Evelyn's Cafe & Bar Tib Street Manchester - 11th February 2016

Evelyn's Cafe & Bar owned by the same team who have Mughli, is in the building where Superstore used to be.   The place itself has had a makeover, since my last visit when it was Superstore and it is much better, light, bright and airy.

I had contacted Evelyn's on Twitter, to ask about vegan options, which is no problem, as they indicate vegan dishes on the menu and are happy to veganise other dishes.

I ordered some olives to start and a glass of fresh orange juice, the olives were some of the best and biggest I have ever eaten, they were delicious.

I also asked for a jug of tap water, which was served in a flip top bottle, infused with fresh mint and slices of cucumber, which was delicious and something I will try at home.

I ordered quinoa and beet salad for mains, replacing the whipped tofu, due to soya allergy, with avocado and grilled aubergine, which was no problem, with a side order of chips.

The salad was a meal in itself and totally delicious, loads of grilled aubergine, fresh herbs, spiralised beetroot, crispy onion rings, avocado, sliced beetroot, red quinoa, bulgher wheat and plenty dressing to bring it all together and the chips were brilliant.

Service was friendly and efficient and based on this visit, I will definitely revisit Evelyn's when next in Manchester city centre.

The Assheton Arms Downham - 5th February 2016

This was my first visit to The Assheton Arms in 2016, but will definitely not be the last.   I contacted Manager Tom, with ideas taken from their current menu, as to vegan options, I think this works well, its easier for the chefs, as the ingredients are in stock and I know what I am having.   I never just turn up at a restaurant, expecting the kitchen to create something vegan, I think its unfair, especially during a busy service and have no sympathy for vegans who do so, then complain about inferior food.

I had asked a couple of questions via email, regarding bread and sorbet and on arrival Tom confirmed that both were okay for me, so I was looking forward to my dinner.

Starter was mixed mushrooms, cooked to perfection with garlic, parsley and loads of olive oil on toasted bread.   This was a fabulous dish, I loved it and could quite easily have eaten double the portion, chef made a wonderful vegan version of their mushrooms on brioche dish.

Mains was a take on fish and chips, sadly I had to forego the mushy peas, due to my allergy problem with pulses, but the tempura vegetables and chips, with srichara sauce instead of ketchup, was more than enough.   One thing I hate is dense, soggy batter, but this was so light and crisp, I especially loved the broccoli, it was very moreish as were the chips, my plate was clean, it was delicious.

I am not a huge pudding person and I am usually too full, but I managed a portion of sorbet, which was a nice refreshing ending to a lovely vegan meal.

Service throughout by the front of house team was spot on, drinks were offered, glasses cleared away, refills of water offered, no complaints.

I will definitely be revisiting, sooner rather than later, as I do like the sound of some of their curries, which can be easily made vegan.  

Vegan Bible by Marie Laforêt

Marie Laforêt is an author, photographer and blogger, check out her blog 100% Vegetal and for anyone contemplating a change to a vegan lifestyle, or anyone who has done so already, this is a fabulous book, published by Grub Street Publishing, to start or add to your collection.   Marie Laforêt explains how Donald Watson, the co-founder of The Vegan Society, coined the word vegan in 1944, the reasoning behind a vegan lifestyle, whether it be animal cruelty, the environment or health.   There are expert opinions on the benefits of a vegan diet, with nutrition tips and the key nutrients needed for a balanced diet, at whatever stage in your life.   She explains about hidden non vegan ingredients and additives in both food, drinks and alcohol and what to avoid.   A section about going vegan, reassures the reader, it is not a crime to go vegan gradually, as everyone approaches it differently, some go cold turkey and cut out all non vegan items immediately, but whichever way, their goals are the same.

The bulk of the book though is made up of recipes and as Marie says “Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a well-versed enthusiast, pressed for time or on a budget, you will find recipes to suit your needs, and dishes to enjoy whatever the season or occasion”

The recipe part of the book starts off with a short list of essential vegan ingredients, with a small overview of each one, great if you are new to the ingredient in question, such as tofu or agar-agar.   There are small symbols at the top of each recipe indicating whether it is quick, easy or economical.   The remainder of the book is divided into sections, each one focusing on a different area of vegan cuisine, with plant based proteins being the first, sub-divided into the likes of soy, seitan, pulses and grains, with a massive recipe repertoire for each one.

