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   

Al's Tikka Grill – Ashton Road, Bristol

Rocking up at what looked remarkably like a roadside 'greasy spoon' (complete with garish neon signage), it's fair to say that our group's first impression of Al's Tikka Grill was unanimously underpinned with a sense of realisation that the purpose of the penny-pinching print-out that we had purchased – with which we were entitled to dine at six quid a head - had been nothing more than a crude attempt to encourage bums on seats. I mean, although this is pretty much standard when it comes to the overall premise of these online 'daily deals', there are times when it becomes increasingly apparent why an eatery has opted to 'sell its soul' to this scheme...Yet, swallowing this shameless cynicism and trying not to judge a book by its cover - as well as resisting the urge to shoot accusing glances at the pal responsible for this particular choice of venue - we made our way into what incidentally *is* a greasy spoon, though for all intents and purposes, doubles up as an Indian restaurant by night...

Date and Time: Sunday 2nd September 2012, 7:30pm

Name of Establishment: Al's Tikka Grill*

Location: 33 Ashton Road, Bristol

Reason for visit: Beer and curry night with the boys

With earthen-effect tiles underfoot, minimal décor and a cheerful colour scheme, Al's Tikka Grill is a modest establishment which, although a little rough around the edges (yes, we're talking a trek through a dirty courtyard to a poorly lit outside toilet), is fundamentally remedied with a relaxed, almost homely ambiance; facilitated in the first instance by the the warm welcome received from Al and his team. In fact there is something almost endearing about the quirky (albeit rather random) touches about the space; the dominant presence of Shilpa Shetti for instance, whose life-sized portrait smiled down upon our table - as authentically Indian perhaps, as the subtly-pitched soundtrack that tinkled overhead.

On to the fare and given that we had spent what seemed like hours in front of the football prior to our 7:30pm reservation, we were unsurprisingly ravenous. Yet before ordering, we had to tend to the important business of dishing out the beers which, bought in as per the BYO policy, inadvertently delayed dining due to the detour to North Street that became necessary upon discovering that the nearest off-licence wasn't within walking distance – sigh! Minus this momentary set-back however, service was quick and efficient and despite the fact that we were entitled to a starter, main and a side each as part of the aforementioned voucher (cue a whole lotta' umm-ing and ahh-ing as the decision process unfolded), Al's friendly, upbeat attitude coupled with his knowledge of the menu, certainly sped up what could have otherwise proved a rather painful process! And with the table set – complete with warmed plates from Stoke on Trent (as one of its proud former inhabitants was quick to point out to five rather bemused faces) - the pickles and poppadoms made an entrance, shortly followed by our starters. For me, the onion bhajis (£2.95) which despite looking the part - generously portioned alongside a crisp-looking salad and a palate-cleansing raita – were disappointingly dry and floury in terms of their disposition. I also thought that the onion content should have been a little more evenly distributed as unpleasant chunkage made for a number of overpowering mouthfuls that, quite frankly, I could have done without! Others were rather more complimentary on the subject of what they had ordered; the Tandoori Chicken (£3.60) described by one of my dining companions as succulently textured and expertly seasoned.

When it came to the main event, the Chicken Tikka Masala (£7.25) was on fine form and, given that this is my consistent curry of choice, I consider myself something of an expert when it comes to what constitutes a good or bad effort. In this case, though characteristically creamy and full of flavour, I noted that the dish had been set a click or two above the usual level of spiciness which for me, was actually a bonus and yet could have proven problematic had I been of a weaker constitution! Others reported similar findings; the Chicken Jalfrayzi (£6.20) marrying whole green chillis with its distinctive contrast of sweet and sour and the Rezellah (£6.20) making its recipients' eyes water! The latter was reportedly a well-balanced ensemble in that its fiery attributes gave way to the intricate fragrance beneath and yet, I'm told, 'certainly not a choice for the faint hearted'! It later transpired that had we consulted the website prior to our visit, we would have known to ask the kitchen staff to tailor the pungency of each dish to suit our individual preferences – something to remember for next time perhaps....That said, dishes were predominantly well-received; proving rich, tasty and with an ample ratio of meat to sauce. Furthermore, pilau rice was served in abundance and of the sundries chosen, the peshwari naan proved the most popular - in my view not the best I've tasted, but well-executed nevertheless with that wonderful combination of sweet, earthy almond and the zing of juicy sultanas – yum! I will suggest however that there is a need to address the saltiness of the cuisine overall as judging from the raging thirst that plagued me long into the evening, the kitchen staff had fared a little sprinkle happy on this occasion!

