The Warehouse Grill

In my home town of Colchester sits The Warehouse Grill, a restaurant that never disappoints. If you are a lover of steak or you enjoy a tasty burger or even love a good cocktail; it is safe to say that The Warehouse Grill is your perfect dinner location.

Their website claims that The Warehouse Grill is the home of "the best burger in town".
 With an impressive grill based menu of ribs, steaks and burgers its safe to say you won't leave hungry. The quality of the food and cocktails is superb and excellent value for money.

I visited The Warehouse Grill with three friends a few weekends ago and divulged in the following:
- For starter, Half a Pint of Shell on Prawns with garlic and parsley mayonnaise and homemade bread.
- For mains I ate the Chilli Dog, consisting of 1/4 pound of Cumberland sausage, spiced beef chilli, mature cheddar, mozzarella, sour cream, pickles and shoestring fries. 
- For desert the White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis and Fresh Raspberries.

The Menu

 The Chilli Dog

The White Chocolate Cheesecake

 

The food itself was, as always, delicious. I can safely say I have recommended the chili dog to my friends and family. My only gripe is not receiving a finger bowl with my half a pint of prawns. I personally feel that this is something that should be automatically done and not something that needs to be requested. Nobody wants to be left with fishy fingers!!

 

We were being bores and on this occasion didn't drink any of the delicious cocktails, however I do recommend the Bellini's which I have tested numerous times on different visit's! Therefore our bill was rather low, around £25.00 per person including a tip!

 

I surprised myself by not ordering my usual, one of the delectable steaks! However, if you want my advice go there on a Monday - Thursday for lunch or dinner and save a few pennies with mouth-watering steaks starting from just £10.00.

 

Check out there website for menus and  special offers www.thewarehousecolchester.com
If you have dined at The Warehouse why not share your experience with my fellow readers in the comment section below.

China Chef

Recently I have been a rubbish girlfriend and have failed organising our regular date nights, I'm blaming the stress of revision and the return to my real job as an air hostess (hence my lack of posting blogs and socialising within the Twittersphere). Last night myself and the lesser half decided to rectify this problem. We attempted to book into, what I feel is one of the best restaurants in town, the North Hill Noodle Bar - but unfortunately they were fully booked and couldn't squeeze us in. As I was in the mood for Chinese and as all men are aware, what a woman wants, a woman gets; we booked ourselves in at the China Chef on Crouch Street, Colchester.

We arrived at 8.30pm and the China Chef was full of atmosphere with couples, families or parties filling every table. The restaurant itself has a great layout with the ability to watch the kitchen staff work their culinary magic. I love this within a restaurant as I can not help but constantly people watch, people fascinate me! We were seated near the door and next to the window at the front of the restaurant. Funnily enough I wasn't affected by the draft from the door but the freezing cold air conditioning, which has resulted in me waking up with the sniffles.

As my regular readers will know that my restaurant reviews come down to 3 key points:

1. How much is it going to set me back?

2. Is the alcohol affordable?

3. What's on the menu?

 

1. How much is it going to set me back?

This is a difficult question to answer, it is very dependant on whether you select a rice and main dish to yourself, share a few  dishes between you or select one of their set menus. We decided on a set menu and selected the Banquet Dinner priced at £24.00 per person (minimum of two persons). Totalled up with the alcohol we spent just over £58.00.

 

 2. Is the alcohol affordable?

If you was to divide our total bill you can see that just over £10.00 was spent on drinks. Of which I had a small glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a sparkling water, and my lesser half had a Tsingtao. In my opinion the cost of the alcohol is reasonable if you compare it to other restaurants.

 

3. What's on the menu?

As I've already stated we decided on the Banquet Dinner, which China Chef define as a "Leave it to the Chef – Three Course Dinner" consisting of Gourmet Mixed Starters, Crispy Aromatic Duck with Pancakes and a Main Course.

 

Our Gourmet Mixed Starter included Fried Crispy ‘Seaweed’ with Grated Scallops, Chicken Satay on Skewers, Japanese Deep-fried Tempura King Prawns, Crispy Spring Rolls and what I believe were their Capital Spare Ribs. All deliciously tasty, which no complaints from myself and my lesser half, we enjoyed the starters that much that we demolished the dosh within minutes.

 

This was followed by the sensational Crispy Aromatic Duck with Pancakes. This is my favourite part of any Chinese and in my own personal opinion you can't have a Chinese, whether it be within a restaurant or a takeaway, with out it. This particular dish arrived at our table as a leg of duck and was skilfully shredded in front of our eyes by our speedy waitress, this certainly was a talent that amazed us both! Once again, we picked our way through this dish at some speed!

