A Taste Of Sunderland: Restaraunt Week Preview

So if you read my last post about Sunderland Restaurant Week you'll be familiar with what is to follow. If you missed it (you can read about it here), let me fill you in. Last year, Sunderland hosted their first ever Sunderland Restaurant Week which celebrated what the city has to offer in eateries. sprinkled with offers and deals giving people the opportunity to try lots of different dishes. So it's up again for year number to, and to show you all what they're offering I got to test out a few of the establishments involved. Just like last time, we started off at Café Purple - which is a 2 minute walk from the metro station for people travelling by public transport. We started off with an array of cocktails, if you're looking for insta shots, this is your place!

 

 

 

After the delicious cocktails, we were presented with an antipasti sharing board. This had a selection of cheeses, meats, fruit, dipping sauces, carrots & nuts. I didn't know where to start but their last cheese board was amazing so I dove in! I would recommend this if you're looking just to snack with the girls over a few drinks or if you're looking for a lovely sharing starter before a main dish. The blue cheese is so moreish and paired with the fruit and dips this has something for everyone...

 

 

 

 

 

Moving on from Café Purple, we then headed to Royale Thai. A restaurant which we did not visit last time round so this was a new experience. We were brought wine to the table - I love a glass of red when eating. We waited for the food to arrive which were sharing platters with a little of everything including spring rolls, chick satays, fish & golden dumplings.

 

 

 

 

My personal favourites were the spring rolls and the chicken satays!

 

 

 

After scoffing starters we gallivanted to next on the agenda. City Bistro which is ran by Sunderland College's culinary students. On entering, the scene is set with low lighting, tables set beautifully with wine glasses and cutlery and ambient music playing in the background. For me, this was a lovely setting to dine in. It truly felt like a top restaurant and you wouldn't even think this is ran by student. We were presented with a menu and we got to pick from a selection. I went for the cod with cauliflower, fondant potato, herb crumb & parley cream whilst others opted for a chicken breast or vegetarian leek option.

 

 

 

 

The cod was cooked to absolute perfection, a little over seasoned on the skin side for my liking but I that's just preference. The fondant potato and parley cream were the perfect accompaniment for the cod. A dish I would recommend hands down and also would recommend taking a visit if you've never ventured there yourself.

 

 

 

If you're loving the look of this place, it makes for a lovely venue for special occasions as they do taster menus from 5, 7 or 10 courses. 5 courses is £30, 7 comes in at £38 and then a whopping 10 courses for just £45. Considering the quality of the food, paired with the setting and attention to detail I think the prices are superb for an alacarte style menu. I think this seriously is a hidden gem in Sunderland if you're looking for fine dining in a city setting, City Bistro is one to watch.

 

 

 

Moving on from City Bistro, we went to Port of Call. This was visited last time around but not for desserts. I ordered a black coffee after all of the food I needed a little caffeine kick! Then with pancake day on the horizon we ordered pancakes with a selection of toppings. I opted for the traditional lemon & sugar.

 

 

 

 

Whilst waiting for pancakes to arrive, a dessert board arrived - basically a sugar overload! This included cakes, missispi mud pie... I think?? And an oreo jar filled with Oreo goodness. I tried the chocolate cake which reminded me of the cake from fave childhood movie, Matilda. Chocolate cake. Needs no explination, good and chocolatey. I didn't dare try anything else but temptation crossed my mind! I awaited my pancakes but after a long day and then the clock ticking late in the evening with slow service I had to leave before they arrived. Which was a shame considering the dessert board but it had been quite some time...

 

 

 

 Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Central Oven: Pizza Overload and Interior Spying

Since it was National Pizza Day on Thursday, I thought it only right I share some pizza porn. And seriously who doesn't love to look at pizza?! I mean, the only thing better than that, is actually eating it. So back at the end of last year Central Oven & Shaker opened and there was a buzz in the air on opening night - (prepare yourself for a photo heavy post.) I had a day of meetings so I was well and truly ready to let my hair down.

 

 

 

On approaching the venue, it was unmistakable this was where we needed to be. Fun pink neon wins me over almost every time. Located opposite Central Station, this neon really does set it apart from its city grey surroundings. And by 5:30pm the place was already mad busy. Myself and Zoe found our bearings, grabbed a seat (which was difficult) and got to our first drinks of the night. Prosecco. Obviously. We waited for fellow blogger, Ruth to arrive and more drinks circulated whilst patiently waiting for our table. I'm not sure which drinks were which but they sure looked pretty against the carrara marble bar tops.   

 

 

 

 

It was a bit hectic trying to get seated for a table (everyone wanting to get in on the pizza goodness, and who can blame them?!) We were lead to our table on the upstairs level, which overlooks the downstairs bar and kitchen. Basically the best spot for people watching.

 

 

 

 

Once the food started arriving to our table, I was quickly distracted from the people watching to swooning over food! The first dishes to hit the table were salads (the prettiest I've seen up close to date), and antipasti boards. Fresh crunchy leaves, sprinkled with flashes of purple in the form of edible flowers and feta, the olives, meats and cheeses. Spending a lot of my childhood visiting a Mediterranean country, these starters made for a happy blogger!

 

 

 

 

 

Next to hit the table was the much anticipated Central pizza. Stone baked, freshly made in their kitchen. With no previous other chains or association, we really didn't know what to expect. However, this pizza did not let us down! Thin crust (my fave) covered in delicious, stringy cheese and a selection of flavoursome toppings.

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many new places opening recently and with a plethora of chains and pizza shops its hard to know where really gets pizza right. Stone baking makes all the difference and you can really taste the authenticity in these pizzas. Hand thrown dough right in their kitchen, fresh produce and stone baked in fire heated ovens. That makes good pizza.

 

 

 

Pizza kept on coming and we kept on eating. A selection of toppings including veggie options, and with very attentive serving staff keeping our drinks topped up I felt very content in the teams hands. Food, drinks, service. Restaurant success 101. 

 

 



Caio, Reggie Cocktail

 

 

 

With full stomachs after our Neapolitan feast... we headed down stairs to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. (And of course, observe the interiors because I'm a little obsessed with that kinda thing with my creative brain.) The art deco details are unmistakable fused with industrial features like the lighting & exposed ceiling.

 

 

 

 

 

Just when we thought we were done with the indulging, more drinks circulated the room. Gingerbread cocktails (among other flavours), cotton candy prosecco... Safe to say the Central team aint' afraid to think outside the box in regards to menu choices. And with pizza ranging from £7 - £12, you can hardly complain about extortionate prices for passionate food. I'm pretty sure the menu has been expanded since the launch now offering breakfast pizzas among other unusual unique options. I have called in for lunch recently too. Same service, same good food. Need to head back to test out the carbonara pizza - I'm a total sap for creamy based pasta dishes but yet to try it on pizza! Central also offer a range of Italian themed desserts from tiramisu to gelato. Although we didn't get a chance to try on their launch I'd be interested to hear if the live up to the starters and mains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you're looking for somewhere to head for a quick but quality lunch, after work drinks or a meal for 2 then Central Oven is your hook up. Love to eat pizza? You can also become a Central patriot with a Playdough card and get rewarded for repeat visits. In a prime location on Neville Street, easy to find and a fun but chilled vibe, you've got to give this place a try!

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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