There is a store called Aldi, In the heart of Selly Oak, That I rely on ever so badly, Because I’m always broke. From buying pre drinks for Fab, To stocking up on all my food, An Aldi shop is never drab, As it always gets me in a good mood. Forever sprinting Read More →
The Baking Society may sound twee and cutesy, but it’s also a fun and interesting way to meet new people and enjoy a new hobby. The likes of the BBC’s Great British Bake Off have brought baking to the forefront of British cuisine and now there’s a chance for you to get involved too. Thus far Read More →
Did you know; that while it’s resting the brain uses 20% of the body’s energy. So whilst you’re trying to get your head around Maths Equations or the language of Chaucer, that percentage will be sure to rocket. So, during exams it’s really important to eat regular, nutritious meals. However, it can all get a Read More →
Ah, the festival season, beckoning and gyrating wildly in our direction once again much like Iggy Pop in those deeply questionable perfume adverts. Every year hundreds upon thousands of British teenagers gather in fields across the country, gleefully embracing the ever-diminishing distinction between picnic area and public latrine. It’s all good fun and games, but Read More →
Right in the heart of Birmingham City Centre lies the Bullring Market, which plays host to a variety of different traders and stalls including meat, poultry, fish and horticultural. It contains the once famous Bullring Food Hall and boasts that it ‘provides the best range of fresh meat, poultry and widest range of fish anywhere Read More →
The humble potato is a vastly underrated ingredient in student cooking. Easy to store, with a long survival date and extremely cheap to buy in bulk, it should be a staple ingredient used with far more regularity and creativity than its simple “jacket” or “mash” derivatives. In an attempt to inspire further usage of this excellent Read More →
Whilst asking a waiter to bag up leftovers from a meal maybe common practice in the strange and exotic USA, Brits still have a curiously divided attitude to the doggy bag. I can painfully recall many meals out with my Grandma who, with scant regard for my already crippling fear of embarrassing social situations, would Read More →
At university it is not common protocol to have three meals a day. There are a variety of reasons for this, ranging from laziness, to lectures, to sleeping habits. Equally, eating when hungry, or grazing to those diet gurus, is a food tactic many students are quite content to abide by. However, it is common Read More →
The more loyal and observant readers may have noticed that mince has been at the core of my previous articles and thus it seemed only appropriate to do my first cookbook review on Linda Doeser’s 100 Mince Dishes from 1 Easy Recipe. Her book also encapsulates another of my themes, which is demonstrating the ease Read More →
As term draws nearer to the end, so does your student loan. Now’s the time to be saving those pennies and something’s got to be sacrificed. But with these tasty and easy meals that only cost up to £1, it doesn’t have to be the quality of your dinner. French Onion Soup Heat some butter Read More →
In this modern age, Lent is not so much a time just for those with a deep belief in its Biblical origins, but rather a time of reflection and a chance to try to improve ourselves with a somewhat healthier lifestyle. Many of us jump on the sacrificial bandwagon, safe in the knowledge that we Read More →
For any supermarket, takeaway or fast food chain, students are easy pickings. As consumers who are newly in control of their own finances and lifestyles, the student market can prove highly lucrative and is therefore the target of myriad promotions, so-called student ‘deals’ and marketing campaigns in an attempt to implement brand loyalty early. Freshers, Read More →
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I really can’t face going to the supermarket, not just because it requires you to trek there and back with what feels like twice your own weight of ‘essentials’ but because each visit is generally not a nice shopping experience. You arrive with the intention of being in Read More →
So embarrassingly huge is my obsession with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall that I now consider him something of a culinary father and, perhaps more disturbingly, boyfriend in one. I ask his advice on my every cooking conundrum and Hugh always delivers the answer, normally with some sort of lovable anecdote or cheeky pun. River Cottage Every Day Read More →