 

Lastly we had our selection of main courses. If I am honest I was a little disappointed with the service here. We had a rice dish, a vegetable dish, a prawn dish, a beef dish and a chicken dish. None of the dishes were audibly explained, which I wasn't impressed with especially as we were unaware of what dishes we had ordered. The only one I would dare to give the correct name for is the egg fried rice!! Do not get me wrong, I tried every dish and enjoyed them all, but with so many flavours it was hard to decipher what dish you was actually eating.

 

The China Chef definitely believe in the saying that you eat with your eyes, every course was presented beautifully with edible roses and edible baskets. The portion sizes are also great, leaving us both full and struggling to move - we didn't even finish all the main dishes (that would shock both our friends and families!).

 

The menu at the China Chef has many dishes from Seafood to Curry Dishes, Specials to Hot Pan Dishes - it's safe to say you will not be disappointed. Best of all, if you don't fancy getting changed from your slob gear or your onesie, they also offer a takeaway service. The full menu can be found on their website http://www.china-chef.co.uk/

 

Have you dined at the China Chef? If so why not share your experience in the comment section below.

The Artcafé

With birthday shopping to purchase and errands to run, I met my coffee loving Grandmother in the town centre. As the shopping became heavier and our stomachs began rumbling we headed to one of her favourite coffee shops, The Artcafé which is located in the heart of Colchester Town Centre (there is also a second site in Mersea Island).

With a gorgeous interior and a delightful winter menu to match, The Artcafé is a very popular choice amongst the coffee shop lovers within the town. Combining both good food and the ability to purchase art work, jewellery, teas and coffee's as well as beautiful greetings cards; The Artcafé is guaranteed not to disappoint.

I ordered a cloudy lemonade and a tuna mayonnaise sandwich on white bread which was accompanied by creamy coleslaw, salad and chilli corn crisps. Absolutely delicious. My Grandmother treated herself to a warm cheese scone and an Earl Grey tea. My Grandmother's choice has inspired me to make my own cheese scones and I shall be posting my recipe for this very soon.

The Artcafé has a beautiful selection of fresh cakes and pastries, as well as a daily interchanging specials board for main meals and soups. Today's extra was pan fried gnocchi with pesto and parmesan shavings with salad and the soups of the day was curried root vegetable or pea, potato and rocket. I snapped a few photographs of their specials, menus, cream teas and cakes for you all to admire. The price is extremely reasonable, as you can see from the photographs of the menu's below.

To keep up to date with all The Artcafé's latest news and events take a look at their website http://www.islandartcafe.co.uk/

Or if you are a fan of social media you can find them on both Twitter and Facebook.

Twitter: @artcafe1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artcafe.westmersea

If you've eaten at The Artcafé why not share your experiences and photographs with me in the comments section below.

Guest Post

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to write a guest post on the fabulous blog Tea With Me and Friends, written by the dynamic sister duo Rachel and Lorna. Go visit their blog and take a read of my guest post on The Stockwell Arms in Colchester, Essex and let me know what you think!

http://teawithmeandfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/time-for-tea-mothers-day-specialthe.html?m=1

The Godfather of Italian Restaurants.

Il Padrino is a quaint Italian Restaurant situated in Church Street, Colchester, Essex. Il Padrino is literally translated as The Godfather so you know from the word go it's going to be good.

The authentic Italian food is to die for with a with a vast menu of pastas and meat or Carne dishes. An example of the pasta dishes would be the delicious "Rissoto con asparagi", which is arborio rice cooked with fresh asparagus, shallots, white wine, cream and parmesan cheese. A meat or Carne dish that is highly recommended by my lesser half is "Petto di anitra al Grand Marnier", which is roasted breast of duck served on a sweet mashed potato topped in a Grand Marniere sauce.

The specials board is plucked out of every fish food lovers dream, over flowing with mouth watering starters and main courses. My favourite specials have to be Fausto's Seafood Special and the Spaghetti Lobster - they are both incredibly scrummy!

    The Spaghetti Lobster

My only advice when booking to request a table downstairs, it alters the atmosphere of the restaurant completely. Downstairs (or the lower floor) is an old brick wine cellar and is perfect for any occasion whether it be a family meal or a date night.

