The Horatio Todds Times - Edition 3

THE Horatio Todd's Times www.horatiotodds.com

Issue 3

DINE FOR LESS THIS JANUARY

INCLUDES A MAIN COURSE & A GLASS OF WINE

TODD’S WINTER MENU A BIG HIT!

2 COURSES &

^^Our pulled pork sandwich is a firm favourite with our customers. Try it on your next visit, it's a guaranteed winner.

“I’ve heard so much about here and it definitely lived up to the expectations! Fabulous food/ drinks and service. 5 star.”

Sharon, Belfast – October 2014.

“Definitely go back in the future for more of the great atmosphere and food.” Rory, Belfast October 2014.

“New menu is great!” Aimee Belfast – November 2014.

along with what local people enjoy when dining out. “I wanted to be able to satisfy customers that would come again and again by offering huge variety, along with those that only come for special occasions through slightly more creative options, which I think this menu really reflects, whilst still providing great value.”

Horatio Todd’s launched a new autumn/winter menu at the start of October, 2014 and since introduction, the positive comments have been flooding in from regulars and first timers alike.

Stand out popular dishes include the fresh mussels steamed in local cider on the lunch menu, along with the pork tenderloin wellington on the evening a la carte, with the impressive baked Alaska dessert a strong favourite amongst diners.

Head Chef Stuart Archibald feels his new menu is a great reflection of local produce, combining food industry trends

January is also seeing the special £9.95 menu make a comeback, to encourage diners to enjoy evenings out in this traditionally

cash-strapped month!

General Manager Morgan Watson says that just because the season of indulgence is behind us does not mean we should deprive ourselves of a good night out! Especially to cushion the effects of back to work blues! “Our £9.95 meal deal includes a main meal and glass of wine which is exceptional value, and based on our portion sizes and many keeping a keen eye on their waistlines come the new year, this deal is always very popular”.

The £9.95 special deal is available all day Sunday to Thursday every week for the month of January.

For bookings telephone: 028 9065 3090.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR NEW SPRING MENU LAUNCHING EARLY MARCH.

Today’s freshly prepared soup with homemade focaccia. (V) Crispy chicken wings with your choice of smokey BBQ sauce or fiery Louisiana hot sauce, celery sticks and blue cheese dip. (GF) Horatio’s homemade fresh baked bread selection with tapenade and Irish butter. (V) Mussels steamed with smoked bacon and cider served with homemade focaccia.

Vietnamese pork and lettuce wraps, served with a crisp baby gem Asian slaw finished with a coriander and chilli dressing. (GF) Horatio’s leek and potato seafood chowder served with spring onion soda breads.

Grilled Halloumi, served on a bed of poached pear and walnut salad, finished with baby spinach and a honey and orange vinaigrette. (V) (GF) Chargrilled Bruschetta with smashed broad beans and Greek feta, accompanied by a fresh rocket salad finished with a tomato and red chilli jam. (V) Fresh fillet of haddock coated in a light bubbly batter, served with traditional tartar sauce, mushy peas and thick cut chips.

Chargrilled 6oz beef burger topped with grilled cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, sautéed onions, finished with a homemade BBQ sauce and thick cut chips.

Pulled pork sandwich cooked to tender perfection, served with an apple and celeriac slaw, house mac ‘n’ cheese and shoestring frites.

Linguine pasta, slow roast tomato ragout, courgette ribbons, wilted spinach, shaved Parmesan and garlic bread, (V).

Smokey paprika confit chicken, accompanied by a pea and pancetta risotto, finished with a herb and white wine veloute, (GF).

Cumin-infused roasted butternut squash risotto, with pea shoots and garlic-rubbed toasts. (V) Oven baked fillet of salmon, served on a bed of butterbean mash, crispy Serrano ham with a tomato and caper dressing, (GF).

Handmade sweet potato and chickpea fritters, laid with grilled vegetables, warm pita chilli salsa, finished with a delicate pea and feta hummus, (V).

Chargrilled minute steak, with roasted tomato and French fried onions with your choice of pepper sauce or garlic butter, along with your choice of one side (£3.50 supplement) Cappuccino cheesecake with cream and crushed amoretti biscuits.

Autumn apple and blackberry crumble with traditional homemade fresh custard.

Millionaire’s chocolate pot.

Trio of homemade delights: Creamy rice pudding | Rhubarb compote | Vanilla Crème Brulee Chef’s selection of cheese, biscuits and spiced pear chutney

Available all day Sunday Monday to Thursday from 5pm STARTING FEBRUARY 2015

TO BOOK TEL: 028 9065 3090 Offer subject to availability, terms & conditions apply.

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THE Horatio Todd's Times

BURNS NIGHT Kilts, bagpipes, the elusive “Nessie” and men named Jock… January 25th marks the celebration of our close neighbour’s favourite son – Robert Burns and all things quintessentially great about Scotland.

January 1759 in the village of Alloway, two miles south of Ayr. His parents, Willian Burns and Agnes Broun, were tenant farmers but they ensured their son received a relatively good education and he began to read avidly.

