserve – intriguing yes, but as appealing as the lure of the fro-yo frenzy taking place next door?...Not so much! Drinks included all the usual suspects plus a couple of Thai Beers; namely Chang and Singha; the latter described as the lighter, 'girlier' of the two by one of my dining companions! Wine is predominantly offered in 250ml measures and, at £5.25 a glass, it was considered a little too heavy (both in terms of its price tag and alcohol content) to warrant a mid-week treat! That said, we did later discover that smaller glasses are available upon request – something which may have proved rather more difficult to resist a little earlier in the proceedings.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at Thai Edge; the contemporary twist on a classic genre and the thoughtful serenity of the space overall proving the perfect backdrop to a relaxed nosh-up and natter with friends; a notion which clearly extended beyond our party given the consistent buzz from what had become a rather well attended evening’s cover. However, I felt that whilst its cuisine proved both wholesome and well-executed, as well as fantastic value for money (the pre-theatre menu denoting two courses for just £9.95), this is a four-part franchise that seems to adopt the ethos of 'feeding the masses' whereby getting people through the door seems of greater importance than a focus on passion for service. I mean, beyond the brief explanation of traditional Thai cookery that is provided upon the inside cover of the menu, there is little to instigate an understanding and appreciation in regards to the nature of fare – plus, to outwardly display a degree of indifference for the dishes delivered to the customer (whereby at one point our server seemed almost afraid to exert an opinion, or recommendation if you will), is surely not a good method of securing return-visits; arguably, nor will it expedite the demand for Thai cuisine. Consequently, I’d suggest that expressing a degree of pride in terms of the gastronomical skill-set accountable for dishes which, for me, demonstrated exceptional balance, variety and detail, is in fact the only thing standing in the way of bestowing this establishment with a true sense of the ‘edge’!

And now for the second opinion...

The BFF gave Thai Edge a rating of 7/10 and in three words, described the experience as; 'tasty but slow'.

References:

*http://www.thaiedge.co.uk/

AngelBerry - Broad Quay, Bristol

Let me be the first to tell you that frozen yoghurt is going to be huge this summer be it as versatile as ice cream and yet without the fat and thus, the guilt! In fact, it was fairly coincidental that just as Bristol's rather out-spoken Twitter presence identified the distinct lack of this gastronomical genius within our City's snack-food spectrum, that AngelBerry claimed the premises formally occupied by Coffee Beach to house its second frozen yoghurt 'factory'. Now, never one to let an opportunity to explore the onset of a foodie fad pass me by, I felt somewhat compelled to visit and consequently, here reads my scoop on the venue with the potential to be the coolest in town...!

Date and Time: Tuesday 1st May 2012, 19.45
Name of Establishment: AngelBerry
Location: Broad Quay, Bristol
Reason for Visit: Curiosity-driven post-gym pit stop!

Founded in September 2011 by Ryan Pasco and James Taylor, who initiated their fro-yo franchise within Hartcliffe's Imperial Park after spotting a significant gap in the market, AngelBerry has recently doubled its numbers with the launch of its brand-new Broad Quay branch. Although it opened its doors within the midst of the wettest April since records began (yes, really), it didn't seem to dampen the spirits of those at the helm of this venture; the staff at the 'front-of-house' outwardly all smiles and happy-to-help; bestowing bemused passers-by with free samples and relaying the instructions for building one's confection within earshot of each and every AngelBerry virgin! In fact, I would suggest that their charismatic energy fits rather well within this candy-coloured space; whereby hot pink feature walls alongside an upbeat soundtrack of infectious pop music, (Bieber-fever anyone?!) promotes the fun-factor and yet, offset with magnolia hues and minimalistic décor, tastefully encompasses a fresh, modern disposition. Furthermore, a sense of spaciousness remains intact, though the table to chair ratio seems sparsely distributed which suggests that this is perhaps an experience intended fundamentally as a takeaway affair; a notion heightened by the absence of customer toilets which would presumably have to be present if this was not the case!

