Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Pixie, Uncategorized

Newcastle in the Sky 2017

Back in March I told you about Newcastle in the Sky, a dining event brought to you by Events in the Sky and the same company behind The Experimental Diner.  Newcastle in the Sky is something you can’t effectively explain without experiencing first. When I was booked for the event, it felt so far away in the future that I didn’t really think about it until the day rolled around

Newcastle in the Sky is back on the Gateshead Quays for its second year.  After a sellout residence in Performance Square in 2016, round two is bigger and better with more award winning chefs from across the region on board to make the experience unforgettable.  The concept is this: a purpose built dining table suspended 100ft in the air whilst you’re served your choice of meal.  Simples.

I was invited on to the press table to experience the inaugural flight and the culinary delights of REDS True Barbeque, translation: All The Meats.  I arrived early for my flight – guests are asked to check in 45 minutes before their flight – and was greeted with a champagne reception in the Sky Lounge.  All guests are given a full safety briefing prior to flying, there’s a free cloakroom available to store bags, coats and whatever other loose items you might have, and there are toilets on site for that all important emergency wee.

After I soak up two double espressos and a glass of fizz, we’re walked over to the table for our safety briefing and I manage to convince myself that it’s not as high as I maybe first thought….

The seats swivel out and have a super sturdy 5 point belt system to make sure that you’re strapped in tight.  once we’re all fastened in and have our feet firmly on our A4 sized foot plates, we’re hoisted (pretty quickly) up into the air.  My first feeling is one of absolute terror, I’m overwhelmed by how quickly we get into the air, and by the fact that the whole contraption moves in the wind.  However once I’m up there, within a minute I’m completely relaxed.

Me & Ashleigh Money Saver

The location of Newcastle in the Sky offers amazing views up and down the Tyne and over the famous curved architecture of The Sage.  The weather conditions dictate the height at which you’re able to safely dine; as the weather is on our side, we’re up at the full 100ft with spectacular views of our awesome city.  There’s a perspex roof over the table in case of rain, but we’re in luck, we’ve got low wind and cloudy skies but very warm weather.  We’re served a selection of typical BBQ meats including pulled pork and slow cooked ribs, with coleslaw, side salad and a rum cocktail to wash it down.  Usually at food events everyone digs in straight away but this time people are more interested in the views on offer from this awesome height.

To give you some perspective, we’re way higher up than the Tyne Bridge and we’re able to look down on The Baltic and The Sage; Newcastle in the Sky is way higher than you’ve probably imagined.  Half way through our 30 minute flight our table is turned 180 degrees to give us the alternative angle and I notice the network of railway lines that run out of Newcastle and towards London, something I’ve never been able to see until now.  Being up so high allows you to see things in your city that you’ve never noticed before, things you’ll likely never see again.

Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord

The food we’re served is good quality American diner style food.  It’s served in airline style strays (for obvious reasons) and it’s laced with REDS famous BBQ sauce which has a delicious tang.  If you like meat then the Afternoon BBQ flight is a feast but this is more about the experience and the views than anything else.  If like me you’re nervous about the thought of being suspended from a crane 100ft up in the air with a bunch of strangers then don’t be.  The nerves vanish once you’re up there and you’ll make friends with the person next to you in the first 30 seconds, in fact they’ll become your best friend for the duration of your flight.  The chefs talk you through the food you’re served on a microphone and the whole atmosphere is very informal, so much so that it’s completely suitable for single diners who also feel nervous.

Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord

The whole Newcastle in the Sky experience from start to finish is just that, an experience.  It’s only around for six days and I’d urge you to try it Voyeurs.  I was nervous – so nervous in fact that last year I cancelled at the last minute – and this year I’d jump at the chance to do it again.  The selfie potential is epic, the views over the Tyne are unrivalled and you’ll talk about it fondly for ages after.  Yes it’s pricey (tickets range from £50 to £150 each) but it’s worth it for the experience alone, if you’re on the fence about it just do it.  I guarantee you won’t be disappointed, it’s literally been one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had.

