Monday 30 September 2013

Review of Brasserie Forty 4 Restaurant in Leeds

Brasserie Forty 4 Restaurant in Leeds

Offering a chic and stylish retreat from the bustling city streets, Brasserie Forty 4 Restaurant in Leeds, is the place to go whether you are sightseeing, weary from shopping or just wanting to catch up with friends or family. Sleek and elegant dining await and with a menu that focuses on fine European cuisine your taste buds will be in for a real treat! Sharing its location with luxurious hotel 42 The Calls, diners may be tempted to make more of their visit then just a first-class meal. There is also a vibrant bar, which comes to light at night and is a great place to chill out and socialize.

The a la carte menu offers a wealth of delicacies guaranteed to please your palette! Starters include the decadent chicken liver parfait with Armagnac prunes and brioche toast, or seared king scallops with carrot puree and roast hazelnuts. Perhaps the warm salad of black pudding, pancetta and a soft poached egg is the right way for you to begin your meal. When looking for European restaurants in Leeds most diners expect to see a good range of fresh, locally sourced meats and Brasserie Forty 4 does not disappoint. Mains feature succulent lamb rump with redcurrant jelly and pearl barley, confit of duck leg with butter beans, bacon and a red wine sauce and the Yorkshire beef fillet with wild mushroom and thyme cream sauce comes highly recommended. Along with these mains there are also daily meat and fish specials as well as a vegetarian dish.

Let’s face it; dinner just isn’t dinner unless it’s followed by a scrumptious dessert! Once again Brasserie Forty 4 in Leeds serves up an exciting array of sweet treats that are hard to resist. Orange panna cotta with caramelized oranges or a warm chocolate brownie served with caramel honeycomb ice cream are great ways to finish an excellent meal. Those looking for something a little more savoury may be tempted by the cheese board, which comes with grapes, biscuits and homemade chutney. Make your meal even more special by indulging in some beautifully aged dessert wine. There is a very good set dinner menu available for £23.95 a head, which also gives guests a bottle of wine for 2 to share. Brasserie Forty 4 makes dining an absolute delight and it is no surprise why this family run business has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the top restaurants in Leeds.

Sunday 29 September 2013

Review of Ask Restaurant in Leeds

Ask Restaurant in Leeds

Italians love to celebrate life and a huge part of this is enjoying fantastic food in great company. Nowhere is this more apparent that at Ask Restaurant in Leeds. Although the décor is modern and sleek, there are lovely earthy elements, which make it feel like home. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and extend a very warm welcome to regulars and new diners alike. Ask is family-friendly and has a superb children’s menu that is guaranteed to keep the little ones happy. It is also a great place for a continental lunch, romantic dinner date or corporate event. With renowned celebrity chef Teo Randall behind the menu creation, it is not surprising that the food is of a high standard and will appeal to everyone. Plus as the food is cooked fresh, many dietary issues can be addressed, just speak with your server at the time of ordering.

As you would expect of one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Leeds there is an extensive range of nibbles, starters and antipasti to get things off to a great start. Why not try the new ‘stuzzichini’ featuring a selection of Pecorino Sardo cheese, Sicillian Nocellara olives, finocchiona salami and warm tomato crostini? There are antipasto platters that can be ordered just for one, or shared. The ‘panzerottini’ are baked mini dough balls with Fontal cheese, chilli or pancetta and served with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic dip. These flavour packed dishes will definitely get your taste buds ready for the main attraction. Pasta is always a great choice, and Ask Restaurant in Leeds has a choice that includes the decadent ‘linguine con frutti di mare’, a rich, vibrant seafood pasta with king prawns, mussels, clams and squid in a deep, velvety tomato sauce. Spaghetti carbonara is another popular choice with crispy pancetta in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Meat lovers will enjoy the pork belly porchetta, which is highly recommended. This traditional Tuscan dish sees the pork belly slowly roasted in a herby, red wine sauce served alongside roasted new potatoes and greens. Restaurants in Leeds offering so much variety on their menus are rare. At Ask Restaurant there is a culinary delight for even the fussiest of eaters! If pizza is your thing then the stone-baked, crispy pizza pies on offer will definitely tempt you. Choose from the classic such as ‘fiorentina’ or ‘margherita’ or go for the prima option with ‘salsiccia’, which has hot and fiery Calabrian n’duja sausage meat, chargrilled peppers, pancetta, caramelized onions and Fontal cheese.  It’s a hot one, so you may need to cool down with some classic Italian ‘gelati e sorbetti’ for dessert. 

