Quote of the Week - Week commencing Monday 29 May 2017

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta."

Federico Fellini

Crowded House

Manchester Road, Bury

Crowded House is a unique dining experience which brings a taste of the city to the suburbs. It’s a restaurant, bar and beauty salon all in one. Since it opened back in 2015, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about the food, so I was delighted when I finally visited this weekend.

Owned and run by married couple Dave and Johanne Banks, the restaurant has an al-fresco feel to it, complete with wooden tables and chairs and walls adorned with a conglomeration of antiques, from irons to typewriters, and even an old bicycle. Classic light bulbs hang from the high ceiling, with wires suspended, giving it that unfinished yet stylish studio-style feel. Mismatching furniture and wallpaper help finish off the chic interior. 

In terms of cuisine, the focus is on world fusion, bringing together flavours from across the globe. Crowded House are renowned for their impressive array of sharing platters. There are vegetarian, Greek, meat and fish based sharer boards, all of which sound, and look, mighty fine. 

As it was lunchtime, we were after something a little lighter. They have a separate lunch menu, which offers a selection of sandwiches and salads. I had the Chargrilled Mediterranean Vegetable sandwich: onions, courgettes and peppers with hummus and basil, served on ciabatta bread. I’ve never had hummus on a sandwich before, but this hearty homemade chickpea puree complemented the selection of cooked vegetables beautifully. There was plenty of veg on it too, and, importantly, the ciabatta bread wasn’t over-toasted to the point of being dry. All sandwiches can be served either hot or cold – though personally I think these kind of veggies would lack flavour when cold – on either ciabatta, bloomer, or in a sub or wrap, complete with a side salad and crisps. It was beautifully presented on a wooden chopping board, with a handle; an innovative idea which makes carrying the dish much easier.

Chargrilled Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich

The salads, I didn’t pay much attention too. Generally, I’m of the opinion that a salad is a waste of time and money when I’m eating out. My lunch companion, on the other hand, is a salad lover, so ordered the Greek Salad. The ingredients were pretty standard: feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and mixed leaves. The salad itself, however, was far from ordinary. Safe to say, it was the most impressive-looking salad I’ve ever seen. It was huge, incredible value, and came served with a bowl of hummus and warm pitta bread – almost like a starter and a main course all in one. 

I’ve previously spoken about how terrible I am when it comes to food envy. No matter how happy I am with my choice, I always want what somebody else is eating. That said, a Greek salad is something I never thought I could be jealous of.

Greek Salad

When it came to dessert, I categorically decided that I’d like to try most things on the menu. However, as a hardcore cheesecake devotee, I felt that, on my first visit, it was my duty to give this a try. I opted for the salted caramel and pear flavoured cheesecake, surrounded by a milk chocolate birdcage. It was close to my idea of cheesecake perfection: soft and creamy in texture and loaded with caramel flavour, whilst the biscuit base was chunky and not too crumbly. The creative chocolate bird cage was unique and inventive, and made the dessert look as scrumptious as it tasted. 

Salted Caramel and Pear Cheesecake

I’m disappointed that I left it so long to try Crowded House. The sandwiches and salads are perfect for light bites of a lunchtime, but I can’t wait to return and try the evening menu, in particular the grazing boards. Although they’re designed to be shared, if you’re anything like me you could polish one off in its entirety for your main course. There’s also a wide range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, plus chef’s specials.

The only disadvantage is the restaurant’s position. Unless you live within walking distance, you have no option but to drive, and there is very limited parking available nearby, due to it being on the front of an extremely busy main road. It doesn’t help that you can’t book, it’s strictly for walk-ins only, so during busy periods you may find yourself waiting at the bar for a table.

Crowded House is a refreshing and relaxing establishment, with plenty of character. It brings a modern city centre vibe to the local area. The food is freshly prepared with an emphasis on local produce, and there’s a definite air of fine dining about it. It’s just a shame about the location. 

Visit the website: http://www.crowdedhousebury.co.uk/

Quote of the Week - Week commencing Monday 22 May 2017

"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy cupcakes. And that's kind of the same thing."

Author unknown 

Brunch at Northern Crafthouse

Bury New Road, Whitefield

I’ve previously spoken favourably of Northern Crafthouse, Whitefield’s trendy new bar and restaurant which serves American and Mexican comfort classics. Since my first foray, I’ve made several return visits of a morning to sample the brunch menu, which is available from 10.00 am until 12.30 pm.

The place feels completely different during the daytime. Each time I’ve been for something to eat in the early evening, it’s been bustling, it’s been bustling, in stark contrast to the quiet, relaxed atmosphere of a Saturday or Sunday morning. 

The breakfast menu consists of both English and American breakfast classics spiced up with a Mexican twist. On my first visit, I had the Mex Benedict: hash browns on an English muffin, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, chorizo, pico de gallo and chipotle sour cream. It was deliciously tasty and stunningly presented. The flavours all complimented each other beautifully to produce a rich, hearty late breakfast. You wouldn’t expect chorizo and pico de gallo (a Mexican salsa which tops just about every dish you’ll order at Northern Crafthouse) to work on an Eggs Benedict, but it was a delightful twist.

Mex Benedict

The second time, I had the Avocado Toast. It wouldn’t generally be my first choice, as I’m not partial to the tropical fruit. However, this version was mashed together with red peppers and salsa. Basically, it was like eating guacamole on toast. Topped with two perfectly cooked poached eggs, it was deliciously satisfying and healthy. The poached eggs were an optional extra, as are streaky bacon, scrambled eggs, guacamole, sourdough toast and an English muffin, all of which are available to order with any of the dishes for an extra £2. Given that the brunches are reasonably priced, my Mex Benedict costing £7.50 and the generous portion of Avocado Toast just £4.50, you can afford to add those sneaky extras.