Unfortunately, on my last visit I unfortunately fainted and left the bill paying to my lesser half, he informs me he spent £30.00 per head! I would like to say a massive thank you to the staff who were brilliant and looked after me incredibly well. However, I am venturing there again on Friday 28th March so I will edit my blog and run it past my three trusty questions:

1. How much is it going to set me back?

2. Is the alcohol affordable?

3. What's on the menu?

Have a look at Il Padrino's website for menus and upcoming events: http://ilpadrinocolchester.co.uk

 

If you venture to Il Padrino why not share your thought, opinions and pictures with me! And don't forget to check back for my full review.

Mothers Day Madness

In my household we celebrated Mothers Day early this year, as my Mother has a hectic social life and couldn't fit us in on Sunday 30th March 2014. We visited The Stockwell Arms in Colchester, Essex.

With so much food (that much that we took a goody bag home!) and unlimited tea, The Stockwell Arms really impressed.

Let's talk food! Finger sandwiches were offered on a choice of white and rye bread. You could choose from a selection of beef with horseradish, salmon, egg with onion and ham with whole grain mustard. The medley of cakes included a passionfruit cheesecake, an orange cake, an apple and cream horn and a choice of chocolate cake, Victoria sponge and a coffee and walnut cake. The Afternoon Tea was finished off with a choice of a plain or a fruit scone offered with an assortment of jams and clotted cream.

The choice of tea was incredible. They had everything from a traditional English tea to Chinese flowering teas! I tried the Jasmine fairies tea, which was delicious and the peppermint tea. If tea isn't for you there is also the choice of speciality coffees.

Its alright, I can discuss the price as my Mum is nosey and looked at the receipt. We spent a little over £60.00. It worked out as £14.00 each for the Afternoon Tea itself and just over £5.00 for a glass of Prosecco each. Great value for money in my opinion.

Why not look at The Stockwell Arm's website for menus, events and prices http://www.thestockwellcolchester.com/

It's safe to say it looked like my Mum enjoyed her afternoon with her girls!

You could also treat your Mum to Afternoon Tea, if The Stockwell Arms doesn't float your boat, why not look at:

- Down Hall, Bishops Stortford.

   http://www.downhall.co.uk

   Priced at £21.50 for a traditional Afternoon Tea or £28.50 for a Champagne Afternoon Tea

- Clarice House, Colchester or Bury St Edmunds.

   http://www.claricehouse.co.uk

   Priced at £13.00 for a standard cream tea or £17.00 for a deluxe cream tea (includes a glass of sparkling wine)

- The Ritz, London.

   http://www.theritzlondon.com

   Priced at £45.00 (£47.00 from 1st April 2014) for a traditional Afternoon Tea or £57.00 (£59.00 from 1st April 2014) for a Champagne Afternoon Tea

- Claridges, London.

   http://www.claridges.co.uk

   Priced at £50.00 for a traditional Afternoon Tea or £61.00 for a Champagne Afternoon Tea

- The Cannaught, London.

   http://www.the-connaught.co.uk

   Priced at £41.00 for a traditional Afternoon Tea or £50.00 for a Champagne Afternoon Tea

(All prices above are per person)

I am also heading to Down Hall in Bishops Stortford soon so will update you with photos for inspiration! Let me know if you decide, like me, to spoil your Mum with an Afternoon Tea and we can compare photographs!

Hudson and Hudson, so good they named it twice!

My Sunday evening involved me feeling extremely full and satisfied after a late afternoon lunch at Hudson and Husdon in Colchester, Essex. Hudson and Hudson is a hidden gem situated just off the main road. It's a beautiful artisan kitchen and larder, which is suitable for any occasion.

Let's run Hudson and Hudson past my three trusty questions:

1. How much is it going to set me back?

They are currently running an amazing value set menu of two courses for around £16.00 or three for just £19.00. Obviously myself and my lesser half decided, being the fatties we are, on the three courses. The overall cost? Two three course meal's, a side dish, a soft drink and a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc for £50.75. Incredibly reasonable for the amount of food we consumed!!

2. Is the alcohol affordable?

Yes! Approximately £6.00 for a large glass of wine and the possibility to purchase your favourite bottle to take home from the on site larder. Can it get any better! From their twitter account I noticed they are offering a delicious variety of cocktails. Hudson and Hudson also have a vast variety of beers and wines.

