Penny Reviews Restaurants: The Coast Bar and Restaurant

When spending a little down time with my family on the Isle of Wight we found our way over to Cowes. The location itself is very well known for its yachting enthusiasts and small cafes. Being still in the Winter season, I wasn't expecting much to be open. That's when we happened upon The Coast bar and restaurant, which was full, almost to bursting! It looked like a busy lunchtime. As we entered we were greeted with the restaurant manager, he politely greeted us and directed us to an available table for two. 

The layout of the restaurant was cool, with sharp lines, comfortable chairs and with a view into the kitchen, which boasts a woodfire kitchen. What I really like in any restaurant is cleanliness, and Coast is spotless. 

The waitress handed us a menu each and asked us for a drinks order. One americano and diet coke later! The menu was small but well thought out with options for veterinarians. As we browsed the menu, the drinks were placed down and we were asked if we would like water for the table. In any restaurant that I've ever been in, I don't think I've ever been asked I would like water for the table. Its a really nice touch. Also, I would like to point out, that we were given a good amount of time to browse before the waitress came to take our order. 

I opted for a starter of 'Pan fried Scallops with a Cauliflour Puree' and for my main course, 'Venison with Rosemary carrots, Celeriac Puree and Cranberry Jus'. I took in the atmosphere and everyone was content, including the staff were amiable. It was really reassuring and comfortable, even though we were surrounded by lots of people.

My starter arrived within 10 minutes, I enjoyed every bite of it! I wish they had a main course version. The scallops were cooked perfectly, not chewy or rubbery. The addition of the pancetta really brought the dish together. The size was perfect as a starter, not to small or large. Presentation was lovely as well. 

The wait for the main course was a bit much, I think we waited about 40 minutes- (ish?), however we were always attended. When we finished the water jug, it was replenished and replaced as quickly. The staff here were so on the ball. The wait for our main course didn't arise as an issue as the staff were so attentive. 

When the main course did arrive, it was worth the wait. Beautifully presented and my venison was served pink (as it should be), it was juicy and well seasoned. The dish also had parsnip chips, which wasn't mentioned on the menu but it was a great texture against the soft texture of the meat and puree. The jus itself I felt could have been more tart, as it was a cranberry jus, but I still enjoyed it. 

Honestly, it was hard to pick out any fault with the food or service for that matter. I was so impressed with the whole experience. It was a little pricey for a lunch (£44 approx), we got what we'd paid for. If this is the quality of service and food at lunch, I would love to come here during the evening!

Overall, I would highly recommend that you make the effort to visit this restaurant, even if its for a coffee. I will definitely be coming here again!

Rules of Baking #1

Its been a while since I've been posting and I wanted to share some rules I go by when I fancy baking!

Double check you have all your ingredients

Before you even weigh out a single gram of flour. Read the recipe all the way to the end and then re-read.

Baked things are temperamental, so if you stay calm the cake/cupcake/baked thingy will turn out just fine. 

If something doesn't work, then don't worry. It can be made again and it should be done with  more determination then before. Don't give up, just try again.

If you're using molds for sugar paste then make sure that they are safe for food. 

No matter how badly you want to check on your cake and open that oven. DONT! Wait the correct amount of time and then open your oven to check your cake/bakey thing. 

Never be discouraged when a recipe looks to complex or sounds really posh. Until you try, you'll never know.

Gluten Free cakes can be tasty so don't be put off with making them!

Have loads of patience.

Come to terms that if you bake, you will put weight on and so will all your friends and family.

Garlic Farm Goodies from The Garlic Festival 2015

Every year I go over to the Isle of Wight, about August time, to pop over to the Garlic Festival. This year I popped by and was very fortunate to see the lovely Rachel Khoo, the chef behind 'The Little Paris Kitchen' and got her autograph (!) and picture taken (!!). I was so shy, so there was no time to fangirl over her. 

