Food Trail Issue 04

FOOD TRA iL essentials

ISSUE 4 • MAY/JUNE 2018

Cultural cooking HOT RECIPES TO RUSTLE UP AT HOME

Flavour fellas LOCAL FOODIES SHARE THEIR TRAVEL TALES

Taste tour DIG IN TO THE BEST OVERSEAS-INSPIRED CUISINE

Welcome

The Essentials

ISSUE 4 • MAY/JUNE 2018

04 Close to home

13

We uncover the best spots serving up classic, close-to-home food with tasty twists...

10 Bistro boss We chat with Greg Bureau

12 Orient express We lift the lid on the hottest finds dishing up miso-soaked marvellousness...

18 Spice man Sachins owner, Bob Arora, tells us his foodie tales from around the globe...

24 Fiery flavour

Welcome to your flavour journey...

This year’s flavour-packed Food Trail promises to take you, dear reader, on a global food quest, lifting the lid on the best places in the North East to sample the tastiest, most authentic cuisine from around the world.

From spectacular sushi and traditional Afternoon Tea, to terrific tapas, cracking curries, perfect pasta and unbeatable burgers, enjoy a tasty tour of the region’s most mouthwatering menus inspired by flavours found and loved overseas. You’ll also discover must-try recipes to test at home, as well as fun Q&As with local restaurateurs and foodie business owners, who chat about their backgrounds, menus, gastronomic travels and more.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out our style page, filled with on-trend inspiration to help transform your kitchen this spring/summer. Enjoy - and happy eating, wherever your travels take you!

Jessica Laing, editor

Colourful joints to visit for a bit of mezze magic, African-style...

28 Grill guy James Bramman of Safari, Newcastle, reveals his food facts...

30 Big time bites Meaty eateries serving up sweet-and-smoky portions...

34 Burger bloke Meat:Stack’s Tom Westman talks business and food cravings...

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Lisa Anderson: lisa@remembermedia.co.uk / 07734 560565 or Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk / 07910 918366

Remember Media Ltd, e.volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2018 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, April 2018. Food Trail is published annually by Remember Media Ltd.

03

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Close to home

EUROPE From croissants and koftas, to pie, pasta and paella, we uncover the best spots serving up classic, close-to-home food with tasty twists...

Go Greek

Smashing plates with sunshine flavours…

Kafeneon, Newcastle

Dishes here are as authentic as-can-be; think party-sized platters and mezze feasts, showcasing traditional souvlaki, gyros, moussaka and homemade dips, roasted stuffed peppers, slow-cooked lamb and pulled pork pittas and sensational Greek-style salads with homemade tzatziki - the best we’ve tried. Gluten-free options available.

8 Bigg Market, Newcastle, NE1 1UW

French Fancies

Yannis, Durham

A family-run restaurant (the owners originate from Crete) and takeaway in Lanchester, specialising in fuss-free, home-style dishes, made in the most traditional of ways. It’s Greek, calorific comfort food at its best; stuffed pitta wraps, smothered in tzatziki or Greek yogurt, with thick-cut chips, Greek-style pizzas, baked pasta and meatballs, giant lamb chops and a divine range of starters. Our picks? The stuffed vine leaves, hummus and feta pastry parcels, pan-fried saganaki and king prawn ‘zorbas’.

21 Front Street, Lanchester, County Durham, DH7 OLA

Dinner with added ooh-la-la…

Bistrot Pierre, Middlesbrough

Expect a mix of traditional-style, bistro favourites, from hearty boeuf bourguignon to confit duck cassoulet, and modern, anglo-French dishes at this buzzy chain restaurant. Its chefs make regular trips across the channel to discover new ingredients, before bringing them back to Blighty to experiment with for new recipes.

93-101 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PA

Acropolis Greek Taverna, Middlesbrough

The French Quarter, Newcastle

Brothers Fotis, Xristos and John bring a taste of Athens to Teesside through their hearty portions of traditional meats and spectacular seafood, and inventive veggie-based dishes. The menu isn’t massive, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavour; lamb cooked in a traditional clay baker ’til melt-in-the-mouth tender, oven-baked seabass and aubergine, king prawns in Ouzo and garlic and mounds of roasted Med-style veg. A visit without dessert would be tragic - the ‘kantaifi’ (layers of filo pastry, rolled with walnuts and soaked in honey) is a must-order.

141 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5DE

This laid-back neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar serves up a relaxed, tapas-style menu, packed with mouthwatering, made-for-sharing plates across charcuterie and cheese, meat, fish and seafood and surprisingly-good veggie options. A place to mix ’n’ match and discover new flavour combos.

6 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SA

Bistrot Citron Vert, Durham

Somewhere worth visiting for weekend supper, where you can indulge in the freshest, big-as-your-fist mussels, steamed in white wine, brothy bowls of French onion soup, punchy duck a l’orange and proper crème caramel.

All mains can be served with rich, homemade gratin dauphinoise - go for this instead of fries.

87 Elemore Street, Durham, DH6 1BD

Also worth a visit…

Stalida Greek Taverna, Hexham

Eat here and be transported to Mykonos. Hexham’s most popular Greek spot was purposely decorated to mimic a traditional taverna and the menu shows off the stuff served in the owners’ by-the-sea restaurant in Crete - dishes that have been passed down through generations with love. The silky sardines, mussels with feta, charred pork skewers and deep-fried courgettes get our vote.

9a Battle Hill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 2AJ

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Also worth a visit…

French Oven Bakery, Grainger Market

The sweetest French bakery, specialising in petite, artisan treats, from macarons and handmade pain au chocolat, to gateaux, fresh-from-the-oven croissants and big-time baguettes. The homemade pies are to-die-for, as are the takeaway Afternoon Tea boxes.

Grainger Street, Newcastle, NE1 5QQ

04

Close to home

Eat Italian

For perfect pizza,,,

Cal’s Own, Jesmond

For bubbling, wood-fired slices, Neapolitan-style.

1-2 Holly Avenue West, Jesmond, NE2 2AR

Go-to spots for to-die-for dough and brill bolognese...

