CF24 Project, Cardiff

People watching is a guilty pleasure we all secretly love to indulge in from time to time. Whether to relax, or just to satisfy those nosy intuitions, peering from a window onto a busy road and watching people go about their daily tasks is one of life’s simpler pleasures. Taking a seat in a prime petching (people-watching) position I knew I’d found a new spot to indulge my favourite past-time, as the floor to ceiling windows of CF24 Project perfectly framed the hustle and bustle of Cathays.

Perched on the end of Crwys Road, CF24 Project is one of Cardiff’s newest and most intriguing eateries. Only opening its doors in January, the community inspired project is a newcomer to the Cardiff dining scene, yet has a whole lot more than just food to offer those who make a trip. Created as a bar, come restaurant, come cafe, come gallery, come music venue, come whatever else you fancy, CF24 really is a jack of all trades. By day the upstairs forms a relaxed space to eat, drink and relax, and come night time all these can still be enjoyed whilst the basement is transformed into a comedy club, dance floor or social space (depending on the evening).

Crafted with an eco-ethos in mind, the whole venue is upcycled and second hand from top to toe. Oil drums form tables, crates cradle lights from the ceiling and the entire bar is crafted from reclaimed wood and scrap materials. It may sound like a junk yard, but the intriguing array of items come together to form a quirky and interesting interior. Entering the new eatery on a quiet Thursday evening I instantly found my eyes exploring every surface possible, with an explosion of colours and textures I was praying the food was as exciting as the venue.

Once I’d managed to tear myself away from the kooky art work decorating the walls and the excitable dog chat with the friendly bar staff (there happened to be a puppy there that evening which, of course, I had to meet for a few obligatory cuddles) the menu was equally as engaging. Composed of mostly burgers, pizzas and salads, the food offerings here are quite simple. Yet, simple doesn’t have to mean boring, and boy do they have some exciting varieties of what they do offer. It’s all about that the twist on a classic here so expect your favourite pizza toppings with that little something extra and sides taken to the next level. The pepperoni, goat’s cheese and onion pizza and the fries served with pulled pork and cheese were particularly drool-able. But after much deliberation, and I mean a good 10 minutes here, I finally decided to try the spicy breaded chicken burger with seasoned fries.

Arriving on the table after just the right amount time to do a spot of people watching, immediately I could tell this was no ordinary chicken burger. A chunky helping of lightly crisp chicken sat between a plump glossy bun, kept cosy with a hearty portion of fries and a touch of salad to garnish, oh God I hoped it was going to taste as good as it looks. My prayers were wasted, of course the taste didn’t disappoint. The chicken was nicely seasoned, not spicy as advertised, but tasty all the same. The fries carried a cajun warmth which complemented the spices used in the chicken coating. Delicious on all accounts and costing just £6 it was an absolute bargain too.

With good food, great company and even better value for money, this is exactly what Cathays needs to battle the abundance of greasy, chain pubs us students find ourselves frequenting when we can’t be bothered to cook. As a venue for local acts and artwork, this place also forms a brilliant social hub in the centre of our community, I will definitely be visiting again if not for the bandeoke but for coffee and a cheeky spot of petching.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Brownies

It's kind of become a tradition to bake brownies for my boyfriend each Valentines Day so this year I wanted to jazz them up a little and try something new. Being a typical boy he loves anything slathered with a bit of peanut butter, but simply following a peanut butter brownie recipe left my creative side crying out for a bit of fun. I'm not usually a fan of American flavour combinations but peanut butter and jelly (jam to us Brits) is my guilt pleasure, so why not try sticking it in a chocolate brownie? 

The result? Rich, gooey brownies with the salty crunch of peanut butter and the sweet goodness of strawberry jam, delicious (if I say so myself). These bad boys are best served warm with a massive scoop of ice cream. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the brownies

• 120g plain chocolate
• 180g crunchy peanut butter
• 200g light brown sugar
• 2 table spoons of fruity jam 
• 2 large eggs
• 100g self raising flour

For the topping

• 75g plain chocolate
• 1 table spoon of jam

Method:

Start by preheating the oven to 150 degrees and lining a deep baking dish with butter. 