Apart from seeing Rachel Khoo, I go to the festival for food and cider. I also get some beautiful liquorice from the St Valentine Liquorice Company every year, without fail. This year I got the mixed big of liquorice (I ate them all before I could take a picture). Watermelon is my absolute favourite liquorice.

But I did grab a couple of bits from the Garlic Farm Shop Tent. 
Firstly, I bought the Garlic Farm Cook Book which I intend to use frequently as I adore anything with garlic in it. It features a variety of recipes that are seasonally sectioned as well as lots of information on garlic. 

As seen on the above picture, I got lots of saucy bits. The Toasted Garlic Mayonnaise has been completely consumed. It was just perfect with everything that required dipping and especially great in sandwiches. 
The Soy Sauce with Black Garlic is sweeter on the palette then regular soy sauce. Ideal for cooking Asian dishes and I personally use it for Thai Red Curry, stir frys and as a light salad dressing. 
The Chilli and Garlic dressing is my new favourite. The dressing has a decent chilli heat with a hit of garlic. Its super versatile, I use it as a dressing for pasta, salad and even on cooked white fish. Also, I really like the bottled packaging too. 
The Oak-Smoked Garlic Butter is excellent used in frying and for making garlic bread. The BBQ sauce is a little different then normal BBQ sauce, it tastes better and more rustic.  

I'm sure that I'll be posting recipes featuring these products very soon. 

Happy Baking! (This was not a sponsored post.) 

Mrs H Vintage Fair

Just a quick post to let you folks know that, this Saturday (21st Saturday 2015), I'm going to be in a vintage style dress selling you beautiful folks, fudge, toffee, meringues and chocolate for you to consume and enjoy. Yups, you'll have the opportunity to met the gal behind Cupcakes, Cake and Passion BUT not only that you'll be supporting a really amazing cake business run by a lovely friend of mine. The business is called Cake by Chloe. I'll be with the mastermind behind the business, Chloe herself (ekk!) and our friend Evan.

Oh I forgot to mention by the way that we made everything. All of the sweets will be homemade, fresh and so mouth-wateringly good. We snagged some of the maple pecan fudge and erg... so good!! Definitely grab that because, wow, it is so creamy and sweet. Ok enough about fudge! Even though it might be the best fudge ever (just saying...). Also, if she will allow me, I'll try to update on social media as much as I can including twitter and instagram on the day.

You will be supporting a great business run by very talented cake baker and decorator, so why not pop over and say hello? Entry is £1.50 and you get a tea or coffee. We all hope to see you there. Here is the link to the event and don't forget to give Chloe's business page visit as well as the Mrs H Vintage event page too.
Hope to see you there!

Event Information Page
Cake by Chloe
Mrs H Vintage Event

Insta-Salmon! (Easy Salmon Dinner with green beans, spinach and white wine)

This meal is very easy to make and its suitable for freezing. Just ensure that you get the meal out from the freezer, in the morning and leave in the fridge to defrost for the day. You can serve with cooked new potatoes or fries, if you want to be really naughty.

Recipe: Serves 1 hungry student (Student Cookbook by Sam Stern)

• 1 fillet of salmon weighing 225g
• 2 cloves of garlic, diced
• 6 black olives
• 4 cherry tomatoes
• (Optional: 2 tablespoons white wine) 
• Pinch a of salt and pepper
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• Olive oil
• 50g Spinach
• 50g Green beans

Equipment:

• Foil
• Oven
• Tablespoon
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Baking Sheet

1. Chop the garlic and cherry tomatoes.  
2. Cut one piece of foil per fish meal. It needs to be large enough to take all the food items plus a little extra.
3. Lay the foil out on a baking tray.

4.Scrunch the edges up slightly and place the fish in the middle.Season.

5.Cover with the garlic, lemon juice and oil.

6.Arrange the potatoes, spinach, green beans, olives and tomatoes around the fish.
7. Drizzle over a little wine if using or more lemon juice and olive oil.
8.Pull the foil up and over the meal. Pinch the edges firmly to close.

