Pelico, Bristol

Working outside of Bristol’s City Centre can often mean that when the hour of luncheon is nigh, the options for satisfying those hunger pangs are few and far between. Those working in North Bristol (I’m referring to the likes of Aztec West, UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus and the multitude of establishments that inhabit the nearby business park), have an arguably raw deal – given that succumbing to the University’s rather pricey catering outlets is second to a sweaty power-walk to the closest Sainsbury’s. If you’ve got more than thirty-minutes or a set of wheels at your disposal, you could bag yourself the likes of a McChicken Sandwich, a cheeky Nandos or the best that Costa Coffee has to offer at the Gallagher Retail Park, but if not, you may well be particularly interested in the post that follows…

Date and Time: Friday 20 January 2017, 12:30pm
Name of Service: Pelico, Bristol*
Location: Currently delivers to UWE Bristol (Frenchay Campus), Aztec West, the Bristol Business Park and BS1
Reason for using this Service: Limited lunchtime options

Working for UWE Bristol means that interaction with the student population is commonplace and this, besides provoking a degree of bemusement, (“so you’ve set up a hammock on the VC’s lawn”…“Are flip flops really appropriate footwear for November?”…And so on), the innovation and creativity that they bring to the workplace that I’ve been committed to for the last eleven years is one of the major plus points amidst the day-to-day grind. And, amongst the engineers, architects, music therapists and graphic designers are the Team Entrepreneurship students –  those enrolled upon a course that encourages individuals to build on their business aspirations beyond that of a prototype in order to start-up their own company to generate revenue from us; the general public. Enter Pelico – the brainchild of co-founders Alex and Leyth who have set up a lunchtime distribution service that strive ‘to deliver nutritionally balanced meals that taste great’. And trust me…they really do! For just over a humble fiver, you can order a lunchbox to rival that belonging to your next-desk-neighbour right up until Midday; for same-day delivery. Today (with my newcomer discount of 25% off), I bagged myself a Teriyaki Chicken with Coconut Kale and Broccoli ensemble which was piping hot, packed with flavour and so generously portioned that I actually considered saving a few forkfuls for later, (though this of course, didn’t happen). The alternative option was a veggie-friendly 3-Bean Chilli Burrito with Guacamole which I could have scoffed just as easily. Furthermore, the courier arrived promptly, as per the time slot I had opted for as part of the ordering process and was both smiley and efficient - top marks all round there then!

Pelico’s menu changes every day and you can sign up to one of three 30-day lunch plans which allows you to bulk-buy voucher codes to make each lunchtime delivery (within the forthcoming month) decreasingly expensive based on the number you purchase. Lunches are created from scratch and ingredients are organic and locally-sourced so if supporting independent businesses is your bag (which quite frankly, it should be), this is your best bet for sustenance with soul. I think it’s also notable that, with sustainability at the core of their ethos, Pelico boxes its meals in biodegradable pulp boxes; striving to limit the waste produced and donating any leftovers to Bristol’s homeless. Electric vehicles* are used to deliver meals to UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus, Aztec West, Bristol Business Park and most recently, BS1 meaning that fundamentally, you can feel that you’re doing your bit for the environment whilst having a right old chow down!

In conclusion, I suggest that my first experience of Pelico certainly won’t be my last and I would encourage anyone in their catchment area to follow suit and order yourself a blinder of a lunch. Your taste buds will undoubtedly thank you for it.

References:
*https://www.pelicobristol.co.uk
*www.co-wheels.org.uk   

Office Pantry

13 January 2017

I’m pretty sure that there’s a snacking culture that exists in each and every office. It is arguably the most detrimental aspect of a workplace to one’s waistline and yet there is a way to combat those ‘tummy grumblings’ without reaching for the Galaxy Counters…Oh, is that just me?! That is, reaching for something that is actually nutritionally worthwhile…Now, healthy snacks are notoriously expensive – anything specialist (sugar-free, vegan-friendly or sans gluten for example) or dare I say it, organic, bumps up the price tag beyond that of the humble Mars Bar which consequently makes for a much less attractive option. Though Office Pantry* have come up with a way to healthify your workplace so that you have an assortment of nibbles at your disposal - on a daily basis - which don’t cost the earth and can be tailored to the tastes of your team…Sourced from British independent food producers and taste-tested by the founding creators’ Grandmothers (yes, really), Office Pantry deliver pallets of high-quality snacks, plus fresh fruit, soft drinks and even team-building tipples, to offices across the South of England. You can opt from a range of packages to accommodate the inhabitants of your office and snacks can work out under £1 each which I reckon is really rather reasonable. Fruit boxes and drinky poos vary in price but jotting down your requirements on the online enquiry form results in a phone call to discuss the finer details pretty much within the hour. I mean, I was seriously impressed that Oli from Office Pantry’s super friendly team gave me a jingle a mere 10  minutes after I pressed send on my request for a ‘snack sample box’. It will come as no surprise that I like to talk about food...a lot and so, the natter that ensued was pretty much the highlight of my afternoon whereby I was both professionally informed of how Office Pantry operates and quizzed about my colleagues’ snacking habits, (biscuits…We like biscuits!) As a result of this, I received my complimentary ‘taster’ portion the very next day which effectively showcased the kind of edibles that would be provided; tasty morsels like mini pesto breadsticks and mixed nuts that kept me fuelled throughout the day, minus the sugar slump that usually hits around mid-afternoon. Other edibles include seeded cereal bars, dried fruit crisps and popcorn – all of which can be requested before Monday’s delivery if there is something specific that tickles your fancy.