In conclusion, the gang and I had an enjoyable evening at Al's – the boys joked about returning for a full English the following day in order to authenticate the review. Something which I'm sure would have made for interesting reading but was certainly not an experience that I'd be quick to endure; even for the good of the blog! In fact, I'm not sure (if I'm being completely honest) that I can see myself visiting again in any capacity given that I'm spoilt for choice, a lot closer to home, with a number of first-class curry houses. Subsequently, the likes of Downend's Tamarind*, the Sunday 'all-you-can-eat' extravaganza at Staple Hill's Curry Supreme and, of course, my trusty take-out; Kingswood's Curry Kings* really doesn't warrant this jaunt across town. That said, you really can't knock the faultless service, value for money and laid-back atmosphere at Al's – which the distinct lack of clientèle really didn't do any justice. Thus, although there is room for improvement, it's nothing that running a tighter ship (and smartening up one's premises) couldn't fix and I have no doubt that with Al at the helm, the need for bums on seats could become a thing of the past; perhaps even shunning the need to satisfy the breakfast rush in favour of a focus on a first-rate curry crusade!

And now for the second opinion....

A fellow diner gave Al's Tikka Grill a rating of 7/10 and in three words, described the venue as ‘unique’ and the fare, ‘flavoursome’ and ‘good-value’.

References:

http://www.alstikkagrill.com

http://www.tamarind-bristol.co.uk/

http://www.currykings-bristol.co.uk/

Tamarind, Downend-Bristol

We all know that this time of year focuses on spending time with our nearest and dearest and once the turkey-dominated dinners have run their course, what better way to celebrate the season and warm up on a cold winter’s day than with a hearty curry. It may not be the obvious choice when it comes to traditional festive fare but for one reason or another (though perhaps a result of the copious alcohol consumption that constituted the evening's entertainment as opposed to the cuisine itself), friend D and I left Indian restaurant and takeaway, Tamarind, somewhat aglow with the Christmas spirit!

Date and Time: Tuesday 20^th December 2011, 19:00

Name of Establishment: Tamarind*

Location: 5 Badminton Road, Downend – Bristol

Reason for Visit: Crimbo catch-up and a curry

Smack-bang in the middle of Downend’s residential high street, Tamarind instantly attracts its clientèle with the classy gleam of its silver lettering. Its interior predominantly carries this modern appeal with a colour-changing bubble-effect water feature proving the focal point at the forefront of a complex network of tables and chairs which, amidst the rich-coloured décor, are separated with crisp white latticed screens. Chandeliers hang grandly overhead and tables are dressed with white linen – this immaculate presentation even extends to the facilities which were commendably spotless. That said, old-school touches here and there add, in my opinion, a little character to the space; with intricately pattered crockery and napkins folded into swans balancing what could have otherwise been considered a little lack-lustre in terms of its arrangement. Service is courteous, quick and, albeit ever so slightly rushed, unquestionably efficient; upon our arrival (and in the blink of an eye), our coats and umbrellas were whisked away, D and I shown to our (advisably pre-booked) table and our drink orders taken. It was also noted that for an early-evening mid-week slot, the restaurant was heaving; something, we were informed, that has become commonplace for each and every night of the week!

We started with papadoms which, served alongside an assortment of chutneys and pickles, were wonderfully crisp, sizeable and not at all greasy. The mango chutney in particular was a tasty accompaniment, proving thickly textured and tangy – a good start. Main courses followed promptly; for D, a ‘hot’ Chicken Dansak (£7.50) and for me, my tried-and-tested favourite; Chicken Tikka Masala (£8.50). Both dishes were well presented (in deep bowls set upon a heated grill), generously portioned and delicious. The Dansak combined chicken with lentils and, flavoured with Fenugreek leaves, had been well-covered with a fantastically flavoursome sweet and sour yet distinctively spicy sauce; the perfectly-executed contrast of these sensations was reportedly a treat for one’s palate and for my dining companion, secured this dish as one of his favourites. The Masala was deep red in colour and established sweet, aromatic bursts of flavour. Uniting the earthy notes of almonds and cashews with a delicate blend of spices and although encompassing a curious coarseness, the sauce proved decadently thick with extra cream swirled through it for good measure – yum! D and I were also quick to praise the quality of the chicken which, in both dishes, had not been scrimped upon as well as proving both chunky and succulent . In addition to this and to mop up the sauce, we ordered a portion of mushroom Pilau rice to share (£3.50) and a Peshwari Naan (£2.70); the latter comprising a soft and doughy consistency with sweet almond paste baked into its folds. I think that the recipe would have benefited from a sprinkling of raisins to punctuate its intensity but with my sweet tooth, I certainly wasn’t complaining! 

