Archive for the ‘Restaurants’ Category

Restaurant Review: Chillies West End, Glasgow

Friday, July 3rd, 2009Karen Bryan

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We visited Chillies West End in Woodlands Road in Glasgow for lunch on a week day at the beginning of July 2009. The restaurant chefs Jansey and Saumitra won the BBC Good Food Scotland award for the best Asian dining chefs in 2008/2009.

Chillies West End, Glasgow

Chillies West End, Glasgow

The restaurant is billed as a contemporary Indian restaurant serving “small portions of exquisite food”. The idea is that you can sample a wide variety of dishes. You should be aware that the restaurant operates a no alcohol policy.

Between 12.00 to 15.00 and 17.00 – 18.30 (tables must be vacated by 19.30), there is the option to select three little dishes from the day menu for £9 to include either nan bread, rice or a tandoori roll. We chose:

1 Machil Nariyal Masalah – mixed seafood

2 Gosht with Mint & Yoghurt – lamb

3 Chooza Goan – chicken with honey

4 Tarka Dall – lentils

5 Saag Paneer – spinach with cheese

6 Gosht Karachi – lamb with peppers


Chillies West End, Glasgow

Chillies West End, Glasgow

Chillies West End did live up to its promise of exquisite food. The dishes were much lighter than you often find in a Indian restaurant, with subtle flavours. The restaurant has a pleasant ambience, with dark wood tables and red chairs to echo the chilli theme. The toilets are very clean and had lovely scented soap.

I’d recommend the restaurant, especially at lunch time or early evening, when it’s excellent value for money.

Guest interview – Yigal Schleifer and Ansel Mullins of Istanbul Eats

Monday, June 1st, 2009Karen Bryan

Istanbul Eats, with the strap line “a serious eater’s guide to the city”, caught my eye as the May 2009 Guardian Travel Blog of the Month. Founders Yigal Schleifer and Ansel Mullins tell us about the blog.

Istanbul Eats

Ciya Sofrasi Restaurant, Istanbul

1 What is the aim of your blog?

Istanbul Eats aims to navigate serious eaters through the culinary backstreets of Istanbul, celebrating the best in local Turkish no-frills dining (and, occasionally, more upscale places that we think deserve more attention).

2 What prompted you to start your own blog?

We recognized a serious informational void on our beloved subject of dining in Istanbul, so we decided to do something about it. We started Istanbul Eats in order widen the perspective of dining in Istanbul and share our favorite lesser-known spots with others. Until Istanbul Eats there was no real resource on these great local eateries. Most visitors never had the chance to try the yeni dunya (loquat) kebab or a perfect lahmacun, because they had no way to find it. We like to think that our blog helps people in Istanbul decide what to eat and where to eat it.

3 What has been the hardest aspect of having your blog?

We didn’t fully realize before launching just how much the blog is a beast that demands to be fed and one that can very easily take over your life.

4 What is the funniest thing that has happened to you running your blog?

Since starting the blog, we’ve been watching, with some amusement (and alarm), our waists expand.

5 Is there anything you would do differently with the benefit of hindsight?

I think we would’ve done more careful planning on the design and functions of the blog. We were eager to launch, but a month after launching in a fairly simple format we had the blog totally redesigned. We are still working the kinks out of the new look.

My comments – If I ever make it to Istanbul, I’ll be printing out Istanbul Eats recommendations for local eateries. Your expanding waistlines are surely a testament to the great food. You’re making me feel at bit nervous about the current revamp of the Europe a la Carte Blog to magazine style by saying that there are glitches a month after your redesign.

Restaurant Review: La Cicciara, Stirling, Scotland

Friday, May 15th, 2009Karen Bryan

If you are in Stirling in central Scotland on a Thursday or Friday lunchtime I recommend that you have the buffet lunch at La Cicciara, 41 Friar Street, tel 01786 451552. It only costs £5.95 per person, it’s delicious and great value, just my type of restaurant.

