Addictions

Have to share this with you guys. I love everything to xs especially alcohol. So much so that I have accepted that I am an alcoholic and that I derive an understanding and fellowship through like minded people at Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Addictions come in many forms, eating, drinking, sex, gambling. I have been fighting mine from an early age and unfortunately it takes its toll on family life, work life and ones mental state.

An addiction is something in which our neural networks, anatomy and physiology  keep us in that vicious circle. 

The hardest part is telling the non addict as they don't understand. Hence my wee piece tonight. For me alcohol is poison and if not abstained from I can lose too much. I've reached out to local industry professionals (they know who they are, I'm not going to name and Shame). Even Medical services are slow to react. 

My sanity and sobriety is one day at a time, not having that first drink and attending as many AA meetings as possible. 

I know this will be a bolt out of the blue for some folk but I always said I would share something big in 2017.

Have a fab New Year and stay safe.

Biblical prophecy

The Bible and other books  say that Israel will be hammered.So get used to it.All we can do is help the casualties.we can't change prophecy 

Israel USA

the Bible, Torah and Koran says there will b conflict.Just get on with it!!!! Why trying to change, help, or reinvent history. This will happen, let it happen and get on with it!! 

Paul Rankin sausages

I'm a huge fan of local chef and aficionados Mr Paul Rankin and his wife Jeannie. They brought the first Michelin star to Belfast at Roscoff. 

Paul has grown too big and quick. I tried his Pork and onion sausage and was very disappointed. The casing was too thick and the sausages all ruptured. I tried calling him to explain but to no avail. 

Note these were Tesco Finest brought out of deep freeze but Ive had better. PAUL not very good by your standards!?

Join VIM

Hey! Check out VIM.  It’s free.  It’s fun. And, you will thank me for it! 

Drviks.VimNow.com

New online store

Hi guys would love you all to check out this new online store. It's all about holistic treatments and great products. It's the Health Ranger Store, link below. Check it out and pass it on!!!

http://www.healthrangerstore.com?utm_source=HR_Affiliate&utm_campaign=14708&utm_affiliate=440199&rfsn=440199.c22d1

Rip Carrie

Princess Leah had the have been the all time hit, action packed, witty and every young lads dream babe-she still is in my book. RIP Carrie!!!!!

Coins and notes

So guys don't forget to send me any unused, coins or notes. Contact me for address

Cheers all

Perfect Christmas dinner

What an amazing dinner with my amazing team!!!!

For starters it was salmon and mousse, salad, halloumi and veggie pies as well as salad and Dijon mustard sauce.

For mains it was veggie burgers for mum and dad with aloo tikki and tomato stuffing. For all else it was turkey, gammon, stuffing, duck, sausage and Pork. Served along with veggie and non veggie gravy, parsnips, carrots, sprouts, roast spuds and potato dauphinois. Wow

Rip George Michael

I remember him growing up, his style and songs were fab....the girls loved his looks and most lads didn't as they thought he was gay and his music was crap......oh how short sighted of those who ever doubted him. I could honestly say as a singer I still love his stuff and it's time immemorial. Also don't forget his philanthropy. George u will always be missed!!!!!

Gobhi paratha

Gobhi (cauliflower) filled chapatti or paratha or mixed with flour and cooked on a tawa with spices, chillies and yoghurt and masala chai is on the menu today. You CANT get this in a restaurant and usually your granny does it best. In my case she does!!!!!! 

Hint if your Punjabi friends are having Gobhi Or aloo  (spuds) or mooli then grate crash. It will b the best meal you can have!!!! Especially after turkey and ham. Ps lots of fresh Chillis and Dhai or yoghurt!!!!

Humanity message

This is a heavy topic. If God wanted total peace on earth he could have enabled it. Yet he chose to have division and that has caused all the crap in the world. So do you believe in him or not? 

My philosophy is simple treat everyone equally and it doesn't matter about religion, which is man made!! Follow the basic 10 commandments be u Jew, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist or Aetheist and apologies if I have missed nyone. 

Terrorism, murder, death never worked in Northern Ireland. Why work anywhere else. I've been hijacked at gun point, our businesses bombed. WTF who gains. Also media stop giving them the time!!!!

Peace and holiday greetings....ps eat drink b merry!!!!

Chico and Chang

The newest West meets East- Chico and Chang takeaway has blasted off!! It's ideally located on the Lisburn Road near Adelaide station, the Police and fire stations and good job too as the chillies are hot!!!!!

Very clever and eye catching and moth watering menu. Whilst I waited I was treated to some delicious salt and chilli chicken. It was perfectly spiced but a touch dry!!

The main event was the mixed Chinese  box of chips, rice, honey chilli chicken and hot wings. Also a proper meat filled chicken burrito with fresh beans......delicious. Better than some burritos around. They deliver and take tele orders- perfect for when you get off the train!!!!!

Christmas lunch

I treated myself to an amazing turkey and ham lunch. Nice succulent moist meat and great stuffing. Mash was perfect and 3 golden roasties, mmmmmm. Sprouts just right and baton carrots lovely. Great meal for £14. Service excellent but had to ask for the fresh cranberry sauce. It's great when someone else cooks it up!!!!

The River Yard Market

Two and a bit days to go. Hungry then make a b line for the market.......

Opening Hours for the market this week are;

Wed - Friday 12.00-10.00pm 

Traders

On the Hoof

SoZo Good

Burger Republic

Boojum

Broughgannon 

Woodfire Pizza Company

The National Bar

Relaunch of Dina Dina

We really got stuck into some fabulous new pizza tastes at Dina Dina. The Piadina has now evolved into fully fledged pizzas. It's a real pity my poor belly is small!!!!!  

