When choosing where to eat breakfast on a Sunday morning, I often lean towards The Tavern Company, with the choice of pancakes, and never ending refills of tea and coffee throughout the course of the meal. However, on this occasion, I decided to break from this dangerously tasty habit, and instead, try a new eatery.
Pistachio is excellently located at the end of Lark Lane, just a stones throw from the beautiful surroundings of Sefton Park. Choosing a window seat was an inspired idea, as the characters frequenting the vicinity - especially before midday - are eclectic to say the least, and one of my most favourite activities in the world is people watching. This past time kept me entertained while waiting for my vegetarian breakfast. My bleary eyes were nudged slightly by the coffee provided with my meal - however, it was only one cup, which disappointed me a little. I suppose that I have been spoiled a little bit by Tavern Company's ridiculously amazing service!
I was pleasantly surprised when our breakfasts arrived, to see that the vegetarian breakfast is twice as big as the (meat) English breakfast, for the same price. The food was lovely, and the service was fast, and friendly. The price does not break the bank, and the decor is inviting and comfortable. Pancakes are available on the menu, in the "American" breakfast, but sadly, this is the only breakfast on the menu to come with mini potatoes instead of hash browns.
I feel to fully experience this restaurant, I should possibly come for another meal besides breakfast, as I'm sure it has a lot more to offer, and I feel that my unfair comparisons to The Tavern are making Pistachio seem second best. I sincerely look forward to visiting again!
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Sunday, 4 September 2011
New Beginnings, Williamson Street
Having such a busy schedule of late, there have been loads of places that I have been dying to visit, but one that I just needed to make room for was "New Beginnings" on Williamson Street, Liverpool City Centre. Being a massive fan of the independent businesses in The Gostin Building, I was initially worried for the fate that would befall them, after I heard rumours that they would be relocating. In their new location, (just next to Slaters) I'm sure that much more passing trade is attracted, and people who are actively seeking out the small independent shops will be able to find them much more easily.
I was happy to see that the shops are laid out in such a way that you could wander quite freely, while taking everything in (which was exactly what I wanted to do!) The staff were lovely, and as I was looking for a present for a friend, offered help and advice, as to which of their products could fit the bill. Candi Bambino is a cosmetics boutique, selling top brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, Calvin Klein, and many more. The only difference from any other cosmetics boutique is, that their items are reduced greatly, sometimes up to 50%. Personally, It also makes you feel good to know that your money is going to an independent business, as opposed to an evil, corporate chain store.
The next shop that I visited was Moo Kow Army, which is my personal favourite. It stocks handmade jewellery for every occasion, and has fun, cute and quirky items, as well as Gothic and classy jewellery. Cartoon characters, and video games are a theme to some of the items, and there is also an option to have items specially commissioned for yourself, and this, I think, is the most exciting part! Gift boxes are available, and the prices of everything are really affordable. It is the perfect place to find an original gift for a friend, or to find a statement piece of jewellery for yourself, that you know everybody will ask about!
There is another shop to the ground floor. called Dragon Indulgence, which sells a whole host of incense, candles, and a variety of ethically sources fair trade items for your mind, body and soul. This includes vegan chocolate, ritualistic items, and beautiful dream catchers, along with other decorations and jewellery. I am also told that the cafe upstairs "Decafe" is amazing, however, I didn't have time to visit on that occasion, but I will put it on my "to do" list!
I am glad that these lovely shops will be making more business now, in their new location, however, I did like having my own secret place to buy jewellery and make up form, and I'm a little bit (selfishly) worried now, that everyone will have all of the same things as me! I think I will have to get thinking about some commissioned jewellery to order!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4rYaLBUpLA&ob=av2e
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Candi-Bambino/155825127784583
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Indulgence/116171801729989?sk=wall
I was happy to see that the shops are laid out in such a way that you could wander quite freely, while taking everything in (which was exactly what I wanted to do!) The staff were lovely, and as I was looking for a present for a friend, offered help and advice, as to which of their products could fit the bill. Candi Bambino is a cosmetics boutique, selling top brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, Calvin Klein, and many more. The only difference from any other cosmetics boutique is, that their items are reduced greatly, sometimes up to 50%. Personally, It also makes you feel good to know that your money is going to an independent business, as opposed to an evil, corporate chain store.
The next shop that I visited was Moo Kow Army, which is my personal favourite. It stocks handmade jewellery for every occasion, and has fun, cute and quirky items, as well as Gothic and classy jewellery. Cartoon characters, and video games are a theme to some of the items, and there is also an option to have items specially commissioned for yourself, and this, I think, is the most exciting part! Gift boxes are available, and the prices of everything are really affordable. It is the perfect place to find an original gift for a friend, or to find a statement piece of jewellery for yourself, that you know everybody will ask about!