La Cicciara, Stirling Scotland

La Cicciara, Stirling

There’s soup with Italian bread, a wonderful selection of grilled vegetables such as peppers, courgettes and aubergines (my favourite part of the meal), various salads, four main courses such as lasagne and chicken, pizza and a couple of desserts.

La Cicciaria, Striling, Scotland

Grilled vegetables at la Cicciara, Stirling

In Summer the buffet is available from Monday to Friday. On days when the lunch buffet is not available there is an a la carte menu or a pizza/pasta set menu for two which costs £10.95.

I’d suggest a stroll up the Back of Hill walk to Stirling Castle, either pre or post lunch.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle

Have you eaten at La Cicciara in Stirling, how would you rate it?

The Best Outdoor Seating in Stockholm

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009Marcus Cederstrom

Finally. The long-awaited spring has come to Stockholm. The sun has been shining. The ice has melted away. The flowers are showing themselves. Stockholm is in the throes of spring.

Aside from the natural signs of spring, there are a few man-made signs here in Stockholm. Like the throngs of people sitting along the water eating ice cream. Or the blinding white skin of Swedes everywhere. But most important, is the return of outdoor seating.

Everywhere you look, cafes, restaurants, and bars are setting up their tables and chairs along the sidewalk. But one place rises above the rest. The best outdoor seating in Stockholm: Mosebacke Etablissement

View over Stockholm

Situated on top of a hill on Södermalm, the island just south of Old Town, Mosebacke looks north out towards the city. From it, you can see the many church spires of Stockholm, as well as the Royal Castle and City Hall.

The restaurant/bar boasts some of the best live music that Stockholm has to offer. Not only that, but during the spring and summer months, the outdoor seating is filled with people reveling in the Swedish sunshine, having a beer, or maybe playing foosball near the outdoor bar.

Mosebacke - Stockholm, Sweden

You can never choose your weather when you travel, but you can choose what you do with it. And if you find yourself in Stockholm with the sun shining, make your way to Södermalm and Mosebacke for a drink.

Café culture in Greece

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009Heather Cowper

Part of enjoying your visit to any Greek town or city is to do as the Greeks do and sit with a coffee to watch the world go by. In the town square or by the harbour you’ll find the most popular cafés where both tourists and the trendy Greeks like to hang out. These will probably be the most expensive place to take your coffee, but what’s that against the opportunity to see and be seen. If you want to blend in, leave the shorts and vest tops for the beach and dress up a little with your chicest top, trendy jeans, gold jewellery and lip gloss like the Greek girls do. You’ll often find comfortable sofa or rattan style chairs that encourage you to relax in the early evening while you decide where to head next for dinner.

 Street cafe in Zante town

The authentic Greek coffee is served very strong, black and sweet in a small cup with a glass of water to clear your palate. Don’t knock back every drop or you’ll get a mouthful of the fine grounds at the bottom of the cup. If this isn’t your taste then try a foaming iced café frappé instead.

Away from the main squares and down the side streets, you’ll find a different kind of café which may have just a few tables in front of a narrow bar or pastry shop. These are the kind of bars where you’ll find the older locals hanging out, or where you’d go to buy your pastries or ice creams. Personally I like this kind of non-touristy place better, as you watch the bustle of everyday life down the side streets.

Sweet pastries or Glika in Zante town

You may find a shop specialising in glika, those super sweet pastries made with flaky pastry and nuts, dripping with honey or syrup. These are the natural accompaniment to that super-strong Greek coffee which will offset the sweetness. Baklava is the one everyone knows about, but you should be able to choose from a selection under the counter. Sometimes, this sort of shop will also sell the traditional cheese pies or Tiropita made of puff pastry and local soft cheese, if you’re looking for a savoury snack on the move. You’ll also find the cake shops with a few tables selling all those colourful creamy cakes, and often ice creams too. Again you can sit at one of their tables inside or out and enjoy one of their cakes with a coffee.