My big question was ultimately how offices typically fund this snack-sesh – I mean, I wasn’t going to personally shell out £37 per delivery (which incidentally is the cost of one Snack Pack based on an office of between 10-15 people) to feed my colleagues – sorry guys! Oli explained that although some managers foot the bill for such deliveries, other offices clubbed together to split the cost of what would constitute 37 items designed to last around a week. Others set up an honesty box so that once the direct debit had been settled, individuals could adhere to an itemised price list to pay for their chosen fare, (which, in turn, could pay back the initiator or fund the next delivery). Obviously I’m primarily focussing on snacking here (see aforementioned admission of culinary obsessiveness) but locally-sourced fruit boxes can be purchased from £20 per delivery and milk can be added to orders to make that age-old question of; ‘whose turn is it to get the milk’ a thing of the past. Add bespoke orders of porridge pots (ideal for those inconsiderate people who like to plan meetings over breakfast), alcoholic beverages (Friday wind-down anyone!?) or monthly deliveries of artisanally produced biltong (well, just because) to the mix and you have a company that pretty much covers the gastronomical needs of your workplace.

The folk at Office Pantry report that researchers found we are 62% more likely to get things wrong when in a hungry state which seems to suggest that an office’s productivity depends on snacking. Add to this that there is arguably no better way to unite a team than pouring over a collection of snacks to enjoy as part of a week at the coalface and you’re on to a winner – I thought my loyalty to my bi-weekly Graze box would never waver but step aside, collective consumption is the way forward! Don’t just take my word for it, order your trial box here. You’re welcome!

References:
*https://www.officepantry.co.uk/

Tart Café and Foodstore Christmas Spectacular

Recent posts have alluded to my child-like love of the festive season and therefore, I’m sure that it will come as no surprise to learn that each year, the task of organising the annual office ‘Christmas do' falls well within my remit (a remit secured somewhat by my self-appointed role as the social secretary of my workplace). Consequently, I spent weeks undergoing a tireless online investigation, researching such essentials as venue capacities, availability and prices…not to mention drooling over more tantalisingly turkey-based menus than I care to admit. Finally, with the onset of December drawing ever-near and the search for suitability beginning to take its toll on my sanity, I decided to share my dilemma with Bristol's ever-reliable foodie network via a rather defeatist Tweet*. Luckily, it was in response to this sorry plea for decisiveness that I received an offer that I couldn't refuse...

Date and Time: Friday 16^th December 2011, 19:30 for 20:00

Name of Establishment: Tart Café and Foodstore*

Location: 16 The Promenade, Gloucester Road - Bristol

Reason for Visit: That much-loved festive phenomenon…the Office Christmas Party!   

“How about Tart...?” Replied Andrew Griffin, head chef at Tart Café and Foodstore on Bristol's vibrant Gloucester Road. He went on to say that he would create a bespoke three-course menu with the festivities fixed as we saw fit – plus, we'd have the smart surroundings of Tart's Parisian-styled space to ourselves and for thirty pounds per head…it was a no-brainer really! However, taking twenty-five of the University of the West of England’s finest administrators to one of my favourite eateries did not come without its anxieties – first of all would my colleagues feel that my high praise for this venue was justified having read my glowing reviews of the Tart after Dark Supper series and on the other hand, would my party behave themselves to allow for a return visit on my part without a red face!? Needless to say, I needn't have worried as what unfolded was a truly fantastic evening...Kicking off the merry-making with a complimentary Kir Royle, my guests began to arrive, stopping as they did so to admire their surroundings. Promoting the notion of classy Christmas décor, each table had been crisply attired with white linen and silver (rather sophisticated-looking) Christmas crackers. Candlelight flickered atmospherically and seasonally-inspired jazz played out subtly overhead – allowing for conversation to flow and the buzz of the party itself to take centre stage. Furthermore, each and every guest received a warm welcome – just part of the service to which I have become accustomed; effortlessly friendly and faultlessly attentive.