There are ten in-house varieties of frozen yoghurt to choose from; all of which are naturally flavoured, probiotic and gluten-free which, in addition to the aforementioned fat-free advantage makes it difficult to believe that something as saintly can be quite so delicious! Plus, as a self-service establishment whereby, with a rumble of machinery, you lever your chosen flavour(s) into one of the three available cup sizes (oo er), it encapsulates the novelty of putting the customer in control, (perfect for kids or the big kid within!) And, for the indecisive amongst us, staff operate a ‘try-before-you-buy’ approach whereby mini tasters can be requested so that one can make an informed decision before committing to a particular flavour. This also allows for sampling the limited edition/seasonal flavours which, on this occasion included ‘Jaffa Cake’ – an acquired taste with undoubtable appeal but, in my view, possibly a little too sickly for portioning in a larger quantity. Instead, I opted to combine three flavours which I hoped would complement each other; Banana, Chocolate Mousse and Natural Greek Yoghurt; the latter balancing the others with its characteristically bitter-sweet twang. In fact, all three ate very well, proving evenly textured, flavoursome and...erm...cold! When it came to picking toppings, I was literally like a child in a sweet shop as there were no less than thirty-five to choose from; ranging from the likes of mini Oreo cookies, crushed Kit Kat, M&Ms, nuts and gummy bears! This was in addition to the healthier toppings whereby fresh fruit is ever so slightly overshadowed by the invention of ‘pobbles’ which are essentially tiny, aesthetically-pleasing bubbles of fruit juice that burst upon the palate – amazing! However, I finally settled upon waffle cone pieces, as it would have been difficult to balance the more sizeable toppings on the mountain of yoghurt I had dedicated myself to! In light of this and based on the significant margin for spillage, I would perhaps recommend either facilitating a larger tub than originally required or, adopting a layering technique as, quite frankly, piling white chocolate minstrels (I kid you not) upon tall peaks of yoghurt inevitably equals a land slide of epic proportions! At the end of the building process, the finished article is taken to the counter in order to pay-by-weight which at £1.50 per 100g is rather a respectable fee and yet, one so easily doubled...tripled even and then some! That said, there is a loyalty-card scheme which entitles its holder to a free 200g portion of frozen yoghurt after collecting eight stamps and, very soon, the option to fill a larger tub to enjoy from the comfort of your own home will become a reality – exciting stuff and incentive to keep that Frozen Yoghurt addition alive!

For the record, a portion this size will set you back £4.20 - well worth it though I reckon!

With the focus firmly on creating a masterpiece in the art of fro-yo construction, drinks to accompany one’s concoction seem to take a back seat. Nevertheless, there is a 'coffee station' offering all the usual suspects (which, given that AngelBerry draw upon the expertise of Clifton Coffee Company, bodes rather well in terms of ensuring a quality cuppa') as well as bespoke smoothies and shakes which, for £3.00 each, are made-to-order using the yoghurt(s) of your choice as the base ingredient.

In conclusion, it's all very Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory – those behind this venture knowingly running with a rather original concept which has clearly not yet been fully tapped into as part of Bristol’s fast-food focal- point. For that reason, there is certainly no where else like it - I mean, where else can you chill (quite literally) on the centre with a foodstuff other than a kebab at Midnight on a Saturday night? Incidentally, AngelBerry is also open until 11:00pm from Monday to Friday and until 8:00pm on a Sunday; making it a great venue for those who want to rendezvous without having to frequent a bar or pub. For this and, in fact, so many reasons, AngelBerry is set to be a huge success – I certainly hope so as I'm pretty sure that, just as it sweeps the nation (...seriously, you'll see), frozen yoghurt is going to become part of my staple diet...and with two visits under my belt in the first week of its opening, I’m well on my way to being part of the ‘berry’ bright furniture!

References:
http://www.angelberry.me