Healthy Eats at a Mystery Newcastle Location

After December is over and the over indulgence loses its novelty, most are left feeling bloated, guilty and a few pounds heavier. So when I was invited along to a healthy eating blogging event by Ruth at Pretty Little Gym Addict I was excited to see what Intu Eldon Square had in store for us. Our meeting point was Giraffe World Kitchen, but as to which restaurant in the new quarter we would be dining in.

 

But first, to set off our healthy celebrations the lovely staff at Giraffe hosted a smoothie making class and also knocked up a few cocktails in aid of Dry January.

 

 

 

 

We were asked to choose a favourite looking smoothie from their menu and then we were brought up and talked through the process allowing us to make our own. I chose the Mango Lasse which was delish. Consisting of fruits and flavours, these smoothies were the perfect January drinks.

 

 

 

 

From here, the grand unveil of where we would dine was revealed. Each twosome went to a different restaurant and our goal was to choose the healthiest options on the menu. Ruth and I were assigned to Crepe Affaire. This was previously the infamous Eldon Square Fish & Chip Shop. We both hadn't visited since it had changed hands and became Crepe Affaire so this was a new experience for us.

 

 

 

 

On arrival, from the décor there's a very distinct French bistro vibe. he décor is a combination of white hexagon micro tiles, woods and marble surfaces. We were greeted by friendly staff who spoke us through the menus and the calories etc of the savoury crepe options. They were very helpful and got our order taken swiftly. I went for the Chicken Supreme minus the sauce it normally is cooked in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also chose a smoothie from their list and I went for the Kale Kick. Considering the unappetising green shade of this, it was surprisingly yummy. Our crepes arrived and admittedly I was excited to dig in. I myself hadn't tried savoury crepes (sweet ones and been tasted on a dreamy trip to Paris.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stuffed with succulent chicken, mushrooms, tomato & spinach this was really tasty. The chicken tasted extremely fresh and cooked to perfection. The crepes are filled very filling and the ingredients are not sparingly used. Nothing worse than a stingy meal!

 

 

 

I was apprehensive of my crepe being bland but the freshness of the ingredients really did give it natural flavour. If I'd just finished a heavy session at the gym and needed a meal to help me recover and repair then this would be a great alternative to the usual healthy eats. The kale kick smoothie washed this down and was the perfect boost to accompany the crepe.

 

 

 

 

Crepe Affaire also offer a range of sweet crepes and treat too (which look amazing) and would be the perfect little treat for your cheat day. And if you're looking for a coffee, breakfast options or even naughty Belgian, these guys have you covered!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price wise, I wasn't sure what to expect but they are very reasonable given the quality, portions and service. To eat in, the Chicken Supreme Crepe is £6.90 and my Kale Kick is £3.25.

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Harissa Kitchen: Tasty Flavours & Chocolate Surprise

You all know, eating out is my favourite thing to do. So I've been eating out once again after being invited to a lovely new eatery in Newcastle. Harissa Kitchen invited me down last week so I thought I'd go along and see what all the fuss was about.
 

 

 

 

Nestled in a little pocket of Sandyford (about a 3 minute walk from Jesmond metro) this perfectly minimal restaurant sits. Easily accessible: Check. Beautiful Exterior: Check. Harissa Kitchen aim to provide food which is healthy, fresh, and free from any unnecessary fats, sugars and also sourced locally if possible. They even have their own allotment for fresh veggies!! I'm currently on a new journey of fitness and trying to create a stronger mind as well as body so a place like this is great. Lots of healthy dishes packed with flavour.... And they do takeaway too. Perfect.

 

 

 

 

On entering this lovely place, the décor is the first thing you notice. The white wash walls matched with hints of yellow and blue, sprinkled with greenery give the illusion that you're on holiday submerged in the Mediterranean.   

 

 

 

 We were greeted by the lovely owner who was very friendly and instantly offered us a drink. I opted for water with ice.

 

 

 

Love these cushions (and they're surprisingly comfy to sit against)

 

 

 

Even the napkins are white & blue! The attention to detail in this place is so great, they're really aware of their brand.

 

 

 

 

Once the drinks had arrived, we were served with a selection of marinated olives, Harissa house pickles, & spiced roasted nuts (£2.50 each.) The pickled veg were so yummy (reminded me a little of pickled veg common in Japanese cooking, olives I'm a huge fan of so these scored points with me and the nuts were so unexpected... I thought they'd be salty but they had a lovely soft mixture of honey flavours.

