Fifteen, Watergate Bay, Cornwall

I had been wanting to try Jamie Oliver's beach front restaurant for a while. I opted to order off the main menu and not for the five course sample menu. This worked out better as there was more choice with bigger portions and not as expensive.

The crab pasta to start was simple which complemented the fresh crab. For the main, the pork chop with lentils and salsa verde was delicious and nothing like I'd ever tasted. I don't normally eat pork but this was chargrilled making it superb, and the salsa verde cut through the lentils rich flavour. Though my favourite course was the dessert. The panna cotta was so silky smooth with a strong hit of vanilla, like the nicest milky bar yogurt you've ever eaten!

I would also strongly recommended sampling the cocktails, they were superb. I had a coconut mojito followed by an apple pie martini, both were so well balanced and refreshing.

I was very impressed by the whole experience, it was a lovely treat and will definitely be back to try the seasonal variations.

https://www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/

Sunday Roast @ The Basement, Padstow

I'd been to The Basement previously but this was my first experience of their roast. I'd say its definitely the best one I've had in the local area. With a delicate salmon starter, followed by roast beef sirloin with all the trimmings and light, flavoursome sorbets to finish. I couldn't fault it. There was great attention to detail and a great setting in the heart of Padstow.

 

http://www.thebasement.co.uk/

Cocktails @ The Brig, Falmouth, Cornwall

This is a new rum and cocktail bar in busy Falmouth. As you can probably tell from the name, The Brig is pirate themed with its dark décor and pirate memorabilia. This cocktail is one of the best I've had anywhere, being up there with ones I've had in Ibiza. The Apple Pie consists of spiced run, vanilla vodka, cloudy apple and lemon juices with raisin and ginger syrup. Sweet like pie and so easy to drink! I'm definitely going back to try some of the other interesting cocktails on the menu.

http://www.thebrig.co.uk/

The Meat Counter, Falmouth, Cornwall

I had wicked food the other night, as always, at The Meat Counter. The cool, diner style restaurant offers homemade burgers with delicious sides. I had this classic of pulled pork and coleslaw served in a brioche bun, it was super tasty. I also ordered sweet potato fries to go with it which were insane!!! I love sweet potato, and they truly surpassed my expectation!

This place is a must try when your in Falmouth.

https://www.facebook.com/themeatcounterfalmouth

Best bites of Edinburgh

I've just come back from a very foodie Easter weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's such a vibrant city with so much to see and do, I couldn't fit it all into four days. The range of eateries, with cuisine from all over the world, was very exciting. Also, all the different themed bars are not to be missed. My intention for this blog post is to tell you my favourites from the city...but I might get carried away and write about everywhere because everywhere was so good!

 

 From the outside, Panda and Sons looks like a barbers. However, once you step inside and head down the stairs you realise it is much more. The vast range of cocktails are all very imaginative and sometimes even dramatic. I sampled 'Monet Talks' that involved painting your own cocktail with edible fruit coulis paint and prosecco. The atmosphere in this dark and aromatic venue is magical. It is definitely a hidden gem within an equally as exciting city.

http://pandaandsons.com/

Honestly, the best breakfast I've ever had. I absolutely loved Loudons café. I had the American pancakes that came with baked banana and maple syrup. This was basically dessert for breakfast but it tasted so good that I didn't worry. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, I could of easily eaten here every day of my holiday.  

http://www.loudons-cafe.co.uk/
 

If you are after 'fine dining' and grandeur this is the place for you. The Witchery is located on the historic Royal Mile and the stunning sixteenth century dining room is studded with antique silver wear and chandeliers. The three course set menu only costs £35, which is reasonable considering the portion size and beautiful setting. The food was good, particularly the Tonka bean crème brulee.
http://www.thewitchery.com/
 

Bentoya is a very popular sushi and Japanese fusion restaurant. If, like me, you can't choose from the extensive menu, go for a bento box which offers a mix of tasty morsels. Everything was so fresh and flavoursome. I highly recommend this bustling restaurant. It should also be noted that it's cash only and BYOB.