Saturday 28 September 2013

Review of Digby's Restaurant (The New Ellington) in Leeds

Digby's Restaurant (The New Ellington) in Leeds

Walking into Digby’s Restaurant is like taking a stroll onto the set of a vintage Hollywood film. Glamour and sophistication abound in this fabulous restaurant located within a boutique hotel. Digby’s Restaurant (The NewEllington) in Leeds offers diners and guests a first-class experience from the moment they enter the building. Whether you choose to head straight down to the restaurant, or have a pre-dinner drink in the elegant bar upstairs, the friendly and attentive staff will look after you. If you’re looking to impress business associates, show someone special how much you care or celebrate an event in true style, then look no further than Digby’s.

The menu mirrors the wow factor of the stunning décor. This is British cuisine at its very finest. Choose from the a la carte menu, or if you really can’t decide then one of the many tasting menus on offer will take you on an exciting culinary adventure! For those just looking for a light bite, the bar menu also features some tasty delights. As far as British restaurants in Leeds, it is clear that Digby’s Restaurant is in a league of its own. Diners are invited to being their meal with a selection of Chef’s homemade breads and canapés. The starters really reflect the dedication of the kitchen team to creating classic British food but giving it an innovative twist. The Crispy duck egg with asparagus soldiers, bloody Mary and watercress comes highly recommended while the roast celeriac soup is earthy and welcoming.

Using only the freshest and most seasonal produce the main courses celebrate the very best in ingredients that this country has to offer. Meat lovers will be delighted to see a 10oz Aged Yorkshire flat iron steak, marinated in herbs with vine tomato, garlic infused mushrooms and hand cut chips. Seafood lovers can enjoy a fresh pot of mussels with white wine, garlic and sourdough bread. The desserts on their own are phenomenal so do make sure to leave room! It would be disappointing to miss out on a hazelnut choc-ice with textures of rhubarb and coco nib, or the wickedly indulgent sticky toffee pudding with brandy, butterscotch, banana and raisins. Like many restaurants in Leeds there is the option of a cheese plate featuring some local Yorkshire cheese such as the award-winning Bluemin White or the Ribblesdale Smoked and Katie’s White Lavender.

With so many incredible dishes to choose from it may be best to explore the tasting menu, which is a huge bargain at only £49.95 per person. Start with a canapés and a champagne cocktail in their gin garden. Depending on seasonal availability other dishes may include Yellison goats cheese custard slice with textures of beetroot, soused fennel and sorrel, or the duo of Yorkshire beef with bone marrow, pomme anna, onions rings, chicory and truffle. The elegant evening will be rounded off with a sumptuous dessert followed by handmade chocolates and petit fours. A cheese plate and tea loaf can be included for an additional supplement. There is no question that is you want to dine in style, Digby’s Restaurant (The New Ellington) in Leeds is the place to go!

Friday 27 September 2013

Review of Loch Fyne Restaurant in Leeds

Loch Fyne Restaurant in Leeds

Fish and seafood lovers will discover a real treasure-trove of delicacies at Loch Fyne Restaurant in Leeds. Although there are several Loch Fyne restaurants across the country, each one is dedicated to serving only the freshest and best seafood available, and of course each restaurant has its own ‘personality’. The Leeds branch is housed within the impressive old post office right in the centre of City Square. This is the ideal location for shoppers, sightseers and anyone wanting great food, in a vibrant and fun atmosphere. An extremely popular restaurant, Loch Fyne offers a dining experience that is casual and elegant.