Just as I was invited to hand-pick the content of the menu, I was also responsible for the seating arrangements and despite rejecting a specific table plan (though deciding on an arrangement of one table of nine and two tables of eight), the ever-professional team remained unfazed and starters were promptly served. The French Onion Soup; a dish which I had previously sampled at the 'Tart after Dark Retro Supper’ certainly didn't disappoint with its intricate flavours which combined the distinctively punchy notes of ripe onion with a delicately sweet baseline. The sizeable Gruyere cheese-topped crouton, an island in the centre of the dish, added a new dimension to the varying tastes and textures, adding a little salt which offset the aforementioned sweetness to perfection. Other diners chose the smoked salmon which, layered with beetroot and dressed leaves on top of a dainty potato pancake, was reportedly light and refreshing. On the other hand, the Chicken Liver Pâté was chunky and satisfying; attractively plated alongside home-made chutney, crunchy toasts and pickles which had been imaginatively constructed into a ‘Jenga’-style formation.

Smoked Salmon Starter

Main courses constituted a choice of three hearty and suitably Christmassy dishes; the traditional turkey was doused with lovely gravy and served with a helping of well-seasoned stuffing, two amply-sized pigs in blankets and a number of wonderfully fluffy roast potatoes; the latter lavishly crisped-up in goose fat (something which, although delicious, proved rather problematic for the vegetarians amongst us who began to tuck in before they were warned of this carnivorous aspect of their preparation).That aside, it’s fair to say that all three options were well-received and although I opted for the turkey, delighting in how expertly it had been executed (and thus avoiding its typically dry tendencies), I also insisted on sampling the confit of pork (for research purposes of course) which, coupled with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potato, was undoubtedly the star of the show with its topping of flavoursome crackling. The meat-free alternative was a butternut squash, sweet potato and spinach lasagne which although I did not catch sight of was reportedly tasty though a little burnt on the top. The ‘trimmings’ consisted of a number of sharer dishes; spiced red cabbage, honey-roasted carrots, extra roasties (which I'm ashamed to say that we all but fought for) and...yep you guessed it...that Yuletide treasure...brussel sprouts! Dessert comprised a cranberry and mandarin baked cheesecake – a real stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth experience which proved incredibly rich but perfectly balanced in terms of its flavour. The tart notes of the cranberry compote expertly contrasted the sweetness of the mandarin and lent to the dish a palate-cleansing quality; concluding the comforting, almost wintry undertones of the evening's fare to perfection. Incidentally, (and just a little example of the thought put into the dishes I had chosen), I had teased Andrew prior to the evening at hand in regards to the distinct lack of chocolate on the menu, reeling in mock-horror in my capacity as a self-confessed chocoholic...hence, it did not go unnoticed that subsequently, chocolate had been incorporated into the base of the cheesecake – a lovely touch and gratefully received on my part I can assure you!

Tasty Turkey...and look at those Pigs in Blankets!

Others chose the cheeseboard which had been adorned with a range of indulgent varieties; Barkham Blue, Ticklemore goat’s cheese and Keen’s Cheddar. I think that those who had opted for this struggled somewhat with the mammoth portion they were given – I certainly intended to get in on the cheese-related action but alas, just couldn’t eat another thing! And so, ‘Mr Proper Portion’ had done it again...we were stuffed…that is, until plates of mini mince pies were brought to each table. These were melt-in-the-mouth delicious with home-made appeal that you just can't buy in a shop – yum! And so, our evening drew to a close and as our numbers diminished, only the hard-core revellers (myself included) remained to mop up the last of the vino. As is customary for the Monthly Tart after Dark Supper evenings, Darren from nearby Grape and Grind* had chosen both a red and a white to compliment the nature of the evening's cuisine. Our table had settled on the red, a soft and fruity Mas de Vigneron, alongside a bottle (or two) of the house Prosecco – because after all, every party warrants a little fizz!

Mmm...Cheesecake!

Overall, high praise all round for the entire Tart team – owner Jenny and her girls were the perfect hosts and Andrew and his fellow chefs cooked up a storm in the kitchen, evident, of course, by the top-notch quality of the cuisine. Despite the venue proving a little chilly at times (perhaps due to the sub-zero temperatures outside), a festive atmosphere was perfectly achieved and it’s fair to say that a good time was had by all ...thank you for making our Office Christmas Party a success and here's to a fabulous 2012 for the lovely team at 'Lovely Tart'!

And now, for just a collection of the opinions from our office....

“I had the pork – excellent!  And I’d love to know what they put in their mash - it was superb!“ CC

“I would give the food 9/10; it was very tasty and hot. The venue was just a bit chilly at times, but the service was great and it was nice being able to have a chat rather than having to shout to each other.” DC

“[Tart was] such a great venue. I can’t wait to go there again during the day…” LRM

“The cheesecake was, by far, the star of the show for me!” RS

References:

*http://www.twitter.com/samfraggle

*http://www.lovelytart.com/index.html

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