15 September – Tuesday Goodie Bag

Tuesday Goodie Bag

This week’s Tuesday Goodie Bag features

🍽 Masala Talkies

🍽 The Practitioner

Our accommodation of the week:

🔵 Armagh City Hotel


Masala Talkies


What an absolute privilege to have “made the cut” to experience Nidhi and Vik’s sensational ‘Masala Talkies’ supper club in East Belfast.

Started by the couple as a way to make friends after moving from India, this is a unique celebration of Indian vegetarian cookery, where people can apply to attend, and the hosts then curate a guest list of strangers from different walks of life, which all comes together in an evening of incredible flavours, wonderful hospitality, and unexpected connections! 

Read more on our website and link to apply  :-

We were invited to “Episode 8”, described as “Somewhere between what we left behind and what we found”; an exploration of where old Indian traditions meet new interpretations, where recipes carried across generations find a new home, and this 6-course Indian Vegetarian Supper was simply stunning. 

Starting with Burrata Chaat with velvety burrata, crisp papi, tamarind, mint, and chaat masala, which made a wonderful sharing-style dish to enjoy as we got to know our fellow diners at the beautifully presented monochromatic banqueting table. 

To follow, a golden Coconut Arancini, oozing with cheese, seasoned with podi masala, topped by a fragrant curry leaf, on a rich tomato chutney, then fluffy, streetfood-style Mushroom Masala Bao Buns filled with umami-rich glazed mushrooms, pickled onions & crunchy slaw. 

For mains, we had flaky Spinach Paneer Borek, finished with a creamy spinach curry, and Khichadi Milanese Saffron, with lentils, vegetables and rice, slow-cooked to risotto perfection, with a crisp papad for scooping up the fragrant, velvety grains.

And Dessert was another totally original fusion of culinary cultures, a Rasmalai Tiramisu; saffron-steeped sponge, reduced milk, cardamom, kewara water, and pistachios. Heavenly! 

Many thanks to Nidhi and Vik for allowing us into their home to enjoy such a fabulous feast, and to the engaging and entertaining guests we were lucky enough to meet. And let’s hope some of the stories will remain at that table: IYKYK! 

Masala Talkies: Come for the flavours. Stay for the stories

Instagram HERE


The Practitioner


The Queen’s Hotel, an iconic Victorian building situated in the heart of Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter,  conveniently located near the University, Botanic Gardens, and Lyric Theatre, is home to the Practitioner Bar and Restaurant. 

Serving fantastic sharing plates and main courses by chef Artur Fron, renowned for his incredible Street Food Atelier menus, The Practitioner was the ideal spot to enjoy a bite to eat on our recent stay. 

With Tapas small plates, Street Food dishes, and Pub Grub options, there’s something to suit everyone. To start we had some juicy, sizzling Garlic Butter King Prawns with chilli, parsley and toasted sourdough to soak up the delicious juices. 

We also enjoyed the Pan con Tomate on grilled sourdough with garlic and olives, and the smokey Charred Hispi Cabbage with peppery romesco and crunchy toasted almonds.

Then to follow, a moist, crispy-coated Korean Fried Buttermilk Chicken Burger with a gochujang glaze, sesame slaw, and pickled cucumber, on a brioche bun with fries, and a plant-based Cauliflower Katsu Curry in a Japanese-style sauce with jasmine rice and pickles, all accompanied by a portion of Patatas Bravas ‘Atelier’ with smoked paprika bravas sauce, scallions, and garlic aioli.

At The Practitioner, superb Streetfood-style dishes, excellent cocktails (watch this space for news of some exciting new mixologist developments), and a casual, convivial atmosphere, all come together to make Queen’s Hotel, and The Practitioner Bar, the ideal city spot to relax and unwind.

Website HERE


Armagh City Hotel


Due to its central location, Armagh City Hotel, was the perfect base from which to explore all the main attractions, venues, and events during the Armagh Food and Cider Festival. 

The hotel’s modern, comfortable rooms and facilities have won several hospitality awards, and after a light lunch in the Callan Bar, we checked into our bright and airy Superior Room. 

With a little extra space, and a balcony overlooking Armagh Golf Club, this stylishly designed dual-aspect room with a Smart TV, espresso coffee machine, bathrobes, slippers, seating areas inside and out, and a huge walk-in shower with Rituals bath products, had everything we needed for a restful stay. 

Website HERE

 


Tuesday Goodie Bag

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