3. What's on the menu?

Being the set Sunday lunch menu there was a choice of approximately three dishes for each course. My choices were, for starter, a delicious duck liver parfait accompanied with warm bread. For mains, I decided on the beef. It was accompanied by a huge Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, a giant carrot, a scrumptious ham and shredded cabbage dish and me being the piggy I am, ordered a side dish of cauliflower cheese. The cauliflower cheese was one of the best I have ever tasted, and what made it even better was my lesser half dislikes cheese so I had the whole dish to myself! The beef itself was well cooked and melted in the mouth, unfortunately mine was a little fatty, but nothing to affect my overall opinion of the meal. For desert I indulged in a chocolate fondant accompanied with Chantilly cream and cherries, a incredibly naughty dish but oh so delicious.

I would recommend Hudson and Hudson for a Sunday Roast, a tasty treat from their larder or a evening out over the weekend. Their website is still under construction but I advise you to keep checking and subscribe to their mailing list, http://www.hudson-hudson.co.uk you can also keep up to date by liking them on Facebook or following them on twitter, @HudsonandHud 

The food is good, I'm not kidding Yew!

After a recent visit to the Yew Tree, I decided to give it a cheeky review and run it past my 3 key points of dining out:

1. How much is it going to set me back?

2. Is the alcohol affordable?

3. What's on the menu?

 

My lesser half and myself ventured here after craving a Sunday Roast. The Yew Tree was a pub that holds fond memories from past family meals and I was hoping it wouldn't disappoint. The Yew Tree is a beautiful, picturesque, traditional pub in the village of Great Horkesley and is part of the Chef and Brewer chain.

 

I started my meal with a bubble & squeak which was delicious. The potato cake was well complimented with a free range egg and succulent hollandaise sauce. My lesser half had sticky beef noodles, which naturally I had to taste and must say it was pretty moreish. Was such a generous portion and would have done most people for a main meal!

 

Being a Sunday it would have been rude to order anything but one of the their roast dinners. The choice being gammon, rack of pork loin, topside of beef or Norfolk turkey breast. We both decided on the topside of beef with all the trimmings which was cooked to perfection. Being the fatty I am, I also added pigs in blankets and cauliflower cheese from their vast selection of scrummy sounding side dishes. My only criticism would be the roast potatoes, they were a little small and lacking in crispiness. Unfortunately we were both stuffed and couldn't manage a desert.

 

For those with children they also offer a great children's menu with starters, mains and deserts!

 

So in answer to my three points:

1. Very reasonably priced:
    - Starters ranging from £3.49 - £6.49
    - Mains ranging from £8.99 - £15.99 

    - Deserts ranging from £3.29 - £5.99

2. I was unfortunately the designated driver on this occasion so stuck to the diet coke however looking at the wine menu your averaging around £4.50 for a 175ml glass. They also over cask ales, ciders and soft drinks. I'd say they are all adequately priced.

3. I attempted to get your taste buds tingling with my review above but why not have a look on their website for the menu. As well as upcoming events and deals such as signing up to their online club and receiving a free starter or pudding. http://www.chefandbrewer.com/pub/yew-tree-great-horkesley-colchester/c1249/

Everyone loves a curry...

It's the weekend which means one thing, a takeaway. When buying a takeaway there is only ever one option for me, that option is an Indian.

 

Buying a curry within a group, whether it be friends or families, can cause many unforseen challenges and minor difficulties:

1. Pay for what you eat or go Dutch

2. How many rices? There is always too much or too little. What's the perfect amount?

3. Where to order from? Everyone has their favourite Indian, mines the Way To The Raj in Marks Tey, Colchester.

4. One dish each or mix and match. Which leads me beautifully on to my favourite point..

5. My favourite line whilst deciding what to order: "What are you having? Oh, sounds nice, can I try a bit of that?".

Anti-sharers would agree with Smithy's opinion from the highly entertaining BBC comedy, Gavin and Stacey. Watch that beautiful moment again here,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xaq4nN2QwEI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
 

However, that's not my opinion. I am a curry sharer, much to the outrage and disbelief of the lesser half. I like to pick at different things and mix it all together into one big curry mound. I get jealous if I order a curry and someone else's looks or smells better. It's safe to say there is only one thing worse than curry envy and that's a dodgy curry.

 

Where I live no well known takeaway delivers and that even includes domino's if you order online. No its not the Outer Hebrides, (but if you ask my friends sometimes the lack of signal makes it feel like it is) it's just a village on the outskirts of Colchester. So when the girls came over last night we ventured on to Just Eat to review our options, as according to their advert they will even deliver into space. The list of Indian's on there I'd never heard of, that feeling of regret and risk kicked in, should I have just gone to pick one up from my favourite curry house? Due to a few of our financial situations we were swayed by one curry house, Rice 'N' Spice, offering a very tempting 25% off.

