This month, i travelled a lot and had the best time, from Cardiff to London to Manchester and back.
Here are my highlights.
I got to try the Gin with the longest name - llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Gin. Now all i could think about was, how great this would be for a drinking game - shot every time you get it wrong. But then, it's such a lovely gin you wouldn't want to knock it back. It definitely a talking point around the dinner table.
Hand crafted in a small batch pot still, with lots of Juniper punch and notes of elderflower, angelica root, mint and rosemary all grown on the Isle of Anglesey (my hometown) . Ideally served with lots of ice, a premium tonic water and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
If you fancy a cheeky purchase. Then here's a link for you.
whoo, whoop John and Ceri Cook. Not only do they have the best surname ever for the line of work that they do, they also have a bloomin good menu.
Bit of history for you - J&C cook use to own Arbennig in Pontcanna/ Canton way. They also own half of Hoof in Sticky Fingers ( new street food place by chippy lane) They also own the Lamb & Flag in Wick, Vale of Glamorgan AND NOW, they've buddied up with Milk and Sugar at the Old Library to bring the lovely people of Cardiff some fine dinning on a Friday and Saturday night. I have no idea, when they have time for snuggles and gin. But, thanks to them, we now have another place to dine and drink in the City Centre. It's open on Friday and Saturday night. set menu. £40 of lushness. ( event the wine label matches the menu) - you know this is gonna be good. We tried it out on their first night and will review it, when i've sorted the washing out today. ( need clean Knicks).
For more info - https://twitter.com/EMBERjohnCook?lang=en-gb
While in London, Eat.
That's my moto, i eat like a horse. I'm use to popping into bourough market, camden market........
This time i fancied a change, i challenged Nicky to find me a new streetfood place, that i hadn't visited before and boyo, the boy did good.
He not only found me a streetfood/ market place. He also found a beer street. MARRY ME NOW!!!!!!!!
This was the Maltby Street Market,
It was on a street between a railway line and a block of houses that i'm sure was used in a few episodes of the Bill.
This market was rustic, funky and full of locals ( and one lemon with a massive camera.... Hello, it's here, i'm from WALES....and hungry)
We eat cheese toasties, arepas, fresh bread, colcotadas, best brownies ever after the ceredigion brownies - so not quite the best ones ever.
Then after walking a short distance from Maltby, there was a row of breweries under the railway. IT WAS FRIGGIN COOL. From Cloudwater to Mikkelller, We went from one to and other... walking, then dancing, then struggling, then vomiting. ( those drinks are strong) . It was a cracking day from what i remember. Can't wait to go back
I'm a tastemaker for Sainsburys - cool, right? what is it?
I'll tell you, Sainsbury’s selected a group of foodies to be a part of their exclusive Sainsbury’s Tastemakers community. While we do not get paid, we get to test a range of new products as well as attend educational (food-related) events. We are not obliged to share the details of what we receive, but the produce that they share with us, is pretty damn good. So, i share my opinion with you guys.
In March, i got to go down to London for a Sainsburys tastemaker event, trying new food, chef live demo and a fabulous goodie bag.
We also got to meet new bloggers, which was really nice, as you spend a lot of your time doing this alone.
While i was in London, we stayed at the 5 star hotel in Shoreditch. It was the nicest and coolest hotel, i've ever stayed in. With a roof top lido, roof top restaurant, members bar, champagne on arrival and a mini bar that you can make your own cocktails.
The brecwast was divine. I raved so much about this hotel as i had a great time and it was also really nice that little mix, came to see us as we were staying there. :)
