Mittens September Update!

Back to the norm again this month!

After having such a long time off from university, it sure didn't feel that way. Just finished my first week back. Not that I mind; if anything it will give me better structure to my everyday life. My timetable is pretty great this year too (off fridays and early finishes) so I get to keep my job going as it fits in around my timetable.

The student loan is officially in! And surprisingly it remains untouched (for now) and only will be used this week for rent, travel-card and uni supplies. As a fashion student your hit with pretty heavy costs for supplies/materials. I'm still mildly horrified at what illustration pens and markers can cost...there are sometimes good freebies during freshers and they're usually good to go to for a nosy at least. The Met Fresher's Fayre is good for vouchers and some free nibbles.

Another positive point is that shops have pretty good discounts and student nights on. They're a prime time to nab those pair of butt-enhancing jeans or cosy coat that you've had your eye on. Most student nights begin over here in about two weeks time. Keeping my beady eyes peeled for some bargains!

Less than a month until my braces come off and I can't wait. The change in my teeth in less than a year has been nothing but amazing (separate post to follow). I've had my last change of wires and next appointment I get them off and my retainer. After they come off I have to get some dental work done and am looking into cosmetic teeth whitening.. Anybody any recommendations for reputable places in Belfast to go? I haven't a clue where to start and what to look for regarding that.

A few month's until I'm 21 and I'm wondering where the hell the time has went. Now searching for that 'perfect' dress. What did you wear for your 21st?


Mittens

xxx

No. 36 on Belmont Road

After having a lovely afternoon at Ava Vintage Fair (Twitter) in the Park Avenue Hotel Belfast, we ventured out for lunch. Partially drenched due to the lovely downpour, we quickly decided on somewhere we haven't tried before. First impressions were great - the premise was beautifully presented in neutral colours with accents of a pastel and fresh green.

No.36 is on the Belmont Road in East Belfast and is an eaterie/coffee shop which prides itself upon home cooking and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. All meat, sweet treats, chutneys and fruit preserves are cooked and made on the premise itself using recipes developed by No. 36 itself. A wide range of homemade muffins, gourmet scones and tarts are also available. The soups are inspired from the Belmont Road to Bombay and beyond, served with gourmet sandwiches, wraps and ciabattas.

We were both quite hungry and the day itself was one of those days that soup seemed like the best option. The menu was great - such a range available! No. 36 offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner...Table service, bookings and walk-ins are all welcome along with a catering and a take-away service also available.

We ordered the soup of the day 'Roast Red Pepper and Lentil' which came with a choice of gourmet sandwiches. 'Chicken Caesar with Hot Crispy Bacon, Parmesan and Cos Lettuce' was picked as the accompaniment. We also ordered their signature Toasted Club Sandwich 'a Triple Decker of Toasted Bread filled with Crispy Streaky Bacon, Pesto, Sun Blush Tomato, Red Onion, Rocket and Applewood Smoked Cheddar'. I added chicken to this sandwich as an extra filling as I thought it would have lacked something.

The sandwiches were amazing; with a crisp granary taste, they literally had 'bite'. The Chicken Ceasar Sandwich was creamy with a contrast of crispness from the bread and bacon. I'd really recommend the No. 36 Toasted Club Sandwich to any Club Sandwich lover out there. Not the typical, it certainly was a great alternative to the 'standard', lack-lustre Club Sandwich you are likely to be served in many restaurants these days.

Surprised at how much I liked the Roast Red Pepper and Lentil Soup. Smooth to the taste, with a pleasant kick to it. The bowl is massive, so great value for money.

Afterwards we ordered two No. 36 Signature Caramel Hot Chocolates (infused with Caramel Syrup, topped with Cream) with traybakes. AMAZING way to end the meal. The hot chocolate blew away all of the Hot Chocolates I've had out of any Cafe Nero's. Much nicer and sweeter, not that chocolatey as such. I liked how they offered the cream and marshmallows separately - they're not always for everybody. However, if your a sugar nut like myself then build a small marshmallow tower!

The traybakes are great; chunky and chocolatey. Only slight criticism would be that that they are refrigerated at a lower temperature than they should be, which can make for difficult eating. Didn't help when I have braces and have to be careful what I eat.

Overall, delicious locally sourced food at an alright price (would go there to treat myself when in the area). Service could do with some improvement as it sometimes felt like forced friendliness. A wide range to choose from and good for dietary requirements such as gluten-free. Perfect for sandwich lovers out there and sugar snackers.

Dinner @ Molly's Yard

Over the past weekend myself and Smidge had dinner at Molly's Yard. One of our favourite places to go for lunch, we made an evening dinner reservation there for the Friday (I'd advise to reserve a table in advance to avoid disappointment).

We went, ready to eat something the size of a small moose. I hadn't ate that much earlier that day due to work and general laziness, so I was really looking forward to this. We were quickly seated (to our usual table downstairs, next to the bar) and ordered drinks. Two Headless Dogs and a Sidecar Cocktail.

For dinner I had a Chicken dish (Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken served with Fresh Linguine, Broccoli and Tarragon Cream). It was amazing, the Prosciutto (or Parma-Ham as it is more commonly known) was well cooked and had a great texture along with the chicken. I was really impressed with the Linguine - the Broccoli was the perfect accompaniment. The Tarragon Cream was rich; but not overpoweringly so and tied the flavours of the dish together. Would definitely get this again and highly recommend it! I'd suggest to order a side dish along with this dish if you are hungry.

Smidge had the Venison (Fillet of Finnebrogue Venison with Celeriac Potato Cake, Braised Red Cabbage and a Pear and Blackberry Jus). The Venison itself was cooked well, but the outside was slightly charred - which was disappointing as it overpowered the taste of the Venison. The Pear and Blackberry Jus was a great compliment to the dish and was a refreshing change from a sauce or gravy.

Overall, lovely main meals with drinks which came just under £50.

I also liked the humor in the menu - 'fish of the day...depending on the tides...'

Bit  too long to wait for the food itself, so would book a table for the beginning of a dinner service instead, or go there for lunch or an afternoon lunch. Good service with a friendly smile and the staff really do take feedback on board...shall be going there again soon and can't wait to try some more of their fantastic menu with locally sourced food! The best of ingredients from Northern Ireland showcased by very talented chefs.

I'd really recommend Molly's Yard to anyone that has not tried it yet!

Have you been to Molly's Yard - what did you think of it?