It wouldn't be right to celebrate my 25th birthday without an abundance of fantastic food. So, naturally, when 24th May came around, I ate my way around Bristol. I should probably mention now that actually, birthday celebrations begin at least one week before, and can last up to one week after, the day itself. Because why the heck not?
Souk Kitchen - Clifton
First up was Souk Kitchen. I invited my closest, bestest friends to eat my favourite meal (brunch) at one of my favourite restaurants, Souk Kitchen. I should definitely eat here more often; it's like Comptoir Libanais but 10000x better (not a chain) but for some reason I forget about it. I won't from now on, though, that's for sure.
I stuffed my face with the garlic and coriander field mushrooms on sourdough,
wilted spinach, fried duck egg, pumpkin seed
dukkah, tarragon and preserved lemon butter. It was pretty much the best thing I've ever eaten.
Lido – Clifton
On my birthday I booked the morning off work. The weather was beautiful; I really couldn't have asked for anything more than a slow start at home followed by breakfast at the Lido. Here I enjoyed a Portuguese tart to start (yes, starters are for breakfast, too), followed by smoked salmon and cream cheese on sourdough and a black coffee. I watched regular swimmers retreat to the bar after their morning dip for eggs and coffee, and I daydreamed about the day when I too would do the same.
Cupp – Central
Best thing to drink on a hot (birth)day? Cupp bubble tea, obvs. I always have the peach iced green tea with passionfruit bubbles and it never disappoints. I sat in the park and soaked up the last hour of my morning before heading to work for cake and presents.
Chomp – St Nick's
This is the year of steak discovery. I've toyed with the idea of veganism but after visiting Chomp it's safe to say it's just never going to happen. I'm making my way around the cuts – fillet has been my favourite so far, but the flat iron at Chomp was delectable. Cooked medium rare and served with fries and peppercorn sauce, this was an outstanding birthday meal. Would recommend.
Swoon – Park St
The best ice cream in all the land! Even my Italian housemates say so. I love Swoon's unique flavours – chocolate sorbet is a firm favourite – but on my birthday I had an extra large helping of their peach variety. Soooo good, even when you think you can't eat another bite after dinner.
Brozen – St Nick's
More ice cream, because it's my bday! I'm a sucker for a good gimmick, and my first experience with liquid nitrogen ice cream was great – check out my review of Cardiff's Science Cream. I was SO excited, then, when I found out about Brozen in St Nick's market. A very friendly man made me a chocolate orange baby right in front of my eyes; from the little milk bottle in the fridge to the kitchen aid with a few magical puffs of liquid nitrogen, ice cream was presented in a cone to me, and it was delicious.
Anna – Clifton
If you follow me on Instagram you'll already know how much I harp on about Anna, but it's justified. Anna is such a treasure and even more so when there's something to celebrate. From left to right – passionfruit & coconut, red velvet cheesecake, chocolate, orange & carrot and another passionfruit & coconut because that's the best best best one.
Bar Buvette – St Nick's
Cheese board, charcuterie, asparagus and a grilled cheese sandwich in a peaceful French restaurant on a Saturday afternoon. It was so quiet, but I preferred it that way. Everything was excellent; the waiter with his tiny glasses and striped top, the presentation and taste of the food. I can't say any more – just go and see for yourself.
In between all of the above I ate Rococo rose and violet creams, pink cupcakes and chocolate and violet birthday cake. Decadent? Yes, but you only turn 25 once.
