Wagamama at The Trafford Centre

On Monday 12th October, Wagamama finally opened their doors at The Trafford Centre. I'm a massive fan of Wagamama but up to now I've had to travel into Manchester to visit. The Trafford Centre is much closer and easier for me to get to. As it was a new store, customers could apply for tickets to try out their new menu for free. I jumped at this opportunity and took along my husband who had never been before!

 We had the opportunity to share a starter. We went for the Duck Gyoza, which is tasty fried duck dumplings served with a dipping sauce. We had a giggle when it arrived as five dumplings arrived and there were two of us. This reminded us of The Big Bang Theory episode where three of them order dumplings and the order comes with four! I was kind though and let Rory have three! There were delicious and I would love to try the other varieties in the future, especially pulled pork!

We were able to choose a main each. I am normally a creature of habit and always order a Chicken Katsu Curry. I decided to be a little more adventurous as we were there to try the new restaurant so I wanted a completely new experience. After a while, I settled on Wagamama Ramen. Ramen is a hearty bowl of hot soup filled with fresh ramen noodles, toppings and garnishes, all served in a traditional black bowl. I think Wagamama Ramen is their special as it came with grilled chicken, barbecued pork, prawns, chikuwa and mussels in a miso, ginger and chicken noodle soup. topped with half a tea-stained egg, menma and spring onions. It was absolutely delicious and I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone! I think I have a new favourite!

Rory had heard me rant and rave about Chicken Katsu Curry from previous visits and decided to see what all the fuss was about. He absolutely loved it and would definitely order it again. Since our visit, he has said a couple of times, "I want Wagamama again!" Hopefully this means we will be back very soon!

For dessert, we had to have the Mochi Ice Cream, which are little balls of ice cream wrapped in a layer of sticky rice, served with sauce. We had the 'Mix It Up' version which allowed us to try all three flavours. I was only a fan of the raspberry flavour and would order these again, although there are some delicious looking desserts on the menu. Rory enjoyed the coconut and raspberry flavoured ones.

We both had a lovely afternoon at the restaurant and we will both be back very soon! The restaurant is lovely and is in a brilliant location, upstairs in The Orient (next to TGI Fridays). We were served by an extremely friendly and helpful waitress who explained everything to us clearly.

Thank you to Wagamama at The Trafford Centre!

Rachel x

National Calvados Week 2015

At the beginning of September, I was invited along to The Blue Pig in the Northern Quarter, Manchester. The event was a preview of National Calvados Week, which is a celebration of the annual apple harvest, held in Normandy, France. National Calvados Week runs from 18th to 24th October 2015. Père Magloire is hosting National Calvados Week in the UK and there will be bars taking part in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool. During National Calvados week over 100 bars, shops, supermarkets and independent off licenses including The Blue Pig, Almost Famous, Mr Coopers, Wine Rack and Corks Out who will have special cocktail menus, Père Magloire Calvados range tasting, food pairing and cooking with Calvados in their most succulent dishes.

On arrival, we were greeted with an Applejack - a simple cocktail made from Père Magloire V.S.O.P and cloudy apple juice. We were introduced to Dave Marsland from Emporia Brands (Drinks Enthusiast) who ran a masterclass on Calvados. Calvados is distilled from cider and protected by the Appellation Calvados Contrôlée. Père Magloire is part of French national heritage. The firm is the oldest and best known of all the Calvados producers. The history of Père Magloire began in 1821 and was one of the first French trademarks to be registered! 

Paul Coony, the Head Chef at The Blue Pig created a menu to complement Père Magloire. To start we had Brie tarts with apple and Père Magloire chutney paired with Calvados Père Magloire FINE V.S. It was possibly the nicest starter I have ever had! We couldn't help but go back for more! The chutney was to die for and Paul gave us a little jar at the end to take home. Thank you Paul! If I wasn't already converted, I would go to The Blue Pig during National Calvados Week hoping it was on the menu!

