Thursday 15 August 2013

A Bird's Eye View



Last night a few friends and I hit the road and headed far north to Seahouses, or more specifically to the Farne Islands in search of the high seas and a special kind of bird… Known affectionately amongst the locals here as the 'Tommy Noddy' or clowns of the sea, we came to visit the glorious puffins who nest on these islands every year. 

Now chances are you'll smell the islands before you see them, but this small cluster of craggy rocks is home to literally thousands of seabird colonies. The islands are so populated by Arctic terns, razorbills, guillemots and shags that often one bird has to leave their space before another can land! If you've never seen or heard of the spectacle before, I really urge you to go, unless you're scared of birds or water of course. 


Given how delicate and profound these islands are, they are now protected Nature Reserves so visitors are forbidden from setting foot on the islands, (good job as there literally isn't any space) but you can book yourself on one of the numerous boat tours that operate from the harbour and see them up close for yourself. So after what turned out to be a good hour and a half's drive thanks to pesky traffic, the four of us finally reached the harbour to meet our skipper George and hop aboard the family boat. As it turns out, we had picked the perfect night to visit the Farne Islands. The sky was brilliantly clear, the sea as smooth as glass and the weather, happily still warm. I know I say this a lot, but there is no better feeling than being on a boat, the wind whipping through your hair and rushing past your ears, your body relaxing to the ebb and flow of the water, I just love it. Needless to say I was in my absolutely element and grinned from ear to ear as we made the 30 minute journey to our first cluster of islands. 



Staple Island, one of the Outer Farne Islands was our first stop. Literally thousands of birds took to the skies, swooped under the water and sat elegantly on the waves. Naturally we took hundreds of photos, delighted at being able to see nature doing what it does best. It wasn't long before our arrival attracted the attention of some of the Farne Islands' other inhabitants… the grey seals!





Now I hasten to mention that the Farne Islands, which I'm sure you already know, is eternally famous as the site of Grace Darling's heroic rescue in 1838. Her story is of course familiar to generations of North East school children, but in case you're unaware, let me tell you. Grace and her family lived at Longstone Lighthouse and during one stormy night, a 22 year old Grace Darling awoke to find a shipwreck of a ship called the Forfarshire (the Titanic of its day) a short way off. Gathering her father and brother into the boat, she sailed a tiny rowing boat to rescue the survivors clinging to the rocks. As her father managed to secure nine survivors into the boat, Grace battled with the elements to keep the little coble boat afloat. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) awarded Grace and her father a silver medal for gallantry, making her the first ever woman to receive such an award. Consequently, Grace became a celebrity in her own right until her tragic death of TB only four years later. 



Goldengate Tours, the boat company we had chosen are the only licensed boat company in Seahouses to land at Longstone Lighthouse and take people inside, so if you're planning a visit it's worth booking with Goldengate. We climbed the 100+ stairs to the top and were rewarded with the most beautiful view! George told us a little more about the lighthouse (but I won't spoil it for you if you're planning a visit) and we retreated downstairs for a cup of tea. I never wanted to leave, the view was so incredible. Reluctantly getting in the boat to go back to dry land, I managed to sweet talk our captain into him letting me drive the boat home! Well… in open sea, but still, I loved it. 



The Farne Islands are without doubt one of my favourite places to visit in the North East. They're just unlike anything I've ever seen before and I get to indulge in my love of wildlife. Oh and of course get THE best fish and chips to eat on the way home! 





 Bon Voyage! 

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Give me More More More

Dear bloggers,

My foodie prayers have been answered this week and I have a feeling yours will be too... This week I was invited to a tasting evening of More More More's new 'cook at home' gourmet range, so obviously I skipped from work to the venue in anticipation. 

The venue in question was one of Newcastle's (if not the North's) most beautiful venues: The Assembly Rooms on Fenkle Street, just minutes from the train and metro station. This striking Georgian building dates from the late 1700s and its grand entrance features beautiful stone columns that make you feel like a princess as you cross the threshold. I had my school prom here a few years ago and it was the perfect venue, a blend of historic charm and grandeur, with a fantastic city centre location. 

The Assembly Rooms has long been renowned for its banqueting facilities, but it seems owner Antony has had a brainwave. A self-confessed foodie. Andy and the team opened the More More More courtyard cafe a year ago, serving an exciting and delicious range of teas, coffees and light bites in the suntrap in fromt of this magnificent building. It really is a lovely place to sit back and relax during your lunch hour.

Well, it just so happens that the talented team have recently launched a menu of gourmet take away food which is homemade and available to pre-order, so busy people like me get to eat well without having to fork out a fortune for high quality ingredients and go to all the effort of cooking! What. A. Genius. Idea.


I'm sure you'll agree how beautiful the interior is, but wait until I tell you about the food! Upon arrival, we were greeted with a chilled glass of prosecco and introduced to the team. Once all of us bloggers had arrived, it was time to eat. After an honest and fascinating introduction by clearly passionate owner Antony, we were treated to crispy bruschetta and chicken liver parfait. I know it's not as important as taste, but the presentation of every dish was spot, it was a really nice touch. 





The parfait was really nice, not too strong but with just enough flavour and a garlic kick to leave you wanting more. Next, we made our way behind the scenes for a demonstration on just how easy these dishes are to cook at home. 




The single portion of marinated chicken skewers are more than generous per person and tasted amazing. Light, flavourful and perfect for BBQ season, plus they hardly took any time at all to cook. Now normally i'm a little reserved when it comes to dips, but their sweet chilli and lime dip was so good! It was a perfect sticky, sweet accompaniment to the chargrilled chicken. 


Next, it was Fiona's turn to talk. Introducing to her homemade lasagne and cottage pie, we were asked to taste test More More More's with a leading supermarket brand. I really am not just saying this, but the difference was amazing. Theirs looked nothing like a sloppy ready meal which quickly loses its shape and resembles a gloopy mess, the potato was light and fluffy with chunky vegetables. The lasagne however, was in another league. I never order lasagne when i'm eating out because i'm always disappointed. My mam makes a superb homemade lasagne and until now, I haven't found anything which lives up to it. (Sorry mam!) 


Just look how delicious and non-ready made mealish they look! (Yes that's now a word). I don't know their secret but the layers of pasta were tasty, the beschamel sauce wasn't gloopy or bland. It was delicious! I honestly can't praise it enough. 


Just look at the difference between More More More's on the right and the supermarket competitor on the left! Speaks volumes doesn't it? 


As the evening drew to a close we headed back to the beautiful ballroom and had the most delicious cheesecake with homemade ginger biscotti for the base, all washed down with prosecco. The cheesecake was faultless, it really was. The base was moist and crumbly with just enough of a ginger kick, the creamy cheese filling was complemented by the tang of the berries. 

I genuinely cannot fault the food, it tasted 100% homecooked and looked excellent. We were all joking that we'd be passing off their skills as our own at our next dinner party or first date. Have a look at their menu online, there's so much choice - classic dishes like brownies and burgers - and something more exciting like lamb tagine and pork and pistachio terrine. 

     www.more-more-more.co.uk

    You can thank me later, cheers!