Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

Thursday, 29 August 2013

THE CLINK FOLLOWED BY A DRINK...

Always on the look out for new and exciting places to eat, it was suggested that I try The Clink, a restaurant run by prisoners from HMP Cardiff. 

The concept of the restaurant is to promote a rehabilitation and reintegration program for inmates and is committed to reducing reoffending rates in Wales.

Situated just outside the prison walls, and devised by Chef Alberto Crisci MBE, The Clink charity helps train inmates to the standard similar to that of a 5 star hotel or restaurant, with the aim to help graduates find employment within the Welsh catering industry. 


Jacket: Ebay (here)
Tunic: Zara (similar here)
Leather Jeans: River Island (similar here)

Clutch Bag: Yonks (here)
Boots: ASOS (sold out)






lighs on Make A Gif



Everything from the interior to the food and service was first class, made all the more special by our waiter Lee.

The starter was a choice between Char-grilled Veg, with Basil Sorbet and Smoked Tomato Jelly or Peppered Strawberries and Goats Cheese Salad with a Ribbon of Cucumber.





The fish course was a choice between Sea Bass, Thai Green Risotto, Thai Asparagus and Tempura Langoustines or Seared Halibut, Confit of Chicken Wings with a Potato Puree.




The Entree was then either Crown of Wood Pigeon, Warm Salad of Fennel Spinach and Orange with a Peppercorn Sauce or Honey Roast Pork Belly, Scallops and Bourdin Noir with Caramalized Apples and  Celeriac Puree. 







Dessert was then a choice between Textures of Cherries; Jelly, Sorbet, Compressed and Puree or Chocolate Espresso Mousse, Panacotta and Coffee and Caramel Ice Cream. 



Which was a big hit...




A different yet truly special dining experience. All the guys worked particularly hard and the teamwork and solidarity was almost tangible. It was really heartwarming to see these guys working so hard to actively make a change and a difference in their lives.

ALL ALONG...

'I've committed a crime, now I must serve my time,
Six months inside should almost change my mind.
I'm sitting in my cell, watching the clock,
Waiting for the screw to unlock the lock.
My Father told me,
A true man is never ashamed to shed a tear,
So I cry myself to sleep at night,
Waiting for the next day of light,
But forever drifting in a state of fright,
I got this noose around my neck tight,
The bully's won.
For the rest of his life, he'll be ashamed of what he'd done.'

by Daniel Compton - HMP High Down


After such a beautiful meal it was then off to my favourite night spot for a few cocktails...Lab 22! 

lab on Make A Gif

Hidden amongst the eateries and pubs of Caroline Street, this chic little cocktail bar is fast becoming my home away from home!














A 'Mrs Einstein', my favourite of the evening...






All in all, a memorable evening!

Cheers for now...

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

WEARY WEDNESDAY...

Stumbling across a cute little gift shop on a recent trip to Llandaff and falling in love with half the stuff in there, I thought I'd treat myself to one of those luxuries I don't purchase very often... BATH BOMBS!

 Not just any bath bombs though, handmade cupcake shaped bath bombs by Miss Patisserie, cute enough, smelly enough and glittery enough to eat... although I wouldn't recommend it! 





I think Sookie approved of the delicious smell too!



After a pretty hectic week in work, and being up with a headache most of the morning, I thought a soak in the bath might do me some good, and this is where the bath bombs shall come into good use! 




And of course some bubbles had to be blown...


After some well earned relaxation time before the rest of the week resumes, I'm starting to feel recharged and ready to face it head on!

Sunday, 7 July 2013

'GLAM-NIC'...

Waking up to such gorgeous weather, Vin and I decided to get out and make the most of the sun by putting our own spin on the old fashioned picnic. We present to you...'The Glamnic!'

After preparing and cooking our picnic food; homemade salsa, garlic mayo, home cooked tortilla chips, chicken skewers and chicken and chorizo wraps, we loaded the car and took the drive up to Castell Coch to set up our Glamnic in the picturesque shade of the Castle grounds. 




Who knew that a couple of picnic chairs and a car boot could look so magical!?


  
Chicken and Chorizo Wrap with home cooked tortilla chips

  
Homemade Salsa


  
Peek-a-Boo!


After fooling around and filling our tummies it was time to walk it all off. I used to come here as a child with my parents, so whenever I return it feels a little bit like home. How special that just 20 minutes outside central Cardiff lays this beautiful forest; silent but for the blowing of leaves and the trickle of a near-by stream. 



Speak soon my little daisies!