Best Burger I've ever tasted: The Grind at No 28

A few weeks back I was invited along to No 28 to showcase the launch of The Grind taking over their kitchen. If you haven't heard of No 28, you can read more about it here. I had heard of these guys from a few different food festivals over the year but I was yet to taste their food.
 

 

 

 

The chef served up our burgers and spoke a little about The Grind and the ideas behind the food. 1 thing I did notice just from his brief talk through, was the level of passion this company holds. I think this is really reflected in their food. So after explaining I was about to dig into their West Coast Classic & Beef Tallow Fries, it was nice to be left with the feeling that the people preparing your food actually care and have thought about it in detail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admittedly I'm not a huge meat eater and I probably wouldn't pick a cheeseburger off a menu but this beauty really is something else. A hand rolled double patte topped with a secret sauce, relish and crunchy lettuce. And cheese. Don't forget the cheese. Oh my word. The cheese is like the best part. Envelop this all in a bun and I think it's safe to say this is one of the best cheeseburgers I've had to date. With a bite, your mouth is tasting the beef, secret sauce, signature relish with the texture of the lettuce and melted cheese - it's a magical coming together of quote simple flavours but done very well.

 

 

 

 

I also hadn't yet tried fries cooked in beef dripping - oh, what a sheltered life I lead. The dripping seems to give the fries a crispy finish which normal frying doesn't give. The fries were moreish, even after the monster burger I had just consumed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just when I was slipping into a food coma, they dished up these American Style Buffalo Chicken Wings with Stilton Dipping Sauce. Honestly, I don't like meat on the bone but I gave these a try - like it was a chore?! They were cooked perfectly, the chicken was succulent, full of flavour and the dipping sauce - delicious. Not my personal choice, but I see the appeal of these and they do taste amazing. Perfect for sharing but I dare anyone to want to share this food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're looking to try out The Grind, head over to Nelson Street in Newcastle at No 28 and sink your teeth into one of their burgers! They also do vegetarian options. For those who are having a lazy one, you can get your burger fix via Deliveroo!

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Foodie Converted: Vujon Indian Restaurant

Last week I was invited along to Vujon - an Indian cuisine restaurant tucked away in Queen Street, Newcastle below the structure of the Tyne Bridge. I always find that certain area of Newcastle to hold a beautiful intimacy that is rare in a city.

On entry we were shown downstairs to the room we'd be occupying for the evening and offered drinks from the bar. The staff were lovely and served us promptly. We were left to chat, which I'm pleased because there was lots of new faces! So we nattered and found our seats and the table was set. As a huge foodie, I have to admit, Indian food is something I'm not overly keen on.

All of the dipping action went on with the starter section! Popadoms with mango chutney & mint yoghurt dip. 

 

A 2nd round of starters (maybe the popadoms were just to wet our appetities, but I wasn't complaining.) These included the Angari Tikka, Kathi Kebab & Veg Pakora. My favourite from these was hands down the Kathi Kebab closely followed by the Veg Pakora. The kebab consists of finely diced lamb which has been tender roasted and tossed with onions, tomatoes and spices served in a butter chapatti. Delicious! The Pakora were light and fluffy and the perfect little vegetable package.

On to the mains, with another varied selection. This time it was Murgh Makhani Dehli Style, which is dried chicken cooked in a tomato and onion sauce. I must say this gave me a very nostalgic moment of tomato soup! It was very flavoursome and hearty!  

Next to make it to my plate was the Railway Lamb Curry. Now, admittedly I am not a huge fan of lamb unless it is cooked to my specific liking so I was apprehensive . And this did not disappoint, tender, slow-cooked and succulent. Literally the perfect, melt - in - your - mouth dish. I would totally recommend this!

 As a veggie lover the Tarkari Handi (seasonal vegetables with cumin, peppers and crushed peppercorns) was a delight to see. These were yummy and a lovely side if you're not keen on rice.  Sides for the main was pilaw rice and a mixture of naan bread (made for dipping in the delish sauces!)

Our hosts were very attentive, and hey, they say a good host always keeps your glass topped up!

To finish off was a very refreshing pistachio ice cream. The perfect palette cleanser after the big mix of flavours I had just experienced. So crispand light. At this point I was so happily full but this finished the meal beautifully. The staff explained that they are more than happy to accommodate and dietry requirements as well as meet any specific needs you may have. So if you'd like a certain dish with the addition of something or without something to meet your taste this is great news.

 

After such a delicious meal, we were then offered coffee and an Indian treat after the feast we had just devoured. I didn't want to spoil myself by gorging, but this was a lovely gesture from our hosts.

