Thursday - Primos and The Maven with Hunter Pig

Hunter Pig and I used to meet on Wednesdays for a cosy cinema trip, but in recent times we have moved to a bite to eat followed by booze - I think I prefer this arrangement. I am always on the look out for a food bargain, so on Thursday we decided to hit Primo's Gourmet Hotdogs for the Dog Pound deal - buy one full price hot dog and drink to receive another hot dog for just £1.

When we got to the Corn Exchange at 7.30ish Primos was pretty quiet, but I imagine is is quite the hub of activity in the day time. This didn't bother us one bit - the dogs were stacked high, the beer was cold and the bill really good value. 8/10.

My Picante. Bratwurst sausage topped with Primo’s chilli, Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon and jalapeños

We are cocktail fans, and after some aimless wandering up and down the calls we arrived at our next destination - The Maven. This isn't too surprising as it's a well kept secret when you could walk past for months and not notice its even there....we both loved it.

It's prohibition in style, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Ok, so what I saved on hotdogs I spent on cocktails but when they are this good I am more than happy to pay a premium.  We had three each; I can't remember the names of the first two but one of them was a spectacular! - see below....Hunter Pig and I both agreed that the third was the most delicious Amaretto Sour that we have ever tasted. If it hasn't been a school night there is no doubt that we would have spend the night propping up the bar until 4am (the weekend closing time). 10/10

Fire cocktail

Hunter in 2008....I am on the camera!

Tuesday - Pepper Turkey and Sir-Fried Stuff

Those who know me know I love meat in breadcrumbs, and when Jo and I had our customary dinner conversation on the way home she explained she was going to pan fry turkey but not use the panko breadcrumbs that we have in the cupboard...WHAT?!?!?!?! I said.....no breadcrumbs!!

Luckily for Jo, the food was delicious and I didn't miss the breadcrumbs - she can cook for me again.

Peppered Turkey and Stir-Fry Vegetables

Monday at Pinche Pinche - 9/10

On Monday the rather delightful team at Pinche Pinche in Chapel Allerton invited us to come and sample their new menu.  Pinche Pinche is owned by Simon Heath, Yorkshire born and bred but smitten by all things Mexican.  He spent a year living and working there and has made it his mission to open our eyes to the delights of Mexican street cuisine.

Now as you may have gathered, I love a good spice fest - the more scoville units the better as far as I'm concerned.  But Mexican food is about so much more than the chilli - its about balancing flavours of lime, coriander, oregano, cinnamon, and chilli of course, amongst many others, to really aliven your taste buds.  And if that hasn't already made you hungry, I promise the food at Pinche Pinche will.

As it was a menu launch, we tried a range of dishes to get a full flavour (boom boom) of the food on offer.  We were also treated to some lovely wine and some rather special tequilas.  That's the thing: the food at Pinche Pinche may be good but the drinks are pretty special.  They have the same number of tequilas and mezcal available as the average restaurant wine list, as well as specialist beers and tasty wine.

I won't take you through every dish, save to say that I really enjoyed them all.   Some were things that I would not ordinarily have picked out for myself, for example the duck fajitas, but I would be more than happy to eat them again.  I loved the guacamole, made with Haas avocados and an expert balance of seasoning to make the most of that beautiful fruit.  In my experience, guacamole can be lacklustre at best, and vile at worst, so if you have any doubts, this is the one to make you happy again. I was also very impressed with the ceviche (haddock in orange and lime juices with lots of coriander) while the beef tortilla put a proper smile on my face.

Joe's favourite was the duck fajitas (do not think Old El Paso - think citrus and coriander, served with piquante salsas), and he too was a big fan of the beef tortilla.  Overall, we were treated to some truly fantastic dishes, including some great desserts.  Pinche Pinche had restored my love of churros (light, crispy with some very nice caramel sauce).  We will definitely be going back.

guacamole

ceviche

Mushroom and blackbean

Those tasty beef tortillas

Mexican prawn cocktail (also very tasty!)

Quesadillas

Joe's favourite - the duck fajitas

Pinche Pinche is also open from 8.30 and do some really cool breakfasts.  Joe and I will be popping in at some point soon for Mexican breakfast tacos and heuvos rancheros.

Me having one of those tasty tequilas

Joe also enjoying a sip (!) of tequila!

Me and our charming host, Simon.  Many thanks for the invite!