http://www.bentoya-edinburgh.com/

 

 And finally, Lola Lo. This Polynesian themed club has a great range of cocktails that can be served in themed mugs and even barrels like our one above. Slightly on the cheesy side but it has a fun atmosphere where you can dance off all the cocktails!

http://www.lolaloedinburgh.com/

Raffertys Cafe and Wine Bar, St Merryn, Cornwall

There's a lovely atmosphere at this village wine bar. Situated just off the main crossroads, it's a great place to go for a classy glass of wine after a week of work. The food menu is also worth a look. I had baked camembert to share and seafood tagliatelle to follow. It's relatively expensive but worth it for a special treat. I would like to go back to sample some of the tapas available and this dessert..."Chocolate brownie, passion fruit sorbet, chocolate meringue & Cornish clotted cream"! Overall, good ambience, good wine and good, fresh food.

Rafferty's Pizzeria, St Merryn, Cornwall

 I've been meaning to blog this for a couple of weeks. My friends and I went to Rafferty's Pizzeria for their three course Christmas menu. It was great value at £19.

 

I had the butternut squash ravioli, the Bianca pizza with red onion, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil and thyme and the cinnamon churros with chocolate dipping sauce. The pizza was very thin, so if you prefer the thicker base this might not be the place for you. The churros were definitely the highlight of the meal. Hot cinnamon goodness with a thick, rich chocolate sauce. They were delightful! They are on the main menu too, so you can still go and try the little beauties.

 

Being in a village, I think it's quite a quiet place. Overall, the food was pleasant but maybe try out their takeaway first to see if it's to your taste! 

 

http://www.raffertyspizzeria.co.uk/contact.php#.VpJcQmbnnIU

The Basement, Padstow, Cornwall

 I had an amazing meal the other night at The Basement, Padstow for my works Christmas party. I had...

 

Salmon terrine with pickled vegetables and mustard dressing

Slow braised lamb with butternut, kale, sweet potato and redcurrant jus

Chocolate tart with pistachio ice cream

 

All for £19.50. Great value and the staff were so accommodating. Definitely worth a visit.

http://www.thebasement.co.uk/

Raindell's, Broadstairs, Kent

Really juicy and tasty burger at Raindell's diner. Friendly and polite staff, definitely eating there again.

Plus, used my Taste Card and got one of the main meals free.

Cafe des Amis, Canterbury, Kent

Lovely Mexican restaurant in Canterbury. Really friendly staff and good value. Monday to Friday, 5 til 6pm, you can get two courses and a drink for £13.95.

I had nachos and chicken fajitas. The fajitas were delicious and served with a range of tasty accompaniments.

 

I also tried the torta de chocolate. It was the nicest, gooiest torte I've had.

Mullins Brasserie, Margate, Kent

Great value meal at the European/Caribbean restaurant in Margate Old Town.

I had the three course set lunch menu for £12.95. To start, creole mussels. For main, jerk chicken with rice 'n' peas. And for dessert, steamed ginger pudding with toffee sauce.

 

All courses were delicious, I couldn't fault anything. I will defiantly be going back to try their dinner menu.

Burger and Lobster, Knightsbridge, London

I'd heard a lot about Burger and Lobster from friends. I had a whole grilled lobster with a lemon butter sauce, chips and salad for £20. The sauce was delicious but the lobster didn't blow me away.

Good cocktails though. I had a very nice 'apples and pears' made with cider brandy, pear juice, prosecco and lemon. But at £9.95, was quite pricey.

Tuna Steak @ Bentleys Bar and Grill, Margate

 

Really tasty tuna steak with hot wasabi dressing.

Great cocktails at Bentleys too.



Paella @ Cafe Mauresque, Canterbury

Lovely seafood paella at Cafe Mauresque.

Located down one of the side roads from the Cathedral, serving Moroccan/Spanish food.

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I'm 23 years old and love baking. I hope to open a cake shop in Cornwall. Here's what I bake and eat.