Pixie xo

FANCY TRYING OUT NEWCASTLE IN THE SKY?

Select the sitting you fancy, click here to make your booking, you’ll have to be fast though as several dates are already sold out…

Breakfast sittings – start your day with a healthy four course breakfast from up high.

Lunch sittings – sit back, relax and enjoy a stunning three course lunch and two glasses of sommelier selected wines.

Afternoon sittings – enjoy a sumptuous treat with champagne high tea whilst relaxing in the summer sun, alternatively enjoy the American-style BBQ dishes from REDS for meat lovers.

Dinner sittings – enjoy sunset views with a spectacular four course dinner and two glasses of sommelier selected wine.

Night sittings – see the Newcastle nightscape from a different view whilst sipping on cocktails in the sky.

DATES

24th – 29th August 2017

VENUE

Performance Square, Sage Gateshead, NE8 2JR

DAILY SCHEDULE

Sitting Price Times
Breakfast in the Sky £50.00 pp 08h30 – 09h00 & 09h30 – 10h00
Lunch in the Sky £125.00 pp 12h30 – 13h15 & 14h00 – 14h45
Champagne High Tea £65.00 pp 15h30 – 16h00 & 16h30 – 17h00
BBQ in the Sky £65.00 pp 15h30 – 16h00 & 16h30 – 17h00
Dinner in the Sky £150.00 pp 18h30 – 19h30 & 20h15 – 21h15
Cocktails in the Sky £75.00 pp 21h45 – 22h15
Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

The Experimental Diner at Newcastle Castle

The Experimental Diner is a dining concept with the best North East culinary talents at its heart.  It’s a unique way to dine in unusual locations, with taster dishes cooked right in front of you by top notch chefs from around the region.  You know those experience days you can buy?  Well it’s a little like that, if that was region specific and food-centric.  The only way to find out exactly what The Experimental Diner is all about is to go along to one of their hosted events, so that’s exactly what I did…

Newcastle Castle

I was invited to dine al fresco on the roof of Newcastle Castle as part of The Experimental Diner’s Summer offering and I jumped at the chance as it’s not very often that an opportunity like this rolls around.  The castle itself, or what’s left of it, is on the outer edge of Newcastle and we’re left with one perfectly maintained building that’s actually pretty easy to miss amongst the stunning architecture of our city and serves as a reminder to look up once in a while.  Steeped in history, the Keep and Black Gate which make up Newcastle Castle are a rugged reminder of Northern England’s turbulent past.  This was no baron’s stately home.  The Castle was a grim symbol of royal authority, where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed.  It’s where the story of Newcastle began; the reason it got its name, and the rooftop has some of the most commanding views across the city and the River Tyne.

On a sunny but very windy evening I set off for the castle (in sensible and amazing footwear, as instructed), and was greeted on arrival and taken down into the basement Gaol of the castle for a champagne reception.  Guests had the chance to chat to historians who shared stories about the castle’s rich history (in costume no less) and informed us that this reception room was actually a former prison.  I could think of worse places to be held captive.

Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord

Sadly due to the weather conditions which persisted all evening, al freso dining was deemed unsafe and we were moved to dine in the Great Hall rather than on the roof, still a remarkable setting and decorated beautifully with fresh flowers, lanterns and tealights.  As we took our seats in the U shaped setting, we were introduced to The experimental Dining concept and our chefs for the evening.

The concept itself is simple, a pop up chef’s table that can be moved from venue to venue providing a kitchen environment and essentially turning any venue into a restaurant for the evening.