9. Put in fridge for later or bake in the oven at 200c/ 400f/Gas Mark 6 10-15 minutes.

Penny Reviews: Restaurants-The Aqua Hotel Restaurant

Remember a while back I said I'd be doing restaurant reviews? I didn't? Well I'm sure I did a Top Ten Tips regarding writing them. Here's the review on the Aqua Hotel in Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight. I'll leave a link to their website at the bottom of the review. Let me know what you think!

Approaching the Aqua Hotel, I was excited to see a sign outside with some seafood specials. I love all seafood, so was keen to try one of these seafood meals. 

When walking up on the stone steps to the hotel, the general look is clean and modern. The outdoor seating area was full of holiday makers who were happily sipping drinks and eating meals. The atmosphere in the bar area and the outside seating area was relaxed and casual. The views here are also fantastic. Your practically sitting on the beach! Seriously, the views are amazing (but I'm not clever enough to take a picture erg..). 

My party decided to chill out in the bar area for a drink (lemonade, pint of Guinness and a glass of chardonnay), and again the friendly bar staff made the ordering process like a breeze.

When entering the restaurant, the whole place was buzzing with customers. Its clearly a popular place! I was very pleased to find that the tables, chairs, cutlery and everything was spotless. Seriously, this place did not have a speck of dust or dirt on anything. I think the modern minimal décor enhances how clean the place is, as well as giving off the illusion of more space in the restaurant.

The young lady who was our waitress for the evening, was thoroughly pleasant and gave us nachos and a sweet chilli dip to nibble on while reading the menus. I scanned the menu and found that it was very limited so, I looked over at the specials board and found one seafood dish: Baked Salmon. To be frank, I could make that at home. The seafood specials which I had seen on the board outside of the restaurant was no-where to be seen. One may assume that the specials were not available that evening.

Many of the dishes on the menu were simple and un-complex, which is refreshing to see once and a while. There was something for everyone, however I argued to my dining party, that I could make some of the dishes at home. I was promptly told that I was being too fussy and pick something! (Which can sometimes be true, coming from a hospitality background and all). The dishes were reasonably priced and inexpensive for the quality and service of the food. (Again had a stupid moment for not keeping the receipt to work out how expensive the meal was. Won't happen again!)  

The waitress was polite, well-spoken and very helpful when I couldn't decide on what to have. I settled on Farmhouse Pate with Melba Toast for a starter and for my main, Mushroom and Spinach Penne Pasta with Chicken and Bacon.
The waitress topped up our drinks and gave us some chilled water, and popped our order straight through.

We didn't need to wait very long (6 minutes approx.) for our starters to arrive! I was a little surprised that I got doorstop sized bread instead of melba toast with my starter. Pate itself was course rather than smooth which added lots of texture and I think it was a pork pate but was a little unsure. The pate was a little rich for me and tasted like a standard pork pate but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it.

The waitress again was on the ball, and waited a few moments before taking away our starter plates and asking us if we needed any more drinks. Much like the starters, the main course came out swiftly.

I was shocked at how large my main course was! The pasta was piled on and there must have been at least one chicken breast and quite a lot of bacon too. The pasta was ladled with a creamy white wine sauce which was a little watery but did not lack in taste. I felt that it that more spinach could have been added, rocket was used as a substitute, but that's just my taste. Popeye had the right idea. As I was consuming the main course, the bulk of the dish bet me and I had a "shouldn't of had a starter moment". If you like big main courses, this is the place for you! I just could not finish it. It was that big. After that, dessert was out of the question and we got the bill.

Overall the service and friendliness of the staff really made the evening complete. I have to say that the food menu didn't stand out for me but its a popular place and the food was simple but good and with stunning views of the beach, it really makes a dining experience more special when you've got great scenery to stare at.  