But how much do you know about Robert Burns? (Extracted from the BBC biography)

Hard physical labour on the family farm took its toll on the young Burns, who increasingly turned his attentions towards the passions of poetry, nature,

Robert Burns was born on 25

drink and women which would characterise the rest of his life.

Soon after his popularity began to grow, the newly hailed Ploughman Poet, (because his poems complemented the growing literary taste for romanticism and pastoral pleasures), Burns arrived in Edinburgh, where he was welcomed by a circle of wealthy and important friends.

However

in

just

18

short

months, Burns had spent most of the wealth from his published poetry, so in 1789 he began work as an Excise Officer in Dumfries (an irony not lost on him) and resumed his relationship with wife Jean.

His increasingly radical political views influenced many of the phenomenal number of poems, songs and letters he continued to pen, including such famous works as For a' that and a' that.

with some claiming that the poet’s verse played a key role in helping Lincoln win the American civil war and abolish slavery.

The hard work this new job entailed, combined with the toil of his earlier life and dissolute lifestyle began to take their toll on Burns's health. He died on 21 July 1796 aged just 37 and was buried with full civil and military honours on the very day his son Maxwell was born. A memorial edition of his poems was published to raise money for his wife and children.

5. US fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger claims direct descent from Robert Burns.

Did you know?

7. Burns fathered at least 12 children with four different women during his short 37 year lifetime. His youngest child, Maxwell, was born on the day of his funeral.

1. After Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Robert Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other nonreligious figure.

2. Robert Burns was the first ever person to appear on a commemorative bottle of CocaCola, in 2009.

3. American president Abraham Lincoln had a lifelong admiration for the work of Robert Burns,

4. The work of Burns has appeared in hundreds of films and television programmes, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), “When Harry met Sally” (1989) and the 2008 film version of “Sex in the City”.

6. Burns body was exhumed in 1815 to be placed in a new mausoleum in Dumfries. Whilst his body was above ground, a plaster cast of his skull was taken for study. The skull was measured and discovered to be bigger than the average man's.

At Horatio Todd’s, we are getting into the spirit of Burns night on Sunday the 25th of January by offering special Scottishinspired dishes, whiskies, with a live piper, music and cocktail happy hour!

For bookings telephone 028 9065 3090.

DIFFERENT WHITE WINE

Winter Warmers Enjoy a selection of Liqueur coffees, hot toddies & hot buttered rum

from

each

406 UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, BELFAST, BT4 3EZ T: 028 9065 3090 E: INFO@HORATIOTODDS.COM

GRAPE VARIETIES

Sauvignon Blanc… Chardonnay…

Moscato… We are familiar with the descriptions but do we really understand the differences?

See below a general description “cheat sheet” to at least get you through your next wine conversation.

SAUVIGNON BLANC (So-veen-yawn Blah) is a very versatile food wine, which works with various seafood and poultry dishes along with salads. Often described as a fruitier alternative to chardonnay, sauvignon blanc varieties tend to grow best in cooler climates, which is why France and New Zealand are world-renowned providers. A safe bet when selecting a white wine as is usually palatable by all.

CHARDONNAY (Shar-do-nay) was THE choice in the 90s, although has reduced in popularity in favour of sweeter alternatives in recent times.

In saying that, choosing a traditionally dry chardonnay can complement almost any fish dishes and chicken. Usually quite citrusy - can be oaked or unoaked depending on the winery region.

SEMILLION (Say-mee-yaw) is a great seafood pairing wine, as a glass of chilled semillion can liven up even the blandest of dishes. Often described as having fig-like character, semillion is often blended with sauvignon blanc to delimit its strong berry-like flavours.

MOSCATO (Mos-cato) belongs to the muscat family of grapes and is best served on its own: without food due to its often sweet and always fruity characteristics. Makes an excellent dessert wine equivalent with its distinct flavour – if you like sweet then this wine is for you!

PINOT GRIGIO (Pee-no gree-zo). Probably the most versatile of the group – a chilled pinot will work with most foods due to its very palatable crispness. Grown in various regions of the USA, France, Germany, Australia, Austria and of course Italy – this pinot is an easy choice in any setting or occasion.

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THE Horatio Todd's Times

WE'RE TURING 5!

TINES D LEN AY A V

only

pp

Available Friday 13th & Saturday 14th February from 5pm TO BOOK TELEPHONE:

(028) 9065 3090 BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT 406 UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, BELFAST, BT4 3EZ T: 028 9065 3090 E: INFO@HORATIOTODDS.COM

4. Mo Bro & Mo Sista – The best dressed couple.

5. Best Mo in Character – A Mo Bro dressed in character.

6. Miss Movember – The Mo Sista judged to be the best dressed and full of Movember spirit.

MO-RATIO TODD’S OFFICIALLY

CLOSES MOVEMBER 2014 IN

CLASSIC MO-INSPIRED STYLE 2014 saw Horatio Todd’s chosen to stage the internationally recognised official Movember Gala Parte event in Belfast, on Sunday the 30th of November.