 

An hour later there is a knock at the door, our curry arrives and like a pack of ravishing wild animals we are ready to dig in and and demolish the curry. The curry itself was alright, no complaints there. The taste was pleasant, the nann cooked just right and the onion bhaji was gone in seconds so it must have been tasty. However, the condiments were lacking.  The mango chutney and mint dip left me feeling disappointed, it was extremely runny and lacking in flavour. The papadum's were a fail and didn't fulfil my hopes and expectations due to their flimsy ways, meaning I couldn't use them to spoon up my remaining curry. Although, the cucumber riaita was tasty, but that's just yoghurt and cucumber so you can't really go wrong there.

 

Overall I found my curry a pleasant experience, whether that be down to the company, or that fact that I was that hungry I could have chewed off my own arm! This The temptation of delivery and the discounted price swayed my decision this time, will it happen again? I don't think so, stick with what you know and like, collecting a takeaway isn't the end of the world!

Creme egg brownies, do they live up to the hype?

Well there was only one way to find out, in the words of Great British Bake Off's (or GBBO as us fans called it!) Mel and Sue... BAAAKKKKEEE!

I was thrown into the madness of this Easter delight by a friend who lacks baking skills (sorry JB!) and was intrigued by this sweet treat. She bombarded me with this recipe http://scarletscorchdroppers.com/2013/03/12/creme-egg-brownies/ (many other's are available online) and gave me no choice of a healthier bake, even though we were both "healthy eating" (it has eggs in it right?). As a result we popped out and got the necessary ingredient's from Sainsbury's (other supermarkets are available!).

My Advice

1. Follow the recipe to the gram - no free styling!

2. Bake your brownie so it's still gooey and delicious in the middle

3. Freeze your mini crème eggs - I've heard on the grapevine this avoids them melting and leaves them with a gooey, soft yolk effect centre

4. If you have a sweet tooth and hate waiting around, speed up the baking process and make use of the marvellous invention called the freezer!

5. Cut them small - they are far too sickly!

The Baking Process

The finished result:

In my opinion they lived up to the Easter hype and were far tastier than I expected. If you lack a sweet tooth avoid at all costs as this is a recipe designed to make you teeth rot.

If you give this particular bake a go why not share you opinions and pictures on my blog!

5 restaurants that are sure to make you love struck..

To avoid Valentines Day 2015 being a M&S ready meal for one, have a read of my top 5 restaurants (in no particular order) to splurge some pennies on your significant other... I know researching can be a pain so I thought I would do it for you, call me your blogging fairy god mother!

1. The Stockwell Arms, Colchester

www.thestockwellcolchester.com

The host of my recent date night come pay day treat. A medieval restaurant and real ale hall that boasts electric atmosphere and fine dining. Probably my favourite date night restaurant with a menu full of sharing platters making the occasion a little more special, like the 16oz Striploin or the Stockwell Sharer (this one is impressive as its served on a long medieval style banquet board). The food is sensational and accompanied by homemade treats such as walnut butter, honey mustard and barbeque sauce. Even serving a surprise amuse-bouche (a French term translated literally as a "mouth-amuser") in between courses. I will be honest, with alcohol it can be a little pricey, but you really get what you pay for and it's worth every penny for a special occasion. The quality of the food is sensational, the service is attentive and the renovated building its self is beautiful. I noticed that they are offering a Valentines Day menu of 4 courses (one is prosecco) for a bargain price of £35 per person or if you would like accompanying wines (aka a wine flight!) the price increases to £50 per person. Take a look at their Valentines sharing menu on their website and if your other half is super special splash out a little and take them to The Stockwell.

2. Olio Italian Restaurant, Chelmsford

www.olio-italian-chelmsford.co.uk

I experienced Olio's for the first time last Sunday and it's safe to say I will be a returning customer. As my dining experience was part of a birthday party we sat in the downstairs restaurant, highly recommended to enhance the party atmosphere, but that is straying from the Valentines Day point! The upstairs restaurant is romantic, quaint and very Italian. The food was outstanding. Their menu varies from pastas to pizzas, with a wide selection of specials. My recommendation is the mixed fish platter and if you are not a fishy person the lamb shank. The authentic Italian restaurant is hosted by friendly and conscientious staff. On average with food and drink I recon you are looking at around £35 per person, very reasonable.