In a pan gently melt the chocolate, peanut butter, sugar and jam until the sugar starts to melt, make sure to keep stirring so that the chocolate doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. 

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the two eggs, one at a time. Once combined add the flour and mix into a smooth batter. Pour the mixture ingot he lined baking dish and place in the oven.

Bake the brownies for 40-45 minutes. To check they are cooked place a knife in the centre of the brownie and if the knife comes out clean they're ready. Once the brownie has cooled, warm the chocolate and jam until they've melted then drizzle on top. 

The Corner House, Cardiff

Positioned in the centre of Cardiff’s bustling gastronomic hub, The Corner House restaurant faces stiff competition from the plethora of chain restaurants and swanky cocktail bars that frequent Mill Lane. With every eatery you can throw a celebrity chef name on or 2 for 1 voucher at near by, this small name pub has a job on its hands coming up against these big name competitors.

The interior of the large building has all the traditional attributes you look for in a cosy pub with the modern commodities and stylish touches you expect from the city. A comforting warmth, materialised by the flickering candles on rustic wooden tables was a welcomed sight on a blustery Cardiff eve. Taking a seat upstairs, the maze of steps and corridors can at first be a little confusing, yet are worth the expedition for the intimate pockets of seating they carve within the spacious pub, perfect for our party of 18.

Labelling themselves as a gastro pub, the menu stays true to its branding with an intriguing yet somewhat predictable menu. Along with the classic burgers, steaks and fish & chips there are a few more inspiring dishes such as the king prawn, crab and chorizo linguine and the garlic and buttermilk battered halloumi for those with more adventurous palettes. With such a large party we were asked to pre-order our meals, which despite being understandable was a bit of annoyance as you can never predict what may take your fancy on the night, and as expected glancing over the menu again I’d wished I’d opted for the panfried butternut squash gnocchi, but alas the duck salad awaited me.

Our waitress was very punctual throughout the evening, taking drinks orders swiftly and topping up water bottles as they ran low, though unfortunately she seemed to lack any personality whatsoever. After arriving at 7:30 I was pretty hangry (an unpleasant mix of hunger and anger) when the food still hadn’t reached the table at 8:30. With the food finally delivered an hour and a quarter after we’d arrived, I thought this was pretty poor on any standard, let alone having pre-ordered our meals.

However, with a beautifully presented sticky, crispy duck salad sitting in front of me, the hanger had somewhat subsided and tucking straight in was the only option. Smothered in a sweet and sticky hoisin sauce, the salad of mooli, cucumber and carrot ribbons with plenty of rich green spinach was fresh and delicious, forming a tasty base. On top was a modest mound of crispy duck which, not too fatty and perfectly seasoned, fell apart in the mouth and was sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. In between was a littering of hot red chillies, spring onions and just a hint of ginger, which brought the dish together with a fragrant Asian aroma. Maybe slightly over crisp, the duck provided a welcomed contrast to the silky smoothness of the vegetables ribbons and the chillies dotted between brought a punchy end to the dish.

Although delicious, at £14 including service charge this was a pretty hefty price to pay for a salad. Even though it was a pleasantly filling and rounded dish, I definitely expect something a little more substantial when spending that kind of money. However, the entire experience was much more welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable than many of The Corner Houses’ well known neighbours. With a bit of work on timing and a slight re-evaluation on pricing this house on the corner has real potential to provide the entire package and wave the flag for the little man in the big chain city.

Wahaca, Cardiff

The buzz of lively chatter paired with the clink of cocktails glasses, a sleek yet quirky decor spiked with a spicy aroma; the atmosphere in Cardiff’s newest eatery is the exciting and energetic venue that the city centre so desperately needed. 

Walking into Wahaca on a cold and blustery November’s eve, expectations were high for Master Chef contestant, Thomasina Miers, first Wahaca restaurant to open outside of London. The former L K Bennet store has well and truly been transformed into a modern, stylish and unique dining space. With an eruption of colour from wall to wall, and stand out features such as the never ending ceiling lamps, Wahaca provides not just a chic, but an engaging setting to enjoy a cocktail or two. 

