Thursday 21 November 2013

Review of The Thai Sun Restaurant in Leeds

The Thai Sun Restaurant in Leeds
Lovers of authentic Thai cuisine are sure to be impressed by the hugely popular Thai Sun Restaurant in Leeds. This relaxed, elegant venue is the place to go for anyone serious about great good and excellent service. Whether it’s a spice kick you’re looking for or something a bit more unusual you can be sure that The Thai Sun will have something to tickle your taste buds. Friendly and attentive staff are happy to guide guests through the menu and will make every effort to ensure a memorable dining experience. The food is cooked in traditional methods by highly skilled chefs, and each plate is beautifully presented. There is a lot of care and attention given to every aspect of this venue, from the warm welcome diners receive, the exquisite flavours and fresh ingredients and of course the chilled out atmosphere

Classic starters such as chicken satay, honey spare ribs, crispy vegetable spring rolls and deep fried prawn toast are sure to please. More unusual fayre can be found in the pak choop, a delectable mixture of deep fried mixed vegetables in Thai tempura batter or the sweet and moreish corn cake. Many Thai restaurants in Leeds offer the ‘Weeping Tiger’ as a starter or main, and the Thai Sun is no exception. This succulent Thai style char-grilled marinated beef tenderloin is served to guests on a sizzling plate topped with fresh coriander, chilli and a Thai black pepper sauce. Diners who find it difficult to choose a single starter can enjoy a choice of 2 sharing platters. The Thai Sun platter features satay gai, chicken and prawn toasts, spring rolls, fish cakes and honey roasted spare ribs. Seafood lovers can indulge in the seafood platter featuring salmon satay, coco prawns, fish cakes, prawns with lemon grass and grilled king prawns.

Soup is always a hearty delight in Thai cuisine and the use of fresh produce means every bowl is rich and fragrant. Guests in the mood for a slightly spicier bowl can look to the tom yum soup, which is a renowned hot and sour soup with a punch of spice. Using traditional ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and lime juice the broth is warm and comforting. The tom kha soup uses light coconut milk flavoured with dry chilli, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and is topped with fresh coriander and chilli oil. With king prawns, chicken, pork, beef or vegetables you can guarantee each mouthful is a treat! Curry is always a hit in restaurants in Leeds and at The Thai Sun, diners can choose from a huge selection of authentic Thai curries including red, green and yellow. The massaman curry comes highly recommended and its no surprise as the combination of diced baked potatoes, whole peanut, onion, peppers, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cumin and either chicken or beef is absolutely heavenly. Those looking for a hit of chilli heat can tuck in the popular jungle curry, if they dare! This is the hottest curry on the menu and includes aubergines, fine beans, bamboo shoots and sweet basil leaves; it is cooked without coconut milk so the flavour is really intensified!


Whether you are looking for a venue to host a special get-together or celebration or simply want to enjoy a romantic meal out The Thai Sun in Leeds is the ideal location. The extensive menu boasts a wide range of dishes from mild to the very hot, and vegetarians are also well catered for.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Review of So! Bar and Eats Restaurant in Leeds (Harrogate)

So! Bar and Eats Restaurant in Leeds (Harrogate)
Harrogate, West Yorkshire is home to yet another huge success in the So! Restaurant family, the extremely popular So! Bar and Eats Restaurant in Leeds. Currently there are 3 of these venues but each one has it’s own unique style and ‘vibe’. With an extensive menu boasting a wide variety of tasty treats, So! is the ideal spot to begin a night out on the town. However, with a fully stocked bar and a range of exciting drinks and cocktails available, this chilled out restaurant has all the ingredients to hand for a perfect night in! The convivial atmosphere is infectious and you’ll find yourself wanting to return time and again. Don’t think this restaurant is just about evening meals though as their award winning lunch menu will also tempt your taste buds. As winners of the ‘Best Sandwich Offer’ at the 2013 National Pub Food Challenge, they are clearly doing something right!

It seems as though So! take sandwiches very seriously and a greater selection of sandwiches would be hard to find in any other British restaurant in Leeds. Even diners who need to follow a gluten-free diet can enjoy a sarnie or two here as certain concoctions can be made with gluten free bread. The grilled Cypriot with halloumi, roast mushroom, roast pepper, roast onion, salad leaves and a chilli jam is full of robust flavour, while the chicken melt features pieces of chicken breast that have been sautéed in Cajun spices for a real kick. Lovers of ‘Tex-Mex’ inspired food can indulge in a decadent burrito stuffed with either hot or cold fillings and served with house chips and coleslaw.