Cena, Yarm

Scrann, Norton

Yarm’s glossy Italian promises sophisticated suppers. It’s a chic, modern restaurant with an inviting, ‘grown-up’ menu, filled with beautifully-executed favourites with tasty twists, from fiery black olive bucatini and braised short rib, to crab cannelloni, Tuscan herb calamari, saffron rigatoni bake and stone-baked pizzas, made perfect and very Instagram-worthy thanks to heaps of artisan toppings. Our favourite showcases beef fillet, gorgonzola and white truffle aioli.

Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan menus available.

85 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BG

Handmade, stone-baked sourdough pizzas and cracking calzones. And you can go gluten-free.

449 Norton Road, Stockton, TS20 2QQ

Il Mulino, Stokesley

Tip-top toppings - and lots of them - spread over thin, crispy bases. Hoisin duck and spring onion, cajun chicken, avo and rocket are combos we can’t get enough of.

Church House, College Square, Stokesley, TS9 5DN

For prime pasta...

Zucchini Pasta Bar, Newcastle

A fast, casual pasta bar, serving up fresh, hand-rolled and hand-cut egg pasta. Go for their signature pappardelle with six-hour beef shin and rosemary ragu.

Degrees North, 55 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6B

Try Turkish

Cena

Go-to’s for unbeatable baklava, cool kebabs and perfect pilaf…

Uno Momento, Stokesley

A good one for hungry groups and families, Uno Momento’s mammoth menu offers something for everyone, whether your idea of the perfect Italian feast means half pizza/half pasta, big, comforting bowls of alfredo, oozy risotto, or a simple plate of gnocchi with Italian-style flatbread for dunking. This place does it all and its tempting happy hour and ‘two-courses-for’ offers mean you can enjoy a true taste of Italy without breaking the bank.

22 High Street, Stokesley, Middlesbrough, TS9 5DQ

Fez Food, Newcastle Grainger Market

Dive in to deli-style, grab-and-go snacks here, from spicy doner wraps and Turkish meatballs, to traditional breakfasts and even Afternoon Tea, which you can enjoy on-site. Sip on strong Turkish coffee while you people-watch, or take away. Vegan options available.

Grainger Street, Newcastle, NE1 5QQ

Panis Cafe, Newcastle

Fez Food

This intimate, backstreet cafe is a little gem, tucked away and owned and led by a lively bunch of Italian brothers and sisters. It’s been going strong since 1995 and is by far one of the most authentic Italian hang-outs you’ll find around these parts. It’s always packed, so book a table, but once seated, kick-back and prepare for a feast like no other.

Start with spicy fish soup, create your own Sardinian-style platters, dive in to wedges of homemade lasagne and bowls of fresh, egg pasta parcels, or go for rustic ciabatta sandwiches and stuffed flatbreads.

Their coffee, tiramisu and pastries are what dreams are made of.

61-65 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 6BX

Also worth a visit…

Cafe Lilli, Norton

A place known and loved for its creative cooking and upbeat bistrovibe. Lunch could mean generous portions of antipasto or pasta of the day, while dinner might include foraged mushrooms with parmesan custard, roast sea bream with lemon and parsley risotto, mussels and clams, or even chicken and Tuscan baked beans. Stop by on Sundays for live music from 1-4pm 83 Norton High Street, Norton, TS20 1AE

05

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Close to home

Blighty Bites

Power pubs and restaurants, serving up the best of British…

Red Mezze, Newcastle

The Feathers Inn, Stocksfield

A small, but super popular spot, close to St James’ Park, that treats its loyal list of customers to an outstanding selection of hot and cold mezze treats, traditional mains and BBQ bites, cooked ’til tender over wood and charcoal, soft, pillowy breads stuffed with all sorts, and fresh seafood. Our pick if you like experimenting with new flavours and discovering new favourites. Faves include the ‘sucuk’ (spicy garlic sausage) and the ‘icli kofte’ (fried mince with dill, pine kernels and parsley).

36 Leazes Park Road Newcastle, NE1 4PG

A cracking community inn (also home to an award-winning cookery school), putting out rustic, Northumbrian-inspired cuisine made with local, sustainable ingredients. Northumbrian cheese rarebit, hedgehog mushrooms from Slaley, lamb shoulder from Blaydon, North Sea fish, roast Hedley hen pheasant, Cranston’s Cumberland sausage… it’s all there for the taking.

Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, NE43 7SW

Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill, Durham

The Broad Chare, Newcastle

Venture inside this grand, Grade II listed building and discover greatlooking dishes that are lighter on the stomach, but heavy on flavour.

Stand-outs include homemade hummus, ‘cacik’ yogurt with cucumber, dill and garlic, chargrilled lamb on tortilla bread with double cream, onions and peppers and traditional Turkish rice and milk puddings.

32a Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RD

A place for ‘proper’ pub grub and beer. The mouthwatering ‘dishes of the day’ draw in the crowds; one day it could be ham shank with pease pudding, the next could be steak and kidney pie, mince and dumplings, or roast beef and Yorkshire pud. The bar snacks are legendary; think pork crackling with Bramley apple sauce, Lindisfarne oysters, oozy Scotch eggs and hand-raised pork pies.

25 Broad Chare, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ

A taste of Spain

The Broad Chare

Top venues for terrific tapas, sparkling Sangria and sweet-and-smoky meats…

Kaltur, Newcastle

Spaniards run this teeny-tiny tapas restaurant (which seats around 35 max), so rest assured you’re getting the real deal when it comes to the grub.

Expect a small, but perfectly-formed, pick of moreish nibbles; exquisite sharing boards showcasing hand-carved ham and a selection of other cured Spanish meats and cheese, around a dozen tapas dishes, stretching from garlic prawns and chorizo cooked in cider, to Spain’s version of black pudding, salted tuna loin, and baby broadbeans with Iberico ham and poached egg.

8 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 1EN

For fab fish and chips...

Trenchers, Whitby

A seaside must-visit, perched on Whitby’s iconic harbour side. Spectacular seafood salads and scampi, freshly-picked crab and lobster, homemade fish pie and more.

New Quay Road, Whitby, YO21 1DH

The Quay Tap House, North Shields

One of the coast’s most-loved places for simply-cooked sharing plates, good wine and live music - definitely worth rocking up to on your next seaside trip during the summer months. Find it down by the fish quay and, once there, go for bite-sized favourites like the sizzling garlic prawns, sesame halloumi with fresh figs and salsa and pork wrapped in Serrano ham with red pepper sauce. Best enjoyed with ice-cold pints.

