Review by Sarah Cox @coxys_kitchen
Eat Leeds – With one of the UK’s most diverse food cultures, Leeds is now one of the hottest food destinations and home to some of the most fresh and innovative eateries.
Eat Leeds is part of the Visit Leeds campaign to welcome visitors to the city, its surrounding areas and to champion the Leeds hospitality industry.
Each Summer, foodies have the chance to sample a selection of specially crafted menus from Leeds’ participating restaurants offering 2 or 3 courses for £10, £15 or £20, plus free children’s meals, between Sundays and Wednesdays.
Coxy’s Kitchen was recently invited to take part in the Eat Leeds Food Trail, which saw a selection of local foodies touring and testing delicious cuisines at some of Eat Leeds’ participating restaurants.
Tour Stop #1: Starters at Tharavadu
Tharavadu was the first authentic Kerala restaurant in Leeds. Since opening its doors in 2015, Tharavadu has held on to its spot as Leeds’ No.1 Indian restaurant. Within the first week of opening it was entered into the top ‘10 restaurants in Leeds,’ on TripAdvisor.
Tharavadu is as authentic as you can get. The chefs were born and brought up in Kerala and have numerous years of experience in this traditional way of cooking. There is no compromise on the quality of the food, or the flavour.
The Ambience:
Authentic; Traditional; Relaxed dining. This place is about the food.
The Food:
One word… Superb!
Our starters included:
- Chilli Paneer – Spiced Indian cheese
- Kidilan Kozhi – Chicken cooked in freshly ground spices
- Thakarppan Kozhi – Marinated chicken
- Kidilan Erachi – Slow cooked lamb
- Padipura Mix Seafood
- Masala Dosa – Pancake made from rice batter and lentils
Get these dishes on the Eat Leeds Menu – 2 courses for £10
Tour Stop #2: Starters at Chaophraya Leeds
Founded in 2004 by partners in life and business, Khun Kim and Martin, Chaophraya Leeds was the first of the Chaophraya restaurants to open.
Khun Kim’s love for cooking started in a village in the Sukhothai province in Thailand where she grew up. After meeting Martin in 1997, the couple moved to Leeds, Martin’s hometown and the location of their first restaurant.
The setting may have changed, but the passion and soul behind the concept is as strong as ever. Their goal is to deliver a taste of Thailand, experienced through the food and flavours of Thai culture.
The Ambience:
Adorned with tokens of Thai culture, it’s glitzy but unpretentious.
The Food:
As you would expect, full of fragrant Southeast Asian flavours.
Our starters included:
- Moo Ping – Marinated Pork Skewers With a tamarind chilli sauce
- Por Pia – Spring Rolls – Chicken or Vegetable With a sweet chilli sauce
- Taco – Chicken or vegetable in a red curry and coconut milk sauce, served on soft tacos
- Tord Man Khao Pohd – Sweetcorn Cakes Deep-fried with red curry and kaffir lime leaf served with sweet chilli sauce
- Goong Choop Pang Tod Tempura – Prawn or vegetable with a sweet chilli sauce
Get these dishes on the Eat Leeds Menu – 2 courses for £13 or 3 courses for £15
Tour Stop #3: Mains at Bibis Italianissimo
Bibis Italianissimo’s reputation spans back as far as 1974 when it first opened its doors on Mill Hill. Since then it has become somewhat of a Leeds institution. After relocating to Criterion Place in 2004, Bibis transformed itself into a stunning 1920’s, art deco influenced entertainment venue, offering classic Italian cuisine, cocktails and live music.
The Ambience:
1920’s opulence. This is place to get dressed up and be seen.
The Food:
Classic Italian dishes, some of which have been adapted to suit the British palate.
We chose from one of the following mains:
- Linguine alla Carbonara – Crispy Smoked Pancetta Bacon, Cream, Egg Yolks, Parmesan Cheese & Black Pepper
- Pizza Regina Margherita – Pomodoro & Fior Di Latte Mozzarella with Basil
- Tortellini Bolognese – Filled with Beef, Bolognese Ragout & Parmesan
- Pizza Americana – Pomodoro, Mozzarella, Pepperoni Sausage, Red Onions, Jalapeno Peppers, Sun Dried Tomatoes & Chilli Olive Oil
- Penne Bufalina – San Marzano Tomatoes, Oregano & Buffalo Mozzarella
- Insalata di Supercereali – Quinoa, Barley, Spelt & Seeds with Mango, Lime & Olive Oil Dressing
Get these dishes on the Eat Leeds Menu – 2 courses for £15
Tour Stop #4: Desserts at Neighbourhood Leeds
With locations in Leeds and Liverpool, Neighbourhood is a New York inspired, vibrant dining restaurant and bar.
Neighbourhood is an all day destination offering a globally inspired sharing menu, designed to be paired with trendsetting cocktails, before transforming itself into one of the North’s hottest party venues by night.
The Ambience:
Quirky décor and neon signs. This is a place to party.
The Food:
A dessert lovers dream. Fun desserts, presented with pizzazz
Our desserts included:
- Lemon & Lime Sherbet Cheesecake
- Caramel Banana Cake
- NHBD Sundae
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltdown
Get these desserts on the Eat Leeds Menu – 2 courses for £20
Eat Leeds Summer 2021 is on from 28th June to 25th August.
About Coxy’s Kitchen
Coxy’s Kitchen provides dinner party and private dining service throughout Yorkshire. With lockdown finally over it’s time to start planning those long overdue catch-ups. Why not let Coxy’s Kitchen cook your next dinner party leaving you quality time to spend with friends and family. To make an enquiry or for an initial consultation, please email [email protected]
