I am happy to report the new Chinese takeaway on the Shankill serves wonton soup. Believe it or not wonton soup is hard to come by in Belfast. The only other place I know of that sells wonton soup is a Chinese restaurant on Eglantine Avenue.
Showing posts with label Dine About Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dine About Town. Show all posts
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wonton Soup Shankill Stylie
I am happy to report the new Chinese takeaway on the Shankill serves wonton soup. Believe it or not wonton soup is hard to come by in Belfast. The only other place I know of that sells wonton soup is a Chinese restaurant on Eglantine Avenue.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tutmania and The Secret Chinatown!
San Francisco is crazy over King Tut right now! Last Saturday, the Tutankhamun exhibition opened at the de Young Museum. The last exhibition was 30 years ago and there were only 30 artifacts on display. Over 1 million people visited the De Young to see the exhibit in 1979. Today the exhibition has over 130 artifacts which not only includes King Tut but also his immediate family members. Judging from the crowds today, it looks like 2009 will surpass the 1979 attendance record. The lines went on forever. I felt like I was at Disneyland and this was on a Wednesday! I can't imagine how it is on the weekends!
Let me tell ya...the wait was SO worth it. I'm a self-professed Egyptophile! I have always been fascinated with Egyptian culture and civilization. For many years, I've been studying and performing folkloric and orchestral Egyptian music as well as learning different types of Egyptian dances since the age of 5 years old. I even learned how to speak, read, and write Arabic (for only 2 semesters)! Egyptian history and art was a given to truly understand the music and dance. No words can describe my excitement and amazement of this year's exhibition. I am still drooling as I type. I also liked the fact that they highlighted the importance of women in Egyptian society. Every object was beautiful, displaying intricate craftsmanship. With complexity and meaning behind every piece, I was inundated with information that sent my head into a tailspin!
My favorite piece out of them all was this gorgeous pectoral...
If you are an Egyptophile like me, you can view this 25 minute video which shows all the artifacts on display! Warning: Don't watch if you plan on going to the exhibit.
After the de Young, I hopped on the 44 O'Shaughnessy to 6th and Clement and ate lunch at Burma Superstar. For months, while I was in Belfast my friends back home would email me raving about this place. I've never had Burmese food before and my palate was feeling adventurous. I'm in the neighborhood anyway. Why not?
They were absolutely right...it was DAMN GOOD! Hard to describe this type of cuisine. It is kind of a cross between Indian, Chinese and Thai. I ordered their infamous Tea Leaf Salad w/ fermented tea leaves from Burma. I must admit I was hesitant to try it, fermented anything doesn't sound very appetizing to me. The fermented tea leaves weren't what I had expected at all it reminded me of gorgonzola cheese. And I like gorgonzola! Along with the seeds, beans, and garlic chips it was a party in my mouth! It was so good I licked the bowl clean. I also love the fact they explain the ingredients to newcomers and mix it at your table!
The chicken curry had the perfect amount of spice, the meat was so tender it was falling off the bone and melting in my mouth. Paired with the sweet, fragrant coconut rice, it was out of this world!
Even though this is a hangout for the tragically hip and trendy, the atmosphere was very casual, laid back, and unpretentious. The staff was very nice yet professional. I ordered a refill for my thai iced tea and my waiter said they usually charge for refills but mine was on the house. How nice was that?
I'm definitely coming here again and bringing HopAlong here next time. There are many other dishes I want to try. If you're ever visiting San Francisco, please, please, please go to this restaurant. You will not be disappointed.
After lunch, I explored Clement Street. I haven't been here in quite some time other than just going to Plough & Stars. Last I hung out here was 2 years ago. Clement is San Francisco's best kept secret. You will not see tourists running around in fanny packs here. This is the Chinatown reserved for locals.
On Clement, you will find Chinese dim sum takeaways, a plethora of Asian grocers, thai, korean, hot pot noodle houses, bubble milk tea stands, ice cream parlors, coffee houses, Irish pubs (one of which is the Plough & Stars where HopAlong had a run-in the last time), Green Apple Books which has been here forever. I used to hang out here during my high school years which was ages ago...
...And Schubert's Bakery which has been in this neighborhood since 1911. Their cakes and pastries are to die for! I had the strawberry shortcake topped with fresh fruit...
Thought I'd call it a day so I hopped on the 2 Clement to go back to the Ferry Building to head home...
The solo outing was nice in that it helped me find my feet and reacquaint myself with the city again. I had fun but there were a few moments where waves of sadness hit me because I was minus one.
I want my HopAlong! :(
Bus Route Recap:
To go to the de Young from the Ferry Building, walk a couple blocks up Market Street for the 21 Hayes bus stop. Get on the 21 Hayes (with destination 8th and Fulton) and alight at 8th Avenue and Fulton Street. Walk into Golden Gate Park to the de Young. To go to Clement Street, take the 44 O'Shaugnessy at the Concourse in front of the California Academy of Sciences. Get off on 6th Avenue and Clement Street. To go back to the Ferry Building, catch the 2 Clement (destination Ferry Plaza) at any bus stop along Clement Street.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Cheap Eats in Belfast
This post was inspired by a fellow blogger from Glasgow who is visiting Belfast. She was asking for cheap places to eat. For the life of me, I couldn't compile a list and when I did it turned out to be a very sad list. Below was my response. Any recs from fellow Belfastians would be greatly appreciated, please feel free to add to this list...
As for cheap eats I've been trying to compile a list and it's a short one b/c I cook most of the time cuz I'm a food snob and am consistently disappointed whenever I eat out. Not sure if they are still open, but here goes...
Stay away from Victoria Square it's expensive.
Around the City Centre, Northern Whig, The Apartment are medium priced, Morning Star is great food, great place but a bit pricey. Chalet D'or, Isabelle's, Blinker's cheap places but all greasy spoons. All Chinese takeaways are cheap. We frequented The Emerald on the Dublin Road across from Pizza Hut but not sure if it's still there.
Take a dander around the university lots of cheap places to eat there. Walk up Stranmillis Road. Sinnamon is a good place for breakfast. Lolita's for Indian. And lots of other takeaways. Conor Cafe is excellent but a bit pricey.
On Eglantine Avenue there's Thai Tanic, decent Thai Food. The Mad Hatter is next door, great breakfast place. Lisburn Road has all the hip restaurants from expensive (Shu, Porterhouse among others), to numerous cafes, Simply Food Marks & Sparks, and The Yellow Door Deli, great sandwich place.