“We want to bring out The Experimental Diner in everyone by launching our very own pop-up chefs table, bringing this to brand new locations and venues for a truly outstanding culinary experience. With so many beautiful and unique places all over the North East, we want to combine this beauty with some stunning food and give people an extraordinary dining experience that they will never forget; from castles and landmarks, to inside city structures, we want to bring out the best of the North East for all to see!”  The Experimental Diner

Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord

With Troy Terrington, Chef Patron of Dobson & Parnell commanding the chef’s table for the evening, we were in pretty solid and very steady hands.  One of the great things about The Experimental Diner approach is that you get a chance to see the food being prepared, dished up and served, you get to observe the effort that goes into the presentation and uniformity of each dish and literally experience the heat of the kitchen.  Troy talks us through not only the ingredients of each element of the four course set menu, but also the history of the ancient sourdough used to make the bread that’s provided for the tables, and the buttercream blend used to create the perfect tasting butter.  Sure at £125 per person the tickets are expensive but when you see what goes in to putting one of these events together, it suddenly doesn’t seem quite so bad.

The Experimental Diner Menu

We dined on four courses, engineered to make up the perfect tasting menu.  Not too big but not too small and we were plied with the best sourdough bread I’ve ever tasted for the duration of the evening.  Because I’m a super VIP (or maybe it’s because of my nut allergy), I was treated to my own special nut free versions of the dishes above.

Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord

First up, North Country Beetroot.  Now I gotta be honest here Voyeurs, I really hate beetroot and not just a little bit.  I mean I find it gross and every time I’ve eaten it it’s tasted like freshly ploughed mud.  Bleurgh.  I knew in this situation I’d have to eat it and pretend to like it but actually found myself really enjoying it, it had a fresh earthy taste and paired with the goats curd it was actually pretty damn delicious.  Surprised?  Yeah, me too.

Next Charred Day Boat Mackerel which was caught fresh that very morning, served with heritage tomatoes.  I don’t know what goes into Heritage Tomatoes but damn Troy, they be amazes.  It’s worth mentioning here that despite being a four course menu, these are small enough portions that you’re left satisfied, but you’re not so full that you can no longer ‘taste’.  also, I was on a cleanse programme when I accepted the invite to this event and it met my calorific intake perfectly.

Now for the jewel in the crown of this particular Experimental Diner event, Rare Breed Pork; if this is on the menu at Dobson & Parnell then go try it Voyeurs, it’s divine.  Every single aspect of this dish is perfect, from the uber tender, melt in the mouth pork (something else I’m not usually a fan of) to the darling blue cheese and the potatoes.  Everything combines to compliment each other perfectly, this one really is something special.  The mashed potato is prepared with buttermilk and lemon which has to be tasted to be believed, if you have a favourite place for mash then prepare to have your mind changed.

Lastly, we were treated to a Dark Chocolate ganache, mine was served with, yup, you guessed it: more chocolate.  Whilst it might look like the poop emoji, let me tell you, it was a joy to eat.

Image by Chris Ord
Image by Chris Ord

After dinner aperitifs were served which we were took up on to the roof for a little surprise entertainment in the form of a historical re-enactment sword fight!  See Voyeurs, we made it up on to the rooftop eventually and in actual fact, it was the perfect time as the sun was just beginning to set and the light over our gorgeous city was just perfect.  The Experimental Diner is an experience, it’s more than just food.  It’s about being able to access unusual venues to create special experiences with friends and this one was definitely a night to remember.

Fancy checking out The Experimental Diner for yourself?  Sign up to their website or like the FaceBook page to find out about exciting new venues and events, I’m dying to tell you what’s coming next but I’m sworn to secrecy, just trust me, it’s a doozie!

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Paul Amer Alternative Tasting Menu at Marco Pierre White Newcastle

With a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse on our doorstep in the centre of Newcastle, we’re pretty damn lucky.  If you’ve ever eaten in one you’ll know that the steak there is out of this world, in fact their Chateaubriand is to die for; soft and tender on the in side, with a little of that pan fired crust on the outside.  It’s a given that an Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is a beef steak lover’s dream.