Burgers are always a popular choice at So Bar and Restaurant in Leeds there are plenty to choose from. The Hawaiian beef burger topped with shredded ham, melted cheese, dill pickle, fresh pineapple, tomato, onion, salad leaves and spicy mayonnaise or the phish food burger featuring deep fried haddock with tartare sauce, ketchup and salad leaves both come highly recommended. Luckily the burgers can also be served with gluten-free buns! Many restaurants in Leeds offer guests the choice of sharing platters, which are great especially for large groups or parties. So! have a huge range from nachos, skewers, breads, speciality boards and nibbles. The signature scoobies are delicious and include a variety of toppings in a flour tortilla, friend and sliced for you to share. Of course healthy choices are also on the menu with several, hearty salads to opt for. Grills, noodle dishes, seafood and all day breakfast options complete this incredible menu. There really is something for everyone to enjoy here. The desserts are indulgent and decadent, so make sure to leave room for the salted caramel brownie or the frozen lemon meringue pie!

Monday 18 November 2013

Review of The Viet Thai Restaurant in Leeds

Viet Thai Restaurant in Leeds

Diners looking for an authentic taste of Vietnamese and Thai food should head to the cosy, relaxed Viet Thai Restaurant in Leeds. This small venue is already a huge hit with culinary enthusiasts and its popularity is continuing to grow. With capacity for just 20 covers at a time, this is a small and intimate restaurant. Husband and wife owners, Minh and Huong, warmly welcome each diner so the atmosphere really is like a ‘home away from home’. Perfect for intimate dinners or small family celebrations or get-togethers with friends, Viet Thai offers guests superb food and fantastic hospitality. Huong is knowledgeable about the menu and she will guide diners through the many choices available. Minh has 14+ years experience as a chef and he will do his best to amend dishes to suit special dietary needs or preferences.

Both Thai and Vietnamese cuisines are renowned for their delectable starters. Fortunately Viet Thai has a great selection of these delights on offer such as Vietnamese crispy spring rolls, chicken satay with a creamy peanut sauce, aromatic crispy duck and battered tiger prawns with either a peanut or homemade fruit sauce. Vietnamese restaurants in Leeds are well known for large bowls of flavourful soup and Viet Thai is no exception. Imagine tucking into a big, comforting bowl of traditional tom yum soup with a choice of chicken or tiger prawns. This Thai influenced hot and sour soup is flavoured with lemongrass, lime leaves, coriander and chilli and it really hits all the right notes. Another popular choice is pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup that is packed with deep, robust flavour and fragrant flat rice noodles.


 Of course curry is on the menu as Thai green curry is always a treat for spice lovers. There are also plenty of meat and seafood dishes to enjoy with steamed rice, egg fried rice or vermicelli noodles. Why not try the ‘shaking’ beef cooked with fresh chilli, herbs and black pepper Vietnamese style, or the ‘yummy’ crispy duck breast with homemade fruit sauce. Curious diners may wish to try the catfish marinated in spices and herbs, this meaty white fish is full of flavour and is incredibly popular in Vietnam. Pad-Thai is always a great choice for diners unsure about what to order. Beautiful, delicate fragrant flat rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, carrots, spring onion, chilli and ground peanut and served with a choice of vegetables, chicken, beef or tiger prawns is an indulgent taste sensation. Restaurants in Leeds often have special menu offers. Viet Thai has several set course menus and well as special banquet menus perfect for a night out with friends and loved ones. Finish your wonderful meal with a selection of cool, refreshing ice creams or try the glutinous rice ball with red bean paste filling covered in a warm, sweet gingery syrup. It is clear Viet Thai Restaurant in Leeds is the place to go for authentic Thai and Vietnamese flavours and of course warm, hospitality.

Thursday 7 November 2013

Review of 114 The Arch Restaurant in Leeds

114 The Arch Restaurant in Leeds
When thinking of 114 The Arch Restaurant in Leeds certain words come to mind including welcoming, cosy and delicious! This hugely popular restaurant serves up some the tastiest British cuisine around, and the dedicated diners who return time and time again attest to that fact! Using locally sourced ingredients including free range eggs and dairy produce from a dairy in Grassington as well as using their own “Rare Breed Butchers” means guests can be reassured their food is coming from reliable and top-quality suppliers. Staff are warm and engaging with a superb knowledge of the menu. They go out their way to make all diners feel relaxed and at home. Dining at 114 The Arch is a wonderful experience and gives guests the opportunity to sample some of the best British cuisine in Leeds!