If you're apprehensive to try Indian cuisine I would really recommend Vujon to dip your toe in the foodie fountain!

Until next time...

The Original Redhead

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Rooftop Partyin' at Summer Storeys

So it's summer, you've done everything on your "to do" list and wanna play out but you've exhausted all the usual venues. Well Summer Storeys really is the place to be this summer.... serious feel good vibes, independent food and drinks vendors, garden games and to top it off the best tunes to get your feet tapping!

 

Not yet heard of it?! Well it only launched last weekend! It's a new independent event based on top of the Barrack Road carpark (right next door to St Jame's Football Park.) On entering it was quiet but me and Zoe arrived just as it had opened... first call was to get a drink. I went for the Summer Storey's Pale Ale (bit naughty but it was light and was nice and chilled.) Zoe went for the Strawberry & Lime Cider.
 

 

 

 

 

Big wooden benches were set up under a really cool canopy which had been decorated with flowers & a disco ball (erm how cool please?!) Felt like I was at the The Secret Garden Party for a moment *ignores the rain and daces anyway*

 

 

 

 

 

Being a huge music lover, I'm hard to please but the dj had this crowd sussed. The music was seriously perfect for my taste with lots of soul remixes and tunes to get you dancing. It's one thing having a cool venue with food and drinks but it's another to get the atmosphere right.

 

 

 

 

First thing to do after ordering beer was to decide what to eat... with vendors like Fat Hippo, The Allotment, Lola Jeans, Chuchos, La Petite Creperie (the list goes on.) As you can see from the list... this event really was created for independent eateries. I was torn but I decided on Manny's Pizza. I visited New York a few year back and ever since I've been in search of a Manhatten Style Pizza place to settle my craving. Manny's really does not disappoint. Simple, authentic toppings cooked to perfection on thinly baked pizza dough!

 

 

These guys had a selection of toppings this night (which made choosing even more difficult) but the pepperoni took me back to those stifling hot days I spent in the big apple! Zoe went for the Parma ham but they also had margarita or vegetable which makes for an equal split of options for meat eaters & vegetarians.

 

 

 Literally cannot get enough of this disco tent... reckon I need one for my next festival trip...

 

 

So after a slice of Manny's washed down with a lovely light pale ale... it would be rude to not try the sweet delights on offer. La Petite Creperie was our option and again, this took me back to my travels. I tried my first ever crepe in the fashion capital. Of course I've had pancakes but there's something just 'right' about eating a crepe made right in front of you in the streets of Paris. Smeared in nutella and cooked to perfection these crepes are crispy folded up into a delicious triangle of goodness.

 

 

Gold rings are from Aphrodite Jewels for all the accessory lovers out there. 

 

 

 

 

Still yet to try the infamous Ouseburn Coffee Martini (but it's on my list for next time. The smell of the freshly ground coffee beans wafted through the air in the glow of the fairy lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As if crepes isn't enough they have a range of fillings... Zoe went for salted caramel. Nom!  

 

 

 Is it just me or does The Allotment have the cutest little trailer?! Admittedly I'd never heard of these guys but from what I could see they serve up a range of vegetarian dises from sweet potato fries, veggie wraps and halloumi fries! Love this concept, as if you follow me on instagram you'll know I love my clean food and veg!

 

 

 

Due to the rain, everyone was heading for the tent, but in true Geordie style... that did not stop the party. In fact I think it made it part of the fun! And the place only got busier throughout the night.

 

 

 

I have all of the love for this place and cannot support it enough. Plans for August bank holiday? How about a rooftop party with cool food, drinks and sick music. Yep, they're back this weekend in case you missed the launch and want a fix of local food and good vibes. There was a wide range of people here varying in age and style so give this place a try before you say it's not for you.

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Catch Ups & Prosecco - Lola Jeans

 Just a quick one... Okay so a few months back I met a friend at Lola Jeans Newcastle. I've heard lots about this venue but hadn't managed to get there until this visit. I was surprised how small the venue was. But not a bad thing! Quite lovely and intimate with a cosy relaxed vibe - perfect for catching up with friends.

 

 

I love the interior of this place. You don't know where to look first! It is eclectic, quirky with an arty vibe. From the chandeliers to the skull wall mural, the original herringbone wooden flooring, exposed beams right down to the grandfather clock and the mix match of seating screams Newcastle Eatery of the moment.

 

 

 

I'm not sure if the wall mural is hand painted (I do suspect it is) or if it is digital but I couldn't stop starring at it. In the midst of a vintage collection, this contemporary stencil style piece really does stand out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ordered the sweet potato fries which were so moreish with a glass of prosecco...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any recommendations of stylish/delicious places to eat in the city then please let me know in the comments!

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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