Up the Shankill: Chinese, Thai, Indian, Pizza, KFC, Subway, chippies. There's Tudor Cafe, a hole in the wall where you can get a whole Sunday roast dinner for like 5 quid. Shankill is easy to get to from City Centre, just take any 11 bus off to the side of Shitty Hall on Wellington Place.
That's it off the top of my head. Hope this helps.
Oh and I also forgot...Botanic Avenue! You're bound to find cheap eats there.
As for cheap eats I've been trying to compile a list and it's a short one b/c I cook most of the time cuz I'm a food snob and am consistently disappointed whenever I eat out. Not sure if they are still open, but here goes...
Stay away from Victoria Square it's expensive.
Around the City Centre, Northern Whig, The Apartment are medium priced, Morning Star is great food, great place but a bit pricey. Chalet D'or, Isabelle's, Blinker's cheap places but all greasy spoons. All Chinese takeaways are cheap. We frequented The Emerald on the Dublin Road across from Pizza Hut but not sure if it's still there.
Take a dander around the university lots of cheap places to eat there. Walk up Stranmillis Road. Sinnamon is a good place for breakfast. Lolita's for Indian. And lots of other takeaways. Conor Cafe is excellent but a bit pricey.
On Eglantine Avenue there's Thai Tanic, decent Thai Food. The Mad Hatter is next door, great breakfast place. Lisburn Road has all the hip restaurants from expensive (Shu, Porterhouse among others), to numerous cafes, Simply Food Marks & Sparks, and The Yellow Door Deli, great sandwich place.
Up the Shankill: Chinese, Thai, Indian, Pizza, KFC, Subway, chippies. There's Tudor Cafe, a hole in the wall where you can get a whole Sunday roast dinner for like 5 quid. Shankill is easy to get to from City Centre, just take any 11 bus off to the side of Shitty Hall on Wellington Place.
That's it off the top of my head. Hope this helps.
Oh and I also forgot...Botanic Avenue! You're bound to find cheap eats there.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
No More Hop-Along
We spent a grueling 4 hours in the Belfast City Hospital waiting room until Craig was called to be seen by the doctor. Craig finally got his cast off. I was surprised the doctor expected for him to walk right away without crutches despite the fact the x-ray shows that he still has a slight fracture. Hmmmm....
Craig was just so elated that he has a leg and a foot again, we went to the city centre right after the hospital. I didn't think it was a good idea but he's such a stubborn mule. We went shopping at Victoria Centre. I wanted to buy some yoga pants for my flight home. All my yoga pants I brought with me were tattered and gross. I ended up going crazy at Next with all the selection of shoes. Shoes, shoes galore. I spotted a coat that screamed out my name and what do you know that it only costs £50. Craig says it looked perfect on me and was very Audrey Hepburnish. Craig got a new coat at H&M, my farewell treat! He looked so delicious in it, I had to buy it for him! I now have a Belfast coat and everytime I wear it in San Francisco (just in time for indian summer - yeah right), I will think of Craig and Belfast. Craig also has a San Francisco coat he bought when he was here last year. We can time it so we can both wear our coats at the same time even though we are at opposite ends of the world! How romantic!
I finally got my wish and ate at the Spanish Restaurant La Tasca. The menu was overwhelming and we didn't know what to order. It was tapas after tapas after tapas. And when the waitress explained to us the procedure we were doubly confused. We ended up getting the Seafood Chef special with a side order of Albondigas (meatballs) because I have been craving Albondigas ever since I ended up here. Oh and a pitcher of Sangria, of course! The meal was excellent. In the Seafood special we had a mixed green salad, fried calamari, mussels, white fish in tomato sauce, and battered shrimp. The Albondigas blew my mind and for a chain restaurant set in a mall it wasn't too bad. The ambience was great and the decor was astounding, it felt like I was in Spain. On top of that, the servers were Spanish. They were very cordial and checked up on us if everything was fine (very rare phenomenon in Belfast). All this place needs is a flamenco dancer. I give this place an overall 4 for food, service, and ambience. I would come back here again.
A wide array of tapas!
I almost forgot the most important highlight of our evening -- the dessert -- Mousse de Crema Catalana! Decadent chocolate and airy creaminess - in center was an oozing surprise too provocative to mention on television. It was utterly orgasmic!
Mousse de Crema Catalana
Afterwards we had a nice evening walk. I notice as each day passes it is getting dark earlier and earlier. Nature's way of reminding me that summer is almost over, fall is approaching, and my Belfast adventure is soon coming to an end.
Belfast Aye at Night
I'm not gonna say 'I told you so!'
Craig was just so elated that he has a leg and a foot again, we went to the city centre right after the hospital. I didn't think it was a good idea but he's such a stubborn mule. We went shopping at Victoria Centre. I wanted to buy some yoga pants for my flight home. All my yoga pants I brought with me were tattered and gross. I ended up going crazy at Next with all the selection of shoes. Shoes, shoes galore. I spotted a coat that screamed out my name and what do you know that it only costs £50. Craig says it looked perfect on me and was very Audrey Hepburnish. Craig got a new coat at H&M, my farewell treat! He looked so delicious in it, I had to buy it for him! I now have a Belfast coat and everytime I wear it in San Francisco (just in time for indian summer - yeah right), I will think of Craig and Belfast. Craig also has a San Francisco coat he bought when he was here last year. We can time it so we can both wear our coats at the same time even though we are at opposite ends of the world! How romantic!
I finally got my wish and ate at the Spanish Restaurant La Tasca. The menu was overwhelming and we didn't know what to order. It was tapas after tapas after tapas. And when the waitress explained to us the procedure we were doubly confused. We ended up getting the Seafood Chef special with a side order of Albondigas (meatballs) because I have been craving Albondigas ever since I ended up here. Oh and a pitcher of Sangria, of course! The meal was excellent. In the Seafood special we had a mixed green salad, fried calamari, mussels, white fish in tomato sauce, and battered shrimp. The Albondigas blew my mind and for a chain restaurant set in a mall it wasn't too bad. The ambience was great and the decor was astounding, it felt like I was in Spain. On top of that, the servers were Spanish. They were very cordial and checked up on us if everything was fine (very rare phenomenon in Belfast). All this place needs is a flamenco dancer. I give this place an overall 4 for food, service, and ambience. I would come back here again.
I almost forgot the most important highlight of our evening -- the dessert -- Mousse de Crema Catalana! Decadent chocolate and airy creaminess - in center was an oozing surprise too provocative to mention on television. It was utterly orgasmic!