Collaboration

Hi guys I'm wanting to Step up my food collaboration/ consultancy in a big way. Be it Brand Pr, product launches, venue launches. I'm open to all discussion please contact me on:

vivek 0044 7834400050

tweet @belfastfoodman

www.belfastfoodman.com

Ps I am the number 1 Tripadvisor writer for Belfast with 1025 reviews and readership 545,000. So get me in to do a review!!!!

(official Tripadvisor stats)

NI Signature dish

I spent the morning chatting to Niall McKenna, Ian Orr and Kelan McMichael at St Georges Market, as well as the ladies from Tourism NI.

The counts were in, the decision was made, but they made us wait til the end, not before making the beef and lamb. This was idea of Tourism NI and they picked 4 chefs to collaborate and make a new Signature dish.

Choices were beef, lamb or fish.

Kelan cooked the beef shin which everyone said was amazing and looked the part!!

Ian cooked the buttermilk infused lamb which was my favourite. Pity couldn't taste the fish. 

The winner was the ............beef!!!!

Well done to all involved and I shall certainly be checking the restaurants out!! Big thanks to Michael from DRC for invite.

 

River House Market

Come to newest market in Belfast, The River House Yard. 

You can get slow Bbq brisket, Canadian Poutine, Broughgammon goat, proper fish and chips and burgers as well as cold and hot drinks.

The guys are there Thursday through Saturday!!

Ps I got my shots in B4 the crowds!!!! So easy to find bang opposite the Merchant.

Serious message

Hi guys, don't wanna put a dampener on festivities, but will fill u all in Jan 2017. For those that care I know who ur and thanx, for those that don't I say a silent prayer of forgiveness.

Don't worry will still share the food love!!

Seasons greetings

Seasons greetings to one and all. I would like to personally thank each and all of you who have interacted throughout the year and onwards and upwards 2017. Stay safe and njoy 2016!!

Ps any advice on website appreciated!!

Lantern is lit

In these parts there's a saying , "Keep her lit" which roughly translates as it's in good shape don't change it!!

I was in earlier this year and all staff were and still are top rate, the place has had a facelift and it looks fab. The place is well and truly lit!!

The whole interior has been given a going over and I believe they are still waiting on a few bits and pieces. 

For starters I chose a gorgeous creamy king prawn risotto which I could easily have had a full bowl of!! For mains I chose:

Glazed Pork belly with parsnips and raisins and potato crocquet. I must say the pork was cooked to perfection and I would have liked a drop of butter/cream in my sauce else a perfect meal. Congrats to the chef and front of house (Arun and Vijay) respectively. 

Tables are fast booking for dinner so get booking!!

Titanic global winner

Titanic Belfast beats Ferrari World, Las Vegas Strip, Machu Picchu and Guinness Storehouse to be named World's Leading Tourist Attraction - Titanic Belfast

Well done to Tim and the team!! Ever since the idea was mooted, I've always wanted one of my two sisters to be married there. With the help of Michael, Steven, Holly and caterers Nu Delhi my dream came true!!!

I've attended the tours, conferences, tea and formal dinners and am so proud to have it as our global winner!!!! 

M&S Christmas special

December is here.......

M&S hosts Taste of Christmas events in Belfast and Lisburn to kick start December

 · Customers are invited to in-store tasting events in Belfast (Donegall Place) and Lisburn (Sprucefield Shopping Complex) stores to sample the best of M&S’ Christmas food range

 · Christmas canapes, cheese and desserts will be available to taste in all M&S Foodhalls from 1st – 3rd December

1st December 2016

 M&S is hosting a Taste of Christmas event in its foodhalls at Belfast and Lisburn from today until Saturday. Today also sees the release of its final Christmas food advert – ‘Tis the season… for all day feasting.

 The team of food experts at M&S have created a must-have collection for festive entertaining. Customers will be able to sample show-stopping canapes, sophisticated snacks, desserts and drinks that are only available at M&S.

 The three day Taste of Christmas event, taking place at 600 stores, offers a great opportunity for those looking for inspiration to try special and new products that help them plan their Christmas dining. In-store experts will be on hand to advise customers on combining plates, canapes and drinks.

 M&S has launched 290 new food products this Christmas and expects to sell 400 million mince pies and 100 million party food items over the Christmas period.

 There is a treat available for every moment during the festive season including Twice Smoked Salmon Blinis that make the perfect breakfast treat, Mini Porcini Mac ‘n’ Cheeses to spoil party guests, Salted Caramel Profiteroles and special Christmas Smoked and Spiced Cheeses to follow the main event. Drinks on offer have a suitably festive twist with Mince Pie Martinis, Christmas Cake Liquors and the American inspired Christmas Cobbler, which is the ultimate contemporary sherry cocktail.

 Ryan Lemon, M&S Head of Region for Northern Ireland said: “The taste events are a great way for our teams in stores to make the run up to Christmas special for our customers. With 290 new food products on offer this Christmas, the event gives customers a chance to try some exciting treats and get into the festive spirit.”

 This year’s series of four ‘Tis the Season food ads tap into the key moments for customers this festive season. The final ad released today, ‘Tis the Season… for all day feasting, focuses on preparing all the essentials for the big day. The beautiful food shots show off the very best of M&S this Christmas and are complemented by a festive twist of the popular and iconic Clean Bandit track.