This week’s Tuesday Goodie Bag features
Academy Restaurant
We had visited Academy Restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast, for a number of evening events, including the amazing Culinary Salons, and were always very impressed, but to our shame, this was our first lunchtime experience. Needless to say, it was fantastic from start to finish.
Championing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create exceptional flavourful dishes, the restaurant is the flagship of the Ulster University’s culinary school, beverage school, and conference and meeting facilities.
Here, Academy showcases the talents of students who are keen to learn about hospitality, whether as chefs, entrepreneurs or future leaders in the industry, which in turn encourages the growth of Northern Ireland as a top food and drink destination.
Read more and see photos here :-
We chose from the Academy Lunch Menu-there’s also an Express Specials Menu for those in a rush. We started with an earthy Pearl Barley, Asparagus & Pea Risotto with herb oil & a Parmesan crisp, creamy Keenan’s Seafood Linguine with peas, spinach, and broad beans, and a vibrant Goat’s Cheese Salad with roast beetroot and balsamic dressing.
Our Main Courses were Chicken Escalope with rocket, sage, and lemon, in garlic butter with fries, chunky Belfast Lager Battered Monkfish Scampi with pea purée and Parmesan fries, and a hearty Spiced Chickpea Stew with couscous, yoghurt, and pomegranate.
And the desserts are not to be missed; the light Mixed Berry Pavlova with strawberry sorbet and Chantilly cream, the zingy Lemon Posset with poached rhubarb and granola, and the sinfully indulgent Caramelised Banana Bread, with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream, toffee sauce, and golden honeycomb, were all sensationally good.
There’s also a comprehensive drinks menu and wine list; the organic Finca Fabian Verdejo from Spain was the perfect, tropical, mouth-watering white to sip on a sunny May lunchtime, relaxing with such wonderful food and service.
Website HERE
Revolucion de Cuba
Set in an iconic listed Art Nouveau building in Belfast’s city centre, Revolución de Cuba serves food and drink in a relaxed Havana-inspired space, with a menu to match.
With its Latin flavours, fresh tapas and an impressive selection of rums and tequilas, Revolución de Cuba is renowned for its mezzanine views, great cocktails, live entertainment, and South American rhythms.
And recently, the bar has introduced a brilliant Tapas Deal. From the authentic “Latin soul food” Tapas Menu, you can order any three dishes for only £15, and add a Margarita or a Paloma for just a fiver.
Read more, see photos and link to book here :-
We went for the Gambas Pil Pil: juicy king prawns sautéed with garlic, chilli and smoked paprika, served with bread for dipping, the Calamari which was deliciously tender and came with a garlic aioli, and some Charred Halloumi on a piquant chilli jam with roasted peppers, sweet potatoes and courgettes.
No tapas selection would be complete without a portion of smoky Patatas Bravas topped with spicy tomato sauce and aioli, and we also shared some Birria Tacos: two grilled tortillas filled with melted cheese and topped with pico de gallo-we chose the veggie version of Cajun mushrooms and a jerk gravy for dipping. And the Nachos, topped with cheese sauce, homemade guacamole, sour cream, tomato salsa, and jalapeños, can be served “loaded” with either slow-cooked pulled beef, or a meat-free three bean chilli.
All in all, this Cuban-style “small plates” deal was exceptional value for money, and pretty tasty, to boot! Many thanks to the team at Revolución de Cuba for the invitation.
Website HERE
Crowne Plaza, Belfast
We had become very familiar with the Crowne Plaza over the years, having attended conferences, awards ceremonies, weddings, and gala dinners, so we were delighted to have been invited to discover what else this South Belfast hotel has to offer.
About 15 minutes from the City Centre, in the heart of the Lagan Valley Regional Park with its delightful riverside walks, forests, and cycle paths, Crowne Plaza is perfect for couples’ retreats, family breaks, or business trips.
Read all about our stay here :-
We were staying in a spacious, beautifully furnished room; contemporary in style with tastefully chosen artwork, it included modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a flat-screen smart TV, and free Wi-Fi.
The River Bar Bistro & Lounge is a great setting for stylish all-day dining (more of that anon), and the new art-deco style lobby is the ideal meeting place for business, or a quick coffee. There’s also a cool Members’ Lounge for a venue with that special touch.
BodySpa Shaw’s Bridge, is Crowne Plaza’s mini spa with exclusive TEMPLESPA products, and we had a thoroughly relaxing experience, enjoying a massage and facial treatment in the very capable hands of our therapists Sara and Deborah.
There’s also the Bodyscape Health Club, with a state-of-the-art gym hosting over 70 specialist classes a week, and Crowne Plaza is home to Belfast’s only 20m hotel swimming pool, with a sauna and steam room. Bodyscape also features a café bar.
For a City Break within easy reach of the many attractions that Belfast has to offer, but away from the urban hustle and bustle, look no further than Crowne Plaza Belfast.
Website HERE
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