Happy Birthday to my blog and I!

Prosecco and Pie is one year old this March!

It doesn't seem like a year ago that I took my first steps into the seemingly-scary blogging world, clueless about blogging platforms, coding and SEO, not least of all building the courage to share my ramblings with the world. The truth is, my blog was born out of a love of writing, talking/meeting new people and of course, two lovely little things called prosecco and pie. My blog is an online summary of what I do in my daily life, getting together with my friends and family, eating, drinking and enjoying life. 

I've met some amazing people, built brilliant friendships and learnt a lot from other bloggers over the past year. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has read my blog, whether you're a regular reader or a silent lurker checking back now and then to see what's new. You've not only inspired me to continue doing what I do best, but helped me build an amazing career out of this experience and long may that continue. Hopefully I've inspired you to visit some amazing places across the North East too. Our region is certainly spoilt for choice and I'm not done yet!

From one birthday celebration to another; I turned 23 on the 23rd of February and thought I'd share a few photos with you. Happy Birthday to my little blog and I. 

How better to start the day than with freshly baked cupcakes? 

Before being spoilt with gorgeous gifts and popping open a few bottles of prosecco with the girls... 

Next we headed to one of my favourite places - SIX at the Baltic. Where better to get dressed up and enjoy a few cocktails with the people you love? After slurping a few dirty daiquiris, fallen angels and breakfast @ Tiffany's we tottered back along the Quayside to meet a few more friends at Babucho and beyond to MSA. 

I spent my birthday surrounded by my gorgeous family, taking the dogs for a walk on the beach before coming home to a Sunday roast and this genius creation - a homemade profiterole tower with profiterole shaped candles and chocolate sauce made by my mam. Yes, it was as delicious as it looks, mmm! 

Profiterole towers are way better than birthday cakes. 

There's No Place Like Home

Living just a stone's throw away from the sea, I always consider myself to be extremely lucky. I'm at my most comfortable in a big wooly jumper and pair of wellies, joined by my dogs as we walk across the sand. Even when grey skies hang low overhead, heavy with rain that threatens to spill onto the roaring waves below, I love where I live.

North Shields Fish Quay is best known as the home of shipbuilding, fishermen and early morning markets where families and business owners come from far and wide to buy the freshest fish or grab a bargain on the catch of the day. Fast forward to 2013 and the fish quay is enjoying something of a transformation. Fish is still very much at the heart of these winding streets and narrow stairwells, but by mid-morning the initial chaos of fish markets and cars has ceased, coffee is brewing in the local cafes, business is being done in offices and the restaurants are getting ready for the lunchtime rush. Luckily for me and my tastebuds, the fish quay has also seen a number of new independent bars and restaurants pop up over the past five years or so, one of which has become one of my favourite restaurants in the region. 

Irvins Brasserie takes its name from its location - the old Irvin Building was built for fishing pioneer Richard Irvin over a century ago and is something of a local landmark. Standing umpteen storeys high, Irvins Brasserie is the labour of love of chef Graeme Cuthell which occupies the ground floor and boasts a 'peekaboo' view of the small beach and sea beyond. Inside its industrial feel fits perfectly into its surroundings, the Irvin Building was the stomping ground of fishermen and tradesmen, so it's only fitting that the walls are exposed brick, industrial-style low lighting and minimalist decor. Spotlights overheard add ambience, and tonight, for Irvins' Christmas party, strings of fairy lights hung above the windows, while gingerbread cookies hung from miniature trees around the room. 

As if she would allow anything else, my date for the evening was of course Mother Hall (only this time without her multi-coloured plaster cast - a souvenir from her trip to Glastonbury earlier this year). Mother and Daughter duo were greeted warmly and offered a seat at the newly refurbished bar area and a glass of prosecco/salmon blini while we waited for other guests to arrive. I also had to try very hard not to sneak a bite of this... 