Sitting down at a table on the ground floor, things were admittedly a little tight. Next door’s conversations was easily followable, however this added to the lively and sociable atmosphere of the place, perhaps not a great choice for an intimate date. Mirroring the decor, the Mexican inspired menu is just as animated and colourful. It’s pretty big, so if you’re indecisive prepare for a long hard think. Split into sections, the main options are either tapas style street food or big plates featuring South American classics. The large amount of choice can at first seem a little daunting, but the street food dishes provide the option to try a couple of things that have caught the eye. 

Service was quick, which matched the fast-paced feel of the restaurant, with some diners in and out for a quick bite to eat and others grazing on a plethora of plates whilst stretching out long conversations. Starting with the obligatory cocktail, the Wahaca mule (consisting of ginger beer, tequila and lime) was very fitting and perfectly balanced. To compliment the cocktails a few nibbles are always needed to please any rumbling stomachs and the frijoles and tortilla chips fit the bill perfectly. A smooth, rich and creamy black bean dip topped with  tangy cheese was the perfect match to the crunchy nachos. When it came to choosing the main course it had to be a selection of the street food dishes, as the scents and sounds spilling from the open kitchen were too tempting to settle for one option. 

The sweet potato and feta taquitos were definitely the stand out dish, with the warm sweet potato contrasting the crispy taquito and the salty tang of the feta, coming together to form a delicious exploration of flavours. The black bean and cheese quesadillas were also noteworthy, with the Wahaca smokey chipotle sauce added a spicy warmth to the comforting cheesy dish. Unfortunately the steak and cheese tacos were slightly disappointing, the meat was rich with heat and flavour, yet the tacos were limp and soggy. The duck taco special could of also done with being slightly warmer, as they arrived in a tepid state. 

However, these were only slight downfalls, and the dessert definitely brought the meal back up to the high standards expected. The soft yet crunchy churros, dusted with sugar and cinnamon, didn’t stand a chance when paired with a cup of decadent warm chocolate sauce. A perfectly indulgent pudding, if only there could of been more. Luckily the salted caramel ice-cream was ordered to compliment the churros, certainly a match made in heaven. The ice-cream was smooth and creamy, with a dark chocolate crunch pleasantly interrupting the sweet caramel flavour running throughout. Although the ice-cream was a little pricey at £4.25 for three small scoops. 

In all, Wahaca was a delight. The perfect restaurant for anyone with an adventurous palette and not too heavy on the purse strings either. 

Lentil and Bacon Soup

Money’s pretty low at the moment, one too many evenings at the student’s union have bled my bank account dry, so I’ve been trying to be as thrifty as possible with my meals lately. Soups are a great way of using up scraps of veg from the fridge and pulses lingering in the cupboards, and can also easily turn boring cheap foods into a tasty dishes. Although some people (mostly by better half) moan that soup isn’t filling enough to constitute a main meal, the lentils and potatoes in this chunky soup recipe definitely won’t leave any rumbling tummies. Using a small amount of bacon lardons means that you save money but don’t miss out on any of the flavour! This recipe is quick and easy too, so even you lazy student’s out there can whip something up to be proud of.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

•         1 onion
•          2 garlic cloves
•          250g potatoes
•          75g bacon lardons
•          300ml chicken stock
•          75g dried red lentils
•          Salt and pepper

Method:

Start by slicing the onion and crushing the garlic, before adding them to a splash of oil in a large pan. Cook the onions and garlic on a medium heat for around 5 minutes, until the onion starts to brown. Whilst they’re cooking, peel and chop the potatoes into bite size chunks.

Add the bacon lardons and cook for a further 5 minutes, keeping all the ingredients moving around the pan with a wooden spoon. Then add the stock, lentils and a good measure of salt and pepper to the pan and bring to the boil.

Once the stock is boiling, turn down the heat to a simmer. Cook for around 15 minutes until the lentils are soft, then whizz all the ingredients with a stick blender until smooth. Serve with some crusty bread and butter.