Starters are a great way to begin any meal. The wide variety at 114 The Arch include local pigeon and black pudding parcel with parsnip puree and a red wine and berry jus, chicken liver, red current and madeira pate with wholemeal muffin and apricot chutney. Seafood lovers can indulge in coquilles St. Jacques or a hearty bowl of home smoked cod and mussel chowder. British restaurants in Leeds often have an innovative selection of vegetarian options and this venue is no exception. The goats cheese, cider, onion and pecan tart or creamy garlic mushrooms on toast is sure to delight many taste buds! Where better to sample a Yorkshire pudding with rich onion gravy or Yorkshire chicken ad homemade pancetta warm Caesar salad? There are so many delectable dishes to choose from, and some change daily according to availability.


The mains are no less tempting with plenty or delicacies from the char grill including chargrilled Barnsley chop with rosemary butter and mint gravy or the succulent char grilled pork loin steak with stilton and black pepper crumble, leek hash brown and cider braised apple gravy. Adventurous diners can indulge in the Gressingham duck cooked 3-ways featuring pan roasted breast, slow roasted hash cake, confit of leg with a carrot puree and blackberry and port reduction. Those wishing to sample the ‘Best of British Plate’ includes char grilled sirloin with chips, braised shin of beef with mash, mini beef wellington with carrot puree and cottage pie. Restaurants in Leeds with food of this caliber are rare. With a dessert menu that screams decadence you’ll want to make sure to leave room! Irish cream crème brulee with ameretti biscuit and a triple chocolate fudge cake with peanut butter ice cream are just a few of the treats on offer. With a warm welcome and superb food, it won’t take long before you fall in love with 114 The Arch Restaurant.

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Review of The Chequers Inn Restaurant in Leeds

The Chequers Inn Restaurant in Leeds
When it comes to the traditional warmth and hospitality of English pubs combined with classic British cuisine The Chequers Inn Restaurant in Leeds excels. This picturesque pub and restaurant on the outskirts of Leeds is full of charm and guests are always made to feel at home. Whether you’re a resident or a sightseer to the village, the food, cosy interior and friendly staff at Chequers provides a welcome retreat after strolling through the countryside or browsing the high street. As the kitchen team use only the very best of seasonal, locally sourced produce dining here is a truly a great British experience! Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or hearty dinner you can be sure that once glance at the menu will get your taste buds tingling!

Seafood enthusiasts will love the range of starters including Chequers own beetroot cured salmon with mini prawn cocktail, lemon, salad, fennel, horseradish and celeriac slaw or lightly curried crispy squid rings with curried mayonnaise, straw potatoes and fresh lime salad. Vegetarians can tuck into the charred asparagus with poached egg and hollandaise sauce or the decadent roast figs in sticky red wine with baby goats cheese and orange salad on toast. British restaurants in Leeds often have a good selection of meat inspired starters on offer and Chequers Inn is no exception. Meat lovers can indulge in chicken and ham terrine, crusty toast and apple and vanilla relish and the slow roast belly pork and black pudding salad with chilli jam and crispy crackling comes very highly recommended.


The main dishes are no less innovative and include the rack of Denby Dale lamb with herb and lemon crust, crushed potatoes and ratatouille and the hearty hand raised steak and Guinness pie served with roasted vegetables and a choice of either lightly peppered mash or hand cut chips. Steak is always a popular choice and here you can find a succulent Yorkshire 10oz rib eye served with fat chips, balsamic roasted shallots and Béarnaise sauce. Of course there are also plenty of fish dishes to choose from, as you would expect from restaurants in Leeds! Fresh East coast haddock lightly battered in Black Sheep Ale and served with hand cut chips and pea puree will definitely appeal to traditionalists, while the pan fried sea trout Nicoise with potatoes, roasted vine tomatoes, green beans, egg, olives, radish, capers and lemon gives a nod to robust continental flavours. Vegetarians are well catered for with the mature cheddar, apple, mushroom and leek pie with slow roasted shallots and a choice of fat chips or peppered mash and roast vegetables.