In student ‘lad’ culture, commanding somebody to make you a sandwich conjures visions of white tank-tops, Stella Artois and misogynistic abuse, so it’s easy to forget that this age old tradition is the ultimate lunch to help fuel you through the week. Making your own sandwiches provides economical, tasty and potentially healthy food. One of Read More →
Planning on flipping some pancakes this week? Check out our favourite recipe, courtesy of Delia Smith. Ingredients · 110g/4oz plain flour, sifted · pinch of salt · 2 eggs · 200ml/7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml/3fl oz water · Read More →
They say that “There is no love more sincere than the love of food”. If the way to your loved one’s heart is through their stomach, then why not treat them to one of these top foodie gifts this Valentines Day, or even better have a go at making them yourself! 1. Get their initials Read More →
The last Christmas pudding had barely left the supermarket shelves this year before a throng of Valentine’s merchandise began to appear. Teddy bears clutching heart-shaped bags of chocolates, cookies with blazing ‘I love you’ declarations and tacky tailor-made boxes of sweets have been clogging up supermarkets and department stores alike. Nothing, it seems, says ‘I Read More →
Treating somebody special this Valentine’s? Here’s our easy guide to sealing the deal: Starter: Potted prawns with garlic toast Ingredients: 125g small cooked prawns 50g of butter ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger Pinch of cayenne pepper 1/2 clove of garlic 3 slices of bread 25g butter Method: For the Read More →
She might be a bad girl, but she’s good in the…kitchen. It’s our anonymous columnist, and her food and fun-loving antics. Here to give us a glimpse into the naughtier side of student life; she writes regularly under the pseudonym of ‘Cherie Bakewell’. The more people get to know me, the more often they give me Read More →
How many evenings have we whiled away with a bar of one and a bottle of the other? It’s a widely acknowledged fact that, together, they can complement every film, enhance every conversation and nurse every break-up. But, apparently, finding the perfect combination takes practice. Shame. According to The Guardian‘s Fiona Beckett, we should ‘think of Read More →
As a cheap and easy meat to cook for students who are busy and tired, mince is a must for any freezer. With the most basic of culinary skill, anyone can produce tasty, different, and cheap meals. ‘Spag Bol’ is a real classic. To start, add two finely chopped onions, two cloves of garlic and Read More →
What shall I cook for dinner tonight? It’s a question that crops up on a daily basis. And at this time of year, with New Year’s resolutions already on a downward slide, feeling inspired to cook something both tasty and exciting can seem like a challenge. The temptation to whip up that trusty staple of Read More →
Birmingham. Hardly famed for its artistic undercurrent and bohemian vibe, is it? But whilst Brum may not be the new Paris, there are still plenty of places to find great food, fine art and live music if you know where to look. The recently opened Ort Café in Balsall Heath combines all three and more Read More →
Birmingham. Hardly famed for its artistic undercurrent and bohemian vibe, is it? But whilst Brum may not be the new Paris, there are still plenty of places to find great food, fine art and live music if you know where to look. The recently opened Ort Café in Balsall Heath combines all three and more Read More →
What shall I cook for dinner tonight? It’s a question that crops up everyday. And at this time of year, with New Year’s resolutions already on a downward slide, feeling inspired to cook something both tasty and exciting can seem like a challenge. The temptation to whip up that trusty staple of beans on toast is Read More →
I could not help but notice that my house of five males was going through about eight kilos of mince a week. Upon conversation with various other students, our eating habits did not appear completely unique to the rest of Selly Oak. As a cheap and easy meat to cook for students who are busy, Read More →
Whether you’re out for a meal with friends or cooking up a treat for a date, chances are you’ll want a glass of wine to enjoy with it. You might pick a refreshing white wine, or prefer a rich and seductive red. Although your choice of drink is based on your mood and personal tastes, Read More →
Cooking in a student kitchen that is situated deep in the heart of Selly Oak is difficult at the best at times. So avoiding grime whilst carefully following the words of verbose chefs sometimes becomes just that little bit too painful. With recipe books a recurrent feature on birthday and Christmas lists, I’ve spent hours Read More →