Smashed Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs

On my third breakfast date, I had the weird and wonderful combination that was the Waffle Benedict: a waffle topped with poached eggs, streaky bacon, American burger cheese and hollandaise sauce. The waffle was soft and fluffy, the eggs were perfectly poached and the bacon was lean, soft and juicy, just how I like it. I didn’t like the idea of the cheese at breakfast time, but it wasn’t overpowering, although, together with the hollandaise sauce, it was a little bit sickly. 

Waffle Benedict

The Breakfast Pancakes, meanwhile, I’d been to avoid. They appear to have everything piled on top of them: streaky bacon, scrambled egg, blueberries and maple syrup. To me, this is two separate and entirely different breakfasts thrown together. I’m very much of the opinion that sweet and savoury foods should never combine, not even in popcorn, so I can’t possibly imagine eating eggs and blueberries in the same mouthful.

Brunch at Northern Crafthouse is a joy, and it could easily become a weekly treat. It’s reasonably priced and superb quality food, which is always served swiftly. My favourite dish so far has been the Mex Benedict. I applaud them for offering something a little different on a chilled, weekend morning; there’s even a selection of brunch cocktails. The hybrid pancakes are just one step too far. 

Menus and photos can be found online at: 

https://www.facebook.com/NorthernCrafthouse/ 

Quote of the Week - Week commencing Monday 15 May 2017

"If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat... the people who give you their food give you their heart."

Cesar Chavez 

Quote of the Week - Week commencing Monday 8 May 2017

"Fools make feasts and wise men eat them."

Benjamin Franklin 

Roma Caffè and Deli

Bury New Road, Whitefield

If I had £1 for every time I’ve set foot through the door of Roma in Whitefield, I’d have more than enough money to fund all the eating out I do. Yes, I’ve eaten there an awful lot. It’s a charming little Italian eatery with a big heart. The hub of the local community, it provides authentic Italian home cooking, serving delicious, fresh produce, all prepared on the premises daily.

The cafe and delicatessen, situated on Bury New Road, is a family business through and through. Founded in 1987, what started off as a small shop and deli soon expanded into a cafe, specialising in Italian coffee, pizzas and sandwiches. Despite growing and relocating, to this day, it’s still run by three generations of two families and it’s remained true to its roots.

Roma makes for delightful daytime dining. Over the years, I’ve sampled just about everything on the menu. Their hot and cold sandwiches make for the perfect lunchtime bite, all freshly prepared on their homemade muffins. The veggie toastie is a particular favourite of mine: tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and peppers, served with mayonnaise on a toasted brown barm.

Rustic, homemade pizzas feature all the Italian favourites, everything from a simple margarita to Roma specialities, whilst the salads are simple but beautifully presented, accompanied by a range of Italian dressings. 

They open late on a Friday night, so from time to time we pop in for our tea, giving me the chance to step away from the hot and cold sandwiches and instead indulge in their delicious pasta dishes.

Lasagne has long been a favourite of mine. The Italian classic isn’t something I’d normally order in a restaurant, as I feel it’s a bit of a cop out, but Roma specialises in the art of home cooking, and you’ll struggle to find a tastier version of this famous al forno dish anywhere else. This time, though, I had Tortelli: tortelloni with porcini mushroom in a tomato and mascarpone sauce. It was full of flavour, rich and creamy, exactly as I like pasta to be. When you order tortelloni in a restaurant, you’re typically presented with a handful of pieces that look lost in the middle of an empty dish. Thankfully, this is not the case in Roma, where I received a magnificently huge bowlful, so there was no chance of me leaving feeling peckish. 

Tortelloni with porcini mushroom, tomato and mascarpone

I had no idea that tortelloni and tortellini are actually two different things. Granted, there’s little difference – the former is apparently a larger version of the latter. Eating at Roma never stops being educational.

For me, the highlight of a trip to Roma is in the cakes. All baked on site daily, their delicate pastries, choux buns and gateaux are unique and delectable. I can guarantee that you will not find a nicer vanilla slice anywhere in the world. They’re made using Italian custard and laden with Stega liqueur; perhaps that’s the secret. Other personal favourites are the sensationally zingy limoncello eclairs and the Italian style cheesecake, made with Ricotta and a hint of lemon. 

Roma's unbeatable vanilla slices - try one!

Dessert on Friday night was Amacialata: a Roma original, made with amaretto biscuits, Nutella and meringue. Served warm with ice cream, this ingenious creation was heated to the point of turning soft and gooey, the meringue and amaretto melting away in your mouth. Whilst the three key ingredients may sound like an unusual combination, they are a match made in heaven. 

Amacialata

Normally, Tiramisu is something I can’t abide, thanks to my severe distaste for all things coffee. My mum, who was dining with me, on the other hand, is a fan. The world temporarily stopped spinning on its axes, as I actually managed to stomach this version. It was made with amaretto liqueur, which helped to sweeten the bitterness of the coffee. The added creaminess of the heavy mascarpone topping also helped. For my mum, however, it was too much cream and not enough substance. Funny, eh?

Tiramisu

A huge bowl of pasta and a scrumptious slab of cake on a Friday night for less than £15 is something not to be sniffed at. The portion sizes are more than generous; it’s Italian home cooking at its finest. Presentation is not one of their strong points, but they’re not trying to be in the least bit arty, their aim is simple: to serve good food. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes it feels like you’ve popped round to your friends for a hearty meal. Whether you’re in the mood for carb-induced blow out, a light lunchtime bite or a coffee and cake catch-up, if you’re in and around Whitefield, Roma is the place to go. 

Website: http://www.roma.ltd.uk/

Quote of the Week - Week commencing Monday 1 May 2017

"After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relatives."

Oscar Wilde