Afterwards we had a nice evening walk. I notice as each day passes it is getting dark earlier and earlier. Nature's way of reminding me that summer is almost over, fall is approaching, and my Belfast adventure is soon coming to an end.
Monday, August 18, 2008
THAItanic
Ok if there is one that Belfast really is falling short on is ethnic food. I'm not talking about gourmet schmormay fancy pants food, I'm talking authentic ethnic food, rustic cooking -- your mom's cooking. In my book, Michelin stars and cordon bleu training doesn't mean jack when it comes to down home ethnic cooking. It's simple and there's no pretentious bullshit.
It is a real shame that most people here probably think that chips and curry is a regular staple in China since it is served at a Chinese restaurant. I find out of the many ethnic restaurants I have eaten here, I have been deeply disappointed. Tonight was not an exception when we dined at THAItanic. Cute name but...
When I want Thai food, I WANT AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD at least really, really close to it. Expecially if those who are in the kitchen are Thai. I placed my order at the counter: Chicken Satay, Tom Kha, Pad Thai, and Thai Chicken Fried Rice on and of course, Thai Iced Tea.
"I'm sorry. We don't have Thai Iced Tea"
WHAT?!?!? No Thai Iced Tea. What the hell kind of Thai restaurant does not have Thai iced tea?!?!?!
According to their website...
"We are Belfast's first Authentic Thai noodle bar.
We can offer both a take out and eat in option. Providing both locally produced produce mixed with the ambient flavours of Thailand."
I don't think so! You lost points on not having Thai Iced Tea on the menu. Ooh that really ticked me off but I guess it's not their fault. Any variation on tea other than Nambarrie with milk, is not acceptable to the Belfast palate.
First came the appetizer. Chicken Satay - perfectly grilled, peanut sauce very watery, and as with any Chicken satay, a side of at least a variation of Prik dong (Thai chile peppers pickled with white rice vinegar) is mandatory of the dish to counteract the sweet of the peanut sauce. Instead, the satay was garnished with little matchstick slices of dry carrots and cabbage. Pathetic!
Then on to the soup - Tom Kha absolutely perfect! - The soup was an epiphany. There are little of diamonds hidden away in street corners and they have been hiding in this restaurant. Such greatness can exist in Belfast! At least they did that right.
Tom Kha
Main Courses: Pad Thai - bland and noodles soggy. Did not taste remotely like pad thai but egg foo yung. For being an authentic Thai noodle house, their signature dish really sucks! Chicken Fried Rice - It's nothing I hadn't had before in any CHINESE restaurant.
Pad Thai and chicken fried rice.
I tried to look for the typical condiments you would find at a thai restaurant like chili or nam pla to douse over my bland pad thai, I only found a saucer full of dried chilli flakes which is definitely not Thai. Thai condiments are the backbone of Thai food and they was no sign of them within a 20 mile radius.
Ok, a restaurant is also a business and they have to cater to their consumers, but dayum. If I go to a Thai restaurant, I expect Thai food. Otherwise, I'd go to the Chinkers! People of Belfast, I hope you know that you are being jipped on the ethnic food front. Authentic Thai Noodlehouse my ass!
Food: 2 (my only kudo is for the soup)
Service: 2 (nothing spectacular)
Atmosphere: 2 (seats were not comfortable too low. Long table to evoke communal style eating but I don't think it vibes well with the very shy and aloof Belfastians, some seating outside)
Would I come back here? ONLY FOR THE SOUP and my own thermos of thai iced tea from home!
It is a real shame that most people here probably think that chips and curry is a regular staple in China since it is served at a Chinese restaurant. I find out of the many ethnic restaurants I have eaten here, I have been deeply disappointed. Tonight was not an exception when we dined at THAItanic. Cute name but...
When I want Thai food, I WANT AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD at least really, really close to it. Expecially if those who are in the kitchen are Thai. I placed my order at the counter: Chicken Satay, Tom Kha, Pad Thai, and Thai Chicken Fried Rice on and of course, Thai Iced Tea.
"I'm sorry. We don't have Thai Iced Tea"
WHAT?!?!? No Thai Iced Tea. What the hell kind of Thai restaurant does not have Thai iced tea?!?!?!
According to their website...
"We are Belfast's first Authentic Thai noodle bar.
We can offer both a take out and eat in option. Providing both locally produced produce mixed with the ambient flavours of Thailand."
I don't think so! You lost points on not having Thai Iced Tea on the menu. Ooh that really ticked me off but I guess it's not their fault. Any variation on tea other than Nambarrie with milk, is not acceptable to the Belfast palate.
First came the appetizer. Chicken Satay - perfectly grilled, peanut sauce very watery, and as with any Chicken satay, a side of at least a variation of Prik dong (Thai chile peppers pickled with white rice vinegar) is mandatory of the dish to counteract the sweet of the peanut sauce. Instead, the satay was garnished with little matchstick slices of dry carrots and cabbage. Pathetic!
Then on to the soup - Tom Kha absolutely perfect! - The soup was an epiphany. There are little of diamonds hidden away in street corners and they have been hiding in this restaurant. Such greatness can exist in Belfast! At least they did that right.
Main Courses: Pad Thai - bland and noodles soggy. Did not taste remotely like pad thai but egg foo yung. For being an authentic Thai noodle house, their signature dish really sucks! Chicken Fried Rice - It's nothing I hadn't had before in any CHINESE restaurant.
I tried to look for the typical condiments you would find at a thai restaurant like chili or nam pla to douse over my bland pad thai, I only found a saucer full of dried chilli flakes which is definitely not Thai. Thai condiments are the backbone of Thai food and they was no sign of them within a 20 mile radius.
Ok, a restaurant is also a business and they have to cater to their consumers, but dayum. If I go to a Thai restaurant, I expect Thai food. Otherwise, I'd go to the Chinkers! People of Belfast, I hope you know that you are being jipped on the ethnic food front. Authentic Thai Noodlehouse my ass!
Food: 2 (my only kudo is for the soup)
Service: 2 (nothing spectacular)
Atmosphere: 2 (seats were not comfortable too low. Long table to evoke communal style eating but I don't think it vibes well with the very shy and aloof Belfastians, some seating outside)
Would I come back here? ONLY FOR THE SOUP and my own thermos of thai iced tea from home!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Cafe Paul Rankin
Paul Rankin, celebrity chef of Belfast, has a few eating establishments scattered throughout Belfast. Craig and I accidentally stumbled across his cafe, which serves affordable food for the masses.
Craig is so excited, he can't contain himself.
