Meat:Stack at No.28. New name, same great taste.

Last night I was invited along to the re-launch of Meat:Stack.... formerly known as The Grind. If you don't remember my last post about these guys, I labelled it as "the best burger I'd ever tasted." With a rename and re-brand, I was eager to know if the delicious, loved burgers remained the same. 

You might not have heard of Meat:Stack as they are based in No.28 - a hidden bar. This cool venue is tucked snuggle upstairs in the Grainger Market, Newcastle. I love this spot, always guaranteed to make my ears happy with their sick playlists. We tasted some cocktails before getting down to business with the menu. 

 When I last tried these burgers, I tasted the West Coast Classic which is a waaay better upgraded version of a Big Mac. Classic burger, slathered in delicious cheese and a handmade patty. This time I wasn't sure to expect on taste, quality, if the recipes had changed and such so I went for the Classic again for comparison....

Safe to say, this juicy and succulent burger didn't disappoint. The name may have changed but the taste remains! I'm yet to try a burger better than this. A hand thrown patty on a soft bun covered in melted cheesy goodness and a dash of lettuce for the classic crunch. Each component carefully thought about. The taste that makes this is the secret sauce. For all you classic cheeseburger lovers, this one is for you! 

My friend tried the Fried Chicken & Parmesan Burger which was again another tasty winner. Juicy chicken, cooked to perfection with honey mayo and that classic lettuce crunch. My other friend tried the Mid Western Burger which is a butter burger packed with french onions, charred green chilli, miso butter and whipped garlic. Still no faults to be had, each burger had its own distinctive taste but the quality remains. The Mid Western has a hint of gherkin taste to it. Anyone in search if something out of the ordinary, you've gotta give this a go!

So while you're tucking in and your senses are going crazy, add beef dripping fries to the mix and this will tip you over the edge. These guys know how to make your tummy happy! Crunchy, yet perfectly crispy american style fries, fried in beef dripping and seasoned with salt. Unreal! Again, I tried these last time but no change in the amazing flavour. 

An exception to last time of tasting, I got to try the Legendary Buffalo Wings which were spicy but flavoursome and crispy. The meat is tender and everything you want from a chicken wing. Bite size chicken goodness. And I'm not a huge fan of meat on the bone or beef burgers per say but these guys just know what they're doing! Hand thrown patties right down to their sauces. 

 We were also treat to Dog Hot Fries which are filthy fries drizzled in in secret sauce, ancho chilli honey, buffalo hot sauce and topped with cheddar cheese and gourmet hot dog. Spicy on the taste buds but just as addictive... once you start on these you cant stop. The sauce is a unique taste yet still an american vibe of a classic. 

If you're a burger connoisseur or just looking for something delicious to satisfy the hunger, get yourself to Meat:Stack at No.28. The burgers range from £6 - £8 and sides are reasonably priced too. I'll for sure be back to taste their Parmesan & Truffle Fries and maybe even test the desserts if I leave any room. And if you can't eat a burger without the all important fries, the £10 offer Monday - Thursday is insanely good value for money with the addition of Buffalo Wings too. Good food, done very well. Still the best burger I have ever tasted. 

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

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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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Hub of History: Grainger Market Festive Evening

If you've ever been to Newcastle or have friends in Newcastle you'll have most likely heard them talk about the infamous Grainger Market. Located on Grainger Street (duh), spitting distance from Grey's Monument. As a child, this is the market where I went every other Friday with my Grandparents. Like clockwork. I have fond memories of the hustle and bustle of the place, friendly familiar faces, smells, the fresh meats and pheasants hanging in the butchers, the calls of the greengrocers echoing through the alleys. I heard this year they were hosting a festive evening, I thought this would be a lovely way to relive my childhood memories. (Although, I do frequent the market regularly it's never enough for the nostalgia it holds.)

 

 

 

 

On entering, the place was buzzing. Myself, Zoe & Ruth headed to Pumphrey's Coffee for a hot drink before exploring. For those of you who haven't been to Pumphrye's Coffee, (where have you been?!) they stock a whole range of different flavoured coffee beans fresh to buy or you can stop by and grab a special blend coffee or even a  hot chocolate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So many coffee flavours and types! And if you're not into coffee, Pumphrey's also have Curious Leaves in the Grainger Market too which is their tearoom.

 

 

 

We then headed to the centre of the market which was buzzing. The centre had live singers, rock and roll dancers later on - which I loved watching, the florists stand with beautiful wreaths on display, and offers on in the surrounding shops. Matthew's Cheese Shop & The French Oven were 2 which seemed to have considerable queue's most of the night. Matthew's has a wide selection of cheese and do great cheese boards for Christmas. The French Oven is a quaint little independent bakery which supplies bread to many local businesses surrounding and also regular customers.

 

 

 

 

 

I was (obviously) feeling hungry and was craving pizza, so heading to Slice was the only thing for it. Slice are what you think... They serve delicious pizza by the slice and this also had a decent queue too (rightly so!) They had a selection of flavours on sale and honestly this one was delicious! For £3 per slice you really can't complain, they're fairly filling!