Thé Pot, Cardiff

Lately it seems that every café I enter is aspiring for the quirky vintage style; with endless bunting, unnecessary kooky clutter and mismatched furnishings, it’s a look that can easily appear over strained. However, I think I may have finally found the real deal just down the road from my door step.

Thé Pot on Crwys Road is everything you could wish for from a charming community café. A small and cosy spot, perfect for an intimate date or a long awaited catch up, the independent eatery is worth a visit just for a cup of tea and the warm and friendly atmosphere, let alone the delicious food offerings.

After a couple of minutes spent pondering the pronunciation of this place’s intriguing name (is it French? is it Welsh? who knows?), walking into Thé Pot there was a homely and inviting ambiance. With a cute collection of vintage tables and chairs, intriguing artwork lining the walls and an original open plan kitchen, it was clear that this is a café with real character. Taking a seat in the window, the perfect spot for a little people watching, one look at the menu confirmed this was my kinda’ place.

Chicken and halloumi salads, butternut-squash lasagne and more avocado than you can shake a stick at; this was going to be a tricky decision. After much deliberation, opting for the goat’s cheese and caramelised onion filled bread with a large mocha on the side, the waitress swiftly took orders with a friendly smile. The compact size of the cafe meant that there was a sociable buzz in the air, unlike some chain coffee shops you could tell that you’re more than welcome to stay and chat long after your food’s been and gone. In no time the drinks were on the table and the mocha was everything I looked for in a coffee; served in a large round cup (the perfect shape to get a good warming grip with two hands) with a rich bitter kick of coffee and a sweet smooth taste of chocolate hitting soon after. The malted milk biscuit on the side was the icing on the cake, and a tempting treat to dip into the coffee.

Before long, the food we could see being prepared in the open kitchen was in front of us and ready to eat. The filled bread that I’d chosen arrived in epic proportions. A huge slab of warm ciabatta, stuffed to the brim with oozing salty-sweet goat’s cheese, layered with a chunky caramelised onion chutney; it was heaven. Served with a small but well-rounded side salad this was the perfect, if not extremely filling, lunch. Five pounds for a sandwich may seem slightly steep for some, but the sheer size and delicious-ness of the meal made it well worth the pennies. There was a little surprise waiting at the bottom of my mocha too, with a few melting white chocolate buttons waiting to be scooped out from the cup, this place had all the little extras covered.

Next time I’ll be heading here for a cake as the pudding board was extremely tempting (the lime and courgette cake looked particularly mouth-watering.) With an intriguing breakfast and dinner menu too, Thé Pot is no one trick pony, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of their culinary conquests. 

www.thepotcafe.co.uk

Roast Salmon with a Moroccan Spiced Tomato and Bean Stew

With essays starting to pile up and the harsh realities of third year in full swing, I’ve found myself seeking a quick and easy dinner in the evenings. After long days in the library, a quick meal when I get home is all that’s on my mind. However a speedy dinner shouldn’t mean you have to settle for something bland or boring. Here’s a quick recipe I rustled up in under 20 minutes, with a hint of spice and a touch of Moroccan flavour it’s a great dish to pick you up after a tiring day.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

•          3 large tomatoes
•          2 teaspoons of ground cumin
•          1 teaspoon of chilli flakes
•          1 teaspoon of paprika
•          Salt and pepper
•          2 dried apricots
•          1 tin of butter beans
•          2 salmon fillets
•          1 tablespoon of tomato chutney
•          ½ courgette

Method:

Roughly chop the tomatoes and pop into a deep pan on a hot hob with the spices and a good dash of salt and pepper (if you're a bit of wuss when it comes to spice, only add 1/2 teaspoon of chilli flakes.) Once the tomatoes start to simmer, turn down to a medium heat and let the tomatoes simmer for 10 minutes.

Finely dice the apricots and add to the pan along with the drained butter beans and give all the ingredients a good stir with a wooden spoon.

While the sauce is thickening, smother the top of the salmon fillets with the tomato chutney (I used a spicy Moroccan chutney to complement the stew) and place in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.

Next, slice the courgette into quarters and add these to the tomato sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Serve up the tomato-bean stew in two shallow bowls and then place the salmon fillets on top.