50 Bell Street, North Shields Fish Quay, NE30 1HF

Colmans Seafood Temple, South Shields

Local fisherman provide the goods at this coastal favourite, which has been named one of the UK’s best fish and chip restaurants. Order from the tempting Oyster Bar, or settle down to cod and salmon fishcakes, seafood curry or whole lobster - 50p from each one goes to Northumberland Seafood Centre.

Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD

Also worth a visit...

El Paso Bar & Grill, Jesmond

The suburbs new 100-cover restaurant (formerly Scalinis) is definitely worth checking out if you like your strong and spicy Latin American, Spanish and Mexican flavours. Dig in to traditional tapas, tacos and tostados, Mexican ceviche, grilled delights and traditional Latino desserts.

There’s a strong veggie and vegan offering, too. We love the blackened beets with pineapple salsa.

61 Osborne Rd, Jesmond, NE2 2AN FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh

The seafood here - some from Amble, Holy Island and Seahouses - is so fresh, you can practically taste the ocean. Our picks are the lager and lemon-battered haddock and smoked haddock chowder, brown shrimp on toast and the finest Shetland mussels in white wine and cream.

3 Lucker Road, Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7BS

06

Award-winning restaurant & hotel

‘An award winning restaurant and hotel nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, offering cuisine prepared to perfection. A truly magical experience that must be seen to be believed’

www.crabandlobster.co.uk Dishforth Road, Asenby nr. Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3QL T: 01845 577286 E: reservations@crabandlobster.co.uk

H O T E L

–

R E S T A U R A N T

–

W E D D I N G S

Close to home

Eat this TURKISH EGGS WITH YOGURT AND FLATBREAD

Time to fire up brekkie.

Foodie author and blogger, Madeleine Shaw, shares her take on a moreish Middle Eastern morning dish, showcasing Clarence Court eggs…

INGREDIENTS: 250g natural yogurt 1 tbsp freshly-chopped dill 1 tbsp freshly-chopped parsley 1 crushed garlic clove 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes 4 Clarence Court eggs 1/2 a lemon, juiced 2 flatbreads A pinch of sweet smoked paprika 20g raw pistachios, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 50g spinach METHOD: Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley and garlic together with a big pinch of salt.

Warm the flatbread, before placing the yogurt mix over the top.

Heat the oil in a pan and sauté spinach with a punch of salt for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Place on top of the yogurt mix.

In the same pan, fry the eggs to your liking and place them on top.

Sprinkle over the sweet smoked paprika, pistachios, salt and red pepper flakes, and serve.

Discover more of Madeleine’s recipes at www.madeleineshaw.com FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

08

Newcastle Farmers’ Market

Legendary seafood and fish & chips

by Grey’s Monument, Newcastle First Friday of every month from 9.00am – 2.30pm

Situated on South Shields Seafront, panoramic windows offer unrivaled views of our fantastic coastline! Colmans Seafood Temple offers an exciting family seafood restaurant serving fantastic local seafood and coastal cuisine.

Phone: 0191 211 5512 Email: markets@newcastle.gov.uk www.newcastle.gov.uk www.twitter.com/Nclmarkets

W: colmansseafoodtemple.co.uk E: info@colmansfishandchips.com A: Sea Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2LD T: 0191 511 1349

LET US HELP YOU TO MAKE YOUR COOKER THE HEART OF YOUR HOME...

Since 1931, our family business (est 1888) has supplied and installed AGA Cookers in homes throughout the North East and North Yorkshire. We are also experts in Range Cooker appliances and our unbiased advice will allow you to make the right choice for your kitchen design and budget.

Our magnificent Showroom has a dedicated display with working models and demonstration area.

We have collections of high quality Range Cookers from Lacanche, Steel, Falcon, Mercury, Wolf Cookers and Sub Zero Refrigeration, on display and new for 2018 Esse Cookers.

Visit our Showroom today 1 Stirling Court, Eleventh Avenue North, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0JF www.wdix.co.uk • 0191 482 0033

Food facts

Q&A Greg Bureau

Greg Bureau

I’m yet to try Thai cuisine...

but I hope to soon. I love the concept of street food and think they probably do it best.

If I could travel to one place, anywhere in the world, for just one plate of food, it’d be... Marrakech, for the wonderful Lamb Mechoui I had recently, in a souk, served on sheets of paper with cumin and salt. The place looked like nothing, but it was so popular with the locals.

Incredible.

My parents’ restaurant will always have a special place in my heart... It’s a troglodyte cave near Villandry castle in the Loire and the place where I had my last supper before flying to the UK for the first time. I had suckling pig with all my friends. It was 20 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

GREG BUREAU IS OWNER OF BOUCHON, THE PLACE TO BE IN HEXHAM FOR CLASSIC, COUNTRY-STYLE FRENCH CUISINE.

I’m not a fan of aeroplane food... You would need to try very hard indeed to convince me to eat it - or invite me on business class!

Some of my most memorable meals... have taken place in my

When it comes to dessert, France comes up tops... chocolate

homeland - France. I have a very clear memory of oysters on a sunny afternoon in Cap Ferret, near Bordeaux, with my wife and kids.

mousse - need I say more?

If I could only eat one kind of cuisine for the rest of my days, it’d be... simple food, cooked really well, made with excellent produce.

If I could eat my way around the world...

I’d fly to Australia for a healthy breakfast, pop over to France for lunch, probably in Lyon, and a bit of a sleep, then over to London for dinner.

I trained in the Loire Valley in central France, with Alain Couturier... A tough, but fair chef, who I can’t thank enough. The

I believe trying food from other countries is a great way to open your mind... You can travel to far off lands with just one plate of food;

experience set me up for life. He recently visited Bouchon with his wife it was a great moment, full of emotion.

One of my most favourite food markets is... Sydney fish market.

it has the power to create happiness and memories that last forever.

I find cooking at home very relaxing, whether for friends or family. It’s a whole experience.

I’ve never seen fish so fresh and so wonderful looking. Again, simplicity and quality of produce were the key there, which is what I’m all about.