Beetroot is definitely one of those ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ vegetables. On the outside they are unassuming, dull-grey lumps but cut them open and a fuschia gem is revealed. They are a distinctly underrated vegetable in this country, despite being readily available. This may be because we’ve limited consumption to the very Read More →
Poor Gillian McKeith. She’s had a bit of a tough time recently. First her rather dubious fainting fits on I’m a Celebrity proved unsavoury with the British public. Then emerged the comparison photos featuring her and ‘yummy-mummy’ Nigella Lawson, rather harshly judging them on their looks in accordance to their lifestyles. But perhaps most alarming Read More →
There’s not a single student I know who would turn down a freebie, and nor is there anyone who would say no to good food. So the twisted Cirque de Spiceal that is being put on for free by the Bullring between the 23rd and 28th January is the perfect thing for us students to Read More →
Everyone has one. That trusty cookbook to see you through those moments of lost inspiration or maximum indulgence. Over the coming weeks, each of our writers will be talking about their own beloved go-to publication for all things culinary. I start off by recommending the ‘The Flavour Thesaurus’. Although only published in the summer of Read More →
Smoothies are a brilliant way to fulfil that New Year’s healthy eating resolution. You can get at least 2 of your 5 a day in one glass! With the rise of the ‘Innocent’ label, smoothies have become big business in the last few years so we decided to research which is best; homemade or shop-bought. Read More →
Once the festiveties have passed, the decorations taken down and the foodie endulgence of December come to an end, it can be hard to feel inspired for what to eat in the opening weeks of January. Salads may not be your first choice of a comforting winter warmer to fuel you through these colder months, Read More →
The British Dietetic Association (BDA), the professional association for registered dieticians, has released its 5 worst celebrity diets to avoid in the New Year. The Christmas festivities have come and gone, the New Year’s Eve party is now just a blur, but this year, yes this year, you will get the body of your Read More →
She might be a bad girl, but she’s good in the…kitchen. It’s our new anonymous columnist, and her food and fun-loving antics. Here to give us a glimpse into the naughtier side of student life, she will be writing weekly under the pseudonym of ‘Cherie Bakewell’. I’m no saint, and I’m not shy about it- that’s Read More →
Haven’t had time to visit the German Food Market yet? Why not live out the experience through the observations of writer Sophie Crane- it’s festive food fun at its best! The Coca-Cola Christmas adverts have appeared on television, and the John Lewis ‘Smiths’ cover is stuck in everyone’s heads. This can only mean one thing- Read More →
Coffee cake isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but for those of you partial to a slice or two, here we have a tasty homemade recipe passed down by my mum. She makes and sells cakes as a part-time job and this coffee cake is a delicious treat. Ingredients: For the cake: 150g caster sugar Read More →
What are you buying when you visit Starbucks? Is it just coffee you’ll find in your thick white mug, one of many generic millions across the country? Starbucks’ success rests on selling us a lifestyle we can’t help but aspire to. They’re serving up a carefully synthesized concept of cool, calm and big-city glamour, to Read More →
With a glass of red, a plethora of mixed Spanish tapas, low lighting and a handful of good friends, you could forgive me for feeling more like I was in a sophisticated Catalan café, than around the corner from Gatecrasher and Risa. Yet, this is the charm that I was so enthusiastically enthralled by on Read More →
She might be a bad girl, but she’s good in the…kitchen. Introducing our new anonymous columnist, and her food and fun-loving antics. Here to give us a glimpse into the naughtier side of student life, she will be writing weekly under the pseudonym of ‘Cherie Bakewell’. A week in my life never seems uneventful. You Read More →
Food writer, Hannah Lloyd-Davies, looks at the arguments on food waste. Local charity ‘The ARK Project’ have launched their first event this week (read more in News, page 5), so we thought this would be a good opportunity to sum up the arguments on food waste. Opinion on food wastage is an issue that people Read More →