Another section is about substituting eggs and dairy, how to make different dairy free milks, with the largest selection of homemade vegan cheeses, such as ricotta, cream cheese or mascapone I have ever seen .   There is a section on non dairy creams and fats and how to make them at home, explaining the nutritional and health benefits of different oils and the ethical and environmental impact of palm oil.

The cooking vegetables section is vast, incorporating soups, pates, gratins, salads, bakes and raw dishes, using every kind of vegetable you could imagine.   The gourmet section covers cooking for every occasion, such as dinner with friends, barbecues, picnics, brunch or any celebration, there is no stone left unturned.

Any gluten free vegans will be more than happy, with many recipes included, even how to make your own gluten free pastry or granola, although I was unable to find any reference to which dishes were gluten free, unless mentioned in the recipe title.   The sweet toothed are well catered for, with cakes, puddings, desserts, nougat, ice-creams and cheesecakes, every aspect of patisserie vegan style is covered.

The book introduces ingredients, that as a vegan of nearly thirty years, who likes to try new things, I have never used, such as lupin beans or einkorn.   It is exciting to see, how innovative and interesting vegan recipes have developed, over a very short period of time, with all the new and exotic ingredients available.   As Marie points out, plant based food is now accepted in gastronomic circles, with the Three Michelin Starred Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten, announcing in 2013 that he was going to open a 100% raw, vegan restaurant in New York.   Just shows how the vegan movement is progressing and gathering momentum in the 21st century.   This is definitely a book to be added to your book shelf.

This review has been organised by the VEGAN lifestyle ASSOCIATION.   It has not been paid for and the copy of the book I received was sent free of charge. This is my genuine and unbiased review of the book.

The Notts Nut House Nuts

The Notts Nut House is an independent company, who say on their website, they are slightly nuts, nothing wrong with that, I am mad about nuts.   Everything is done by hand, from blending the peanuts to stamping the logo on the bags and they say they like being different, so all the range including "Nuts About Bacon" are vegan and vegetarian friendly.

The Notts Nut House make five flavours of nuts and to be honest, they all appeal to me, so not sure I am going to be able to name a favourite.

Where to start, well first off I had to fight my husband from eating them all, so I could write my review.   I loved them all, each having their own distinct well rounded flavour.   I have not had any of the flavours before, apart from chilli flavoured nuts, but the habanero and garlic were in a league of their own and packed a punch.

The nuts are sold in different sized bags or in mixed boxes, depends how "nut mad" you are and I like the bags are resealable, if you can resist not eating them all, once open that is.

My favourite, well by a very small margin is the habanero and garlic, only because I love chilli, but I would be happy to eat them all and I will have to take advantage of the 10% discount offered to Associates of the VEGAN lifestyle ASSOCIATION which The Notts Nut House is listed with click here for details.

This review has been organised by the VEGAN lifestyle ASSOCIATION.   It has not been paid for and the products I received were sent free of charge. This is my genuine and unbiased review of the product.
 

The Palazzo Burnley - 30th January 2016

The Palazzo is an Italian restaurant in a magnificent building, that was Nat West Bank, on Grimshaw Street, Burnley which has fond memories, as I worked there for about twelve years, from the age of eighteen.   The Palazzo is the sister restaurant to The Villa Clitheroe, but on a larger scale and it was great to catch up with owner Pino Cafasso, to congratulate him on his new venture.   It really is an awesome building, with so much marble, wood panelling, plasterwork and cornicing and the refurbishment is sympathetic to its surroundings.

We had a couple of drinks in the bar, where there is plenty of seating and a huge wood burning pizza oven.

We shown through to our table, where we had some delicious olives, olive oil and balsamic and bread.

For starter I shared a rosemary garlic bread with my friend, but to be honest I could easily have devoured this on my own, it was fantastic, in fact the best I have eaten.