If I could recommend one restaurant overseas, it’d be...

When it comes to feasting and comfort food, France does it best... Food is in our blood! We have so much diversity when it comes

anywhere that’s down to earth. I have been to so many great, laid-back places during my time. Venues that aren’t stuffy, with beautiful views, best enjoyed on a warm day with your loved ones.

to producers and flavours - every region has its own personality, products and recipes.

WWW.BOUCHONBISTROT.CO.UK

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

10

Sizzling spots

ASIA We lift the lid on the hottest finds dishing up miso-soaked marvellousness, from notoriously good noodles, to big-time bao and show-stopping sushi...

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

12

Sizzling spots

OMNI

Sohe

Meet & Treat

OMNI, Monkseaton

A real foodie trend-setter down by the coast, known and loved for its ever-changing, ever-mouthwatering blackboard specials and inventive and inspiring vegan options. The food here is ridiculously good-looking (a quick peek at its Instagram page tells you all you need to know); a fusion of Vietnamese and Thai, bursting with fresh, zingy flavour. Think gut-friendly ‘maki’ bowls, filled ginger-glazed salmon and wasabi, creamy ‘coco’ soup and comforting curries, steaming bowls of ‘bun cha’, tofu scramble and avo on toast, lemongrass and ginger broth and perky pad thai.

12 Front St, Whitley Bay, NE25 8DF

Parichat at Sohe, Jesmond

Book a table here and prepare to be whisked away to the Far East. The sophisticated restaurant, with award-winning chef, Parichat Somsri-Kirby, at the helm, dishes up a dynamic menu packed with exotic flavours - some you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Plates - whether from the tempting tapas menu or the a la carte menu - are original and Japanese, Malaysian, Thai and Korean-inspired. Our picks are the roasted rump of lamb in chilli and basil, roasted halibut in Thai red curry sauce and spicy chicken coconut broth.

97-103 Osborne Road, Jesmond, NE2 2TJ

Meet & Treat, Newcastle

You’ll find this quirky little find on the outskirts of Chinatown; a casual, shabby-chic cafe, promising a true taste of the Orient through its Pan-Asian delights. Choose from small bites, soup noodles, plump bao buns, hearty rice dishes and colourful desserts. Think deep-fried Japanese-style dumplings, Korean-style honey BBQ ribs, spicy jellyfish, Malaysian king prawn noodles, Taiwanese braised pork, Szechuan tofu and mighty matcha cocoa waffles for afters.

41 Bath Lane, Newcastle, NE4 5SP

Zen, Durham

Durham’s favourite spicy spot presents a menu inspired by authentic Asian street and market food. Think fun, far-out Far East food, made from scratch daily by a team of passionate, creative chefs. You need to try the ‘quacking duck rollies’ (confit duck tossed in hoi sin ketchup and wrapped in pastry), the ‘rocket man ribs’ (North Korean-style with a sticky chilli BBQ glaze), steamy tom yum soup, any of the Hong Kong roast meats and the ‘oh Buddha me’ stir-fry.

Court Lane, Durham, DH1 3JS

Meet & Treat

13

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Sizzling spots

Swap your takeaway for...

The Funky Indian, Sunderland

Angeethi, Gateshead

Known for its Indian-style tapas; awesome appetisers like masala fries and mini bowls of slow-cooked stew, plus sizzling prawn roasts, spicy veg spread on sweet naan, Punjabi samosas with all the trimmings, creamy daal and paneer, ghee-roasted mutton and tremendous tandoori platters to share.

39 Borough Road, Sunderland, SR1 1PS

A contemporary, family-owned curry house, named after India’s famous clay stoves, tucked away in Low Fell. The atmosphere is deliciously laid-back, the food is unfussy and the portion sizes are very pleasant indeed.

Expect poppadoms and naan as big as your head, generous skillets of aromatic, homemade curry and some of the best Indian desserts in the North East. Don’t leave without trying the buttery prawn makhni, chicken kalimirch, pistachio kulfi (ice cream) and gulab jamun - milky dumplings soaked in cardamom and rose syrup.

168 Kells Lane, Gateshead, NE9 5HY

New Rendezvous, Ponteland

Renowned chef, Kevin Liu, and his family are behind this elegant and hugely-popular Chinese restaurant, which specialises in Cantonese cuisine and seafood, fine-dining style. There’s tons on offer, but you can’t beat its banquet options, which showcase some of its best-loved dishes, like the crabmeat sweetcorn, duck pancakes, beef in kung po sauce, salt and pepper chilli mussels and steamed seabass.

3-5 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

14

Sizzling spots

Meet & Treat

Aveika

15

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Sizzling spots

Eat this

Kim Kaewkraikhot

RED PRAWN CURRY

Kim Kaewkraikhot is co-owner of, and chef at, Chaophraya in Newcastle. Here, she shares her recipe for one of Thailand’s favourite comforting dishes…

INGREDIENTS: 200g prawns 450ml coconut milk 4 red chillies 2 tsp palm sugar 2 tsp fish sauce 2 tsp vegetable oil 10 basil leaves A handful of vegetables (such as green beans)

METHOD: Using a pestle and mortar, crush and mix together your curry paste ingredients until it forms a thick, red paste.

FOR THE CURRY PASTE: 4 red chillies 2 shallots 2 lemongrass stalks 1/4 galangal 2 cloves of garlic 1 tsp of salt 1 tsp of shrimp paste 4 kaffir lime leaves

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add in your coconut milk a little at a time, while stirring, until a red oil surfaces.

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Put a medium-sized pan on medium heat, add oil and stir in your curry paste until it becomes fragrant.

While the curry is boiling, add the prawns. Cook for 10 minutes until the prawns

16

are throughly cooked, then add your vegetables.

stirring, for a few seconds to warm them through.

Add the fish sauce, salt, sugar, red chillies and basil, while

Turn off the heat and serve in a bowl, over jasmine rice.

Sizzling spots

Chaophraya

Escape the bustle of the city with a visit to Chaophraya Newcastle. With views out to Grey’s Monument, the restaurant offers an impressive mix of classic Thai and signature dishes with a stunning covered rooftop terrace.