3. The Warehouse Grill, Colchester

www.thewarehousecolchester.com

Lover of steak - check. Enjoy a good burger - check. Love a good cocktail - check. Well this is your ideal place, with a website stating "surely the best burger in town", the warehouse grill never disappoints. With an impressive grill based menu of ribs, steaks and burgers its safe to say you won't leave hungry. When at a grill based restaurant it would be rude not to eat a rare steak with all the sides, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The quality of the food and cocktails is superb and excellent value for money. The Warehouse Grill is also boasting a Valentines Menu online, a 4 course meal (one being a Mango and Passion fruit Bellini) for a moderate £37.50.

4. Il Padrino, Colchester

www.ilpadrinocolchester.co.uk

Literally translated as The Godfather so you know it's going to be good! Straight from the word go my advice is when booking to request a table downstairs, it alters the atmosphere of the restaurant completely. Downstairs (or the lower floor) is an old brick wine cellar and is perfect for the romantics amongst you. The authentic Italian food is to die for with a vast menu of pastas and meat dishes, with a specials board plucked out of every fish food lovers dream (if its on there go for the Spaghetti Lobster - its scrummy!). All food is seasonal, so the specials are constantly changing. There is a special Valentines Menu, a 3 course meal finishing off with tea or coffee for £39.95. So to sum it up its reasonably priced, delicious and romantic - spells a perfect Valentines night out to me!

5. Hudson & Hudson, Colchester

www.hudson-hudson.co.uk

I have heard many great things about this new artisan kitchen and larder, especially constant appraisal of their Sunday roast. I have yet to dine in Hudson & Hudson, but have spent a few pennies buying peanut butter chocolate from their on-site larder. The service was brilliant, even wrapping up my goodies in brown paper packaging, making it a perfect gift for my lesser half. Their range of savoury snacks, cheeses, speciality teas, jams, sauces and chutney's is mouth wateringly magnificent. If the restaurant is as good as their larder, then they are on to a winner! They are even open for breakfast from 7:30am, can it get any better? I will be checking Hudson & Hudson out very soon so stay tuned for a review.

I hope my brief reviews have aided in you Valentines decisions and dilemmas. Go ahead book one now or it might be your last Valentines as a couple!! Stuck on choosing one? Well why not spread the love over a week and go to one every night, simples! If my lesser half is reading this, in my opinion, I think I deserve the latter!

Noodling about...

As a lover of food I find myself often facing the dilemma of where to eat on a night out, whether it be with friends, my lesser half, my family or even my boss! My decision always comes down to 3 key things:

1. How much is it going to set me back?

2. Is the alcohol affordable?

3. What's on the menu?

My mission is to answer all 3 in this enlightening blog. What about trip advisor and such likes I hear you shout? Well with my blogs there is a significant difference, I will not moan about pathetic things like the table cloth not being ironed or that the forks lacked immaculate polishing. I will share my love of food and drink and not my ability to moan (although I'm sure the odd moan or two may occur!).

When I say love I'm not joking, I literally base my day around my next meal. I wake up, day dream and go to bed thinking about food. Whether it be a rare steak to a chocolate brownie, a mojito to a glass of prosecco. It would be safe to say I'm addicted to good food and drink (FYI I'm not an alcoholic!).

I've decided firstly I should review my favourite place to eat in Colchester, The North Hill Noodle Bar. Saying I eat there regularly is an understatement. It would be safe to say I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and yet I still go back for more. Why? Because the service is second to none, the food is delicious, the atmosphere welcoming and all with extremely reasonable prices.

During lunch there is an express lunch menu for a bargain price of £6.95 with numerous high quality dishes, my favourite's being Singapore Noodles and Teriyaki Vegetables. Their full menu contains many dishes varying in flavour, spice and price. I would recommend the Char Kway Teow, a delectable prawn dish complimented beautifully by the fresh lime.

Even if you don't fancy a full meal there is a wide selection of side dishes from pork dumplings to asparagus tempura, hot wings to Vietnamese rolls (my favourite thing on the menu may I add!). Perfect to pick at alone or share with friends.

My advice is book to avoid disappointment, especially of a Wednesday and a weekend as it's very popular!

So to answer my 3 questions:

1. Extremely affordable (Cheapest dish is £8.65, Most expensive dish is £11.25)

2. Reasonably priced alcohol (I tend to stick with the beers, Tiger or Tsing Tao at £3.30 each or if you fancy hair's on your chest, go for the hot sake priced at £5.00. It's sure to get you a little inebriated!)

3. The menu? Well after getting your taste buds tingling why not take a look for yourself... www.northhillnoodlebar.co.uk