But what about those times you just don’t fancy a steak?  Or you’re dining with someone who isn’t a fan?  Hey, those people do exist, believe me I know some of them and I’m as horrified as you.  Well, Head Chef Paul Amer at Marco Pierre White Newcastle has talents that span much further than the art of the perfect cooked to order steak.

When Marco Pierre White opened his Newcastle Steakhouse at Hotel Indigo, chef’s were given autonomy and personal discretion to prepare off-menu dishes according to customer tastes.  But things changed over the years as the venue became a victim of its own success, customers would arrive wanting nothing more than the perfect steak accompanied by that awesome creamed cabbage (seriously, try it) and that autonomy was buried deep in a pile of beef off cuts.

Fast forward to today and Paul Amer has created a Steak Alternative Menu and I was invited along to a tasting session to find out if it’s as good as it sounds.  Seated at a long table with a whole host of North East Influencers, we all agreed how unusual it was for us to be seated in such a civil way, and able to chat to each other rather than running from one place to the next.  We were greeted with a welcome cocktail followed by bread and olive table starters as we chatted and caught up.

Paul talked us through his alternative five course tasting menu which is exclusive to the Newcastle Marco Pierre White steakhouse and entirely his own creation, it’s something he feels is necessary for the brand in order to diversify and bring in new clientele.  We started with Rillette of Smoked Mackerel accompanied by Lightly Pickled Vegetables which I’ll admit, I didn’t like the sound of as I’m not a big fan of fish.  I was pleasantly surprised as this was actually delicious, in fact it tasted as good as it looked and was light enough to leave me not dreading the next course as I’d stupidly eaten seven pieces of bread before I’d even sat down.  This was followed by a slow Roasted Tomato Basil Soup (my favourite kind of soup) which was thick and rich in taste; the perfect palate cleanser to prepare us for the next course.

Surprisingly, the middle course of creamy Curried Haddock Risotto was the highlight of the whole meal for me, the rice was perfectly creamed as it should be in a risotto and the lightly curried haddock didn’t leave me with that ‘heavy’ feeling you sometimes get after eating rice dishes.  It’s not something I would have ever chosen for myself but it’s definitely something I’d have again, and that’s the beauty of these Taster Menus, they allow you to explore things you would have never considered.

Slow Cooked belly Pork, black Pudding and vegetables was next up from Paul Amer, something I usually steer away from because of just how filling belly pork can be.  Being a black pudding hater I glared at it on my plate for a little while, wondering which of the other foods it had come into contact with before picking up my flatware.  The vegetables and meat were cooked to perfection but with three courses prior, I was already pretty close to tears (if you don’t know me, I tend to have a hissy fit followed by a little cry when I get too full) so I only ate a little bit of this course.

I employed every child’s favourite tactic of claiming to be too full to finish the main course in order to skip straight to dessert which in this case was Raspberry and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sorbet and Mini Meringue.  Definitely worth ditching the main course for as panna cotta is one of my favourite desserts, and maybe even worth the tears that immediately ensued.  If you’re looking for an alternative to steak, but something that’s prepared with as much love and thought, then the alternative menu by Paul Amer at Marco Pierre White Newcastle is something to check out.  With large, semi private dining booths you can dine as a large party, or more informally at the area directly in front of the bar.  Marco Pierre White Newcastle also has an extensive cocktail menu and carries stock of some pretty rare gin brands.  Winner.

The restaurant is located in the same building as Hotel Indigo too so if like me, you’re prone to a ‘Too Full Freak Out’, you can sleep it off in privacy instead of having a meltdown in the parking lot like I did.  Kim Kardashian ain’t got nothing on this ugly crying face….