Creamy cakes in Zante town

The Greeks are not great pudding makers at home, and they would normally buy these creamy cakes or the sweet glika to take home and serve in the afternoon, when guests come to call. On saints’ days and name days, a Greek family will keep open house for friends and family who drop by. A name day is the feast day of the saint who shares your name and tends to be like a communal birthday, as many people will share the same name, and be celebrating on the same day.

Coffee and cakes in Zante town

There’s always so much to do on holiday, but sometimes you see more by sitting still. What’s your favourite way to enjoy a coffee when travelling?

All photos by Heatheronhertravels on Flickr

Bristol is one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2009

Thursday, January 8th, 2009Heather Cowper

It’s official, Bristol is one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2009, according to guide book publisher, Dorling Kindersley. I have lived in Bristol for the last 15 years, and I always knew that it was not only a fantastic place to live, but a great destination for a city break. It’s also a good jumping off point for exploring the west of England, south into Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, and westwards into Wales.

Here are some of the things that make Bristol special;

Arnolfini Art Gallery in the harbourside area of Bristol

The harbourside area
The old port of Bristol, which was once the industrial and trading hub, has been cleaned up over the years to make a pleasant centre for leisure. There are many bars and restaurants in this area, you can visit the At-Bristol Science complex and relax in the Millenium square with its statues and water features. Sample some modern art in the Arnolfini art gallery, walk down to the SS Great Britain or take one of the ferries that ply up and down the harbour.

Clifton Village
This is the Georgian old village of Bristol, with beautiful architecture and plenty of individual boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Take a stroll on the landmark Clifton Suspension Bridge with the Avon Gorge below or take in the view from the terrace bar of the Avon Gorge Hotel.


Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge

Museums and Art Galleries
On Park St there are three excellent free museums. The Bristol City Museum is just what you’d hope from a Victorian city museum, from gypsy caravans to Egyptian Mummies and excellent art and photography exhibitions throughout the year (free). The Georgian House was built in the 1790s for a wealthy Bristol Merchant and has been preserved to show how a family of that period would have lived. (free) Red Lodge was built in the 1580s and takes you back in time with it’s Tudor pannelled rooms and knot garden (free). The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, by Temple Meads Station tells the story of Britain’s Empire, especially Bristol’s association with the Slave Trade. In the Harbour area, families will enjoy the At-Bristol hands on Science Centre and if modern art is your thing, visit the Arnolfini gallery with ever changing exhibitions that are on the cutting edge of the art scene (free).


The Georgian House in Bristol

Fantastic eating and drinking
You won’t be going hungry in Bristol, with many bars, pubs and restaurants all over the city. These are some of my favourite eating haunts
HarboursideWatershed café for coffee, Bordeaux Quay for a more upscale experience, the Olive shed for mediterranean style  food & tapas.
Park StBristol Guild café for soup and salads, Goldbrick House for stylish eating and cocktails, Rocatillos for a family diner with the best milk shakes in Bristol.
Corn StSt Nicholas Market has many different vendors of hot food from Indian, Moroccan, Jamaican to cakes & coffee to eat in or take away. For a cosy restaurant & bar try the Rummer in the Market area.
Clifton VillageBar Chocolat is where I stop for a restoring hot chocolate, Fishers is a fish restaurant that has an excellent budget menu and the Arch House Deli is a gourmet paradise which also has a small cafe at the back to eat in.


Cafe at Goldbrick House on Park St

Shopping
The Cabot Circus development has recently opened and covers all tastes from the upscale Harvey Nichols to the High St chains. Park St, leading up the hill from the Harbourside area has plenty of trendy clothes shops as it’s close to the University. Clifton Village is the place for more individual boutiques and gift shops and you’ll find some quirky and original artistic offerings in the area around Christmas steps and Perry Rd.