The evening kicked off with the popping of corks of a fantastic Planeta Brut and an introduction to our wines for the evening by On Trade Sales Northern UK/Simon Chant before being spoilt with a first course of seafood chowder served in a teacup with homemade bread with plenty of butter (well, it is the season to indulge...) It was without doubt the kind of meal you want to warm yourself up with on a cold night, I couldn't fault it. 

Despite only meeting some of the people on our table less than an hour ago, we were already getting on like a house on fire, tucking into a big pot of shepherds pie and passing plates of it round the table like we were at a family get together. The atmosphere was so laidback and chilled, meaning we all got to meet some fantastic new friends.

Our main course was accompanied by two rich glasses of red which enhanced the succulent meat and fluffy potato with every bite. A hard act to follow, I have to say dessert of caramelised tarte tatin with vanilla creme anglaise came up trumps. 

Just look at that beauty...

Once again our little family tucked in and helped one another, everyone declaring it was just what the meal needed - a good old stick-to-the-ribs dessert. The two dessert wines which came with our dessert weren't to my tastes, but it was still great to get the chance to try them. 

Before we knew it, the clock had struck ten and there was just enough time to sip our two coffees to compare, say our goodbyes/merry christmases/happy new years and head out into the cold December night. Luckily for us, we only had a short walk home, but it helped work off some of those calories. 

As usual, Graeme and his team had a few surprises up their sleeves for their Christmas party and I can honestly say I'd be surprised if anyone was disappointed with their performance. A huge thank you to Graeme and everyone at Irvins, we both had a fantastic evening and although I'll be off to sunnier climes for Christmas/New Year soon, I'll definitely back in the New Year for some more to keep me going until the sun comes back! 

Anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about for themselves can check the seasonal menus out  here 

....or say hello on Twitter @IrvinsBrasserie 

Sit Back and Take SIX

We may have reached mid-December without experiencing any flurries of snow in Newcastle (and I can only hope if we do I will still be living it up in LA over Christmas), but bare branches on trees, icy breath, frosted windscreens and the arrival of Fenwick's Christmas window are all signs that winter has taken its grip over Newcastle. Thousands will fill the city's streets over the next few weeks to finish their Christmas shopping, making it almost impossible to find a nice place to sit back and relax.

Unless of course, I let you into a little secret... 

How better to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street and get into the Christmas spirit than climbing six storeys high to enjoy festive afternoon tea? 

Feeling a little like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory as we took the glass elevator high into the sky to a decadent feast that awaited us, Emily and I drank in the view. 

We enjoyed the Classic Afternoon Tea for two (£14.95), but you can add a glass of champagne for an extra touch of Christmas sparkle for £22.95 per person. Three beautifully presented tiers arrived on our table and we couldn't wait to tuck in, starting with a selection of finger sandwiches: salmon, egg and cress, cheese savoury and of course turkey with cranberry sauce.

Next up we were treated to a warm cranberry and plain scone each. The scones were a little overdone, but nothing that a healthy dollop of jam and cream couldn't solve.

As I drained the last of my cappuccino, I admit to feeling pretty full, but just looking at the mini morsels that still begged to be eaten I heroically managed to stuff my face a little more... 

There's certainly nothing 'twee' about SIX's afternoon tea, it's cool and contemporary whilst retaining the decadent element that makes afternoon tea so desirable. The flavours complemented each other perfectly, a warming ginger base on the passion fruit tart worked well with the stick-to-the-ribs treacle sponge, creamy Christmas pudding and buttery mince pies. 

If you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?!

 For £14.95, SIX's festive afternoon tea definitely hits the spot - we even managed a wander around the Quayside market afterwards.... 

Afternoon tea is served from 2-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12-4 on Saturdays, buuuut since December is so busy, afternoon tea is only served on weekends so make sure you don't miss your chance! 

You can book online here, or give them a call on 0191 440 4948 if you need a little R&R before the big day

Pleased To Meat You

Want to know where to find the region's best burger? Of course you do. 

