Category: restaurant review

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food restaurant review

my favourite things from 2023

Join me as I look back over they year with some of my (and your!) favourite projects at BigSpud HQ from 2023.

Sea bass at the Blacksmiths, Isle of Wight

The sea bass dish as they serve it at the Blacksmiths pub

The best meal I had all year was at a pub overlooking the north coast of the Isle of Wight. The Blacksmiths is an absolute treat, with me wanting to try every dish. The sea bass was a delight, crisp and fresh, with a sweet and savoury bread salad. I cannot tell you from an ingredients list alone how delicious it was. It was perfect. I only regret that I don’t live closer so I can go there for dinner every day.

Marco Pierre White’s fondant potatoes

Marco Pierre White has defined the second half of the year for me; I’ve read loads of his books, watched his programmes, made his recipes. Understanding what makes this titan of restaurants tick has been fascinating. I’ve dug into his personality and uncovered the simplicity that lies at the core of his cooking, and fastidious attention to detail to replicate recipes repeatedly. This fondant potato recipe was a real insight into how he works.

Steak ‘n’ Snails

Continuing the Marco Pierre White theme, I made the recipe that he made as tribute to old friend Anthony Bourdain. It’s a very umami affair, with fast-cooked steak, meaty mushrooms and plump garlicky mushrooms. I made this on a rainy November evening and it was just the thing to pep me up – it’s the parsley that makes it, “washing the palate” as Marco says.

Biography of Keith Floyd

It’s fair to say this video biography of Keith Floyd I made didn’t quite land as well as I’d hoped – I’d put a lot of work into it, reading two of his autobiographies and watching every programme of his I could find. It’s a fascinating story of boom and bust and just going for it at every turn – it’s only nine minutes so give it a watch if you’ve any interest in how TV cookery has changed over the years.

Chicken, sweetcorn and chorizo pizza

After a trip to Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza Kitchen I became obsessed with the combo of chicken, sweetcorn, and chorizo. It’s an absolute winner.

Chicken, sweetcorn and chorizo pizza

Recreating Heston’s meat fruit

I’ve been meaning to make this for the longest time. I finally got around to it… and it was quite the disaster! I got the gelatine ratio wrong and overworked it, leading to a mis-shapen sloppy mess. Watch the video to see how it turned out.

Heston’s meat fruit

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Meanwhile, what were the top posts from 2023 that kept you coming back this year?

Beef dripping sauce – After a trip to steak restaurant Miller & Carter I had to have a go at recreating their signature sauce. After a few goes I’m really pleased with this rich, indulgent gravy.

Onion loaf – and hot on the heels of beef dripping I also made the crispy, savoury side dish.

Brined leg of lamb – this proved very popular as most people associate brining with white meats. But a salty bath for lamb brings out the deep savouriness that matches it perfectly.

Philly cheese stack – I don’t mind McDonald’s, but I’ve definitely grown bored of their predictable menu. But in Autumn they came out with a burger laced with cheese sauce and fried onions. I recreated it and it’s absolutely bang on.

Cornershop curry – this Jamie Oliver recipe is warming, tasty, and can be made very easily with stuff you have in the cupboard. A great mideweek-er.

Thanks for coming along for the ride in 2023. I look forward to sharing more food adventures with you in 2024!

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food restaurant review

best places to eat on the isle of wight

I’ve taken a few holidays in the Isle of Wight, located just off the south coast of England. Known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culinary scene, the Isle of Wight is also home to some great restaurants, pubs, and places to eat.

From quaint seaside eateries serving freshly caught seafood to elegant fine-dining establishments, the Isle of Wight has a little of everything.

The Isle of Wight boasts an array of exceptional dining options among its restaurants and pubs. From quirky cafes serving artisanal coffees and freshly baked pastries to trendy food markets showcasing the island’s local produce, there is something for everyone. Here’s a list of some not-so hidden gems and celebrated establishments that make it a must-visit destination, with reviews and recommendations of the best restaurants and pubs in the Isle of Wight.

This is a far from comprehensive guide to all the places to eat on the Isle of Wight – I still want to try the Terrace at Ventnor, and the Royal Hotel to name a couple, but here’s some of the best places I found.

The Cow

I’ve written about The Cow before – easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten, and I’ve had a few! with really exceptional beef, excellent service and a relaxing atmosphere. Located in Tapnell Farm you can enjoy a fun family day out on the farm, take on the splash park and throw axes before dinner.

An excellent venue that runs with it’s theme: a tall barn of a place, with kooky decor and fun touches everywhere that let you know you’re not in a generic diner. The menu is not exhaustive but the burgers are the stars of the show. A big thumbs up for the non-alcoholic ‘gin’ type cocktails which are delicious and difficult to distinguish from the boozy versions. Friendly staff too and very fast service.

Booking recommended to avoid disappointment. I’m extremely glad this place is a ferry trip away otherwise this place would cost me a fortune!