I enquired when I arrived. as to which pasta was eggfree, so I ordered the linguine with garlic, chilli and tomato and a side salad.   The pasta was perfectly cooked and absolutely spot on, if I had eaten this dish in Italy, which I have done many times, I would have been happy.

We had a lovely Canaletto Pinot Grigio vegan wine, to accompany the meal and then some rather nice Espresso coffees.

We do not live locally to The Palazzo, but it is definitely worth the trip, to visit with friends who live nearby and so we will be back, as based on their rosemary garlic bread, their pizzas must be awesome

Native Unearthed Mangosteen Natural Deodorant

I had not heard of these products before, so was very interested to try them out.   Native Unearthed's philosophy is underpinned by their eco-ethics, even their website is wind powered and their animal policies are stringent, with their crystal deodarants totally raw and certfied cruelty free too.

I had not heard of mangosteen either, which is a fruit from a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have originated in Indonesia, its flesh being sweet and tangy, with the fruit itself containing powerful anti-oxidants known for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The product is made from earth derived crystals, super rich in minerals and custom blended and even better is The Vegan Society approved.

The first thing I do like, is it is an aerosol free product, so comes in stick form, with a small winder at the bottom, which you turn to release more product at the top.

The product itself is not strong smelling, although I have been full of a cold, so my sense of smell is a little off.   The deodorant has to be applied wet, so either wet the crystal tip with water, or apply to damp underarms, which is how I used it.   It works great for me, I walk miles every week and although I do get sweaty with the exercise, there was no odour.   The deodorant works by leaving an invisible layer of natural minerals on your skin, which prevents the build up of odour causing bacteria.   I would certainly buy this product, but maybe try another of the scents next time.

Native Unearthed is listed with the VEGAN lifestyle ASSOCIATION and offers Associates a 10% discount and you can take advantage of this here.

This review has been organised by the VEGAN lifestyle ASSOCIATION.   It has not been paid for and the product I received was sent free of charge. This is my genuine and unbiased review of the product.

The Three Fishes Mitton Road Whalley - 29th January 2016

I have been visiting The Three Fishes for a number of years and always been so well looked after, always giving notice, so the kitchen has time to plan dishes.   I visited last night, to sample their new vegan menu, launching today 29th January 2016, which I believe will change as the main menu changes.   This is great news, it makes for spontaneous dining, as when a group of friends want to go out, the choice of venue is left to me and whether they will cater for me.

I had a telephone call the evening prior to our visit, from Manager Martin, who was particularly concerned about soya flour which was in their bread, served with the soup, but I assured him that I would have more than enough to eat.....I was right!

I chose the roasted tomato soup, which was so colourful, a healthy portion and really delicious, my husband tasted it and said he would happily have eaten it.

I struggled as to main course, I love burger and chips, but butternut squash and chickpea curry won the day, what a good choice!   When my mains arrived, the aromas were amazing and whoever made it, got the spicing absolutely spot on, I struggle to get flavours just right in a curry, but this dish was better than most Indian restaurants I have been to.   It was served with basmati rice and two delicious cauliflower pakoras, my husband tried the dish and said although he was enjoying his main, could he swop.

Dessert had to be apple crumble, even though I should have chosen sorbet, as I was pretty full, because I was dying to try the almond milk custard.   The portion would certainly satisfy any appetite, in fact I failed to eat it all, but it was not for the want of trying.   The crumble was delicious, but really light and the custard was gorgeous, no lumps just silky smooth.

Service throughout was professional and friendly as usual and the food was delicous, if anything there was a bit too much for me, but that is a personal thing.   I had studied the wine list, prior to visting and chose two very nice vegan wines, a white Seguinot Bordet Chablis for the starter and a fabulous Finca Manzanos Rioja to go with the mains.   I prefer to chose wines by the glass, it gives more variety and although wines on menus are not listed as vegan, I have found it pretty easy to find out if they are or not.   The Three Fishes have quite a few vegan wines by the glass and even more by the bottle, maybe one day this information will become more easily accessible.

I hope the vegan menu is a success, I am sure it will be popular with both vegans, vegetarians, dairy or egg intolerant or those wishing to reduce meat intake or chose healthier options.   I will definitely be supporting their efforts and have plans to revisit with various friends very soon.