Read on dear friends, and I shall reveal all.

Just look at that meaty, cheesy goodness...

Everybody loves a good burger, no one more so than me, but I'm often put off ordering them from unfamiliar menus for fear of being confronted by tasteless meat encased in hard melted cheese and a lacklustre bun, then being charged over a tenner for the privilege. 

Rumours of good food at The Fat Hippo in Jesmond have long been whispered in my ear, but living near the coast has long kept my food cravings satisfied so I'd never had a reason to visit. Well it just so happens that my friend Emily lives very close to The Fat Hippo and insisted I try it - Emily all I can say is thank you!

The Fat Hippo's menu is short and sweet, but that's not a bad thing. Menus are brought on a wooden clipboard, so we got down to business and decided what we want. We visited on a Sunday so the Happy Hour wasn't on, but it's definitely worth mentioning if you have the midweek munchies. Get one course for £7, two courses for £9 or three for £10 from 5-7pm Tuesdays-Fridays. Not bad at all! 

With jalapeno poppers, fat hot dogs and a chunky peanut butter, bacon jam and cheese burger to choose from, I was suitably impressed by the quirkiness of the menu (I should have known then that my burger was going to be good). 

Before Emily killed me for being so indecisive, I finally opted for the Texax BBQ - a meat feast topped with bacon, cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce, accompanied by homemade chips. Emily went veggie with the Big Fat Bean Burger (halloumi, red peppers, tomato and garlic mayo) and chips. Oh and add two bottles coke in a proper glass bottle to that order please waiter. 

The 'Before' picture (you wouldn't want to see the ravaged mess that was the 'after')

The restaurant was really busy, but our food arrived within minutes of ordering which was brilliant. Taking a big bite of my burger I was pleasantly surprised to find the meat was tender and juicy with a slight pepper kick. Not a single piece was over or undercooked, the bun was lovely and soft, the onion rings were light and crispy just the way they should be, the chips were thick and lightly salted...everything was just how I like it. 

In between demolishing my own burger you'll be pleased to know I managed to ask Emily how hers was. Despite being a meat eater, she fancied something different and thought the Big Fat Bean Burger was a worthy alternative. Everything came to just over £20 between us which I think is excellent value for money, the staff were lovely and the atmosphere was bustling. I'll definitely be back - this time I don't need an excuse to be in Jesmond! 

You can browse the menu and opening hours online.  

Do you agree with my verdict? If not I'd love to hear your recommendations 

Twelfth-Floor Fairytale

Last night the girls and I dressed to impress in honour of the long-awaited grand opening of The Vermont Hotel's Sky Lounge and Garden, and boy, is that place special. 

Having spent a good proportion of my wages at the hotel's sister bar, Livello, in the past, I was intrigued to see how the elder sibling would match up. If Livello is the good looking Brad Pitt/Ryan Gosling/David Beckham's of the world (delete as appropriate), then The Vermont is without doubt the charming Jay Gatsby. Livello oozes style with its cool, contemporary furnishings and sculptural lights, whereas The Vermont boasts an effortless elegance associated with the roaring twenties and thirties thanks to the deep mahogany woodwork and leather Chesterfield sofas in the Redwood Whisky Bar and boudoir-style Bridge Brasserie. 

Emily and I arrived shortly after seven and sank into one of these sumptuous chairs with a glass of champagne. It wasn't long before we were treated to the selection of canapes on offer - starting with a juicy burger topped with streaky bacon and a cone of chips, followed by deep fried prawn with a delicious sweet chilli dip and the cutest mini shepherd's pies I have ever seen. Naturally, I gobbled them down before I even thought to take a picture, but they were so dainty and topped with creamy mashed potato and a single pea, I'm going to try and recreate them at some point! After sampling all of the savoury canapes on offer (for research purposes of course) we moved on to a trio of desserts: fresh strawberries dipped in molten chocolate, chunks of pineapple rolled in coconut (a surprisingly nice combination) and a tangy lemon posset encased in thick, buttery shortbread. 

