In celebration of this warmer, milder weather I took a trip to the coast to satisfy my craving for fresh seafood accompanied by a crisp, cold glass of white wine.
No one does this better than the Old Boathouse in Amble; the perfect place to head (and the perfect reward) after a long dog walk in Druridge Bay just down the road.
I took six visiting ladies from London and all were mightily impressed with the razor clams sautéed in garlic, langoustines gently cooked in garlic butter, smoked salmon, oysters and pots of steaming mussels. I can’t wait to go back!
The following day I took my visitors to the Quayside Sunday market for shopping and snacking from the artisan food and craft stalls, and then of course had to stop off for lunch at Uno’s Trattoria before they returned to the Big Smoke. The latest addition on the Uno’s drinks menu is Aperol spritzers, which apparently are the hot new thing in East London, so needless to say we got through a fair few over the course of the afternoon. It’s the perfect summer drink of aperol and prosecco – a fresh, fruity take on a regular spritzer. On to more comfort food and I had quite possibly the best beef burger of my life at the new Fat Hippo Underground on Shakespeare Street in Newcastle. The classic American burger was moist and succulent and served in a soft bun with cheese, gherkins, French mustard AND ketchup. It was so good I ate the lot and all my scrumptious skinny fries, but I’m only allowing myself to eat here once a week as I start training for the Great North Run pronto.
We tried out another newly opened restaurant in central Newcastle – Harry’s Bar on Grey Street. On a Saturday night it was packed and we couldn’t go five minutes without bumping into friends. With a swanky interior and varied menu, it’s set to be a firm favourite on the Newcastle scene.
¡Vamos! Festival
Check out a host of foodie treats coming up in June as part of the ¡Vamos! Festival:
Pop-up Cuban restaurant and live Cuban music at Newcastle College Lifestyle Academy, Tuesday June 10, 7pm-11pm: One of the region’s most innovative culinary havens with spectacular views over the city.
Pop-up Dining at Clocktower Cafe, Hoults Yard at 7pm on June 6, 13 and 20: In partnership with McKennas at Northern Stage, this pop-up restaurant will showcase the best in hearty, flavourful and inventive Latin American food including staples such as arepa (thick corn bread patties typical of Colombia and Venezuela) and delectable bites like the tlacoyos (Mexican oval shaped fried or toasted cake which famously tempted the conquistadors!). Advanced booking required.
¡VAMOS! Secret Paladares at 8pm on Tuesday 17 June: Chef Gareth Kyle will be cooking up an Argentinian themed meal in a secret home location, accompanied by live music from Tango Zapatito. Very limited places.