The Cow, Yarmouth

Caffe Isola

An absolutely outstanding cafe. Terrific toasted brunch dishes, fruity and comforting porridge and excellent drinks. But the coffee is where its at; roasted on premises and utterly delicious. The roaster was tending beans upstairs so I bothered him for a bit geeking out over coffee and he  gave me some great recommendations. Combine all this with a beautiful building and you have a superb venue.

The best part is I live nowhere near it, as I would be penniless from being here all the time.

Caffe Isola, Newport

Toto

A proper definition of ‘hidden gem’. Tucked away from the high Street this rustic little place offers brilliant pizzas and pastas. I had a fab pizza just crisp and bubbly, with delicious toppings. Service was friendly & helpful and laid back. Carbonara pasta is aloso recommended. Delicious cocktails too!

Toto, Newport

Snacks and Ladders

As a family we love board games and have a monster collection. So browsing someone else’s is a treat! I cannot say enough good things about this inclusive fun space for everyone. Table fees are very fair, decreasing in price the longer you stay.

Help yourself to the very wide selection of games, from family favourites to more hardcore offers. Staff happy to help choose too. And the food is much better than expected – they could get away with frozen junk but instead they choose to use local produce and cooked fresh to order. We were quite blown away by their pizzas which are hand stretched and not from Iceland. Home baked cakes if you fancy a treat too. Brilliant local business.

Booking a table via their website is recommended.

Snacks and Ladders, Newport

The Blacksmiths

If I eat a meal better than this this year I am being spoiled. I booked several weeks in advance as many locals were telling me it was great and I was not disappointed. I had a sea bass dish with panzanella which was simply perfect; crisp and tasty, fresh and vibrant. (I had a go at recreating it on a livestream!) We also had sausage and mash, and beef brisket. Both were excellent. Desserts were on another level again with all of us gushing over the plates with a special mention for their pavlova. I was genuinely sad at the end of the meal that it was over. I wanted to eat it all over again. I’m not joking when I told our server that I felt they’d undercharged us for the meal, it was such good quality.

The sea bass dish as they serve it at the Blacksmiths pub

It’s also in a stunning location, set high and fairly remote on the island, with brilliant views wherever you look.

A large kids play area outside provides a diversion for fidgets. You’re also welcome to sit outside and order via their app for table service.

The only tiny downside is it is difficult to get a table without reservation, and the car park is a little treacherous to navigate, but I’m looking for flaws.

I regret I only have five stars to give this restaurant. If you live nearby I am deeply envious of you.

The Blacksmiths, Newport

Here’s a list of all these places on Google Maps.

A quick summary on Instagram:

Important note: None of this is sponsored – just relaying a few great trips I had on the Diamond Isle. What are your favourite Isle of Wight restaurants? Let me know in the comments!

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burger food restaurant review

the best burgers I’ve ever eaten

What makes a perfect burger? Is it the quality of the beef? A brioche bun? Loads of toppings? Ability to hold it in two hands? I’m not sure I can make a list myself, as it’s a little bit of how I’m feeling at the time. Sometimes a greasy burger van burger with a pile of slightly singed onions is perfect when I’m in the mood, and I don’t mind a Quarter Pounder with Cheese either. But I don’t think you want to read a list of those, so instead to celebrate National Burger Month here is a list of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten from decent places. I’m also not bothering to include sizeable chains – I’m a big fan of Five Guys all the way – but instead here’s a few more unusual places. So, here’s a top 3 of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten in no particular order…

Henry Burgers

This quirky little venue in Leigh on Sea hopes to invoke ‘speakeasy vibes’. Not sure I’m qualified to comment on that but the burgers they sell are sensational. There’s a range of hot dogs, cocktails and milkshakes but the burgers are where it’s at. This Swiss Toni burger has a loose meat patty, a smoked Swiss cheese, bacon and a potent BBQ sauce. With an appropriately sized brioche bun and just the right amount of salad garnish to give you that fresh crunch. Super savoury, super good.

Henry Burgers website

Burger Joint

This burger joint is located inside the fancy Le Parc Meridien in New York. I’d seen Heston Blumenthal visit this place while researching his In Search of Perfection burger and knew I had to go too. While on holiday I went in, crossing the marble reception and walking past the tuxedoed concierge. I felt severely underdressed in my jeans and tracksuit top, but I pressed on until I found the door on the other side of the hotel – I’d missed it. I retraced my steps and then saw a black curtain, with a neon sign maybe 10 metres in the distance. I followed it to the end and scurried down some steps. Suddenly I was in a time warp, thrown from polished opulence to a dingy diner. Exposed brickwork, scruffy tin signs, red leatherette banquettes… it was like an episode of Happy Days. You start to queue, and the sign over the top says ‘if you don’t know what you want by the time you get to the front, you go to the back.’ I agreed with Heston, “it gave me nostalgia for something I didn’t experience the first time around.”