 

 

 

 

 

The Grainger Market were also granting access to one of the balconies. We were escorted up and told a little about the history of the market. The market was built in 1835 and there was a grand banquet to mark the opening. The Grainger Market was opened as a butcher's market (now houses greengrocers among other businesses now) and was a place for the elite gentry of Newcastle to show off their money and best clothing. The alley's are quite wide, and it is said that the reason for this was the lad's wide Victorian skirts & the men's walking sticks. The balconies (which aren't open to the public now) were a spot for the ladies to wait whilst men did their socialising (and eating at the banquet.) Don't know about you girls, but I'd be fuming if my fella made me watch him eat!

 

 

 

 

Also on offer, was a chance to go down the wartime bunker. I myself, having spent so much time in the market didn't even know that there was a bunker in the place! So interesting. I didn't manage to get down myself but I'm so intrigued that there was a bunker built under the market!

 

 

 

 

For those of you living in Newcastle, and haven't visited this lovely place, then seriously get yourself there. Even if it's just to take in the surroundings, sights and smells. But even more so, go buy food, visit the local businesses and support a thriving epicentre of loveliness which has lasted for centuries!

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Hadrian's Tipi: Live Music, Mulled Wine & a Firepit

 

Christmas spent in a city is always a lovely time, and with Newcastle seemingly having an avalanche of new venues recently its not a surprise people choose to come here. When Hadrian's Tipi appeared, this unusual attraction caused a stir. I'm sure this is the first year we've been graced with the tipi presence in Newcastle so I was intrigued to find out more.

 

 

 

On entrance to the tipi, I was greeted with some delicious mulled wine (complete with cinnamon stick and clementine slice) - real mulled wine. It was super cold out, so this was really what I needed.

 

 

On entering I was overwhelmed with everything that was happening. And let me tell you, this tipi reminded me of the tents on Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire. So big inside, as you can see it has quite a big capacity. There was a bar, live music, seating to chill with friends and also a fire pit. A FIRE PIT. Amazing. I was excited about the fire pit although did not manage to get sat next to the flame of warmth (despite trying and waiting to pounce on an empty seat.) They have different live musicians playing and loved this band. I didn't catch their name but if anyone knows who they are please leave a comment!

 

 

 

 

There really isn't anything like an open wood burning fire to make a festive atmosphere. And although, I was informed of food but only managed to see one tray of hotdogs while I was there. And not one keen on hotdogs I gave them a pass.

 

 

 

However, if you were looking for somewhere to head after work then this would be it. Drinks, music, chilled vibes, wine... and more wine, then this is your hookup. And it is surprisingly warm in Hadrian's Tipi. I dreaded sitting in the tipi if it was going to be an icebox but super comfortable and toasty. And I had to ask a stranger if I could photograph her wine because who doesn't love a cosy photo of wine in front of a roaring fire?! I am hope this unique venue will stop by Newcastle next festive season, with more food next time please. The atmosphere is perfect if you're always on the go, chill out Christmas sloth mode. Hadiran's Tipi is an 8 week pop up and will then move to another city once the 8 weeks is up, so if you haven't been yet get down to see if its your crowd. Still has about a week left! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Cocktail flavoured popcorn?!

Don't you just love food?! I mean, I love it all times of the year but everyone loves to indulge at Christmas time. So when Tyrells approached me with their new products I was intrigued to try.

 

For anyone who hasn't heard of Tyrell's, they are a proud British company which hail from Hertfordshire. The brand stared with their own potatoes grown on their farm with the skins left on (real crisps as we call them up north), cut to perfection in small batches and fried in a number of different unique flavours. So before I yabber on too much, I'll let you know what they sent me since I know you're itching to find out. The first product was the Three Bird Roast crisps. These are a new launch and for December of year, perfectly timed... wouldn't ya say?

 

 

 

 

So I opened the family size bag (I promise I didn't eat them all myself) and got to crunching. The Three Bird Roast is a Christmas flavour feast of chicken, duck and the classic turkey. On first taste, the chicken flavour is very evident but once you're chewing the other flavours do shine through with hints of stuffing. The second thing I noticed is the quality of the crisps.... they really have a good crunch and are thicker than normal crisps. A decent quality crunchy crisp is what we all strive for in life, right? I love that the skins are also left on them too - something British about not wasting parts of the vegetables we eat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As well as tasting good, they also smell delicious. I just love opening a bag of crisps and smelling the flavour before I taste it, and the bag is big enough to go around so no worrying that you will have to share sparingly.

 

 

 

 

 

Next to try was the new Tyrells Poshcorn. Now, I am aware there is a lot of gourmet popcorn now on the market but I am yet to try any of it! So this was a new experience for me. This Poshcorn is Bellini flavour. So as you know, the winter season was invented for merry times! So needless to say I was excited (and a little apprehensive) to try this...

 

 

 

 

I got to munching and these morsels are so light and fluffy and the flavour is a very unique one. But seriously, the more I ate the more I was digging in the packet for more. These are so moreish and addictive! The tangy peach fizz flavour is light and refreshing but totally confuses how you are chewing popcorn and not drinking a bellini out of a beautiful gold rimmed glass. These are the perfect snack to indulge in as the flavour is just right as the fizzy champagne flavour fizzes on your taste buds. Still baffled how they have managed to replicate the flavour so well! Can we all take a minute to appreciate the gold packet - If this doesn't get you feeling Christmassy, there's no hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're stuck for something a little different for your very own Christmas gathering, weather you're in typical company or looking to impress your neighbours or boss... Give Tyrell's a try!

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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