The atmosphere was genuinely enjoyable, we weren't bothered by over-zealous staff and we were left alone for a well deserved catch up. I felt so relaxed and happy. and with champagne, canapes and your best friend - what more could you want? It wasn't long before we were invited to see the Sky Lounge and Garden. Stepping out from the twelfth floor I can honestly say the view took my breath away. The Vermont's convenient city centre location is already a fantastic asset, but the new rooftop area captures exclusive views of the city from a unique bird's eye view. I've lived in Newcastle all of my life and I love wandering along the Quayside at night, but seeing it in panoramic version from so high up is miles better!

The lounge features its own outdoor bar for private functions and plenty of rattan furniture and marquees to sit and schmooze at. My favourite touch was the spotlights in the floor that gently lit up and changed colour every so often, complementing the bright lights of the city beyond. It was clear from the enthusiastic exchanges and rush to take photographs that every body else was taken aback by the view too, if only it wasn't so difficult to take a good shot of the lounge in the dark! 

I hate to admit it but after uni I was becoming tired of the same old haunts and bars in Newcastle, preferring a night in Hugo's or Lola Jeans in Tynemouth near where I live instead, so it's refreshing to discover somewhere so special right on your doorstop and fall back in love with Newcastle's nightlife. We were speaking with a member of staff who told us they're going to be serving champagne afternoon tea on the Sky Lounge next summer which sounds pretty bloody fantastic.

Before we knew it the rain clouds descended and our rooftop adventure had to come to an end. Stopping for one last drink, we made our way to Livello downstairs to catch up with every one else and sample a few of their cocktails (well, it would be rude not to).

If you're looking for somewhere special in the city centre as a birthday or Christmas treat then I highly recommend The Vermont, it's conveniently located to pretty much everything - the train station, metro, city centre bars and restaurants, the motorway.  As the cold, dark nights draw in, I can see myself slipping into The Vermont for a night cap, it's always nice to try somewhere new now and again don't you think?

P.s) if anyone has any other recommendations of hidden gems/must not miss places I should try then I'd love to hear them! Similarly, if you're looking on advice on places to go around town then I'm sure I can point you in the right direction.

www.vermont-hotel.com

www.barlivello.co.uk

Give me More More More

Dear bloggers,

My foodie prayers have been answered this week and I have a feeling yours will be too... This week I was invited to a tasting evening of More More More's new 'cook at home' gourmet range, so obviously I skipped from work to the venue in anticipation. 

The venue in question was one of Newcastle's (if not the North's) most beautiful venues: The Assembly Rooms on Fenkle Street, just minutes from the train and metro station. This striking Georgian building dates from the late 1700s and its grand entrance features beautiful stone columns that make you feel like a princess as you cross the threshold. I had my school prom here a few years ago and it was the perfect venue, a blend of historic charm and grandeur, with a fantastic city centre location. 

The Assembly Rooms has long been renowned for its banqueting facilities, but it seems owner Antony has had a brainwave. A self-confessed foodie. Andy and the team opened the More More More courtyard cafe a year ago, serving an exciting and delicious range of teas, coffees and light bites in the suntrap in fromt of this magnificent building. It really is a lovely place to sit back and relax during your lunch hour.

Well, it just so happens that the talented team have recently launched a menu of gourmet take away food which is homemade and available to pre-order, so busy people like me get to eat well without having to fork out a fortune for high quality ingredients and go to all the effort of cooking! What. A. Genius. Idea.

I'm sure you'll agree how beautiful the interior is, but wait until I tell you about the food! Upon arrival, we were greeted with a chilled glass of prosecco and introduced to the team. Once all of us bloggers had arrived, it was time to eat. After an honest and fascinating introduction by clearly passionate owner Antony, we were treated to crispy bruschetta and chicken liver parfait. I know it's not as important as taste, but the presentation of every dish was spot, it was a really nice touch. 