Some food just tastes better the next day. Don’t believe me? Here are some classic leftover dishes for you to concoct the next time you’re stuck with a mountain of leftover grub. Bubble and Squeak (Serves 4). Traditionally made with leftover cabbage and sprouts as a sort of après-Christmas special, you can make it however Read More →
‘Hmmmmm Nigella! Everything on her show is so tasty, including the yummy mummy herself,’ a friend proclaimed on Facebook. Although one acquaintance informed him that he’d ‘hit an all time high score on the creepy status scale’, another simply responded with an appreciative ‘Mmmmmmmm’. Apparently, such reactions aren’t rare. Several reporters, such as the Guardian’s Read More →
The Food section teamed up with takeaway website Hungry House to order, eat and review the food from the local area’s takeaway restaurants. Kebab Land 2 Dawlish Road, Selly Oak 0121 471 446 Grilled chicken breast wrap, with salad and chilli sauce; Cheese burger with ketchup; Half peri-peri with regular fries; Mint yoghurt Total Read More →
Statistics: Address: 23 Raddlebarn Road. Selly Oak. Birmingham. B29 6HH. Contact no: 01212474316 Our order: Lamb curry meal deal, including- Mixed kebab Lamb curry Aloo gobi Boiled rice Total £10.50 Our verdict: Taste 2 Value 3 Menu 3 Delivery 3 Total 11/ 20 Spice Aroma offers all the usual Indian dishes at a reasonable price, in particular the Read More →
It’s that time of year again. Lecturers are struggling to make themselves heard over a torrent of coughing; Aldi has a large display of lemsips in its eclectic central aisle; and you consistently have to resist the urge to force a tissue upon the person next to you and inform them that constant sniffing is Read More →
Izzy Gibbin and Hannah Lloyd attend the re-opening of this Mailbox pizzeria Entering the recently refurbished Bar Room Bar at the Mailbox, we were faced with a stylish décor and atmosphere that is decidedly chic without being sickeningly trendy. Bar Room Bar seems to land in the middle of the Italian chain restaurant genre that’s Read More →
Redbrick Food proudly present Takeaway Review 2011, sponsored by Hungry House, the online takeaway directory. With £100 to spend, our challenge was to order, sample and review a range of pizza, Indian, Chinese, kebabs, burgers and more. It wasn’t an easy task; putting their stomach stamina and food critiquing skills to the test, our team of Read More →
Statistics: Address: Birmingham B29 6BQ Contact no: 0121 471 4545 Our order: Meal Deal – any 3 medium pizzas - Margherita - Hawaiian - Meat lovers pizza Total: £11 Our verdict: Taste 4 Value 4 Menu 3 Delivery 4 Total: 15/20 On hearing the name Mama Mia pizza, one immediately thinks of your average, middle Read More →
Statistics: Address: 172, Dudley Rd, Birmingham, West Midlands B18 7QX Contact no: 0121 454 0101 Our order: Mega-value meal deal Extra large BBQ chicken pizza Regular ‘fruit’ pizza Total: £10.49 Our verdict: Taste 4 Value 5 Menu 4 Delivery 3 Total: 16/20 From Roma Pizza we ordered the Mega Value Meal Deal, which consisted of one extra large Read More →
Statistics: Address: 2 Dawlish Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6BE Contact no: 0121 471 4466 Our order: Grilled chicken breast wrap with salad and chilli sauce Cheese burger with ketchup Half peri-peri chicken Regular fries Mint yoghurt Total £10.50 Our verdict: Taste 4 Value 3 Menu 3 Delivery 5 Total 16/20 Waking up the morning after eating ten Read More →
Statistics: Address: 9 Lichfield Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 5RW Contact no: 0121 333 5522 Our order: Chicken tikka masala Pilau rice Total: £10.09 Our verdict: Taste 3 Value 1 Menu 3 Delivery 1 Total: 8/20 Curry in a Hurry, located in Aston, received a lukewarm reception from our reviewers. Whilst the menu, which we have given Read More →
Statistics: Address: 2 Elliott Road, Birmingham B29 6LA Contact no: 472 3130 Our order: Mega value meal deal -x-large bbq chicken pizza -regular ‘fruit’ pizza Total: £10.49 Our verdict: Taste 3 Value 4 Menu 4 Delivery 1 Total 12/20 Pino Pizza offers a large range of pizzas: from the most basic Magherita to the more adventurous Chef’s Read More →
Statistics: Address: 1225 Pershore Road, Birmingham, B30 2YT Contact no: 0121 459 1281 Our order: Mixed ribs and jill yim style wings, with fired rice Fried chow mein 2 bags of prawn crackers (Delivery charge of £1.50) Total £12.10 Our Verdict: Taste 3 Value 2 Menu 3 Delivery 5 Total 13/20 The ribs tasted delicious, if Read More →