Our meals were washed down with Tiger Beer and yet unfortunately (or not as the case may be), our full stomachs prevented participation in a dessert of any kind. Incidentally though, I feel that this is where Indian restaurants fall short; offering a range of bought-in ice-cream based puds which often leave little to be desired. Let's be fair, it’s rather a rare occurrence to have room to follow-up a good-quality curry and yet, perhaps if there were a small selection of authentic (and bite-sized) delicacies to choose from (for instance, Rasmali - Saffron scented milk balls flavoured with pistachio - which I recently sampled elsewhere), they would be rather better received, and may even put the establishment above others of its kind…because, after all, who wants to eat artificial-tasting strawberry ice cream out of a plastic parrot, (yes..really!)

In conclusion, I really enjoyed my evening at Tamarind – the food was reasonably-priced as well as hot, tasty and expertly spiced, the service faultless and the overall ambiance vibrant and comfortable. Furthermore, judging from the excitable buzz resounding throughout the space, this is indubitably, for such a small high street, a big big hit!

Friend D gave Tamarind a rating of 9/10 and his three words were simply, ‘definitely going back’...

References:

*http://www.tamarind-bristol.co.uk/

My Burrito – Broad Quay, Bristol

I have to admit that during each and every post-work gym session, the prominent thought occupying my mind is what I'm going to eat afterwards! I almost always have to push myself to resist the carby-hit that I crave to replenish my flagging energy-levels and on this occasion, I bypassed the temptations typically offered during the usual supermarket run and instead, decided to try something a little different and dare I say it, a little healthier too!

Date and Time: Friday 13^th May 2011, 18:40

Name of Establishment: My Burrito*

Location: 7 Broad Quay, Bristol

Reason for Visit: Post-gym re-fuelling

Venues serving freshly-prepared burritos and wraps are fast becoming Bristol's preference to the common takeaway; food remains conveniently quick and satisfying yet provides a healthier alternative to the deep-fried, oily offerings with which other 'fast-food' outlets are accustomed.

My visit to My Burrito started with the deliciously spicy aromas that whet your appetite you as soon as you walk through the door. It was this, in addition to the clean, cool vibe that this venue projects, that made up my mind that I would 'sit-in' this time, rather than take my food elsewhere. The décor consists of black marble table tops and red leather-effect seating and, along with the Bristol-themed art work*, potted plants and ample reading material, it made for a funky-come-contemporary space which was both stimulating and comfortable.

My only gripe was the volume of the radio which dominated the space and made it slightly difficult to converse with my server, (who unfortunately was a bit of a mumbler!) However, this was swapped for some moody jazz a little later in my visit which was far more in keeping with the ambiance created here thus far. Furthermore, service was laid-back, friendly and mumbling aside, proved accurate and efficient.

Onto the food which is prepared before your eyes using locally-sourced, farm assured (where applicable) ingredients. I chose a small tortilla wrap which was packed with chicken, (marinated in an abodo of smoked chillis, cumin and coriander), basmati rice and pinto beans which are cooked with smoked bacon, garlic, onion and Mexican spices. These ingredients alone created an amazing array of flavours and so, when combined with the accompanying salad, (home-made) smoked tomato salsa and cool sour cream, resulted in an explosion of varying tastes and textures with that familiar underlying Mexican heat. I particularly liked the lime-zest which had been used to flavour the rice, adding, in my view, an extra zing to your palate! There is a great choice of burrito fillings on offer as well as a range of sides and extras and a rather authentic selection of bottled Mexican beers – lucky that there are complimentary chips and dips to graze on whilst you're making up your mind what to choose!

I felt suitably saintly tucking into my protein-enriched chicken burrito that I decided to follow it with a sweet treat – freshly made Spanish Churros with hot chocolate dipping sauce! These did take a while to prepare as a fresh batch of chocolate had to be made up (and heated) but staff were consistently apologetic and fortunately, as I had planned to take-away dessert so that I could share it with 'The Boy', I wasn't in a hurry. I can report that when the Churros were finally devoured, they were just as anticipated; indulgently moreish and sugary-sweet! The chocolate wasn't of the best quality, (in my opinion, tasting a little like artificially-sweetened hot chocolate!) but the Churros themselves were delicious; warm and fluffy in the middle and crisp on the outside- - yum!

Churros and Hot-Chocolate Dipping Sauce

I think it's fair to conclude that takeaway food need not be unhealthy, neither does it have to prove a drain on one's finances - I didn't think that the prices here were terribly unreasonable at £4.75 for a small burrito and £5.75 for a large. It's true that I did end up with a deep-fried 'takeaway' in some respects but it was for research purposes and after all, I thought that it was only fair to 'wrap' up my evening with a well-earned treat!

My Burrito, Broad Quay-Bristol

References:

*www.myburrito.co.uk

*www.rwforster.com