As a main, we had Père Magloire marinated sticky pork ribs paired with Calvados Père Magloire V.S.O.P. They were also delicious - Paul is a talented chef! From the range of Père Magloire Calvados we tried that night, V.S.O.P. was my favourite so I was extremely happy to find a small bottle in our goody bag!

Dessert was Père Magloire, dark chocolate and hazelnut truffles paired with Calvados Père Magloire 12 Year Old. I love truffles but unfortunately I don't like dark chocolate so I found these too bitter but the texture was lovely. My sister and mum were fans!

To end the evening, we had a signature Père Magloire Calvados cocktail - Pomme par Jour. I have the recipe if you wanted to recreate at home;

• 35ml Père Magloire V.S.O.P.
• 20ml Triple Sec
• 20ml Lemon juice
• Dash water
• Muddled apple

I had a fantastic evening with incredible food and drinks. Thank you Père Magloire! You have a new fan of your Calvados!

Don't forget to head to The Blue Pig, Mr Coopers House and Garden,  Fumo, Astons of Manchester or Almost Famous during National Calvados Week which is 18th to 24th October 2015. If you're not from Manchester or would like more information, visit http://www.nationalcalvadosweek.com/

Rachel x

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Meet Your Match at TGI Fridays

At the beginning of August, I was invited to TGI Fridays at Royal Exchange, Manchester to sample the unveiling of their new menu. Very kindly, I was allowed to bring a plus one. My husband is also a massive TGIs fan so I brought him along.

We were greeted by the friendly staff who chatted to us all night and it was very clear they love their job! The staff recommended cocktails as well as new items from the menu which they thought we would love. They know their stuff as we were not disappointed!

For starters we shared the Bucket of Bones. Oh My God! Heaven. I'm not usually a fan of ribs as they can be chewy, too messy and not enough meat. However these were amazing and I've been craving them ever since! The chicken wings were delicious too but the ribs stole the show!

I chose Tostado Stacks for my main which were nice but it wasn't until later that I realised I could have had chicken which I would have preferred. Rory went for The Warrior Burger. Obviously! He was very impressed but it was those ribs that left us wanting more.

We both had a lovely evening in a fantastic restaurant with delicious food and drink. Thank you very much to TGI Fridays for the invitation. We'll be back soon!

Double-Layered Nachos

"This is the dude that everyone gets on with. A single portion of corn tortilla chips with melted cheese, chilies and jalapenos, served alongside super smooth Fridays Spicy Guacamole, fresh pico de gallo and sour cream. All it wants to do is make you happy, which is why you can have it with either blackened chicken or Jack Daniel's Beef Chilli."

Jack Daniel's Pork Belly

"This tasty little number is guaranteed to melt in your mouth. Barbequed pork belly is smothered in Jack Daniel's glaze, toasted Sesame seeds and chilli flakes, served with fresh apple slaw. You'll remember this one long after it's gone."

Jack Daniel's Bucket of Bones

"Easy-going, laid-back, but packed with enough attitude to keep you coming back for more. Featuring slow-cooked pork ribs and chicken wings tossed in Jack Daniel's glaze, toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes, topped with Texan toothpicks - it's enough for two, so you'd better make it a double date."

Smoked Tomato Bruschetta

"Such a flirt! This smoky, saucy item features sumptuous tomatoes marinated in smoked oil with garlic, crisp basil and Mozzarella served on toasted ciabatta bread. It knows how to make an entrance, attracting attention wherever it turns up."

Chicken Finger BLT Waffle

"This one has a sweet side you perhaps wouldn't expect! Crispy chicken breast tenders served in a sweet waffle with melted cheese, rocket, fresh tomato, bacon and honey mustard mayo – it may be a little different but it'll never let you down."

The Warrior Burger

"Meet the alpha male of the group. Getting together with this one could leave you feeling like a champion – if you can handle it. Featuring two 7oz burgers piled high with Mozzarella dippers, Colby cheese, crispy bacon, American cheese, caramelised onions and Fridays Mayo. Served with crispy fries and onion rings, glory awaits those who can take on The Warrior."