It was a hot and humid today. The last thing we wanted to do was sit inside a stuffy cafe. Unfortunately, seating outside was all full. We decided to sacrafice our discomfort to sample celebrity food Belfast stylie. The place was completely packed but we managed to find a seat. I ordered at the counter and the food was brought to our table. I was surprised the food came as quickly as it did, despite it being very busy.
Craig ordered the Chicken Ceasar Salad and I had the Chef Sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich w/ roasted red peppers, and pesto served in a bap with chips and salad with a mustard vinagrette. I wasn't really impressed with my meal. The Grilled chicken was very dry, and the pesto wasn't substantial to the sandwich. It was mediocre at best. Craig's dish on the other hand was amazing! It was THE best chicken ceasar salad I have ever had! It was so good that Craig ate in silence. And here I was sitting across him watching him in envy while I ate my dry grilled chicken sandwich. :(
While Craig was devouring his salad, I had the opportunity to witness delinquency close up. Outside, a riot was about to ensue between two patrons fighting over table. A shifty women next to our table was acting very shifty and stole a deli sandwich. She noticed that I noticed and she got up to pretend to order at the queue but turned around and left. The food at Cafe Rankin is good but I wouldn't say it was that good you would commit a crime.
Would I come back to Cafe Paul Rankin again? The answer is definitely yes. Very casual atmosphere. Staff are friendly, attentive and nice. Fast service. Chicken Ceasar, hell yes! Chef Sandwich, hell no!
Food: 5 (for chicken ceasar salad only)
Customer Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
It was a hot and humid today. The last thing we wanted to do was sit inside a stuffy cafe. Unfortunately, seating outside was all full. We decided to sacrafice our discomfort to sample celebrity food Belfast stylie. The place was completely packed but we managed to find a seat. I ordered at the counter and the food was brought to our table. I was surprised the food came as quickly as it did, despite it being very busy.
Craig ordered the Chicken Ceasar Salad and I had the Chef Sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich w/ roasted red peppers, and pesto served in a bap with chips and salad with a mustard vinagrette. I wasn't really impressed with my meal. The Grilled chicken was very dry, and the pesto wasn't substantial to the sandwich. It was mediocre at best. Craig's dish on the other hand was amazing! It was THE best chicken ceasar salad I have ever had! It was so good that Craig ate in silence. And here I was sitting across him watching him in envy while I ate my dry grilled chicken sandwich. :(
While Craig was devouring his salad, I had the opportunity to witness delinquency close up. Outside, a riot was about to ensue between two patrons fighting over table. A shifty women next to our table was acting very shifty and stole a deli sandwich. She noticed that I noticed and she got up to pretend to order at the queue but turned around and left. The food at Cafe Rankin is good but I wouldn't say it was that good you would commit a crime.Would I come back to Cafe Paul Rankin again? The answer is definitely yes. Very casual atmosphere. Staff are friendly, attentive and nice. Fast service. Chicken Ceasar, hell yes! Chef Sandwich, hell no!
Food: 5 (for chicken ceasar salad only)
Customer Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Hop Along Gets A New Cast
We are back home after a long and exhausting day. We had an early start this morning and headed straight to City Hospital. After 3 hours, Craig got his xray and a new cast. Everything is looking good and his leg is healing nicely!
We took a bus to the City Centre and had a bite to eat at the Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Victoria Square. I was dubious and was expecting overpriced, mediocre burgers but I was impressed at the choices they offer and it was, in fact, gourmet. Craig ordered the chorizo burger which is topped with spicy chorizo, sweet potato, rocket, and tomato. I ordered the portabella burger with roasted red peppers, rocket, pesto, and may. We shared a side order of chips and for £1.50 they have several sauces to choose from Garlic Mayo, Sweet Chilli, Barbecue, etc. We went with the Garlic Mayo. There seems to be a growing trend of going up to the counter to order and pre-paying. They will take your drink order at the table but food orders must be at the counter. It doesn't make sense.
Our burgers were stacked high. My portabella burger was very good, somewhat watery, the juice was dripping down my forearm. The only thing missing was cheese. It needed melted monterey jack cheese like the Portabella burgers at Barney's back home. *Sigh* I couldn't complain. I enjoyed my meal. Craig's chorizo burger was awkward to eat. They shouldn't have used a burger bun because the long strips of sausage didn't quite fit in the bun, it was like forcing a square peg into a round hole. He at his burger with a fork and knife. Chips were decent and the garlic mayo sauce was very rich and garlicky. Although it is quite pricey, I would eat here again.
Food: 4
Service: 2 (there wasn't any really, but the food came out quick)
Atmosphere: 1 (it was in a mall...so bleh)
After lunch, we decided to check out what was showing at the Odeon, the new cinemaplex at the Victoria Centre. I heard Wall-E had good reviews and it was showing at 3.00PM. We had an hour to kill before the movie so we went shopping. I made poor Craig hobble about and follow me around. Luckily, his new cast is lighter and didn't really cause him discomfort. He had the patience of a saint. I could be a handful expecially when I shop.
I love him soooooooo bad. Excuse me while I cuddle with my best friend until the sun shines down on Ireland.
We took a bus to the City Centre and had a bite to eat at the Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Victoria Square. I was dubious and was expecting overpriced, mediocre burgers but I was impressed at the choices they offer and it was, in fact, gourmet. Craig ordered the chorizo burger which is topped with spicy chorizo, sweet potato, rocket, and tomato. I ordered the portabella burger with roasted red peppers, rocket, pesto, and may. We shared a side order of chips and for £1.50 they have several sauces to choose from Garlic Mayo, Sweet Chilli, Barbecue, etc. We went with the Garlic Mayo. There seems to be a growing trend of going up to the counter to order and pre-paying. They will take your drink order at the table but food orders must be at the counter. It doesn't make sense.
Our burgers were stacked high. My portabella burger was very good, somewhat watery, the juice was dripping down my forearm. The only thing missing was cheese. It needed melted monterey jack cheese like the Portabella burgers at Barney's back home. *Sigh* I couldn't complain. I enjoyed my meal. Craig's chorizo burger was awkward to eat. They shouldn't have used a burger bun because the long strips of sausage didn't quite fit in the bun, it was like forcing a square peg into a round hole. He at his burger with a fork and knife. Chips were decent and the garlic mayo sauce was very rich and garlicky. Although it is quite pricey, I would eat here again.