Statistics: Address: 25 Strathdene Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6QL Contact no: 0121 472 0022 Our order: Haddock Mini Cod Chicken and mushroom pie Large chips Scallop Total: £10.55 Our verdict: Taste 2 Value 3 Menu 3 Delivery 4 Total: 12/20 Fish and pizza? It seemed a strange combination to me too, however we only tried Read More →
5 things to do with eggs: Students are constantly on the lookout for quick, cheap, easy meals, but too often we end up opting for bog-standard pasta dishes, overlooking foods, such as eggs, either because you don’t consider them a meal in their own right, or simply because you have no idea how to Read More →
Our weekly interview with an international student: Romanian Society Hi there, who are you, where are you from, and how long have you been living in the UK? My name’s Andreea, I’m from Romania, and I’ve been living in the UK for a year and a month now. What is your favourite dish from Read More →
Food writer Sophie Pryn offers us an alternative guide to fresh food on campus! Perhaps it is those long lost days spent making mud pies as children, looking longingly at them, hoping that they would transform in to something edible, or maybe it is the surfacing of a more ancient, primal instinct that we’ve suppressed Read More →
It’s that time of year again. Just when you’ve got over Freshers’ Flu, the wind and rain of winter begin knocking down each of your housemates one by one… Feeling poorly can affect your mood, energy levels and ultimately your studies and social life. So how can you protect yourself from catching one Read More →
Ingredients (To make 2 small-medium loaves) 500g white bread flour 1 x 7g sachet fast-action yeast 300 ml lukewarm water 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp olive oil Method: 1. Put the yeast, salt and flour in a large bowl, and make a small well in the middle of the mixture. 2. Pour Read More →
Food writer Nicola Barton meets celebrity chef and Birmingham local in his Michelin-star restaraunt, Purnell’s… Glynn Purnell is, quite literally, a culinary star. During his stint as Head Chef at Jessica’s in Edgbaston, the restaurant won Birmingham’s first Michelin star. Then, in 2007, he opened his own eatery, Purnell’s, which was also awarded the Read More →
As we find ourselves in the middle of autumn, with winter fast approaching, comfort food is on the menu. Conveniently, YO! Sushi got in touch with us with news of their latest offers… So, tell us more about your student deals: To ease students into the colder months, YO! Sushi is offering undergraduates 25% off Read More →
Nicola Barton plays bartender this Halloween, and shows us the spooky side of cocktails. Perfect for spooky party pre-drinks! Brain Haemorrhage If executed successfully, this concoction should give the impression that there’s a brain floating in your shot glass. Very spooky! 1. 20ml Archers 2. 20ml Baileys 3. 1tsp grenadine syrup · Pour the Archers into a shot glass. Read More →
Nicola Barton treats us to some spooky specialities this Halloween- don’t let that pumpkin go to waste! Tasty and nutritious, these seasonal treats aren’t just for carving, so let’s get cooking! Pumpkin Gnocchi This deceptively simple dish is incredibly flavoursome, and perfect for cold winter nights. Ingredients: 1 small pumpkin 1 red onion, peeled and Read More →
Fancy going out for dinner, but on a budget? Aisha Bushby reviews one of the best kept secrets in Selly Oak. Selly Oak may not be the Ritz of Birmingham when it comes to food, but one thing it does have is good student deals. Let’s face it, we love cheap food and we love Read More →
In the second part of our series, Online Food and Life&Style Editor Rosie Sharratt catches up with restaurateur Jabbar Khan of Lasan, Birmingham Have you always wanted to work in the food industry? I’m from Bangladesh, and people of Bangladeshi heritage own 90% of the Indian restaurants in the UK. I didn’t feel it was Read More →
A way to break out of the usual student bubble, without putting a huge dent in your bank balance If, you are stuck in the student bubble of cheap, yet disappointing food from the same old pubs, then stepping out to The Plough at Harborne may not be a bad idea. The Plough is a Read More →
Our weekly interview with an international student: Malaysian Society Hello! Who are you, where are you from and how long have you been living in the UK? My name is Gina Porras, from Durango, in the north of Mexico. I came to England study a PhD in Chemical Engineering. What are your favourite foods from back Read More →
We caught up with Josh Stone, founder of Birmingham University’s own Brum Dine With Me society and guest in this weeks podcast, to talk about his inspirations for the society and the plans for this year. The Redbrick podcast will be available online on Monday. Hi Josh, could you briefly introduce yourself – your Read More →