 

 

 

I choose the chicken breast kebab which is garnished with Harissa spicy yoghurt & chargrilled orange (£8.80). It was served on a bed of cous cous mixed with herbs. This was so tasty and the yoghurt was a nice change instead of a regular sauce or paste. I shared a table with the lovely Laura from lookatmyclothes.co.uk and we ordered a side of chargrilled halloumi (£4.50), tahini (yum) and steamed broccoli (£3.50).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved the way this kebab was served. I expected it to either be on a skewer or wrapped up but this was a great way to eat is as you can really explore all of the different flavours. After digging in I realised the chicken was cooked to absolute perfection! I also enjoyed dipping my flatbread in the tahini dip (made from sesame seeds which I have indulged in on many trips to Cyprus.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  The broccoli was delicious... I am a lover of vegetables so this place was great for my taste buds. The steamed broccoli is seasoned with chilli sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Another twist of flavours which are delicious.

 

 

 

So just when I thought I had finished... they offered desserts. And of course, it would have been rude not to try something they had to offer. The chocolate ganache was new to the menu so it's not on there but we were offered it. I took the risk and I'm so glad I did. Super yummy & so moreish!

 

 

Rich chocolate flavour with a dash of tangy lemon & cream...

 

 

 

Reasonably priced and a great company ethos of healthy food which is fresh and close to home.  

 

 

 

 

They have a few pieces which have been made by local artists which makes me fall even more in love with this place & what they stand for! They have a lovely oxidised copper light & they also have some beautiful gold leafed tiles & exterior signage by traditional sign writer Ashley Willerton, who is super talented so check him out! (Didn't manage to get any photos of the tiles as I was swept away by the warm welcome & food) but if you call by, take a peak. 

 

 

 

The network of Edison bulbs create a soft inviting glow as the city begins to lose lights. I'd test anyone to pass and not feel the urge to go sit in this cool little place. Oh, and their music game is totally on point.... The chilled out vibes are all over this. Just what I need.

This was a perfect time to catch up with Jen, Ruth, Nicola & Suzanne. Can't wait for the next catch up.

 

 Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Raw Juice & Antioxidants

This time of year everyone seems to be on a health kick. I am not the healthiest person but I am striving for this year to be healthier than before this year. I have always been into sport & fitness since being young and still running now but would love to be adding weights work and yoga into my routine too. Let me just say I am always looking for something healthy that also tastes delicious. This ticks all those boxes! Introducing the Naked Detox Pressed Juice from The Naked Deli....

 

 

 

 

If you hadn't heard The Naked Deli is a fairly new clean deli which serves tasty food, completely clean & paleo (they do take out too for those of you who are like me and have a busy schedule!) It also happens to be very tasty and pushes the boundaries with the usual clean diet... What's not to love?!

 

 

 

 

A while back they developed a range of cold pressed juice drinks and this is one of them. They have a whole menu which tells you all ingredients in each one so you know exactly what you're putting into your body. I chose this one which is made from apple, grapefruit, lemon & ginger. The colour of this is mouth watering to start with but it really does taste amazing and just when you think you've tasted it all the lemon & ginger adds a nice kick too.

 

 

 

 

 

 The Naked Deli really are setting the pace in the health game. They have now developed a Naked Skin juice with Dr Esho - founder of aesthetics company Le Beau Ideal. This can be bought as a detox and claims to help skin look younger and hydrate skin. As someone with problematic skin over the years I think skin hydration is super important!

 

 

For those of you who also appreciate well thought out packaging, this really is for you. Good sized bottle fit for purpose - check, well designed label and graphics with ingredients plain to see - check and seal label just for good measure - check!

 

 

 

 

I really can't recommend this anymore for anyone out there reading this hitting the gym, yoga or even just people who are conscious about what goes into their body. Tastes delicious and it really is clean! It's that simple.

 

 

 

 

If this one doesn't take your fancy then they have a whole range of pressed juices so why not drop into their store on Chillingham road or call into their consession at Fenwick, Newcastle. Raw juices full of antioxidants in an array of rainbow colours all pure and natural.... I really can't say anymore. My mouth is watering just thinking about all of the flavours! Hit up The Naked Deli and tell me what's your favourite juice in the comments...

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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