Food: 4
Service: 2 (there wasn't any really, but the food came out quick)
Atmosphere: 1 (it was in a mall...so bleh)
After lunch, we decided to check out what was showing at the Odeon, the new cinemaplex at the Victoria Centre. I heard Wall-E had good reviews and it was showing at 3.00PM. We had an hour to kill before the movie so we went shopping. I made poor Craig hobble about and follow me around. Luckily, his new cast is lighter and didn't really cause him discomfort. He had the patience of a saint. I could be a handful expecially when I shop.
I love him soooooooo bad. Excuse me while I cuddle with my best friend until the sun shines down on Ireland.
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Day After
Today wasn't too bad. We saw Dark Knight at Storm Cinema, VIP seats again. We were 25 minutes late but STILL caught 5 minutes into the trailer. Can you believe that? I wouldn't say it was the best movie I've ever seen but Christian Bale is too hot. Heath Ledger as the joker did a fine performance (too bad it was his last).
After the movie, our original plan was to go to La Tasca and have Spanish tapas. We noticed how empty it was and went to the Red Panda instead. We learned quickly after the Giraffe incident...Empty restaurant = sucky restaurant. Craig had been boasting about the Honey Chili Chicken for some time so I was anxious to try it. Although the place was packed, we were seated right away and we didn't even have a reservation. Service was prompt. In addition to the Honey Chili Chicken, we also ordered Sui Mai for appetizer and Mongolian Beef as the other entree. Mongolian Beef was out of this world. It's the best Chinese food I've had in Belfast, I must say. The Honey Chili chicken was sweet but had a mild spicy kick to it. Chicken was juicy and moist. The beef was tender and the sauce was gorgeous. Craig wanted to appear all cultural and civilized, so he ordered green tea. The Chinese waitress gave him a talking to and said they don't have green tea but the Chinese tea (meaning green tea is Japanese). She came out with a tall mug of steaming hot water with a ball of green prickly stuff. The prickly stuff started to unravel and bloom into a beautiful flower. It was neat!!!
Food: 3 1/2
Customer Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2 If it weren't for the blaring ABBA music, I'd give it a 3.
I was craving for a chocolate sundae with a cherry on top. So we went downstairs to the American Diner and guess what? IT WAS CLOSED!!! I was just about going to lose it. My eyes were going to well up in tears but I held back. It was 9PM and Craig didn't know where else to get a sundae so we just took the taxi back to stranmillis and had chocolate cake and milkshakes. I was picking at my chocolate cake and Craig said, "You don't look to happy. Are you sure you're going to last six weeks?". I just sighed and frowned.
I went to Centra to get some junk to stuff my pathetic face. Craig hobbled back to the house. We planned to have a pity party fest and watch cheesey romantic movies. Tonight he was going to be my girlfriend and consoling shoulder. Everything started to become a disaster again. Him hobbling up and down the stairs to the bathroom cuz he has the runs (must be the milkshake). I gave him a fright while I was getting glasses out of the cabinet. I dropped a glass and it smashed to the floor. I was like just great, my nerves are hanging on by a thread here. I wanted to burst out crying. I sweept the glass and headed back upstairs. Here is Craig again hobbling up from the bathroom. He's out of breath and sweating like a racing snake. He just stood there looking at me trying to catch his breath. I asked if he was ok. He held out his arms and told me to give him a cuddle and he said, "I appreciate everything you've done for me these past few months, and what you've sacrificed to get here. I know I've ruined your trip and I'm sorry. I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. You are special to me and I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?" He reaches into his pocket and takes out a gorgeous ring. I say, YES! and he puts it on my finger. A perfect fit! I love it. I love him more than anything. Even though it has been shitty most of the time due to outside circumstances, it was all worth it because we have each other. I'm actually grateful for all these shitty events because it made everything else all that special and I am confident we can handle anything that comes our way with laughter and a smile (even though sometimes it can be hard, we are there for each other and that's all that matters). I know it's not the grand romantic storybook fairytale. No trips to exotic places and proposing in front of an island sunset. No fanfare. Just simple and real in our wee room in South Belfast. I couldn't have asked for anything farther from perfect.
A ruby (my birthstone)encircled with diamonds (his birthstone) represents me being the center of his life and his continous loyalty and love for me.
After the movie, our original plan was to go to La Tasca and have Spanish tapas. We noticed how empty it was and went to the Red Panda instead. We learned quickly after the Giraffe incident...Empty restaurant = sucky restaurant. Craig had been boasting about the Honey Chili Chicken for some time so I was anxious to try it. Although the place was packed, we were seated right away and we didn't even have a reservation. Service was prompt. In addition to the Honey Chili Chicken, we also ordered Sui Mai for appetizer and Mongolian Beef as the other entree. Mongolian Beef was out of this world. It's the best Chinese food I've had in Belfast, I must say. The Honey Chili chicken was sweet but had a mild spicy kick to it. Chicken was juicy and moist. The beef was tender and the sauce was gorgeous. Craig wanted to appear all cultural and civilized, so he ordered green tea. The Chinese waitress gave him a talking to and said they don't have green tea but the Chinese tea (meaning green tea is Japanese). She came out with a tall mug of steaming hot water with a ball of green prickly stuff. The prickly stuff started to unravel and bloom into a beautiful flower. It was neat!!!
Food: 3 1/2
Customer Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2 If it weren't for the blaring ABBA music, I'd give it a 3.
I was craving for a chocolate sundae with a cherry on top. So we went downstairs to the American Diner and guess what? IT WAS CLOSED!!! I was just about going to lose it. My eyes were going to well up in tears but I held back. It was 9PM and Craig didn't know where else to get a sundae so we just took the taxi back to stranmillis and had chocolate cake and milkshakes. I was picking at my chocolate cake and Craig said, "You don't look to happy. Are you sure you're going to last six weeks?". I just sighed and frowned.
