Restaurants and stuff

Wasn't expecting them to publish the review so early...

https://confidentials.com/leeds/the-crafty-indian-shipley-reviewed

 

Been often told that Aleppo on Gt Horton Road opposite the Alahambra is good. So waking up and, unsurprisingly, owning a pair of legs each, under a clear blue sky Mrs Abbo & I set off walking from Thackley along the Shipley Bradford green route....why not?

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186408-d16869312-Reviews-or10-Aleppo-Bradford_West_Yorkshire_England.html

First impressions were good, it's a nice cafe, blah counter serving area but they've made an effort in the seating room. decent chairs, good table cloths, arabic lanterns, some recessed led's made for a nice ambience, they changed colour and provided endless fascination for me. I didn't like, "stuff", left about, cleaning products, water spray bottles (bizarre as the plants were plastic) and big plastic bottles of sauces.

The menu is extensive and full of things I like, I don't do big meals, I like bits and bobs to pick at. We shared a warm platter of fried aubergine, falafel, spiced potatoes, cheese rolls, salad, fried halloumi all sprinkled with herbs and spices. Along with a smaller side dish of olivesa nd stuffed vine leaves. I've never had a tasty falafel until today, it's always tasted of nothing much to me before and usually too dry, but this was great, everything was great, a feast of flavours! Including 2 x 7 up's the bill was a tenner! The food was filling enough for us but for most I think they'd want a platter (£5) each. The sole server was super friendly and had made up 4 baklava for us to take as we were leaving, no charge. It was so nice I'd actually make the effort to go again, effort meaning putting up with Bratfud for a bit. I'd happily recommend this place to everybody and with plenty of options for meat eaters and veggies it'd suit a party.

But, at 12:30 there was nobody else in there, I have no idea what there customer base is, locals + college/uni kids maybe? I do know that they could open in Saltaire or Shipley, raise their prices 25% and do very well indeed.

Bratfud was so quite and so disproportionately fatso.............the sight of Fattorini's depressed me, metal cages full of what was, essentially shit for sale, strewn about outside, Tunnels dead, Ivegate surprisingly busy and the City Vaults nearly rammed, they've done a good job of the extension and that is a quality place to booze, might try it's food sometime.

 

Think I need to try this spot.

Any beers available?

 

Nope, no alcohol, just a selection of pop & juices = how I ended up in The City Vaults.

 

It's a start, I s'pose.

I've been pimping out the former Beerhouse place on North Parade over on The Twitter. The modern kitchen and welcoming incentives got a few bites.

One of the guys who showed some interest has won Michelin stars and run Michelin star restaurants. I reckon his interest has since waned, but imagine that...

 

One problem with that place with it reopening and closing over the last few years is that it is a big space to fill. Going to take something special to make that a success. North Parade is dead through the week which doesn't bother me as it's easier to get to the bar and get served quicker From an outsider visiting North Parade it looks a bit of a ghost town.

 

Yep that is a problem.

 

Anyone been to the Grand Cu in Birkenshaw?

 

Yep. Ave summa this:

https://confidentials.com/leeds/grand-cru-birkenshaw-reviewed

In a nutshell: pricey, but some excellent cooking.

 

Thanks

 

My Thai on Keighley Road - Deliveroo.

 

A little bit of a trek outside the area but Mr. Allotment and I are off on a day trip to Lancaster by rail for 10p each way this week courtesy of the Northern Rail sale - hoping the trains turn up. We have never been there before, so I wondered if anyone could recommend anywhere for a good lunch within walking distance of the town centre.

 

Thanks for the suggestion Bigrod, much appreciated.

 

Don't Tell Titus in Saltaire fer tea toneet.

 

Take thermals & a coat.

 

Went to an old favourite last Friday - Monkman's in Ilkley. Very nice indeed.
I had fish soup starter, venison main and creme brulee pud. Starter and main were lovely; pud was pretty standard. Other half had garlic king prawns and hake for main.
Good atmosphere and very friendly service.
We were going to have a bottle of malbec but I noticed an Italian wine they were plugging on their specials board. The owner said we could try it and if we didn't like it he'd sell the rest by the glass. I liked it so much I ordered a case of it from him, which he sold me at cost price - a tenner a bottle.

 

Had a quick look, like it. I presume the Monkmans in question are the same as the ones behind the much lauded Host, also in Ilkley...

 

I dunno, to be honest. But I'm surprised you've never been. They've been around for ages in Ilkley. The specials board is always full of good fish dishes. Definitely worth an evening of your time.