For more ideas and information check out the Visit Bristol Website

All photos by Heather on her travels

Coffee Culture in Europe

Friday, November 28th, 2008Andy Hayes

 

I have just picked up the most lovely picture book / coffee table book / travel guide that would make a perfect stocking stuffer:  The Grand Literary Cafes of Europe.  It is chock full of wonderful pictures of the best cafes across the region, and includes a wealth of history on how Europe became famous for its “café culture” lifestyle and the heavy influence that literary circles had on the rise and dominance of the café.

Another cup?  Photo Copyrght by Andrew Hayes

 

I started reading through to see how many of my favourite cafes were included, and surprisingly I have been to several of the ones listed.  Here are a three of my best picks that are in the book:

Café de Flore

Paris is the epicentre of café culture; today the city of lights has the highest number of historic coffeehouses still in operation.  The best of them all, in my opinion, is the charming Café de Flore in the trendy neighbourhood of Saint-Germain des Prés.  The atmosphere is vibrant as the Parisian elite mix with the odd tourist and backpacker.  The café is so hip that it even has its own CD, Café de Flore: Rendez-Vous a Saint Germain des Pres (another great stocking filler, incidentally).

Café Europa

Prauge is not about to let Paris go uncontested for the café lifestyle.  Café Europa is the hotel café in the Grand Hotel Europa, and is the most photographed café in Prague.  There is no question why, with its stunning Art Nouveau façade and interiors that rival that of royal residences.  With wall-to-wall murals, marble columns, late-afternoon piano music, and a grandiose skylight, this is the best place to rest your heels after a busy day of sightseeing or shopping in the Czech capital.

Café Américain

Surrounded by buskers, cannabis shops, beer-soaked cafes and a general sense of overwhelming revelry, it is hard to believe an oasis of calm can be found here in the centre of Amsterdam.  However, just off the bustling Leidseplein is the beautiful Art Deco Café Américain.  Enjoy a newspaper or book in a civilised environment; it is quiet enough to enjoy conversation over the gentle hiss of the espresso machine or simply relax and admire the buzz of activity passing by on the street out of the window.  The furnishings are authentic and create an intimate atmosphere unique in this tourist hotspot.

 

Do you soak up the café culture when enjoying Europe?  What’s your favourite café (literary or otherwise)?

Surviving London travel tips

Friday, September 26th, 2008Andy Hayes

British Flags in London – Copyright by Andrew Hayes

I just spent a week down in London with my mum. It was per her request as she’s never spent time there, and I was not actually looking forward to it as I never found London to be one of my favourite places. However, I am happy to report we had a good time and I was thoroughly impressed with some of the places we went, no matter how touristy. London is a sprawling and expensive place though, even for those of us earning in pounds sterling. I did find a couple of tips that helped us survive and have a few spare notes left for souvenirs at the end of the day:

- Get an Oyster card. Without a doubt, the Underground is an essential travel tool. Zone 1 one way tickets cost £4. With an Oyster card (which costs £3), each Zone 1 one way ticket is £1.50. You need to use it twice and you’ve recouped your investment. Makes sense to me. Just look for the blue box in any tube station or ask the attendant for assistance. You will need to pre-fill the card before using it but can put as little or as much as you want – although do not put too much in case it is lost or stolen. Keep fit and shorten your travel times with this previous tube tip.

- The pub is still king. Pubs often serve up some of the best traditional food at very reasonable prices. And what better place to get a touch of old world charm, free of charge? One of the pubs I found was lovely was The Swan (66 Bayswater Road) – they have a delicious carvery for only £8.95.

- Don’t forget the markets too. Borough Market is one of my favourites for delicious grilled cheese and chips, and it is very cheap!

- The grass is green in London. Yes, that’s because it rains a lot, but it does not rain as much as you might think. If you happen to find yourself blessed with some decent weather, why not spend some time in some of London’s popular parks. I personally love the expansive Hyde Park, where you can stroll about the gardens around Kensington Palace or reflect at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

We have had plenty of other tips here at Europe A La Carte in the past, including free walking tours, the free Thames River Path (one of my favourites without a doubt!), and hiring bikes.