The Gala Parte marked the official end of Movember, by giving guests the opportunity to dress up and come together to showcase their hairy achievements and celebrate the power of the Mo. This event also gives charity organisers a chance to thank supporters for collective fundraising and awareness efforts.

The Ballyhackamore nightspot was selected to host the party after many years of continual support for the cause, with the success on the evening only helping Horatio’s ambition to host both opening and closing

parties in 2015.

Horatio Todd’s rolled out the red carpet, with live music entertainment by local talent Jackie Rainey, and cocktail happy hour pricing throughout the night. The evening also included the prize giving portion of parte, with awards being given in the following categories: 1. Ultimate Mo - A Mo Bro judged purely on the intricate grooming and styling of his Mo. A good outfit helps too.

2. Lame Mo – An encouragement award given to our “Facial Follically Challenged” Brethren.

3. Team Mo – The team judged to have the best moustache and outfit combination.

7. Man of Movember – The ultimate accolade, the man with the best Mo, costume and attitude who embodies Movember.

Horatio Todd’s General Manager, Morgan Watson, took home the much sought-after “Man of Movember” award, and bartender Aaron Wilkinson taking out the slightly less desired “Lame Mo” nod.

A raffle was also held, with top prizes including a Jack Daniels electric guitar, private cocktail masterclasses with Horatio Todd’s best mixologists, meals for two and many more. A selection of wines and spirits were also kindly donated and raffled off to raise further funds for the cause.

In total, Horatio Todd’s raised over £1,700 in funds donated to men’s health awareness and conditions such as prostate cancer.

Donations can be made at any time via www.uk.movember. com/donate

Yes we have been entertaining and catering for patrons for five whole years! And to celebrate, we are not only having a party… but having a 5-week-long celebration!

We are theming everything with the number 5 - that means 5

course deals, 5 special beers, and crazy dress ups and much more. Join us from the 27th of February when our celebrations begin!

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details.

THE Horatio Todd's Times www.horatiotodds.com

Issue 3

FACE OF HORATIO TODD'S it epitomizes what we at Horatio Todd's are all about.

Q. What inspired you when helping create the new drinks menu?

I took a lot of inspiration for the new cocktail menu from Horatio Todd himself after doing some research into his pharmacy and the products he would have used. We felt that we could take some of the ingredients that he would have used and included these creations for the new menu. I also did some research in to what was popular in the local industry and what is going on further afield.

NAME: CRAIG WALSH JOB TITLE: BAR SUPERVISOR Horatio Todd’s Bar Supervisor, Craig Walsh, has been with the business for over 12 months and has an enviable and vast knowledge of all things drinkworthy.

Q. What has been a stand out moment for you during your time at Horatio Todd’s?

A big stand out moment for me would have to be the launch of our new drinks menu in December, after a lot of hard work and trial and error. I feel

Additionally, our new drinks list also celebrates our very own infusion range – which include varying spirits that we actually infuse ourselves right here in Horatio Todd’s. We do this in order to get a range and depth of flavour not always possible

through utilizing off-the-shelf spirits. Examples of how these infusions are used can be seen with one of our most popular favourites – the Todd’s ice tea, which pay homage to two of history’s greatest drinks by taking the humble sweet ice tea and the long island ice tea and mixing them together to end up with this perfectly balanced drink.

Q. Are there any beverage trends you are predicting for 2015?

Through online articles, blogs and talking to fellow bartenders, I feel that the trends for 2015 in the drinks industry will be more focused on small batch spirits, craft beers, bottled cocktails/ punches, and a rise in savory cocktail and infused spirits.

Why not try one of Craig's recipes at home?

RASPBERRY SLING What you will need: 1 mixing glass 1 shaking tin Cubed ice 15 ml Measuring spoon 35 ml measure 1 highball glass Strainer Straws

35mls vodka 15mls cassis 3 fresh raspberries 25 mls of fresh lemon juice 35 mls pineapple juice 25 mls apple juice 15 mls Sugar syrup (made up of 2 part sugar to 1 part boiling water stir until all the sugar has dissolved and let it cool before using) Lemon wedge 1 or 2 raspberries to decorate Step 1. Fill your highball glass with ice to chill.

Step 2. Add all the ingredients to your mixing glass then fill to the top with ice.

Step 3. Put your mixing tin on at a slight angle and press down tight, shake the cocktail vigorously until the outside of your shaking tin is well chilled.

Step 4. Take your chilled highball glass and replenish the ice for serving.

Step 5. Using your strainer pour the now well chilled mixture in to the highball glass.

Step 6. Place your lemon wedge and raspberries on top to decorate.

Step 7. Sit back, sip and enjoy.

Horatio Todd's wordsearch BAG PIPES BIRTHDAY BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATE CHAMPAGNE CHARDONNAY CRAFT BEER HORATIO TODDS JANUARY DEAL MR GREY VALENTINES WHISKY WINTER

406 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3EZ T: 028 9065 3090 W: www.horatiotodds.com

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