If you'd like to visit the restaurant here is the link to the website.
This review was not sponsored in any way and is my 100% my own opinion.

This is my first review and I know it wasn't as good as I would like but I'm going to do much better next time.

The Cake and Bake Haul 2014

I'm so excited to be writing this (finally) after the Cake and Bake show (2014). I did set a budget and totally broke it...erg. Can't even follow my own rules..

Some great Halloween Showstoppers

My friend and I got to the show at 10:30am to bet the crowds. I'm not going to lie, it got insanely busy by 1pm. I had no idea people loved baking so much... or maybe its people love eating cake? Either way its good.

This is my Cake and Bake haul. I know this is a kind of a beauty/fashion blogger thing, with the make-up and clothes haul. But I'm all about breaking the rules and why not a do a haul post? (Also just want to point out that I didn't get paid or sponsored for this post, its all my honest opinion. I just want to point out some really great companies.)

So lets start off with something not even related to baking at all.
Heck Foods is a new company to me and specialise in making "damn good sausages" (all gluten free btw). They have a range of sausages and we got to sample them all. Honestly, there very meaty and plump, I opted for something a little different which was Smokey Chorizo Style Sausages. At 97% meat, I was expecting something really good and I was not disappointed. The smokiness of the paprika really came out and the taste really resembled chorizo. The only critique I have is that it was a little oily, but again that's the style of a chorizo sausage.

The next things I got my crumbly hands on is some amazing biscuits from Furniss biscuits. They boast traditional Cornish baked biscuits and Great Taste Awards. When Lucy and I walked past the stall at Cake and Bake, I was really sceptical because they were just biscuits. But there were free samples calling us over and we decided to stop to have a nibble... good thing we did! I fell for the West Country Cheddar biscuits, it was a cheese heaven in biscuit. I can say you don't need any sort of cheese with these biscuits. The other biscuits I settled on was the honey and ginger biscuits for those moonching on the sofa in the warm while its cold outside. Both a balanced in flavours and great addition to add into the biscuit tin. I would have liked to have seen more biscuits in a pack (8 biscuits to a pack) but the flavours make up for it.  

Its almost Halloween so obviously, Halloween sprinkles! I've been using Scrumptious for a couple of years now. I love the range of cupcakes cases, sprinkles and glitters. I recommend that you check the site out for the full range. This year I've settled on some cute Halloween sprinkles which is ideal for topping up some Halloween treats.

Another treat that Lucy and I both got was orange chocolate brownies. Now that may sound a little standard but, quite simply, BEST ORANGE  CHOCOLATE BROWNIES. Hands down. I mean it takes a lot for me to say  this (type?) but honestly, it really does rival my own brownies. Chocolicous Cakes, don't ever change this recipe, its the best.  Its rich, dark and with that orange flavour hiting you at the end.

I got a couple of moulds from The Crafty Mould Company, who were so friendly to chat too. They can do custom moulds which is something unusual. I fell in love with the dios de la muerte skull and vintage button one as well. Both are super adorable and I'm finding excuses to use them. I can't wait!

I also got 12 of super freakin' cute mini cupcakes from one of my

favourite London cupcake companies, Crumbs and Doilies!

                         

There so lovely and with a variety of flavours all packed in one box. I've even got their cookbook. I would say that it was a shame that the card machine was busted and it was a little inconvenient to get cash out for the box, but the cupcakes made up for it. Ok, the flavours I got in my box:

• Vanilla
• Oreo
• Buttered popcorn
• Rolo Cupcake
• Chocolate
• Eton Mess
• Pumpkin Spice
• Breakfast
• Lemon mess

The other flavours I didn't get to taste because my boyfriend scoffed them!