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Turtle Bay Comes to Middlesbrough

There’s a brand new Turtle Bay Caribbean restaurant launching in Middlesbrough this weekend, the second of its kind in the North East and it brings with it a brand new, fresh, fun vibe to Corporation Street.  With £800k investment ploughed into the unit, the interior has been transformed into a little slice of the Caribbean right here in the North.  I was invited to the VIP preview night to find out just what Turtle Bay has in store for visitors to Middlesbrough…

The 231 capacity restaurant is cleverly styled with mirrored walls which makes it appear well beyond its 4144 square feet, it’s bright and vibrant and everything you would expect from a Caribbean themed restaurant, there’s even a tiki style bar decked with fairy lights serving up over 40 specialty rums that Jack Sparrow would be proud of.  The preview night was an informal gathering of local press and Bloggers to sample both the food and drinks menu and to find out a little more about the preparation and training that’s gone into bringing Turtle Bay to Middlesbrough town centre.  The first thing I notice is the decor, a typical warm, Caribbean colour scheme broken up with large wall murals offers a welcoming, fun environment.  As with all Turtle Bay restaurants, the Middlesbrough branch features those upcycled / reclaimed materials that give each restaurant a unique twist – this one features a boombox wall  and oil drum lanterns which give the place a real street food vibe.

With 50 jobs created, there are enough staff to ensure a slick operation when the restaurant opens to the public on April 23rd.  Servers have been put through an in-depth training programme where I’m told that the focus is on getting to know customers and finding out about their wants and needs whilst they’re dining, in order to deliver the best possible customer experience.

After being greeted with a drinks reception where I manage one signature Mojito (I’m driving) and pretty much everything from the soft drinks and coolers menu, we’re ushered into the dining area in front of an open kitchen, where we’re seated ready to begin our feast.  We’re invited to try taster portions of everything from the menu, which includes some brand new additions so far only served at the Middlesbrough restaurant.  As you might expect, everything served is brimming with spice, which never overpowers the flavour of the food.  I won’t lie to you Voyeurs, things got messy.  Turtle Bay is not a place for flatware, it might be there on the table, but this is messy food that’s meant to be handled – so you’ll be pleased to know that you’re also allocated a finger bowl to wash your hands afterwards.  Think coated chicken wings, sweetcorn fritters and beef cheeks, it’s all prepared with love, super tasty, and fuss free, exactly as it should be.

Turtle Bay is all about celebrating the lively, colourful, soulful and, above all, delicious experiences that the Caribbean has to offer – from rich and explosive flavours to laid back ‘liming’. Their mission is to capture the spirit of celebration that the Caribbean is famed for around the globe – making customers happy by delivering a hedonistic combination of joyous food, wicked drinks and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  Just as food is at the heart of Caribbean culture, Turtle Bay are aiming to bring that vibe to Middlesbrough and with over 50 authentic Caribbean dishes on the menu – yes, Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken are on there – it seems that that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Now let it be known that I don’t usually cope too well with spicy food, what I mean is that whilst I love it, it turns me into a wreck – I pour with sweat but just can’t stop.  This is a little different, the flavour and the spice are cut with a zest and so are perfectly balanced.  You don’t compromise one for the other.  Yes, I’m still bloody sweating, but it’s totally worth it and there are plenty of specially crafted, creamy coolers on the drinks menu to help take the sting out.

One of the things I like about the place is that it’s set up for ‘social dining’, seats are arranged in rows, a bit like Wagamama do, and once you’re seated, you can’t help but chat to the people seated close to you, it’s nice.  There are of course, booths available for more intimate dining or for spontaneous cocktail nights with your pals, still, it’s nice to see such a welcoming environment when we’re so used to seeing people with their cellphones glued to their hands (myself included).

Turtle Bay might offer up awesome food but it cares about its cocktail menu just as much, and with 2-4-1 Happy Hour between 11.30am (yes really) – 7pm, starting up again at 10pm, it’s a must for rum enthusiasts and cocktail lovers as it includes every single cocktail on the menu.  For designated drivers, the soft drinks menu is pretty damn good too, with zesty or creamy coolers and the best ginger beer I ever tasted, you’re catered for pretty well too.  Driving or not, Turtle Bay Middlesbrough is well worth a visit and there’s nothing even similar in the town centre, I predict this one being rammed for the next few weeks so get amongst it Voyeurs, oh, did I mention, they have a pretty awesome playlist too…..?!

