What a summer we’re having! With the glorious sunshine and incredible warm weather I’m already picking heaps of plums from the fruit trees in the garden and freezing them for plum pies, tarts and jams.
Out and about in Newcastle, the weather has created a great atmosphere, which is brilliant for restaurants and bars alike. The Toon has been bustling with al fresco diners as Tynesiders make the most of the heat and choose to eat outside. My favourite haunts these past six weeks have included anywhere serving good food in the sunshine!
From the Grey Street favourites of Harry’s bar, Bar Luga and 9bar to Unos Trattoria and the Red House on the Quayside, or the Tyne bar further up the river by the Ouseburn, there have been plenty of great places to scoff tasty scran in the sun.
I must give a particular shout out to the Cycle Hub Café, which offers really tasty food at great prices and one of the best views overlooking the Tyne towards the city that I’ve experienced.
With the hot weather and bikini-wearing season, I’m also trying to eat as healthily as possible, so the newly opened Naked Deli on Chillingham Road has become my new go-to place for lunch.
The superfood salads are incredibly healthy and delicious, as are the range of juices and smoothies on offer, including a green smoothie with avocado and spinach in it. I know it sounds a bit weird, but it tastes amazing and it seems avocado is the new superfood of summer 2014.
I’m also a fan of the Naked Deli’s take on spaghetti and meatballs, which replaces pasta with courgette strips and herby, delicious beefballs. If you’ve not been, be prepared to queue for a table as this is by far the hottest place to open in the Toon this summer.
The Herb Garden has also been on my list this month, and despite it being renowned for its stone-baked pizzas, when I went last week I instead opted for the Sheikh Sharer platter, featuring spiced lamb and pistachio kebabs, seeded flatbreads, sweet chicken drumsticks, beetroot dip, halloumi and tomato slices, and a walnut, beetroot and feta salad. It’s a real winner, and pretty healthy to boot.
With new places popping up all the time in the Toon it can be hard to keep up – so keep us informed at appetite by sending us your news to editor@appetitemag.co.uk and invite the Girl About Toon to come and try out your wares.
