I am writing this, dear reader, in the garden, the sun streaming down in an unseasonal mini-heatwave which has had this Girl About Toon hitting the seaside for fish and chips, ice cream and walks on the beach, prioritised in that order.
Tynemouth has been heaving and I’ve been a regular at Marshalls for fish, chips and mushy peas, which have to be eaten sitting on the walls of the Priory admiring the view across the bay. Grey Street in Toon has also been buzzing with the pavement tables that now flow down both sides of the street at the likes of Harry’s Bar, Carluccio’s, Barluga, and Las Iguanas. Uno’s outdoor tables on the Quayside are also in full swing, with pizzas, pastas and wine in full flow in the sunshine. Plus, there’s a secret courtyard hidden within Hop & Cleaver, just across the way from Uno’s – a lovely spot to enjoy a spot of al fresco feasting on their amazing grills, ribs and wings. Mind you, the British sunshine is obviously a hit and miss affair, so it’s good that the monthly Boiler Shop Steamer has cover in the awesome Stephenson Works.
The Steamer people are now running Steamer Sundays, filling the Boiler Shop with sharing tables from which you pour your gravy and tuck into your Yorkshires while you enjoy music from the stage. Check out the details at www.theboilershopsteamer.com. At Dabbawal Jesmond, the outdoor veranda is now in full swing and I am told there are barbecues planned for summer weekends, so watch their Twitter @Dabbawal and their Facebook page for dates.
I’m looking forward to the ¡Vamos! Festival, in Toon June 4-14. It’s a spectacular feast of food, music, film screenings, and – something I’m especially looking forward to – wrestling at The Boiler Shop! There’ll also be an array of Latin food stalls, including a parilla grill – Manna for meat lovers. Other exciting news – Papa Ganoush is opening its first Lebanese Mezze Bar on Heaton Road soon, taking street food to another level with gorgeous their Middle Eastern mezze and wraps. And, in the big news of this month, I bumped into none other than reality TV star Mark Wright at the opening of the gorgeous new Chez Mal brasserie at Malmaison on Newcastle Quayside. He was charming, as was the event, which showcased the beautiful food and cocktails at the new venue, which has gorgeous views over the river. Now then, back to the sunshine and important work on my tan, before the rain comes down. Happy eating, all!