Pixie xo

Turtle Bay Middlesbrough can be found at 32 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RX with ample parking within walking distance of the restaurant, free after 6pm.

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Orangegrass Thai VIP Re-Launch

When you’re seeking out a place to try real, authentic Thai food, there’s one sure fire way to pick yourself a winner; look for where Thai people dine.  It’s an easy cuisine to get wrong, and with Thai food having a moment right now there seem to be more and more Asian inspired restaurants, food festivals and pop ups on the scene with only a select few hitting the spot.  When it’s done right, it’s different to what you might expect, there’s no ‘jammy’ consistency, artificially over sweetened sauces or over boiled rice.  That seems to be the British interpretation of Thai food and it seems to be pretty widely accepted as being accurate.  That is until you taste the real thing….

I was invited along to the VIP relaunch of Orangegrass Thai in South Shields and I must confess, I’d never actually heard of the place and when I arrive, it becomes clear why.  Orangegrass Thai is like a secret society, it’s completely off the beaten track and from the outside, it hides in plain sight, like a Thai speakeasy, you’d never know the place was there – unless you knew.  It’s so stealthy in fact, I doubt I’d ever find the place again without GPS; but then I like a place that feels so secret, like you’re part of an elite regiment of diners.

The soundtrack for the evening was provided by North East singer Annabel Pattinson, if you’ve never seen her play then you’re seriously missing out, with a full repertoire of covers and some awesome original songs, she’s another secret I’m spilling and she’s playing a stand alone gig at Newcastle’s O2 Academy on Friday June 2nd.  Finish reading this, then go buy tickets – you can thank me later.

Image c/o Annabel Pattinson

I arrived to a champagne reception and an open bar, sadly I was driving but I did sincerely enjoy other revellers getting more and more intoxicated as the night went on.  I shared a table with Luxe magazine and in between courses we were entertained by Ryan Phelps, The British Hustle, who I’m convinced is an actual wizard.  With tricks I’ve never seen before and a cool, calm demeanour, this guy is straight out of Hogwarts with first class honours.

Image by Chris Ord, XtraOrdinary Photography
Image c/o The British Hustle
Image by Chris Ord, XtraOrdinary Photography

 

So, what you really want to know about is the food right?  It’s good Voyeurs.  Damn good.  Like I said, you can get the measure of anywhere claiming to serve food authentic to it’s origin by the people who dine there, as Orangegrass’ staff is made up almost entirely of Thai people, the food is absolutely authentic.  Everything from the ingredients, the spices and creams, to the presentation – expert chefs carve flowers out of vegetables to top each plate, seriously, the attention to detail is incredible.

Images by Chris Ord, XtraOrdinary Photography

We were served a selection of the most popular dishes including curry shrimp, green curry vegetables and a divine chicken dish.  Where the menu really shone though was with its beef dishes, there were two available to try on the evening but due to having foolishly filled up on shrimp I only tried the Beef Massaman which was by far the best dish I tried.  Not so spicy that the flavour was wiped out, but definitely warming.  For dessert we were served a traditional Thai pudding of  sweet sticky rice bound with coconut cream and although I ate every last bit, it’s one of those acquired tastes where I couldn’t decide whether I liked it or not.

If you’ve been dining out on ‘mainstream’ Thai food then prepare to have your mind blown.  The flavour that comes through with authentic Thai cuisine is crisp and cleane, Owner Titu tells me that the use of coconut milk and cream in Thai cuisine, cuts through the spice to allow the warming feeling but also preserves every inch of flavour in the food.  Try it, join the secret society, make the trip to South Shields and enjoy a taste of Asia for a fraction of the price of some of these hipster fugazis.

Pixie xo

Orangegrass Thai is at 7 Mount Terrace, South Shields NE33 1PN, to book a table call 0191 455 8555