Lastly, I got really excited about this from Sugar and Crumbs, again this is a company that I haven't heard of but I wish I had! I managed to try practically every flavour of the icing sugar (made into buttercream) I fully wanted them all! I did settle for Salted Caramel and Sugar and Spice flavours, which tastes like cinnamon toast. Its such a good concept and why has no one jumped on this?! Its such a time saver. I'm definitely going to use the mix for Halloween or maybe even Christmas, this year. Give the icing sugars a try, I really recommend the pink lemonade-oh wow!

Also a big shout out to On Macaroons and Loretta Lui who do the most kawaii macaroons ever. There is a new cookbook coming out really soon, which might be on my Christmas list.

And of course, I want to say Lucy, it was such a bloody blast! I had so much fun and I can't wait to hang out again soon!

Did you go to the Cake and Bake Show this year?

Penny'sTop Ten Tips #2 Planning the Perfect Picnic

Welcome to the second Penny's Top Ten Tips! To start with, a few weekends back was the first time I ever went on a picnic. That's right. I've never been on one! My boyfriend was down for the weekend and he thought that was so sad that we decided to go for it and plan a picnic!

In Hyde Park, London no less. We went on a sunny Saturday afternoon with a couple of bottles of cider, a cheapy mini bottle of prosecco and some foodie goodies. So learning from this wonderful experience here is my tip tops for planning the perfect picnic. 

1. Check your location-
The ideal location for your picnic should have a lot of room for your group to eat and maybe play some games. Locations such as a park, beach or a really big back garden near your house.

2.Check the weather-
There's nothing worst then getting to your picnic spot and its just about to pour down with rain. Not fun. Once you've confirmed your ideal, check the weather and keep yourself updated. If the weather is terrible for your chosen day you may need to, -dare I say it-, take a rain-check!

3. Have a 'basics' list-
I do love lists. In fact this will end up being a list within a list. That's how much I love lists. This one is my personal picnic list, that is a fail safe. Your basic picnic list should be remembered or written down on some cute stationary and add any extra items accordingly:
           *Blanket
           *Bottle opener
           *Plastic cups
           *Disposable cutlery and plates
           *Napkins
           *Straws
           *A spare plastic bag to get rid of rubbish
           *Cool bags/Ice Box
           *Camera

4. Keep in mind how many people are you catering for. I say this as very often many picnic goers pack too much food and much of this is thrown away and wasted. I don't know about you but I can't stand wasting food. To avoid this pack only what you need. For hungry two people for example, 2 sandwiches each, 2 drinks, 2 water bottles, 4 cookies each, 1 cake slice, 1/4 quiche slice and 2 packets of crisps. I mean its up to you what you bring as its your picnic. My ideal picnic foods are Pissaladiere, Chocolate Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheese and Tomato Quiche, Chocolate Cola Cake and sandwiches made with my Assessment Bread

5. Food needs cooling-Cool bags are your friend!
 If your location is on public transport taking a massive cool box may not be visible. If your taking a car, then by all means go for it. If your having a small picnic that requires some travel then cool bags are a life saver. You can turn any back-pack into a portable-fridge with enough these cool bags! They will keep the food as fresh as possible while traveling.

6.Pack only what you need-
 I suppose I've made this point once already in step 4 but I'm talking about the extra stuff. I'm talking about the Ipad, the miniature stereo, the extra pair of flip-flop shoes, the other blanket, and a kitchen sink because you never know. This is a bit exaggerated of course but don't over-pack with stuff that you will not use.

7.Protect yourself!-
Sitting in bright, warm weather is a simple pleasure in life. Moments like that can be ruined by sunburn. Sunblock, sun-glasses and hats if the weather is scorching hot. I know you've heard this all before but sunburn pain is not worth it. You'll thank me for it later.

8. Live in the moment-
Enjoy the day for what it is and try not to live on your phone. Its a hard habit to break not to keep updating your facebook status  or posting an awesome picture of your picnic food every five minutes (both which I'm guilty of). Don't get me wrong take some pictures, and actually enjoy the picnic-Right there and then- rather than in cyberspace. You can always upload pictures when you go home.