Jack Daniel's Chili Dog

"Get your game face on and meet your match. One for all the Jack Daniel's sauce fans out there, introducing this grilled pork 'dog topped with hot and smoky Jack Daniel's beef chilli, diced onions, Colby cheese, chilies and American mustard. What more could you ask for from your perfect match?"

Tostada Stacks - Roasted Vegetable (v)

"The sociable type, you're going to want to get to know this one better. Featuring crispy flour tortillas packed with melted cheese, Cajun-spiced rice, chilies, garlic vegetables and topped with pico de gallo, Southwest sour cream and Fridays Spicy Guacamole, there are hidden, hotter depths when it comes to this dish. Choose chicken if you prefer."

Rachel x

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TGI Fridays Fast Track Restaurant

Back in August, TGI Fridays opened a new style of restaurant located within Manchester Piccadilly Train Station - TGI Fridays Fast Track. It's actually the first of its kind and it's extremely exciting that it's here in Manchester. Providing a convenient dining location for locals and commuters, main meals are served to guests within ten minutes of ordering. The restaurant is equipped with technology for commuters including power sockets, USB charging sockets, WiFi and individual seating options.

The restaurant is equipped to serve 135 diners at any one time. The interior has a rustic colour scheme and memorabilia inspired by travel, local artists from Manchester, and has a particular nod to the most famous train station in the world – Grand Central Station. Even part of the restaurant is arranged like a train carriage and that is exactly where I chose to sit when I was recently invited to sample the breakfast menu. The new Fast Track restaurant has an open plan kitchen which allows you to see the food being made before your eyes. I love this feature and it makes the restaurant stand out from the rest. The man in the kitchen in the above photo was working his first day on the job and I captured it on camera!

The restaurant opens at 7:30am and serves breakfast until 11:30am. Rory and I headed to the restaurant to fuel up before a busy day of shopping. We were greeted by extremely friendly staff who showed us to our seats and handed us our menus. Chanel was our waitress for the morning and she shared her recommendations and told us a little bit about the restaurant. Rory opted for the Jack Daniel's American Breakfast, which looked amazing and tasted incredible according to his raving review. I chose the Breakfast Waffles with Candied Bacon and Fried Egg as I wasn't hungry enough to eat a full breakfast.

In Mexico, I tried pancakes, bacon and maple syrup for the first time which was delicious. When I saw the Breakfast Waffles with Candied Bacon and Fried Egg on the menu, I just had to have it but I wasn't sure about the egg. I thought I'd give it a try anyway but I'm so glad I did; it was AMAZING! The flavours went together perfectly. Our food arrived quicker than a usual restaurant but it wasn't sitting there waiting to be ordered like fast food restaurants. I would describe it as somewhere in the middle which is perfect for the location and purpose.

Although the service was quick, the quality of food or service is definitely not compromised. We will definitely visit again and it's my number one choice next time I'm in Manchester. I'd urge you all to visit if you're in the area, travelling to or from Manchester or in a hurry but still want that restaurant experience. Thank you TGI Fridays for inviting me to visit your new Fast Track Restaurant. I had a delicious meal and absolutely love the vibe of the restaurant.

Rachel x

Private White V.C. AW14 Launch Party

Rachael, Beki, Frances and I

The shop located within the factory in Manchester

New womenswear collection for AW14

The store was opened by HRH Princess Anne

New womenswear collection for AW14

I fell in love with this gorgeous jacket!

The factory above the store where all the clothes are made

New womenswear collection for AW14

Last week, I was invited to an exclusive party to celebrate the launch of the AW14 collection from Private White V.C. The event was held in their factory store in the heart of Manchester, which was officially opened in September by HRH Princess Anne. We had the chance to look in the factory and see the collection being made before our eyes as well as a first look at the highly anticipated womenswear range. We were greeted with cocktails and canapés made by Artisan, DJ Pasta Paul was upstairs in the factory playing vintage vinyl and Josh Goddard from Lucky T Jackson serenaded us with an acoustic set of 60s soul.