OPENING HOURS Sunday to Thursday 12-10pm, Friday & Saturday 12-10:30pm

Join us in our Tea Room and enjoy a decadent experience with our artisan sandwiches, cakes, scones and not forgetting our award winning chocolate brownies.

TH

DI AI

NIN

G AND COC

KT

AI

LS

Upper Level, Greys Quarter, Intu Eldon Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7AP T: 0191 731 4719

www.chaopraya.co.uk New menu available. For more information visit our website

Opening times: Monday - Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. Call: 01434 672 652 to book.

Vallum Farm, East Wallhouses, Military Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE18 0LL. Booking Required. Subject to availability.

Food facts

Q&A

Some of my most memorable meals…

have taken place at Sensi, inside Las Vegas’ world-famous Bellagio hotel, and at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants. He has them all over the world.

If I could only eat one kind of food for the rest of my life…

aside from Indian cuisine, of course, it’d have to be Italian. Everyone who knows me knows how much I love pizza and pasta.

has to be Barcelona’s bustling La Boqueria Market, on Las Ramblas. It’s an open-air affair, packed with mouth-watering stalls, smells and sights.

Bob Arora

One of my most favourite food markets…

When it comes to feasting… no place does it better than India especially at religious festivals. Families get together and put on amazing spreads.

BOB ARORA IS OWNER OF SACHINS, ONE OF NEWCASTLE’S FINEST PUNJABI RESTAURANTS, WHICH OPENED OVER 30 YEARS AGO ON THE CITY’S HISTORIC FORTH BANKS.

For comfort food…

you can’t beat a home-cooked Sunday lunch, or mince and dumplings, at home.

I’m yet to try Korean food… it’s on my list!

If I could travel to one place, anywhere in the world, for one plate of food… it’d be Rome. I’d sit in a cobbled alleyway and eat a wood-

Bob Arora

fired pizza - heaven.

I’d pick street food over fine-dining any day… I love that it’s a laid-back affair and everything is cooked fresh-to-order and full of flavour.

One of my fondest foodie memories abroad is…

sitting in Barcelona’s famous square, just off Las Ramblas, eating pasta and watching the street performers.

If you ask me, Paris does the best desserts… I think big-time bakers, like Paul Hollywood, would agree!

If I could eat my way around the world…

I’d have brekkie in India; a feast of aloo puri (a bit like a spicy potato cake), dosa (similar to crepes), or aloo paratha (stuffed bread). I’d have lunch over in Las Vegas, in Wolfgang Puck’s Italian restaurant, and dinner in Barcelona. Tapas-style, of course!

If I could recommend one restaurant to visit overseas…

it’d be Trattoria Za Za in Florence. The food is beautiful and reasonably priced and the setting is pure bliss.

“Cooking - or attempting to cook - food from other cultures is important. We should all try it from time to time. Not only do you learn new and exciting styles of cooking, you also get to work with new and inspiring ingredients.”

we love

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

18

Food facts

Sachins, Newcastle Sachins is one of Newcastle’s best-loved Punjabi restaurants, serving up cuisine so authentic in flavour and beautifully-presented, suppers here are more like royal feasts - the kind you’d expect to find in the heart of India.

Owner Bob was a regular diner before he took over the reigns in 2000 and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since, winning hearts all over the region thanks to its vibrant menus, packed with inventive starters, from salmon and chicken marinated in three different ways to spring lamb with chickpeas, traditional chicken, lamb and seafood curries and an impressive range of sophisticated veggie and bean dishes. The freshly-baked rotis and nans arrive hot and fluffy, straight from the tandoor - the best we’ve tried.

WWW.SACHINS.CO.UK

SWINTON E S TAT E

Style it up

Kitchen kit

Newgate Discovery Retro Kitchen Timer and Clock, £60, www.newgateclocks.com

Ferm Living Hexagon Stand Roll Holder, £39, www.fermliving.com

This season, it’s all about the clash; mix copper, gold and glass with summer pastels and fun, retro accents…

Casserole Dish, £20, TKMaxx

Orla Kiely Dachshund Wooden Serving Platter, £45, www.johnlewis.com

Gray & Willow Alta 16-piece Cutlery Set, £45, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Croft Collection Glass Containers, £15, John Lewis

Mackenzie-Childs Flower Market Kitchen Timer, £56, www.mackenzie-childs.com

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

20

Style it up

we love

Kate Spade Order’s Up Mugs, £46, www.katespade.co.uk

Normann Copenhagen Bell Lamp, £250, www.houseology.com Oliver Bonas Resin Salad Servers, £28, www.oliverbonas.com

Magimix Power Blender, £180, www.magimix.co.uk

notanotherbill Brass Measuring Spoons, £55, www.notanotherbill.com

Andy Warhol Campbell’s Soup Plate, £80, www.amara.com

Pastel bowls, £8, TKMaxx

Vintage Shop Scales, £49.95, www.dotcomshop.com

Pestle and Mortar, £5, Homesense

Tom Dixon Brew Cafetiere, £150, www.tomdixon.net

21

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Essentials Edit

A cut above SHARPEN UP YOUR SKILLS WITH VINERS’ NEW ETERNAL KNIVES COLLECTION. Showcasing elegant, smoky marble-effect handles and made with the finest German grade steel blades for unbeatable performance and precision, the cutting-edge cutlery set is the perfect addition to any cool and competent chef’s kitchen kit. From £17-£37.50. www.viners.co.uk

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

22

Delectable dining at Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant For a true taste of Northumberland’s finest food, look no further than award-winning eco hotel and restaurant, Battlesteads. Head chef Eddie Shilton uses the very best local produce – with three of the hotel’s suppliers just a minute’s walk away – as well as growing 90% of the green vegetables, salads and herbs used in the restaurant in Battlesteads’ own gardens.

Perfect for a light lunch, delectable dinner, or the ultimate eight-course dining experience, you can also make a night of it by staying in one of the hotel’s 22 en-suite bedrooms, including five luxury eco lodges, for a sustainable tourism experience you won’t forget.

Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant Wark on Tyne, nr Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3LS Tel: +44 (0)1434 230 209 Email: info@battlesteads.com Website: www.battlesteads.com Twitter: @Battlesteads

nt.

th takeaway & restaura

specials’ in bo Locally caught ‘day boat

The finest locally sourced seafood and shellfish in our restaurant!