The parfait was really nice, not too strong but with just enough flavour and a garlic kick to leave you wanting more. Next, we made our way behind the scenes for a demonstration on just how easy these dishes are to cook at home. 

The single portion of marinated chicken skewers are more than generous per person and tasted amazing. Light, flavourful and perfect for BBQ season, plus they hardly took any time at all to cook. Now normally i'm a little reserved when it comes to dips, but their sweet chilli and lime dip was so good! It was a perfect sticky, sweet accompaniment to the chargrilled chicken. 

Next, it was Fiona's turn to talk. Introducing to her homemade lasagne and cottage pie, we were asked to taste test More More More's with a leading supermarket brand. I really am not just saying this, but the difference was amazing. Theirs looked nothing like a sloppy ready meal which quickly loses its shape and resembles a gloopy mess, the potato was light and fluffy with chunky vegetables. The lasagne however, was in another league. I never order lasagne when i'm eating out because i'm always disappointed. My mam makes a superb homemade lasagne and until now, I haven't found anything which lives up to it. (Sorry mam!) 

Just look how delicious and non-ready made mealish they look! (Yes that's now a word). I don't know their secret but the layers of pasta were tasty, the beschamel sauce wasn't gloopy or bland. It was delicious! I honestly can't praise it enough. 

Just look at the difference between More More More's on the right and the supermarket competitor on the left! Speaks volumes doesn't it? 

As the evening drew to a close we headed back to the beautiful ballroom and had the most delicious cheesecake with homemade ginger biscotti for the base, all washed down with prosecco. The cheesecake was faultless, it really was. The base was moist and crumbly with just enough of a ginger kick, the creamy cheese filling was complemented by the tang of the berries. 

I genuinely cannot fault the food, it tasted 100% homecooked and looked excellent. We were all joking that we'd be passing off their skills as our own at our next dinner party or first date. Have a look at their menu online, there's so much choice - classic dishes like brownies and burgers - and something more exciting like lamb tagine and pork and pistachio terrine. 

     www.more-more-more.co.uk

    You can thank me later, cheers! 

Food Glorious Food

Now I've probably mentioned this once or twice, but food and I have quite a serious love affair going on... I'll try anything as long as it doesn't contain raisins or mushrooms really! So when I spied a gorgeous new cafe on Tynemouth's ever-popular Front Street, naturally I couldn't wait to check it out! 

Having booked myself this sunny Friday off work, I battled with other motorists for what seemed like Tynemouth's last parking space and skipped on over to Dil and the Bear. The stylish grey and white striped awning makes a fantastic first impression, and the gorgeous window display of cake stands and outdoor tables certainly entice you in... 

Once inside, you almost feel like you're in a long train carriage, the seating is along the exposed brick walls with little tables and benches. The interior is light, bright and seriously stylish. I loved the big clock on the wall, the array of cakestands and freshly baked goodies and smart blackboards. We took a seat in the first section and browsed the menu. 

I want my house to look like this! Two icy bottles of coke later (retro glass bottles - nice touch), we both opted for soup of the day which was butternut squash (£5).  Though the lunch menu isn't big, there's an inspiring array on offer, from the fish platter and steak sandwich with shallot butter and numerous vegetarian options. Though we were pressed for time today, i'll definitely be back for a coffee and try a slice of cake. 

The atmosphere inside was very relaxed and informal, and all the staff were lovely. Just before we left we noticed a couple beside us reading Living North's summer wedding guide which I worked on. They were planning their wedding at the beautiful Close House Hotel in Heddon-on-the-Wall. It was lovely to hear their kind comments and oohs and ahh's over my hard work, I left feeling rather famous and humming along to Dil and the Bear's easy breezy soundtrack. 

You can see more of the lovely Dil and the Bear on their facebook page, or say hello @Dilandthebear