Private White V.C. is a luxury clothing brand named after World War I Victoria Cross recipient Private Jack White. Born in Leeds in 1896, Private Jack White was only 18 years old when he signed up to the Royal Lancaster Regiment. It was saving the life of his commanding officer whilst in action that won Jack the highest and most prestigious honour to be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. After returning from service, Jack began an apprenticeship as a trainee pattern cutter at a local factory, before he became general manager and then owner. It was here that Jack laid the foundations of the Private White brand, drawing on the Yorkshire influences that led to the company’s specialism in woollen clothing. 

Alongside company director Michael Stoll, the company is now run by Private Jack White’s great grandson James Eden, through which the company’s passion for local industry has been inherited. As a family business, Private White’s factory has been a key industrial fixture in Manchester for over 100 years. Managing director and great grandson of Jack White, James Eden, comments: ‘The legacy left by my great grandfather is one that champions quality materials, traditional methods and local industry. We have endeavoured to keep this ethos alive, and by opening up our factory space and store to the public we are not only providing a unique shopping experience, but also inviting others to celebrate British manufacturing in Manchester with us.’

Set within a building dating back to the nineteenth century, the shop celebrates the brand’s long-standing devotion to British manufacturing, incorporating basic elemental materials such as brick, leather, cast metal, wood, glass and copper that honour the industrial beginnings of both the company and Manchester.

The collection spans clothing, accessories and a new womenswear line, and is designed by creative director Nick Ashley, son of iconic fashion and interiors designer Laura Ashley. Materials are always sourced locally wherever possible, with the majority supplied by mills within the surrounding area. The Private White V.C. brand pays homage to its namesake WWI hero. The clothing line has a subtle nod to its military heritage, with many items based on classic wartime pieces, updated with added functionality and detail for the modern gentlemen. All clothing is expertly constructed by hand in the Private White V.C. Factory, Manchester, where garments are designed and developed using only the finest regionally sourced fabrics, trims and materials.

Visitors are now invited to shop by appointment at the unique high-end store, a hidden gem nestled within the streets of Salford. After being greeted by Brutus, Private White’s mascot Bulldog, guests are welcome to take a tour of the factory and experience first-hand the various stages of production, from pattern cutting to the hand-finishes or buttons and trims. "We are immensely proud to be opening the store at our Manchester factory and it is particularly poignant as it happens to be the centenary year of WWI,” says James Eden, Managing Director and great-grandson of Founder Private Jack White. “Our intention was always to go direct to the end customer and we are delighted that our supporters up north can now visit the store and factory to see our Manchester made goods in work and on display.”

I had a fabulous evening and I would urge everyone to have a tour of the factory and visit the store. It's truly beautiful and amazing. Also, I really enjoyed finding out the history of the brand and I think it's a really unique story they have. Thank you to Private White V.C. for inviting me to your factory store. 

Rachel x

Professional Beauty Haul

Two weeks ago, I attended Professional Beauty North held in Manchester Central. I had a great day and enjoyed seeing the buzz at the annual beauty event as I had never been before. I will definitely go back next year, maybe with more money so I can treat myself even more! I hardly took any photos during the day so I didn't want to write a blog post about the event but as I purchased quite a few goodies, I thought I'd share what I picked up.

At an event in Summer, I had a manicure using OPI products. I didn't have any chips and the polish looked great for almost two weeks! Ever since, I have been dying to get my hands on OPI base coat and top coat. At PBN, I finally managed to pick up the top coat. Also, I picked up Nail Envy. Since having acrylic nails three months ago for my wedding, my nails have been in terrible condition. It was on special offer along with Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Oil for the same price. Bonus! I haven't had a chance to try any of these out yet as I have Calgel on my nails. I'll let you know how I get on with them.

I went to PBN with Rachael and she wanted to have a look at the Sleep In Rollers as she has wanted some for quite a white. When we found the stand, all Sleep In Rollers sets were £10. Well I couldn't resist could I and picked up a set for myself! We both chose the Mega Bounce Gift Set which includes a hair dryer hood so curls can be created in 20 minutes. The box said inside there would be 10 original rollers and 10 Mega Bounce rollers but we both got 20 Mega Bounce and it also said it includes a DVD tutorial but we're both missing that too. So I'm pretty disappointed with this purchase before I've even used it.