I went to Centra to get some junk to stuff my pathetic face. Craig hobbled back to the house. We planned to have a pity party fest and watch cheesey romantic movies. Tonight he was going to be my girlfriend and consoling shoulder. Everything started to become a disaster again. Him hobbling up and down the stairs to the bathroom cuz he has the runs (must be the milkshake). I gave him a fright while I was getting glasses out of the cabinet. I dropped a glass and it smashed to the floor. I was like just great, my nerves are hanging on by a thread here. I wanted to burst out crying. I sweept the glass and headed back upstairs. Here is Craig again hobbling up from the bathroom. He's out of breath and sweating like a racing snake. He just stood there looking at me trying to catch his breath. I asked if he was ok. He held out his arms and told me to give him a cuddle and he said, "I appreciate everything you've done for me these past few months, and what you've sacrificed to get here. I know I've ruined your trip and I'm sorry. I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. You are special to me and I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?" He reaches into his pocket and takes out a gorgeous ring. I say, YES! and he puts it on my finger. A perfect fit! I love it. I love him more than anything. Even though it has been shitty most of the time due to outside circumstances, it was all worth it because we have each other. I'm actually grateful for all these shitty events because it made everything else all that special and I am confident we can handle anything that comes our way with laughter and a smile (even though sometimes it can be hard, we are there for each other and that's all that matters). I know it's not the grand romantic storybook fairytale. No trips to exotic places and proposing in front of an island sunset. No fanfare. Just simple and real in our wee room in South Belfast. I couldn't have asked for anything farther from perfect.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Day Out With Hop Along
After a slight row...me getting frustrated over waiting for Craig to freakin' wake up and to do something. And him getting frustrated over me expecting him to wake up because I wanted him to do something, we finally headed out the door and took the bus to the city center.
I think I am immune to the rain now or the fact that my blood was boiling thinking if I had to stay one more day in that house, I'm going to blow a gasket and will need tranquilizers, because rain or shine, I'm going OUT!!!! So in the midst of a tsunami, "Hop Along" and I, went to Marcus Music on Royal Avenue to buy my drum. But before we even reached the store, I noticed signs pointing to a place that said 'Kainan Cafe'. Kainan means eatery in Tagalog. Tagalog is national language of the Philippines. I was like, "No, this can't be!". So I shouted to Hop Along who was 20 feet in front of me to check out this place. It was a Filipino restaurant and grocery store! I can't believe it! I mean, what are the chances?!?! Apparently, there has been an influx of Filipinos who came to Belfast 5 to 7 years ago because of nurse shortages in hospitals in the UK. Due to lack of jobs and low pay in the Philippines, all health professionals had no choice but to work abroad in search for a better life, for higher wages, and more opportunity so they can send money and help family members back home. I told Craig we must eat here after I purchase my drum. It will also give him insight of what my peeps are like and I was curious what he thought.
We went to Marcus Music and he immediately reconnected with a friend of his who is an employee there. His friend is also an accomplished guitarist. After they talked shopped for awhile, because Craig also plays guitar, I finally got down to business and bought my first ever bodhran drum. The drum w/ tipper and case was around £135. It's about average for a semi-professional bodhran and it will do for practice and classes. If you're serious about learning a bodhran make sure you get the screws in the back. What you want is a tunable bodhran where you can tighten the skin by a turn key. The ones that don't have them are pure decoration and not suitable for playing. A bodhran 14-16" in diameter would suit you just fine. You don't want to go any bigger than that. The bodhrans they sell in Marcus are manufactured in Dublin. I still plan to buy a custom made bodhran here in Belfast. Eamon Maguire is supposedly a master bodhran maker in Ireland. I'll will definitely give him a shoutout before I leave. I hope he'll let me take pictures in his workshop. I'm really eager to see how the bodhran is made.
After Marcus music, it was off to Kainan Cafe. There were a group of Filipino men entering the cafe. They looked at us with curiosity. What is a Filipina doing with an Irishman? (Mailorder Bride?. HAHA!) And when they heard my American accent they were doubly intrigued. But they didn't make us feel like we were unwelcome. It was a relaxed atmosphere. We went in and behind the counter was a nice Filipino man who reminded me of my uncle. There were hotpots all lined up in a row. I asked him if there was a menu, he smiled and said to just look in the hotpots. He asked if I was Filipina, and I said yes but I was born in America so I don't really speak Tagalog all that well. I sheepishly said that I'm not sure what they were so he opened the lid and told me what they were:
Kare Kare - a peanut and oxtail dish which you eat with fermented shrimp paste. Sounds gross but it's oh so good!
Pork Adobo = Pork marinated and stewed in soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and basil leaves. Hop Along said it tasted like really strong roast beef. He really liked it!
Mungo - Thick soup made with mung beans.
Diniguan - Spicy pork blood soup with tripe. Not my thing but it's good.
Sinigang - a tangy beef soup, another favorite of mine
I ordered the Kare Kare and Pork Adobo. A main dish plus generous helping of sticky rice is only £4.50 (which is average price for Chinese takeaway). It was ok in my opinion, nothing is as good as mom's cooking. But it was adequate. I was surprised Craig cleared his plate. He said he felt like Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations. LMAO!
I asked the nice cafe man how long he's been here. He said 5 years. I asked if he liked it here, he grimaced and was like, we're just here for the money. His wife is a nurse and once they have enough money they are going back home to the Philippines. I don't blame him. Coming from a tropical country, they must think Northern Ireland is the arctic circle. I browsed the shelves and saw the all too familiar ingredients that my mom uses in her kitchen and it made me long for home. :(
Filipino men were just chilling and chatting over the din of The Filipino Channel! LOL! I assumed they were waiting for their wives to get off their hospital shift. Man, it was so nice to be surrounded by the familiar. I loved listening to them speak in Tagalog. For once, I didn't feel like a stranger and I fit in, and Craig was the opposite.
After we had our meal, we headed to roast for some coffee. I still have trouble with the currency here. LOL! The man asked for £6.50 and I gave him £5.50 how embarassing. As we sat there waiting for the rain to die down. HP was fiddling with my itouch to see if there was free wifi...which there was (all Roasts do). From the time we left the house, and all the while we were at the city centre, he was checking for wifi hotspots. The man was obssessed. Whatever gets his rocks off, I guess!
HP's barber was nearby so he walked in for a haircut. I have been here once before in January. And I found it kind of funny how barbers are no fuss no muss as opposed to hair salons where you're pampered. Men sit and wait until it is their turn. They sit in a chair. Tell the barber they want their hair short, and off goes the buzzer. They pay the barber £5 and that's it. 15 minutes tops. Straight and to the point.
We then took the bus to his mom's house in the Shankill. We played with LADY! Yipeee!
And you know what else today is? It's a milestone for Hop Along and I. It's the first anniversary where we met in person! Awwww! I remember it vividly. When I first saw him, I melted like butter and my heart went a pitter pat. It was his first time in San Franciso. Him tired from the long journey and me frantic running around the city getting ready for his arrival. It was clumsy and awkward at first but the strong feelings were there and we couldn't believe how we made it come to fruition.
Never would I have guessed that I would move to some foreign country to live with someone who has touched my heart and soul, and showed me a different side of life I would have never gotten to know. It's been a great adventure thus far, and I'm sure we'll have many more for years to come!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Two Things I Can Count On...