Heston Blumenthal examines the menu at Burger Joint ©BBC

I don’t have my own photo of this one, as it was so long ago. And so long ago that I remember the sensation of eating it, rather than actually what it was. Was the burger itself actually that good? I’m not certain any more, but I remember enjoying it because of where I was. So much of having a great meal is everything around the food. It’s the setting, the ambience, having a good time, feeling comfortable, the right thing at the right time.

The Burger Joint burger ©BBC

I think this website will show you where it is, but it isn’t even listed on Le Parc Meridien’s website!

The Cow

I popped here on a whim on holiday in the Isle of Wight last year. It was such a great burger when we decided to come back to the island we booked this immediately. It’s sensational.

The Cow is situated On Tapnell farm so the food miles for the burgers are practically zilch. The burger itself tastes peppery and incredibly savoury, with flecks of crunch where it has caught the grill fire. The Classic pictured above is served with predictable but spot-on toppings like tomato, cheese and lettuce (I added bacon, because why not) and it’s the perfect combo. The dirty fries are an added bonus. I highly recommend a trip to the Island just to grab a burger at The Cow.

The Cow restaurant

Closer to home, here’s some of my favourite burgers I’ve made:

What’s the best burger you’ve ever had? Let me know in the comments.

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food restaurant review

my favourite things from 2022

Here my favourite things I’ve cooked, eaten, and made in 2022. Join me as I look back over 2022 with some of my favourite posts and projects at BigSpud HQ.

Ajwar roasted cauliflower

A friend introduced me to ajwar this year, an Eastern European paste of mashed veg. It’s tasty just as a dip, but using it as a marinade for cauliflower before roasting at a high temp makes it sweet and delicious. Served with wraps with a garlicky yoghurt and pickled onions for a great dinner.

Cheese doughnuts

A friend was disappointed when the restaurant they visited didn’t have the cheese doughnuts as advertised. I had to make some, with a little wholemeal flour for extra savouriness. As you bite into a hot dough ball cheese sauce comes oozing out. Delicious!

Broccoli in garlic sauce

Full credit to Adam Ragusea for this one but this is probably the recipe I’ve made the most this year: super simple, incredibly satisfying and not even slightly subtle. Try it!

Broccoli in garlic sauce

The Cow, Tapnell Farm

I’ve had some good burgers in my time. During a holiday in the Isle of Wight I found one that is right near the top. At Tapnell Farm the onsite restaurant The Cow is well worth a visit.

Their ‘Big Smoke’ burger is very tasty: a loose textured patty full of flavour, layered up with so many good bits and pieces. An extremely good burger and well worth a trip.

House, The National Theatre

Situated on the edge of the Thames, the National Theatre in London has a cracking restaurant called fittingly enough House. This roasted cod dish was terrific, meaty, fresh and full of spring (which is when I ate it!).

House at National Theatre

Making my own BBQ trolley

Like most people I had one of those ridiculous 2′ high BBQs designed I think just to give you back ache while you burn sausages. After seeing the brilliant Proper DIY YouTube channel repurpose his and mount it on a trolley, I had to do the same. With the help of a woodworking mate we put this together. It saw regular use throughout the summer and beyond.

How Heston Blumenthal changed British Cooking

I had the idea to make this documentary in my head for several years. Heston has always been a fascination and inspiration of mine so putting together something of a biography was a true passion project. I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out, and I want to do more in this space next year, looking at the careers of famous chefs and food personalities.

Recreating Heston’s the Sound of the Sea

Continuing the above, I was keen to dive into Heston’s repertoire. Probably his most iconic dish, fusing sound with eating is something chef Blumenthal has been fascinated with for decades. I went on something of a pilgrimage to get great produce and track down some obscure ingredients. It was pretty epic and a fascinating journey.

Heston’s Sound of the Sea

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Meanwhile, what were the top posts that kept readers coming back this year?

Top rump roast beef – a perennial favourite, my guide to top rump is a post I’m really proud of. It’s a very common cut of beef in supermarkets and usually cost-effective. I take you through how best to keep it beautifully tender and savoury.

Actifry roast potatoes – these are a great way to cook ‘roast’ potatoes that are very economical and do the trick when you’re in a rush. With the cost of living crisis more and more people have turned to air fryer recipes due to shorter cooking times and more efficient cooking.

Roasted beef roasties – a great spin on roast potatoes, but an old-fashioned technique: roast your beef over your potatoes. Makes a mess but so tasty.

Sous vide gammon with honey – I cook a gammon every Christmas eve, slightly different every time. This recipe is always popular around New Year’s Eve, as there’s very little recipes out there for sous vide gammon.

Plain flour v strong flour in pizza bases – this question intrigued me so I gave it a go. Based on this outcome, I generally use plain flour in my pizza bases as I prefer a thinner, snappier, less bready base.

Thanks for reading in 2022. I look forward to sharing more food fun with you in 2023!

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