Coconut Oil is such a wonderful product and can be used is so many different ways. Finally, I've got my hands on my own tub! It can be used in the kitchen during cooking or baking as well as several different beauty uses. Coconut Oil is a great moisturiser, a nourishing hair mask and many many more fantastic things. I cannot wait to start using coconut oil in everyday life and I'm thinking of doing a blog post in the future to share all the uses I find. I'd be interested to hear any unusual uses you've discovered. 

I think this was our last purchase of the day. The girl as the stand demonstrated the product on our arms and it safe to say we were amazed! It's quick, easy, painless hair removal; who doesn't want that?! It was £20 but we have several replacement pads which each last 3 months so it's definitely worth it. No more waxing, shaving, plucking, etc. I think the technique needs to be mastered as I couldn't get my legs as smooth as she did but practise makes perfect so I'll keep trying. 

Rachel x

The Body Shop's Argan & Nails Blogger Event

Last Sunday, I was invited to The Body Shop in Preston by the lovely Rachelle from Inspired by the Retired. The event was to have a nosy at the new launches, in particular - the Wild Argan Oil range and the Colour Crush nail varnish collection. I met Rachael (From Rachael Claire) on the train and we headed into Preston together. Three Rachels in one day, all spelt differently! A little confusing! We did a little bit of shopping in Primark first before making our way to The Body Shop. We were greeted by Rachelle and lots of yummy nibbles with Bucks Fizz!

She introduced us to the new Wild Argan Oil range and briefly explained the products to us. Rachelle and her co-worker had brought in all the Moroccan decor which I love and I now want to decorate my house in the same way! I'll have to visit Morocco! I had a play around with some of the products and my favourites were the solid oil lip balm, which I purchased on the day, and the body scrub. (This will no doubt be a future purchase!) 

For me, the most exciting range of the day was the Colour Crush Nail Varnish collection. I adore nail polish and have a pretty big collection already but it didn't stop me walking home with 5 of the shades! I purchased Gorgeous Grey, Meet Me At Dusk and we were kindly gifted Got The Blues. (I already had Mint Cream and Rosy Cheeks which were kindly gifted to me for review by The Body Shop PR - look out for a review soon.)

I almost purchased this too but as finances aren't great right now, I was very sensible and put it back as I already own most of the Vitamin E range along with even more skincare products from other brands! But it looks super luxurious and I will DEFINITELY be trying it out in the near future. Rachael did purchase this so she may review it on her blog if you're interested.

Both Rachael and I, purchased a Colour Crush Shine lipstick (in exactly the same shade!) We picked up shade 15 which is called Fuchsia and I cannot wait to try it out. (Obviously, it's got to be photographed first!) I haven't tried much of TBS make up before but I love the Honey Bronzer and the texture of the lipstick felt lovely when I swatched it. 

I didn't actually purchase anything from the Honeymania range but as I love honey and include it everyday in my breakfast, I may be picking up some products soon! I still have loads of body butters and body scrubs etc that need using up first. Maybe one for the Christmas wish list although the gingerbread scent will hopefully be making a return!

I adore the Almond Hand & Nail Cream but unfortunately, I'm coming to the end of my tube. (Side note - I must buy one of those tools to squeeze all the product out.) I wanted to try something different this time. TBS have recently released new hand creams but they're only minis which would only last me a week! Instead I picked up the Vitamin E Hand & Nail Cream based on Rachelle's recommendation. 

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this beautiful rainbow wall made out of body butters. I have a few in my collection but this makes me want one in everyone colour to make my own rainbow! 

Thank you Rachelle for organising and hosting another fabulous event. I love seeing all the new product launches and obviously I love meeting up with new bloggers and existing blogging friends. 

Have you tried any of the new products from The Body Shop? 

Rachel x