#1 Tesco Home Delivery Service
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM! Groceries delivered right to your door AND I found out that I save more money through the delivery service for some reason. Maybe it's because I go astray when I peruse up and down the aisles. Maybe it's the subliminal muzak that entices me to BUY, BUY BUY. Is there still muzak in grocery stores? Anyways, if Tesco delivery service were a man, I would marry him and give him daily steaks & BJs.
#2 Sahara on Botanic Avenue
A take away joint that delivers until 4am. Can you believe it? A place other than a pub that is open after 6pm?!?!? There is a god afterall!
An electic menu of unadulterated junk from pizzas to kebabs to chips to pakora. I highly recommend their pizzas. Prices are reasonable at £4.50 an entree. Delivery is free before 11pm. They're the quickest I've experienced thus far. My wait time was an average of 30 minutes or less. OK it's not gourmet, but at 2am with the drunk munchies, who the fuck cares?!?
Food: 3 stars
Customer Service: 4 stars
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM! Groceries delivered right to your door AND I found out that I save more money through the delivery service for some reason. Maybe it's because I go astray when I peruse up and down the aisles. Maybe it's the subliminal muzak that entices me to BUY, BUY BUY. Is there still muzak in grocery stores? Anyways, if Tesco delivery service were a man, I would marry him and give him daily steaks & BJs.
#2 Sahara on Botanic Avenue
A take away joint that delivers until 4am. Can you believe it? A place other than a pub that is open after 6pm?!?!? There is a god afterall!
An electic menu of unadulterated junk from pizzas to kebabs to chips to pakora. I highly recommend their pizzas. Prices are reasonable at £4.50 an entree. Delivery is free before 11pm. They're the quickest I've experienced thus far. My wait time was an average of 30 minutes or less. OK it's not gourmet, but at 2am with the drunk munchies, who the fuck cares?!?
Food: 3 stars
Customer Service: 4 stars
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sinnamon on Stranmillis Rd.
After Craig's Dr.'s visit, we decided to have breakfast at Sinnamon. Just a few blocks from our house, we've always stopped by in the morning on our way to Centra and find the place packed with people. We were thinking, if it's this packed it MUST be good! On the eve of the 12th, we were lucky to finally find a seat. I ordered the Yankee Breakfast (£1.95) which consists of 2 American style pancakes and maple syrup for Craig. We were anxious to see how this stacked up to Giraffe (hehe, stacked get it?). I ordered waffles topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Waffles are their speciality and you can order a sweet or savory toppings customed tailored to your taste for 50p to £1.50. AND last but not least, we shared a pot of english breakfast tea.
The great thing about Sinnamon is we don't have to wait to be seated by a hostess and deal with a tardy waitress. You go up to the counter, give them your order and they bring the food right to your table. Badda-bing-badda-boom! I just love things that are straight and to the point. Quick, easy, and FRIENDLY service that doesn't make you want to tear your hair out!
Our dishes came out and we ooh'd and ahh'd...
Our dishes tasted as good as they looked. I took a bite out of the pancakes and they were pretty decent, just like I would get back home. Thick, buttery and fluffy. They could have been bigger and they could have served them sausage. It's not a yankee breakfast without the sausage or bacon. As for the maple syrup, it's the golden can syrup. It was watered down but it was better than the honey we got at Giraffe. Craig thought it was alright. He said if he and the pancakes were put on a plane to San Francisco and sit at a cafe in North Beach with a view of Washington Square Park with a PITCHER of REAL maple syrup and crispy bacon then he would give it 4 stars.
OK back to reality here...
My waffles were excellent. It was light and airy. The strawberries were fresh, succulent, and sweet as if they were just picked off the field. The cream was well...creamy! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It was the epitome of loveliness.
The atmosphere is relaxing and just as a cafe should be. All walks of life from families, to college students, to computer geeks. There are a few sit down tables inside and the option to sit outside to soak in the Stranmillis vibe. There are also ample cushy couches so comfortable it feels like you're in your own living room.
Hell yes, I'd go back here again and again! And Oh yes, I finally found a place where I can get a decent cuppa and a toasted bagel with cream cheese! A plus is that it's right outside my door and I can go whenever the craving strikes me! Yay!
Food: 4
Customer Service:4
Atmosphere:4
The great thing about Sinnamon is we don't have to wait to be seated by a hostess and deal with a tardy waitress. You go up to the counter, give them your order and they bring the food right to your table. Badda-bing-badda-boom! I just love things that are straight and to the point. Quick, easy, and FRIENDLY service that doesn't make you want to tear your hair out!
Our dishes came out and we ooh'd and ahh'd...
Our dishes tasted as good as they looked. I took a bite out of the pancakes and they were pretty decent, just like I would get back home. Thick, buttery and fluffy. They could have been bigger and they could have served them sausage. It's not a yankee breakfast without the sausage or bacon. As for the maple syrup, it's the golden can syrup. It was watered down but it was better than the honey we got at Giraffe. Craig thought it was alright. He said if he and the pancakes were put on a plane to San Francisco and sit at a cafe in North Beach with a view of Washington Square Park with a PITCHER of REAL maple syrup and crispy bacon then he would give it 4 stars.
OK back to reality here...
My waffles were excellent. It was light and airy. The strawberries were fresh, succulent, and sweet as if they were just picked off the field. The cream was well...creamy! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It was the epitome of loveliness.
The atmosphere is relaxing and just as a cafe should be. All walks of life from families, to college students, to computer geeks. There are a few sit down tables inside and the option to sit outside to soak in the Stranmillis vibe. There are also ample cushy couches so comfortable it feels like you're in your own living room.
Hell yes, I'd go back here again and again! And Oh yes, I finally found a place where I can get a decent cuppa and a toasted bagel with cream cheese! A plus is that it's right outside my door and I can go whenever the craving strikes me! Yay!
Food: 4
Customer Service:4
Atmosphere:4
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Chop Sticks on Stranmillis Road
Dine About Town #2...
Every Wednesday is our takeout night. I get a break from cooking and I get to sample the food out here. Last week, we had a hankering for Chinese food so we decided to check out the local Chinese takeaway in our neighborhood: Chopsticks
Inside is your below average joint. Most main entrees come with a choice of boiled rice (white rice), fried rice, or chips (plain, garlic, or curried). To save ourselves some money we opted to just order the main entree. We could make our own rice at home. We ordered the honey chili chicken and mixed vegetable stir fry. £9.40for the whole lot which is the average price for Chinese takeaway here.