A set lunch or dinner deal available every day until 7pm is a great way to sample their extensive menu. With a choice of either 2-3 courses you really can’t go wrong! Starters like potted peppered mackerel, Thai fishcakes or a hearty bowl of Cullen skink get your meal underway in first class fashion. Mains include the classic moules marinieres, king prawn tagliatelle provencale and the highly recommended Bradan Rost salad, a kiln-roasted salmon fillet with pear, pumpkin seed and butternut squash salad. Like many other seafood restaurants in Leeds there are alternatives for those why may be after something other than fish. Try the succulent and meaty Aberdeen Angus char-grilled burger with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a homemade tomato and orange chutney, served in a soft brioche bun. Vegetarians can opt for delicious dishes like the creamy baby leek risotto served with a soft poached egg.

The a la carte menu has a few more options on it, and is well worth ordering from especially if you love fresh oysters. Diners can order 1, 6 or 12 beautiful Loch Fyne oysters, which is always a great way to celebrate any occasion. Loch Fyne also gives their guests the option of choosing a type of fish, method of cooking and what accompaniments they would like. Choices can be made via the menu or by visiting the fresh fish bar located within the restaurant and include farmed Scottish salmon, wild hake, farmed gilt-head bream as well as a selection of seasonal fish. Whether you opt for having your fish pan-fried and served with a rich hollandaise or grilled and served with chilli and coriander butter, you are guaranteed some of the best seafood in Leeds. In fact if you are looking at restaurants in Leeds for a special night out or even a simple lunch with friends, Loch Fyne Restaurant will impress with great food and stylish surroundings. As always make sure you leave room for dessert! Apple tarte tatin or a smooth, crème brulee are wonderful ways to finish what will be a very memorable meal.

Thursday 26 September 2013

Review of The Town Hall Tavern Restaurant in Leeds

The Town Hall Tavern Restaurant in Leeds

There is something so satisfying about a traditional pub meal. A convivial atmosphere where great food, drink and company can be found is The Town Hall Tavern Restaurant in Leeds. Actually there is a lot more to this award-winning gastro-pub then traditional pub grub. Head chef Anton Scoones has already won accolades for his innovative approach to classic British cuisine. The tavern got its start in 1926 and was used as the main drinking establishment for members of the High Court. Although it has undergone a modern revamp, charming elements of its historical beginnings have been seamlessly integrated into a new sleek, modern appearance. The Town Hall Tavern is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, celebration with friends or family, and can give business lunches the wow factor!

Having won the ‘Best Lunch’ award at the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Awards in 2012 the lunch menu at The Town Hall Tavern is definitely worth sampling! There is a good range of sandwiches that come with either hand cut chips or a dressed salad. Try the THT Club, which comes with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, baby gem lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a granary bloomer. If you want something with a bit more bite then the barbeque Yorkshire steak sandwich with Chimichurri sauce and crisp lettuce on toasted ciabatta may be for you. What is so exciting about The Town Hall Tavern is the diversity of dishes available, which is greater than many other British restaurants in Leeds. Of course there are traditional favourites like fish and chips, scampi in a basket and Yorkshire sausages with Timothy Taylor ale gravy.

The kitchen is dedicated to using fresh, seasonal produce that is locally sourced. The steaks come from Wateredge Farm in Ripon only about an hour away from the tavern. Aged for 30 days these are some of the best steaks you will ever taste! The 10oz signature flat iron steak comes highly recommended. Served with hand cut chips, mixed salad and a choice of sauces your taste buds won’t be able to thank you enough! Vegetarians needn’t feel left out though as there are varied dishes available such as free-range omelette, homemade falafel burger and a carrot and cumin pancake served with carrot hummus and feta salad with shallot and sherry vinegar. If you are searching for restaurants in Leeds that offer a great Sunday Lunch, then look no further as The Town Hall Tavern has an extensive menu. Featured roasts include Yorkshire Dales roast beef, free-range roast loin of pork or a homemade nut roast, all served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, homemade Yorkshire pudding and a flavoured packed homemade gravy. Steaks and chops are also available, as are burgers, pie and mash and fish and chips. There is also a great child-friendly menu. The Town Hall Tavern is a must for anyone serious about great British cuisine.