OR SIMPLY COME ALONG AND ENJOY FISH & CHIPS FROM OUR AWARD WINNING TAKEAWAY

OPEN 11.30 til late Closed Tuesday Open all Bank Holidays 27 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ 0191 2728552 | info@longsandfishkitchen.com www.longsandfishkitchen.com

Fiery finds

AFRICA Colourful joints to visit for a bit of mezze magic. Be transported to hummus heaven, where grilled delights, devishly-good dips and perfect pitta are guaranteed…

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

24

Fiery finds

Lebenaneat, Durham

It’s easy to see why this cosy, County Durham restaurant draws in the crowds and racks up the rave reviews; think big flavours, plates vibrant in colour and bursting with freshness. Try the bamieh bl’lahm (okra and lamb cooked in tomato sauce with olive oil and garlic) and the sambousek cheese (essentially deep-fried feta in pastry). For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the mixed Lebanon grill, followed by kanafeh (a traditional Palestinian dessert) for pud cheese pastry soaked in sweet sugar syrup.

47 N Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET

Harissa, Jesmond

Think colourful plates and fresh-as-can-be flavours from all corners of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Tuck in to vegan brunches of harissa beans, halloumi, avo and falafel, spicy scrambled egg with Med-style veg, lunches of chargrilled meats and flatbreads, dipped into baba ganoush, chunky, homemade hummus and beetroot borani and fattoush salads. In the evenings, dive in to mezze sharing plates of chickpea and ras el hanout tagine and beef koftas with tabbouleh and lashings of labneh.

31-33 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle, NE2 1RJ

Papa Ganoush, Whitley Bay

Founded by a father-and-son team, this tasty new venture began life as a street food stand, before blossoming into a working kitchen down by the coast. Fans can expect the same great snacky bites; mezze-style small plates like papa ganoush hummus and Moroccan bread salad, mighty mains like pork belly souvlaki, and falafel with an assortment of pickles, chilli sauces, green tahini and fresh house pitta.

The fries, dusted in za’atar, get a big thumbs up from us.

240 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3QX

Lebenaneat

Also worth a visit…

Arabesque, Sunderland

This quirky, Egyptian-themed restaurant is definitely unique, but worth checking out if you’ve ever wondered what truly authentic Egyptian grub really tastes like.

What’s more, 99 per cent of what you’ll find on the menu is gluten-free; everything from traditional Egyptian soup, to refried fava beans and mashi (stuffed peppers and aubergine), fatta (toasted Arabic bread soaked in lamb soup with lamb shank) and spicy okra tagine. As for desserts, the om ali - Egypt’s answer to bread and butter pudding - tops them all.

144 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 1UN

Lebenaneat

25

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Fiery finds

Eat this CHICKEN TAGINE WITH APRICOTS AND GINGER

Lisa Roukin is a foodie blogger, teacher and chef, specialising in ‘mindful eating’ and healthy home cooking. Her good-for-you Moroccan tagine packs a spicy flavour punch…

INGREDIENTS: 8 chicken thighs 250g ready-to-eat dried apricots 1 x 400g tin plum tomatoes, sieved to discard the seeds 2 tbsp Osem brand onion soup mix 200-250ml boiling water 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp ginger, peeled and grated 1-2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 1 cinnamon stick 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp acacia honey Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Paprika Garlic granules A small bunch of coriander Cooked quinoa, as much as you like

w

e

METHOD:

lo v

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ Gas 6 (180°C fan-assisted).

e

Rinse off the chicken under cold water and remove any stray feathers.

Place a large non-stick frying pan on the stove, together with a splash of olive oil. When the pan is hot, place the chicken in the pan and

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

26

Fiery finds

seal for approximately two minutes on each side until golden, then remove from the heat.

When the chicken has cooled down, season with a little sea salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic granules.

Place your casserole dish over the stove, gently heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.

Turn the heat down and add the chillies and grated ginger cook for a further two minutes.

into the casserole dish. You may need an extra 50ml, once the chicken has been added, to ensure there is enough liquid to cover the base of the casserole dish and submerge the apricots.

Add the seasoned chicken thighs and carefully baste over the juices.

Sieve the canned plum tomatoes, discarding the seeds, into a small mixing bowl.

Add the honey, combine together then pour over the chicken.

Add the apricots together with the cinnamon stick and continue to cook again for a further two minutes.

Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce to medium/low heat. Cover with a lid and place in the pre-heated over and cook gently for 1.5-2 hours, checking every 30 minutes.

Dissolve the onion soup mix in 200ml boiling water, then pour

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with plain cooked quinoa.

Recipe from My Relationship With Food by Lisa Roukin, £16.99

Spread Eagle PUB & DINING

An award-winning pub nestled in the heart of North Shields combining classics with the best ingredients; the result is mouth-watering perfection.

MONDAY-SATURDAY (EXCLUDING TUESDAY) 12PM-2.45PM & 5PM-8.45PM SUNDAY 12-6PM

Bringing Newcastle the taste of world street food under one roof with all its natural and authentic tastes.

The meaning of ‘Natural’ by Canaca is: • Red Tractor farms approved only • No GMO • Free range eggs • No unnecessary preservatives E numbers and additives • Natural flavours • Food cooked fresh to order • Prepared from scratch onsite every day

Canaca, a place where delicious food is served 1 FRONT STREET, NORTH SHIELDS, NE29 9LB TEL: 0191 257 3865

Canaca is at the corner of Saville Row, Newcastle, NE1 8JE W: www.canaca.co.uk E: info@canaca.co.uk Facebook: canacauk

Food facts

James Bramman

If I could eat my way around the world…

I’d have brekkie in Scotland; Lorne sausage in a roll with a potato scone and maybe some Stornoway black pudding. For lunch, I’d fly to Japan and try sushi, at last! I’d have dinner in South Africa.

Q&A

events we attended when we had our catering business - stands out, as well as Northallerton’s Homegrown Food Festival. We found that the smaller events seemed to care more about what they do, sometimes casting profit to the wind in order to dish up something unique and worthwhile.