If this doesn't look appetizing then you are correct! Both dishes were drowned in sauce that it over powered everything. The Honey Chilli Chicken was way too sweet and the mixed vegetables were way too salty. After awhile, it just tasted like sauce over rice. Food wasn't inedible but I'd only go here if I were stuck in the middle of a desert and that was the only place to eat.
Food: 1 star for the free tupperware they give you w/ entrees
Customer Service: 3 stars for politeness, fast service, and efficiency
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Giraffe on Stranmillis Road
This is my first "Dine About Town" series. I thought it would be fun to go around Belfast and do a review on all the restaurants and cafes that I happen to meander in. I hope it will be helpful for those of you who plan to visit Belfast. Although, I must warn you that I have a discriminating San Fran palate. I'm a self proclaimed food snob. So if I seem a bit harsh, you'll know why.
Anyways I digress back to Giraffe...
Craig wanted to have breakfast somewhere. We stopped off at Sinnamon, but unfortunately it was crowded (which is a good sign). A few doors down was Giraffe which was quite empty (later we knew why). I read a review in the South Belfast paper on this place. It had good reviews for the dinner menu. I figure it couldn't be all that bad for breakfast. At first, staff was friendly and a waitress promptly took our order. We had, as described on the menu, "a triple stack of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup", a side order of O.J., and tea. As we waited anxiously for our order, I noticed it had a nice atmosphere with people quietly reading their newspapers, and a group of people chatting about.
The only thing I didn't like, was the television in the background. Real appetizing while BBC shows a woman in labor and a close up of her cooch while she pops out a baby covered in mucus and blood. Nice! I really hate televisions in cafes and restaurants, it takes away from the restaurant experience. If I wanted to watch tv while eating then I would eat in my living room! Anyways, I digress again.
Our dishes finally came and it looked nothing like what was described in the menu. The most pathetic pancakes I have ever seen at least compared to American standards. It looked like 3 crepes. Craig was like, "Does this look like a stack to you?" I responded with a resounding, "No".
Not only that, the waitress informs us that they don't actually have maple syrup and asked if honey was OK. Honey on pancakes?!?!? What a sacrilege!!! I was bewildered and asked Craig, "Why state maple syrup in the entree description when they don't have it?" Craig rolls his eyes and shrugs his shoulders. He was annoyed as well and he lives here! Whatever, we had no choice so honey it is. So we sit there like a bunch of idiots waiting for our honey while the waitresses were discussing their next holiday in Tenerife. Craig called the attention of the waitress and asked for the honey. The same waitress who promised us honey in the first place. She comes back and gives us butter. Uh, what about the honey?!? Oh yes, she says. She comes back with the honey and with a soulful roll of her eyes, "So is that us then?" which is Belfastian for "You're really getting on my nerves making me work because you're interrupting my all too important discussion on my holiday to Tenerife. So, are you finished here?!?" I see, that customer service isn't their forte. For me as well as for Craig, customer service is what really scores points in a review dontcha think? People go to restaurants and PAY money for food, not only to stuff their necks but also to be pampered? We might as well stay home and cook our own food if we were to be treated rudely. I took a bite out of the pancakes hoping that the food will redeem itself and cancel out all the other negatives. It didn't. The pancake was very thin, crepelike, and gooey. It was a sad pancake. Very sad. The bacon was good though.
We then knew the hard way why Sinnamon was full and why a restaurant only two doors down would be empty.
£11.25 for 3 crappy pancakes with no maple syrup but honey that took forever for it to get to our table and a waitress who was more interested in her holiday at tenerife than DOING her job.
Food: 1 star for the bacon and huge glass of orange juice
Service: negative infinity factorial
Needless to say, we won't be back here again!
Anyways I digress back to Giraffe...
Craig wanted to have breakfast somewhere. We stopped off at Sinnamon, but unfortunately it was crowded (which is a good sign). A few doors down was Giraffe which was quite empty (later we knew why). I read a review in the South Belfast paper on this place. It had good reviews for the dinner menu. I figure it couldn't be all that bad for breakfast. At first, staff was friendly and a waitress promptly took our order. We had, as described on the menu, "a triple stack of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup", a side order of O.J., and tea. As we waited anxiously for our order, I noticed it had a nice atmosphere with people quietly reading their newspapers, and a group of people chatting about. 
The only thing I didn't like, was the television in the background. Real appetizing while BBC shows a woman in labor and a close up of her cooch while she pops out a baby covered in mucus and blood. Nice! I really hate televisions in cafes and restaurants, it takes away from the restaurant experience. If I wanted to watch tv while eating then I would eat in my living room! Anyways, I digress again.
Our dishes finally came and it looked nothing like what was described in the menu. The most pathetic pancakes I have ever seen at least compared to American standards. It looked like 3 crepes. Craig was like, "Does this look like a stack to you?" I responded with a resounding, "No".
Not only that, the waitress informs us that they don't actually have maple syrup and asked if honey was OK. Honey on pancakes?!?!? What a sacrilege!!! I was bewildered and asked Craig, "Why state maple syrup in the entree description when they don't have it?" Craig rolls his eyes and shrugs his shoulders. He was annoyed as well and he lives here! Whatever, we had no choice so honey it is. So we sit there like a bunch of idiots waiting for our honey while the waitresses were discussing their next holiday in Tenerife. Craig called the attention of the waitress and asked for the honey. The same waitress who promised us honey in the first place. She comes back and gives us butter. Uh, what about the honey?!? Oh yes, she says. She comes back with the honey and with a soulful roll of her eyes, "So is that us then?" which is Belfastian for "You're really getting on my nerves making me work because you're interrupting my all too important discussion on my holiday to Tenerife. So, are you finished here?!?" I see, that customer service isn't their forte. For me as well as for Craig, customer service is what really scores points in a review dontcha think? People go to restaurants and PAY money for food, not only to stuff their necks but also to be pampered? We might as well stay home and cook our own food if we were to be treated rudely. I took a bite out of the pancakes hoping that the food will redeem itself and cancel out all the other negatives. It didn't. The pancake was very thin, crepelike, and gooey. It was a sad pancake. Very sad. The bacon was good though.
We then knew the hard way why Sinnamon was full and why a restaurant only two doors down would be empty.
£11.25 for 3 crappy pancakes with no maple syrup but honey that took forever for it to get to our table and a waitress who was more interested in her holiday at tenerife than DOING her job.
Food: 1 star for the bacon and huge glass of orange juice
Service: negative infinity factorial
Needless to say, we won't be back here again!
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