Hi there, who are you, where are you from and how long have you been living in the UK? Hi, I’m Aimi. I come from Kuala Lumpar, the capital city of Malaysia. I first came to the UK in 2008 and am now in my 4th and final year of studying Chemical Engineering. Read More →
The start of the new academic year kicks off with one of Birmingham’s biggest food events, the Birmingham Food Festival. This is the first time that the festival is being held and promises to offer an array of exciting food experiences for all food-lovers in Birmingham to enjoy. An assortment of different eateries are getting Read More →
The food team look back on their summer highlights. Jordan Warner Welcome back Gastronauts of Birmingham! This summer was one of adventure, romance, food and plenty of sunshine. I spent three months working on a kibbutz in the northern most point of Israel situated on the Lebanese border. Placed in rolling valleys and fields Read More →
Being a fresher is hard on the wallet, but there are ways to avoid blowing that precious student loan on expensive convenience foods and takeaways. If you manage to master these five cheap and easy food staples during your first year then your bank balance will be looking as healthy as you are. Pasta Use Read More →
How can a nation be famous for both indulgent food and world-class catwalks? Pizza, pasta, pastry and ice-cream- they’re the kind of tasty treats that the fashion industry doesn’t always appreciate as much as the rest of us. I know the Mediterranean lifestyle is meant to keep you spritely and energetic well into retirement, but Read More →
Each week we will be catching up with an international student to discuss food from home, its place within their culture, as well as their thoughts on English food. To kick of this year, we caught up with Petra, Vice-President of the Nordic Society. Hi there. Who are you, where are you from, and how Read More →
I went to Mash House with my house-mate, Joe, on a lovely summers evening. Set in the heart of Birmingham’s cultural rejuvenated hub which is Brindley Place, the night was set for a winning combination: wining and dining at one of Birmingham’s new and exciting British-influenced restaurants, followed by drinks down the road with Joe’s friend, a Read More →
Redbrick Food suggests this summer’s best picnic spots… 1) Cannon Hill Park Just a short walk from Selly Oak, this beautiful park boasts a lake, acres of green and leafy space, stunning flowerbeds and is home to the Midlands Art Centre. Tuck up on a bench with a good book and a sandwich or lay out Read More →
A speciality at the Boodle’s Club, London, this citrussy dessert will make you look anything but a fool. Ingredients 2 oranges 1 lemon 300ml double cream Caster sugar, to taste Method Line a pretty bowl evenly with pieces of plain sponge cake. Avoid the nasty trifle sponges from the supermarket – instead, opt for a Read More →
Food writer Sophie Pryn talks of summer, sun and fun, fun, fun! After the hottest April since records began and the fairytale-like bank holiday which saw the girl-next-door marry her Prince Charming (well… Wills), everyone’s sights are squarely set on a beautiful British summer. Despite the recent impromptu storms and ensuing rains, here at Redbrick Read More →
This recipe is a simple, unusual take on the infamous Coronation chicken dish. It’s quick to prepare and served cold so it’s ideal for a summer garden party or picnic. Serve with rice on an iceberg lettuce leaf and eat the leftovers (although we can’t guarantee you’ll have any!), with crunchy salad in a wrap. Read More →
Hot and Sour Pickled Prawns This Delia Smith recipe is absolutely delicious. Make a big bowl the day before, then grab a soft baguette and get stuck in with your guests after about 48 hours when it will be deliciously marinated. I can guarantee they will be coming back for more. Ingredients 16 large cooked prawns Read More →
It’s always nice to catch up with a good friend over lunch. It’s especially nice, however, if that lunch happens to be at BANK in Brindley Place. At first glance, the restaurant may seem a little intimidating to a non-exec and it would be easy to make the assumption that it is solely aimed at Read More →
Nestled in Brindley Place, YO! Sushi offers one of the best modern dining experiences around. If you hear the word sushi and reel back in disgust, do not fear because this sushi bar has so much more to offer than raw fish and sticky rice. Founded in 1997, the restaurant decided to bring to the Read More →