Best Cheap Eats Award – Edinburgh

Friday, September 12th, 2008Andy Hayes

Photo by Andrew Hayes

When travelling, it can be so difficult to find an inexpensive place to eat without suffering quality. That’s why I would like to recommend a ‘best cheap eats award’ (that is just a technical term for ‘one of my favourite restaurants’) to the Tempting Tattie in Edinburgh. Located just off the Royal Mile on Jeffreys Street, the central location makes for a quick and easy stop in on the way home to your hotel or hostel or just before you go out for a night on the town. The folk inside this ‘wee’ shop serve up baked potatoes with enough toppings to feed a family of four! The largest potato is just around £5, which is excellent value for the amount of food – and indeed, all of the toppings are fresh and tasty. Go traditional and order the haggis and cheese; if that seems too much for you, try the lighter options such as tuna salad or pineapple. The service is extremely friendly and sociable; you will find many a local in here stopping for a chat or just to say hello.

There are only a couple of barstools in the window, but this is a great place to sit and watch the world go by. It is also a great place for those travelling alone to dine and not feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, if the weather is suitable, grab yours takeaway and head down the Royal Mile to Dunbar’s Close (just past the Tolbooth Tavern and the church on your left-hand side) and enjoy some alfresco dining on one of the lovely benches.

For recommendations of what to do and see in Edinburgh, be sure to check out the Europe A La Carte Edinburgh guide.

Split, Croatia – Beauty of the Dalmatian Region

Thursday, August 28th, 2008Jason Green

Split is in the middle of Croatian right off the coast and is a beautiful city with many things to see and do. The nightlife can’t be beat and the food options are limitless. There are many attractions and all throughout the year there are ferries that go to the many islands that are right off the coast.

Split

Roman ruins, Split

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and true to its name the city is two parts, once of which is the beautiful old town, which include the Palace of Diocletian, and the other area is very industrial with a shipyard and some less than gorgeous neighborhoods. There are many tourists that use Split to check out some of the areas around the city. There is the ancient city of Salona and quaint city of Trogir, as well as the gorgeous beaches of Zlatini Rat, Brela, Pakleni Island, Solta and Milna. Other attractions in Split are the Archaeological Museum of Split, Marjan Forest Park, Mestrovic Gallery, and the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments. The UNESCO site at Trogir make a great day trip from Split.

Split is a city that is steeped in history and you can check out all the histories by taking a walk through the old town, which is right off the coast and the area where most of the restaurants and major hotels are located. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years beginning with the Romans, who ruled the city during their heyday. You can still see the Roman ruins in part of the old town, as well as historical shows and men in old Roman military costumes.

The main tourist area is the old town, which is just east of the promenade near the waterfront. You can find all types of food here from small stands selling toast, pizza, and kebabs to amazing 5-star restaurants with amazing views of the coast. There are many large hotels in the area, but if you want to find a great deal you can head to the many travel agencies in the area. If you really want to find a deal, you simply have to take a walk around the old town and look for the “Apartman” signs and you can inquire how much rooms or apartments are. Many times you can find a great deal on apartments, especially during the off-season. There is great nightlife around the city and there are many clubs near the old town next to the waterfront.

Spilt

Spilt waterfront

A trip to Split, or all of Croatia for that matter, is not complete without trying a Bosnian dish, which is popular all throughout ex-Yugoslavia, called cevepcici, which is a sausage like grilled meat that is served with onions, tomatoes, and Ajvar (a wonderful red pepper sauce). The seafood in Split is also amazing, especially in the small and quaint restaurants near the surrounding beaches.

A great way to see all of Croatia is head down the coast from the Istrian peninsula all the way down to Dubrovnik. Take a couple days and explore Split and the surrounding areas, especially the beaches and islands, and you will find out why Croatia is increasingly becoming popular with tourists from around the world.