James Bramman

I’m not a big fan of aeroplane food... I’d rather buy a bag of over-priced crisps from the airport newsagents.

India does the best comfort food in my opinion... For years, my breakfast/brunch of choice was a tomato soup with loads of chilli and black pepper.

JAMES BRAMMAN, A FORMER CATERER WHO GREW UP IN SOUTH AFRICA, IS OWNER OF SAFARI, AN AFRICAN-INSPIRED CAFE, BAR AND GRILL IN NEWCASTLE…

If I could travel to one place, anywhere in the world, for one plate of food… it’d be Kenya. There’s a place called Voi, on the western edge of the Nyiri Desert, which I love. It sits on a little hill, serving up 360 degree views of the Savanna. You sit and eat, while herds of elephants trek to the nearby watering hole - not even thirty yards away from the restaurant. They do some of the best steaks in the world (Africa does the best wagyu). I’ll go for rib eye when I can.

One of my most memorable meals…

took place in a tiny restaurant in Lefka, Cyprus. It was a simple dish of charcoal-grilled chicken, marinated in olive oil, a little lemon, garlic, basil and oregano.

It was the food that inspired me to start cooking.

I’ve never really been one to order dessert - not when I could be drinking a good glass of wine instead... I do like my

If I could only eat one kind of food for the rest of my life… it’d have to be Thai. Working long hours, you need energy from your veggies. Saying that, I’d also be quite happy living on a diet of bread, meat, nuts and berries.

coffee, though, so if I had to pick something, I’d go down the Spanish route with a scoop or two of decent vanilla ice cream, churros (maybe just the one) and a hot espresso poured over the top. Not too big, or too sweet.

I’m originally from Scotland, but grew up in South Africa, so my palette is quite varied... I like all kinds of food, but I’m

One of my favourite restaurants…

is a fish place in South Africa, just off the coast of Durban, right on the beach. It doesn’t actually have a name, or a proper menu. You eat with sea shells instead of cutlery and there are logs instead of tables. The owner catches the fish himself, prepares it right in front of you on the barbecue, and whatever’s left over goes in to tomorrow’s chowder. It doesn’t get much better than that.

not a big fish lover. I’ve never had sushi - but one day I’ll try it.

The UK plays host to some of the best food festivals and markets around... Tynemouth Food Festival - one of the few local FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

28

Food facts

Safari, Newcastle Safari’s food offering is a fusion of South African and Scottish flavours, inspired by the food James grew up eating. Making your way through the exotic menu might mean digging in to crocodile wraps, ‘vors’ burgers (farmers’ sausage from South Africa), game burgers (think springbok, zebra, ostrich, water buffalo and more) or ‘bunny chow’ curry, before tucking in to veggie haggis, ‘Scots broth’ (James’ gran’s recipe) and steak. Try the ‘prego’ (Portuguese steak) roll, with garlic and ‘nyumi nyumi’ sauce and a portion of rice with bacon.

WWW.SAFARICATERING.COM

Big bites

THE AMERICAS

Meaty eateries promising sizzle and spice.

Travel to America’s sweet-and-smoky south and back again, enjoying big bites infused with carnival flavours and Latin spirit along the way…

we love

SOUTH AMERICA’S SIZZING FLAVOURS

slop down your front, but will make your belly very happy indeed. Take advantage of the ‘taco Tuesday’ deals and wash everything down with Jamaican-style margaritas.

46A Frederick Street, Sunderland, SR1 1NF

El Nido Mexicana, Sunderland

Manjaros, Middlesbrough

Head for Sunderland’s mega Mexican joint for street food-style plates with big-time flavour; smoky chicken tostadas, spicy tacos and burritos, jampacked with beans, salsa, salad and meat, and fabulous fajitas that might

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Manjaros’ kitchen team takes diners on a spicy dining journey through the isles of the Caribbean, serving up punchy, zesty flavours that keep your

30

Big bites

tastebuds on their toes. Signature dishes such as waka waka chicken (boneless bird flambeed with allspice) and creamy Caribbean lamb curry, are complemented by its the chefs’ own special chilli sauce.

186–188 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough,TS1 3RF

Turtle Bay, Newcastle

A colourful Caribbean chain restaurant that transports you to far-off, tropical lands of rum, reggae and hot sauce. Think cool cooking with hot flavours that’ll have you licking your lips and wanting more. Jerk pit and jerk glazed loveliness, from whole shell-on tiger prawns to crispy, chicken wings and slow-braised pork and beef ribs, to curried goat and West Indian steamed snapper done BBQ-style in foil. Vegan options available.

The Gate, 117 Newgate St, Newcastle, NE1 5RZ

Caracu, Yarm

A sizzling South American-style steakhouse loved for its prime cuts, served ‘rodizio’-style; all-you-can-eat tapas and marvellous, ethically-sourced meats. Stock up on sides while staff fill your plates with speciality slabs, from fillet and rump, to sirloin, chorizo, belly pork and chicken hearts which they’ll carve in front of you to your liking. Our picks are the picanha (pink rump cap seasoned with garlic), the alcatra (tail and rump in spicy tomato salsa) and the plump chicken thighs.

48a High Street, Yarm, TS15 9AH

31

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Big bites

For big-time burgers…

Tango, Durham

Fat Hippo, Jesmond

Gourmet-style burgers and kebabs made with 100 per cent prime cuts, fired up and seared and seasoned until juicy and dripping. Our faves? The French Bulldog (sweet fried onions, brie and coarse ground mustard) and the Gaucho (American cheese, jalapeños, chilli bacon, sour cream, guac and sweet chilli jam).

96 Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AG

One of the North East’s most famous burger joints, loved for its inventive toppings and quirky combos. The oozy, deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese balls, PB+J burger (beef topped with chunky peanut butter and bacon jam), Veggie Gastro (spicy bean patty with mozzarella and pesto mayo) are things of glory. If you can squeeze the cookie dough pie in too, go for it.

