An Edible Voyage

June 2021 A perfect flat white in Belfast's city centre, with the added bonus that it's made with beans roasted in the city by Root and Branch.  Whilst you're there, I challenge you not to be tempted by the elaborate doughnuts - rhubarb and custard meringue pie, biscoff, the seasonal special creme brulee... Find Oh Donuts and Coffee on Upper Arthur Street, close to the City Hall.  They also sell Root and Branch beans as well as some guest specials. Napoleon Coffee on Ormeau Avenue also do great coffee as well as unusual iced drinks - passionfruit and lime iced tea sounds like the ultimate refreshment, and a couple of sandwiches.  I can highly recommend the sticky sesame cauliflower and crunchy purple cabbage flat bread.

June 2020 Bakey and chocolaterie, can you get a better combination?!  Nestled in amongst the historical buildings of the picturesque, coastal village of Orford in Suffolk is Pump Street Bakery.  The counter bursts with both sourdough and yeasted bread, baguettes, baked goods and pastries, as well as their own made chocolate.   I arrived at opening time to find there was already a long queue and I quickly found out why.  Having devoured the Bear Claw - flaky, perfectly laminated pastry filled with gooey, nutty almond paste, and a great flat white, I queued up for round 2! The highlight was the pillowy doughnut filled with sweet but refreshing rhubarb jam.  It really was like eating the most delicious cloud. The chocolate selection is as equally exciting, with beans sourced from all over the world.  My all time favourite bar is the 72% Solomon Islands which really tastes of baked banana.  I'm also very excited to try th...

April 2020 This was a totally made up creation using what I had left in the fridge.  It turned out to be a super quick, incredibly tasty, nutritious lunch with a difference.  Punchy pickled rhubarb cuts through the rich, creamy goats cheese and adds a crunch, whilst nutrient-dense, lightly steamed greens balance the dish.  Above all, it looks very pretty too!