9. Stay hydrated- Always bring a bottle of water with you on a hot day. Keep your water levels up to avoid de-hydration. Common sense really.

10. Have some games planned-
Frisbee, volleyball, football, rugby, the possibilities are endless. Some other games including my personal favourite which my friends Sofia and Farah introduced me to is: Snog, Marry or Throw off a Cliff. Sofia and I played this game whilst in Disneyland Paris to pass the time while waiting for the Disney Dreams Firework Show. It requires nothing but the imagination. You can play with as many people as you like as well.
How it goes is someone picks a theme such as Disney Villains.
The other players must decide on 3 people for the first player to either kiss/snog, marry or throw of a cliff. The first player has to come up with an answer and a reason why they would pick that person and then is moved on to the other players. If a player refuses to answer then they are out of the game. There are no winners or losers but its so funny to play.

Example: Disney Villains
Other Players: Who would Snog, Marry or Throw off the Cliff... Javar? Captain Hook? or Doctor Facilier, AKA"The Shadow Man"?

First Player: Seriously? Fine.... I'd marry Captain Hook cause he has a boat... Snog Doctor Facilier cause he's... kinda hot? And I'm throwing Javar off the cliff because he's a moron. ..

Its always such a laugh to play this, mix it up by adding real celebrities, Harry Potter characters, anyone that you feel is cringy enough to make people squirm.

This is the last unofficial point in the post, remember to leave the place as you found it. Pick up any bits of rubbish and pack up everything so your perfect picnic spot is ready for the next person to enjoy.

What's been your favourite picnic location?

Fat Friday #5 Mini American Style Pancakes

I'm working from a 10 year old laptop so forgive me if the font on the pictures are a little odd and I can't fix it, but I didn't want you readers to miss out on this weeks Fat Friday! I'm soon moving to Portsmouth, but had to leave tons of my stuff in London, including my laptop so editing is taking ages. But I'm not going to hold out on you guys so lets get straight to it. 

This weeks Fat Friday involves American style pancakes but there super mini pancakes!!! I was going to name these super kawaii mini pancakes because there so cute and teeny. If I did call them that I think the title picture would have looked like this:

Woah... I think this is how unicorns see the world. This picture is a little too sugar coated, even for me. I'll stick to the original image... 

These are so yummy and can be customised to suit your taste. You like whipped cream? Whip it on them. Chocolate sauce? Just slap it on. For me, its caramel brought back from France (Thanks Rob sugar ;) ). Wow that makes me sound so middle class...

These pancakes are pretty easy and quick to make. Since there mini ones they can be served as a breakfast or a dessert. As an extra added bonus they can be frozen for about a week in an air tight container with baking paper in between them. Defrost them in the fridge overnight for at least 6 hours. They won't be as good as fresh but can be heated gently in the microwave for a minute, depending on your microwave. 

Recipe: Serves 4 greedy people so watch your fingers (Recipe Adapted from the Student Cookbook by Sam Stern)

• 110g plain flour
• 50g melted butter, plus a little extra
• 2 large eggs, separated 
• 150ml milk
• 10g caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Your choice of topping: cream, raspberry sauce, whatever you like. 

Equipment:

• Bowl
• Jug
• Hand whisk/(Electric hand-whisk-if your too lazy to whisk egg whites by hand)
• Frying pan
• Sift
• Fork

1. Separate the eggs into two different bowls. 

2.Beat the yolks, milk and butter with a fork.  

3. Sift the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into a separate bowl.

4. Add the wet mix slowly into the dry mixture and whisk until the batter is smooth.
5.Whisk the egg whites until fluffy and stiff. Fold into the pancake batter.

6.Brush a heated frying pan with melted butter and drop tablespoons of batter into the pan.

7. Leave room in between each one and cook until the bottoms are brown and it begins to bubble. Turn and cook until puffy and golden.

Have an epic weekend, enjoy the weather (even if its rainy) and Happy Baking!