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.

 

Newest fusion takeaway

I got a sneak preview of works going on at the newest Chinese Mexican take away on the Lisburn Road!! It's called 

It's slated to open very soon and will be a great addition to the Lisburn Road, being near Adelaide train stop, the fire and police stations. I can't wait!!

Hawaiian Christmas party

The celebrations have truly begun!! My girls and I arrived and were garlanded with colourful flowers, there were canapés floating about as well as nibbles of cheese and cold meats. 

Main event was the milkshakes and build your own burger. I went for the lava chicken with salad and pickle, my wife had mushroom and halloumi, one daughter had chicken whilst the other had Mahee Mahee fish fingers and chips. At the end there was a shot of mince pie milk shake-delicious. Big thanx for the party!! Great seeing so many friends!!

The "Quacking" Duck House

We had lunch yesterday at The Zen Duck House. This used to be Hakka Noodles which was excellent, but this surpasses it foot and beak!!

The interior is all Zen like, calm with a huge "duck" tree!! Absolutely fantastic ambience and well laid out.

We opted for a mixture of dishes from the fixed Business lunch and the evening menu. The Christmas menu is also available. 

Whilst we waited for my wife to join, JoJo our lovely Malaysian host, brought the girls some colours and a booklet each. We ordered fresh prawn crackers and this was accompanied by chilli oil and soy sauce and went down a treat!!

When my wife arrived we were treated to salted edame beans, salt and chilli prawns, tofu and dim sum. For drinks we had water and freshly squeezed water melon juice, apple juice and orange juice, which was so refreshing!

After this we had a wee wander round and saw the "duck tree" on which yellow rubber ducks grew and our girls got a handful!! Also there's a lovely wee private dining area.

For mains we had a selection of honey chilli chicken with fried rice, chicken with crispy noodles and a BBQ combo of crispy duck and Pork. All the meat was tender and delicious, the noodles were crispy and fried rice were also just enough!

I would thoroughly recommend The Duck House- it "quacks up" to its name and is an amazing dining experience. Thanks to owner Eddie and JoJo and chef!! Great place for a party or an intimate meal and amazing services such as a hot towel between courses!!

Food Hygiene Ratings

90% of food businesses in Northern Ireland expected to be displaying food hygiene ratings…

…but only a third of us regularly look for them

Around 90% of food businesses in Northern Ireland should now be displaying their food hygiene rating sticker following the Food Hygiene Rating Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 coming into force in October. But, according to new research by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)[i], only a third (34%) of us regularly check food hygiene ratings before eating in a restaurant or takeaway. With an estimated 4.3 million meals expected to be eaten out in Northern Ireland over this festive period[ii] the FSA is urging people to check a restaurant’s food hygiene rating before booking this Christmas.

The research, released ahead of the expected Christmas spike in restaurant bookings, found that although food hygiene and safety were of concern for 37% of people, only 6% said that they actively consider the food hygiene rating when deciding where to eat. Other priorities included:

· Quality/type of food (58%)

· Own experience of the place (32%)

· Location/convenience (23%)

· Good service (21%)

· Price (20%)

· Appearance (20%)

· Recommendation (19%)

Mark O’Neill, Senior Advisor, Local Authority Policy and Delivery, Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland said: “We are pleased to see that so many food businesses in Northern Ireland are already compliant with the Food Hygiene Rating Act, which came into operation in October, making it mandatory for food businesses to display their hygiene ratings. This means that around 90% of businesses should now be displaying hygiene information on a green and black sticker somewhere easy to spot outside of their premises. We expect that consumers will be pleased with this development as our recent survey showed that 95% of people in Northern Ireland believe that businesses should have to display their ratings, which now they do.

“We are now urging people to make the most of this new transparency by looking for these ratings and choosing restaurants which score three or above this Christmas. That way we can all play a part in improving food hygiene standards in Northern Ireland.”

No matter what the hygiene rating of the food business, they now have by law to display the rating sticker given by the district council following inspection. This can range from ‘5’ which means the food hygiene standards are very good, down to ‘0’ where urgent improvement is necessary. This instant and visible hygiene rating information will help people choose where to eat out in restaurants, pubs and cafes this Christmas. It will also provide guidance when shopping and buying food in supermarkets and other food shops as well as for hospitals, care homes and schools.

· It is now an offence for a food business not to display their sticker in a position where it can be readily seen and easily read before entering the premises and the district council will take enforcement action where businesses do not comply.

· The Act means that the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is now mandatory, and replaces the voluntary scheme run since the end of 2011 by district councils and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

· The food business operator or relevant member of staff must, on being requested to do so, orally inform that person making the request of the establishment’s food hygiene rating.

· In addition to looking out for the green and black stickers on display outside the premises it is also quick and easy to check a restaurant’s food hygiene rating online – just go to the FSA website: www.food.gov.uk/ratings<http://www.food.gov.uk/ratings>. Ideally consumers should be looking for establishments which score three or above.

· When any food business is inspected by a food safety officer from the district council they are checked and assessed on how the business meets the requirements set down in food hygiene regulations This comprises three elements:

· hygiene – how the food is prepared, cooked, reheated , cooled and stored

· the condition of the structure of the buildings – including the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities

· how food safety within the business is managed and how the business records what it does to make food safe.

Findings from each of these elements are taken together and result in the food hygiene rating given. A low rating means that there are serious failings.

The food safety officer will provide a detailed report to the food business and will work with them to ensure that action is taken to correct standards.

· Anyone who has a concern about food hygiene standards of any business should contact the food safety team or the environmental health department at their district council or can report the problem online at food.gov.uk/enforcement /report –problem.