Café hopping is one of life’s little joys. I happily confess that I could easily spend a day going from café to café making one cup of coffee last for hours. It must be something I’ve inherited from my family; all our holidays consist of a considerable amount of coffee stops and tea breaks. I Read More →
The Michelin star rating is the most recognised rating system in the culinary world. Thousands of chefs are desperate to be acknowledged by it, and those already starred chefs are desperate to hang on to their place amongst the elite. The Michelin guide has been around since the 1900s and ever since the top-secret Read More →
When preparing a dinner for a lot of people timing can be a really serious problem and, no matter how early you start your epic mission in the kitchen, you can be sure that you won’t finish on time. The problem is even worse if you are organizing a “multicultural” dinner, with Germans arriving in Read More →
As the temperature heats up so do the loved up couples; munching, laughing and slurping frappa/frescato-chinos from the same straw. Today I lost count of the number of couples lining the Thames with a box of strawberries at arm’s reach. Each box fills me with dread; that awful rom-com-inspired social expectation that you’re meant to Read More →
Handmade Burger Company is arguably my favourite place to eat out in central Birmingham. Its’ canal side location (Just off Broad Street) is a Romantic setting away from the hoards of the bullring. The ethos of HBC, is simple; good quality, tasty burgers – that bear no resemblance to a Quarter Pounder. Each burger is Read More →
Lebanese is by far my favourite type of food – if you happen to be in London then I suggest you try out the brilliant (and my favourite restaurant) ‘Levant’ situated between St Christopher’s Place and Marylebone High Street (on Jason Court, 76 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2SJ). I have been to a lot of Read More →
Tried, tested, and delicious! This is the perfect cake for the spring or summer. Have a slice for elevenses, a bit with your coffee, a post-library revision snack, perfect for a picnic, or dare I breath those words, a tasty treat for the a Royal Wedding street party. Whatever the occasion, this cake is light, Read More →
This is my own experimental recipe and it tastes great, if I might say so myself. Perfect for a delicious light lunch or serve with rice for a tasty dinner. (Serves 4) Ingredients: 1 Head of Broccoli 200g Chicken (cut into strips) 200g of fresh Potato Gnocchi 1 Large sweet potato (cut into thin slices) 1 Read More →
The following recipe is taken directly from the Nigella website. These muffinsa are easy and quick to make, they’re healthy and a great way to use up ripe bananas. Ingredients: • 75g/3oz Melted Butter • 250g/9oz Self Raising Flour • 1 tsp Baking Powder • 1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda • Pinch of Salt • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon • 1/2 tsp Read More →
Got a couple of hours to spare? Take a tenner and feed it into the well-oiled chain that is Pizza Express. You won’t go hungry. If you’re anything like me, you will have been to a Pizza Express more times than you can count. And while it may seem a little monotonous, a little un-special, Read More →
If you are a Nando’s fan (I am told there are some out there, although I know not why) you may want to look away now. The next 600 words are not going to be pretty. I have been to Nando’s twice in my life; both visits were utterly disgusting. Today, I was lured into Read More →
Stuck in the library? Bored to tears of revision? If only we all had that pill that Bradley Cooper gets his hands on in the film Limitless. Sadly we are stuck with the brains we were born with. Are there any foods that can help boost what our mum and dads gave us in the Read More →
This carrot cake is so easy to make and looks delicious once finished. It’s a real crowd pleaser, so you might want to buy enough ingredients to make more. Not only does it taste divine, but you’ve got some of your 5 a day in there too; bonus! Ingredients 300g Soft Light Brown Sugar Read More →
Today, for perhaps the first day in, well, too long, the sun shone it’s little heart out. There wasn’t a cloud to be seen as students breezed over to campus in flippy flips and bare legs. This can only mean one thing my friend; SUMMER IS HERE!!! This revelation has delighted me to my core, Read More →
This dessert was legendary at our school, a cult classic if you will. We were allowed to make it in the tenuously named ‘Food Technology’ shortly after we were taught to make toast at the tender age of eleven. Here is my tried, tested and adjusted recipe which makes this the best product of any Read More →