There is another shop to the ground floor. called Dragon Indulgence, which sells a whole host of incense, candles, and a variety of ethically sources fair trade items for your mind, body and soul. This includes vegan chocolate, ritualistic items, and beautiful dream catchers, along with other decorations and jewellery. I am also told that the cafe upstairs "Decafe" is amazing, however, I didn't have time to visit on that occasion, but I will put it on my "to do" list!
I am glad that these lovely shops will be making more business now, in their new location, however, I did like having my own secret place to buy jewellery and make up form, and I'm a little bit (selfishly) worried now, that everyone will have all of the same things as me! I think I will have to get thinking about some commissioned jewellery to order!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4rYaLBUpLA&ob=av2e
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Candi-Bambino/155825127784583
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Indulgence/116171801729989?sk=wall
Ei8ght, Allerton Road
I had always assumed that Ei8ght was too expensive and pretentious for me, but after hearing that they offered two courses fro £8.95, even on Friday evenings, I thought it was about time that I checked it out. I booked a table for 7:30, thinking myself a little bit silly for doing this. Surely at half past seven on a Friday evening everyone would still be getting ready to go out, not sitting down for a meal! When we arrived, I noted the ground floor bar was busy, with music playing, and people drinking and chatting. The atmosphere was good, and I saw a posted advertising live music every Sunday.
Up the stairs in the restaurant, there was only one free table - the one that we had booked. Everyone must have wanted in on the offer! The decor was classic, with quirky twists. Bare brick walls looked contemporary, and candles and Moroccan lanterns gave a romantic edge. The staff seemed friendly, and were quick to take and deliver our drinks orders. However, we waited a little too long to order our food, eventually having to get the waiter's attention in order to let him know what we would like. The starters also took so long to arrive, that a member of staff must have noticed our expressions, and rushed over to assure us that our food would be with us soon.
When they arrived, the starters were satisfying to say the least, and we both enjoyed them thouroughly. As a vegetarian, I had an option of about two dishes to start, and three for the main course, which is a good selection compared to other places. Our starter plates were cleared away quickly, but it was then another longer than average wait for our main courses. During this time, although our drinks were running low, we weren't asked if we would like to order more.
Our main courses, once they arrived were delicious. Since I had paid for a meal-deal type service, I had in some way expected a very average meal, however, the food was hot and tasty. The staff were obviously friendly, but the service, on the evening that I had decided to visit, was sadly not up to scratch. I would recommend this restaurant, however, I would hope that the service would be better upon returning, and that this was just a one off. I would have like to have stayed for dessert, however, having waited so long for the other courses, I feared for my sanity, and decided to head to the Tesco over the road, for some ice cream!
Bottom line - lovely decor, friendly staff, good choice and quality of food, excellent price, but sadly, waiting times were too long for my liking.
http://ei8ht-restaurant.com/
Up the stairs in the restaurant, there was only one free table - the one that we had booked. Everyone must have wanted in on the offer! The decor was classic, with quirky twists. Bare brick walls looked contemporary, and candles and Moroccan lanterns gave a romantic edge. The staff seemed friendly, and were quick to take and deliver our drinks orders. However, we waited a little too long to order our food, eventually having to get the waiter's attention in order to let him know what we would like. The starters also took so long to arrive, that a member of staff must have noticed our expressions, and rushed over to assure us that our food would be with us soon.
When they arrived, the starters were satisfying to say the least, and we both enjoyed them thouroughly. As a vegetarian, I had an option of about two dishes to start, and three for the main course, which is a good selection compared to other places. Our starter plates were cleared away quickly, but it was then another longer than average wait for our main courses. During this time, although our drinks were running low, we weren't asked if we would like to order more.
Our main courses, once they arrived were delicious. Since I had paid for a meal-deal type service, I had in some way expected a very average meal, however, the food was hot and tasty. The staff were obviously friendly, but the service, on the evening that I had decided to visit, was sadly not up to scratch. I would recommend this restaurant, however, I would hope that the service would be better upon returning, and that this was just a one off. I would have like to have stayed for dessert, however, having waited so long for the other courses, I feared for my sanity, and decided to head to the Tesco over the road, for some ice cream!
Bottom line - lovely decor, friendly staff, good choice and quality of food, excellent price, but sadly, waiting times were too long for my liking.
http://ei8ht-restaurant.com/
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