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[i] Food Hygiene Rating Scheme – Biannual Consumer Attitudes Tracker (Wave 4), 14 November 2016 https://www.food.gov.uk/science/research-reports/ssresearch/foodsafetyss/fs244011w4

[ii] NISRA estimates the population of Northern Ireland is 1.86 million. Research by the FSA identified that each person is likely to eat 2.3 festive meals (Online poll of 250 adults in Northern Ireland, conducted by Censuswide (October 2014) on behalf of the Food Standards Agency). 1,860,000 multiplied by 2.3 is 4,278,000 https://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2014/13198/look-before-you-book

Food Standards Agency (FSA)

For the latest food news and information visit www.food.gov.uk

 

The Friendship Four Games

So awesome to be at the SSE Arena to watch the 3/4 place play off between University of Massachusetts  and  St Lawrence University in the Friendship Four Games Thanksgiving Series.

We are in an awesome suite with a fabulous view with great Pelican Rouge coffee and a fine menu to be served. But first the hockey!!

The final is this evening between Quinnipiac University and The University of Vermont.

This is the home of The Belfast Giants!!

Vote for NI signature dish

VOTING OPENS TO NAME NORTHERN IRELAND’S NEW SIGNATURE DISH

Have your say in what is being hailed as ‘the tastiest vote in NI’

 

Tourism NI has tasked four of Northern Ireland’s top chefs to create three brand new locally-inspired dishes, one of which will be named as Northern Ireland’s New Signature Dish, via public vote.

 

Northern Ireland’s New Signature Dishsearch is part of the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 celebrations and the four creative minds taking part, referred to as the ‘cooking collective’, are Niall McKenna from James Street South in Belfast; Ian Orr from Browns Restaurant and Ardtara House in Derry~Londonderry; Kelan McMichael from Bull and Ram in Ballynahinch and Chris McGowan from Wine and Brine in County Armagh.

 

Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing, Tourism Northern Ireland, said:  “We want to create a lasting food legacy as part of the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 to live on long after the year-long celebration is over and that is what the Signature Dish is all about.

 

“The three dishes prepared by the ‘cooking collective’ are completely new to the dining scene in Northern Ireland and are made from only the best of our local produce.  While the Born and Braised, Buttermilked Lamb and Jowled Eel dishes are of restaurant quality the recipes are available on the Discover Northern Ireland website and can easily be cooked, adapted and enjoyed at the dinner table at home.

 

“We all have an opinion on food and have strong feelings when it comes to what we like and what we don’t like and now that the chefs have created the three dishes they think could be Northern Ireland’s new signature dish it is over to the public to tell us what they think. I’m encouraging everyone to log on to the Discover Northern Ireland website and cast their vote for Northern Ireland’s new signature dish and tell us who you voted for and why over on the Discover NI Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page. 

 

“Voting closes on the December 8^th and the winning dish, as voted for by the public, will be announced at a special unveiling event at St George’s Market on December 10^th where the ‘cooking collective’ chefs will be hosting a cookery demo before the grand unveiling”, concluded Naomi.

 

Ian Orr, Browns Restaurant and Ardtara Country House Hotel, said: "I love experimenting with local produce and wanted to create finalist dishes with the rest of the ‘cooking collective’ that would showcase the best of what's available in the Northern Ireland larder.  I am really pleased with the results and I’m looking forward to seeing what the public chooses as Northern Ireland's new signature dish."

 

Chris McGowan, Wine and Brine, said:  “Coming up with three potential signature dishes has be an amazing experience for the ‘cooking collective’.  We have taken quite a journey through Northern Ireland food and drink during our research and have even more admiration for them and the work they do.  The diversity and quality of produce available across Northern Ireland is astounding and we have showcased just some of it in our three finalist dishes.  I’d like to wish the public the best of luck in choosing their winning dish – it won’t be easy - and remember to support local producers.”

 

Kelan McMichael, Bull and Ram, said:  “We chose the final three dishes because they bring together the very best local produce we have on offer but also because the ingredients are affordable and accessible for people to buy in their local butchers, deli's and shops.  All the ingredients chosen work really well together, are easy to cook and the flavours are harmonious so whatever dish wins we hope everyone in Northern Ireland enjoys trying them out at home for their loved ones.”

 

Niall McKenna, James Street South Restaurant Group, said:  “We decided that these three dishes best represent Northern Ireland on a plate as each dish is packed full of flavour and made with the highest quality local produce. We also really liked the fact that there were a few curve balls thrown in there when it came to ingredients or techniques, and we enjoyed those little surprises and examples of thinking outside the box. This is what is helping make Northern Ireland a global destination for food lovers.

 

“All three dishes really embody a taste of Northern Ireland and are stellar examples of the quality, flavour, value and diversity of the amazing produce we have on our doorsteps, and all the ingredients are widely available making each dish accessible to everyone across the country.”, concluded Niall.

 

Have your say on Northern Ireland’s New Signature Dish.  Let Tourism Northern Ireland know which of the three dishes is your favourite by logging on to,www.discovernorthernireland.com and sharing your thoughts on the Discover NI Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages with the hashtag, #SignatureDishNI.

 

Competition incentive - Vote for your favourite and you could win a Belfast break for two, including two nights B&B in the 4* Radisson Blu and a food tour with Taste and Tour.  Join the conversation online with #SignatureDishNI.

 

All ingredients used in the dishes have been sourced from Northern Ireland food and drink producers and suppliers.  Comber Early Potatoes currently not in season and wild garlic, usually available from late January onwards, must be washed before use.