35A St George’s Terrace, Jesmond, NE2 2SU

Red’s True BBQ, Newcastle

Port of Call, Sunderland

Trays loaded with ribs, wings, giant steak and brisket slabs, pulled pork and sticky glazed chicken, all cooked low and slow ’til melt-in-the-mouth tender. Mighty, sloppy burgers (the Pit Burger promises a meat feast, smothered in ‘dirty’ sauce) and fries loaded with smoky beans, blue cheese and nubbly ‘burnt ends’ to chew on. intu Eldon Square, Newcastle, NE1 7AP

Tango

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

This place’s all-American feasts go all out; think steak and chilli-cheese fries, ‘trash-can’ loaded nachos, Philly cheese steak sarnies, brisket in brioche with lashings of American yellow mustard, buttermilk chicken and BBQ pulled pork with slaw, and spicy hot dogs as long as your arm.

1 Park Lane, Sunderland, SR1 3NX

Red’s True BBQ

Fat Hippo

32

Big bites

we love

Eat this TURKEY MOZZARELLA MEATBALLS

Lucy Bee is founder of Lucy Bee Organic Coconut Oil. She’s also an author and blogger, specialising in good-for-you meals and gluten and dairy-free baking. Here, she reveals her healthy twist on a sloppy, meaty classic…

INGREDIENTS: 375g turkey mince 1 medium white onion, finely diced 50g gluten-free breadcrumbs 1 tsp dried basil A pinch of Lucy Bee Himalayan Salt and Lucy Bee Whole Black Peppercorns, ground 1 egg 40g mozzarella, cut into squares 1 tsp Lucy Bee Coconut Oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped Half a red chilli, finely diced 1 tbsp tomato puree 1x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes A handful of fresh basil, chopped

Repeat the process until all the mince has been used.

In a frying pan, add coconut oil to a medium heat, along with the meatballs and fry for five minutes, just enough to seal the edge of the meatballs. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Using the same pan, add the garlic, chilli and tomato puree and fry for two minutes, then add the chopped tomatoes. Stir together and cook for around two minutes, before adding the meatballs.

METHOD: Add the turkey mince, white onion, breadcrumbs, dried basil, salt, black pepper and egg to a large mixing bowl and fully combine using your hands.

Take a large tablespoon of the mixture and create a flat burger shape in your hand. Add a mozzarella square to the centre of the mixture and fold the mixture around the cheese to close it.

Turn the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer around the meatballs. Cook for five minutes before adding the fresh chopped basil.

Turn the meatballs and cook for a further five minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve with your choice of pasta, some fresh basil and ground pepper.

33

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

Food facts

Q&A Tom Westman TOM (ABOVE LEFT) IS DIRECTOR OF MEAT:STACK. TOGETHER WITH HIS TWO CHUMS AND CO-OWNERS, CHARLIE AND ALLAN, HE SERVES UP REAL AMERICAN CHEESEBURGERS DUBBED ‘THE BEST IN NEWCASTLE’ - FROM THE CITY’S GRAINGER MARKET...

If I could only eat one kind of cuisine for the rest of my life… it’d be American, of course. Cheeseburgers, perhaps?

The Polish know how to eat… I once went to a traditional Polish wedding, but gave up after the 14th course. But then, you can’t really beat the Italians, can you? They love their food and make an event out of every meal - I really like that about their culture.

When I’m travelling… I love checking out the local street food. It gives you a real flavour of your destination. A trip to Mexico isn’t complete without stopping off at a few taco stands or weekend barbacoa.

Some of my most memorable meals… have taken place in the

If I could travel anywhere in the world for one plate of food… I’d go back to Florence for a fillet steak I once had, with shaved

USA and Italy. They’re the places to be for plenty of food done well.

truffle. An unbeatable flavour combo.

For hearty British grub at home, I’ll head to...

The Feathers Inn, or Peace and Loaf, if I fancy a treat. For pizza, you can’t beat Cal’s Own in Jesmond. Away from home, it has to be The Shed at Dulwich in London.

Meat:Stack After a few years spent flipping patties at various North East foodie events and at pop-ups at Newcastle’s No28 bar and Edinburgh’s Salt House beer shop, Meat:Stack opened its first permanent base inside Newcastle’s Grainger Market earlier this year.

The small-but-mighty burger business specialises in ‘real’ American patties, showcasing freshly-ground 100 per cent salt-aged beef, smashed, seasoned and steamed on the grill.

Toppings are all kinds of wonderful and change week-to-week, but favourites of ours include the ‘Yellowstone’, marrying fried onions with ‘baconnaise’, hash browns and American cheese and the ‘French Canadian’ showstopper, showcasing smoked bacon and garlic butter, blue cheese, maple syrup and French-style fixings.

If I could eat my way around the world… I’d start with breakfast Stateside - probably New Orleans. I’d go to Cafe Du Monde, a great, original French coffee stand that’s been going for years, for beignets, a cup of something strong and a little bit of blues. I might pop over to Naples for pizza and a grappa come lunchtime.

I think it’s massively important for people to sample food from other countries... The food we cook and eat represents who we are and where we come from, and a little love for, and understanding of, other people’s cultures can help bring us together.

If I could recommend one restaurant to visit overseas…

WWW.MEAT-STACK.COM

it’d have to be Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas. Head there when the South by Southwest festival is on for great music, buzzing atmosphere and banging BBQ brisket!

FOOD TRAIL MAY/JUNE 18

For regular updates, give the guys a follow on Instagram @meatstackncl

34

Opening soon.

The restaurant not afraid to call a jus a gravy.

With the rugged North Sea facing us and the glorious countryside all about us, we’ve the finest ingredients right on our doorstep. It’s why our seasonal menu is drawn from the region we love. Varied, tasty and a little bit quirky, just like the people.

Relaxed and friendly dining with a difference.

For reservations call 0191 516 1400.

Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG

for land & sea food

Dine, Drink, Relax

Unwind

We are a privately owned, intimate Grade II Listed Country House Hotel set in the heart of Northumberland.

Our well renowned restaurant is the perfect setting for everyday dining, and our luxurious lounge areas are a delight to enjoy Afternoon Tea. We look forward to welcoming you to Horton Grange Country House

Open 7 days & nights a week for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner Horton Grange Country House Hotel

@HortonGrange

@hortongrangehotel

Horton Grange Hotel, Berwick Hill Road, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6BU T: (01661) 860686 E: info@hortongrange.co.uk W: www.hortongrange.co.uk