Wednesday 30 July 2014

REVIEW: Burger Stop, Newcastle Quayside.

Some friends and I recently visited Burger Stop on the quayside. I had heard mixed reviews and was a little apprehensive at first but I decided to try out the place for myself. Looking back I remember there was a lot of build up to this new burger place opening. I remember being really excited for it to open but because it seemed to take ages to open I forgot all about it once their doors had opened! My friends had been before and really enjoyed it. One of them even went on to say that it was the best burger they had ever had.

 photo 0ae88d38-5d76-457b-82ce-eb30a462d981_zps84af1c12.jpg

The first thing that stood out to me when we walked in was the decor. I thought it was great. Really clean, cool and simple. Nothing can be branded as trying to hard in here and everything seems really effortlessly cool. The menu is simple and offers some great choices of burger. The chicken burger really stood out to me but I decided on 'The Big Cheese' in the end. I wanted to see how their cheeseburgers compared to the Fat Hippo.

We all got a burger each and orders two fries, slaw and brioche-crumbed chicken wings to share. The chicken wings were absolutely amazing. Thick, crunchy and juicy in the middle. They were truly the best thing off the menu by far. I would return purely to eat those wings again. 

 photo f144bb6b-c755-4247-bc4e-1391fdcda969_zps485832eb.jpg


The burgers were good. Personally I thought the patty was too thick but this is my personal taste. My friends like a thick patty and thought they were great! I usually like to see a thinner patty yet still pink in the middle. The meat itself was great. Lovely flavour - I can't fault that at all. One thing we all didn't seem to like was the sheer amount of oil which had soaked the bottom of the bun but this could easily be rectified if the chef drained some of the oil onto some kitchen paper before serving. It would make the world of difference. 

 photo 0655c778-799c-423e-8f66-3e33db3badea_zpsceeabc8b.jpg

As you can see the burgers don't come on a plate and they're served wrapped in paper. In hindsight could this have been why the bottom was soggy? Hmm... I would've preferred our burgers/sides to come on a small side plates/bowls. I know they have them because the chicken wings came on one! Perhaps I will ask for one when I visit again. I'm also slightly worried about the waste of using paper wrapping and pots all the time. I'm hoping that the papers and paper pots will be recycled but I can't see any mention of this on their site.

Would I go again? Yes, I want to try the chicken burger after having those gorgeous wings.

Comment below if you've been before. I'm interested in hearing peoples thoughts. 

Bryden x



Sunday 27 July 2014

Sloppy Joes Deli - Grainger Market, Newcastle.

Claire and I went along to the grand opening of Sloppy Joe's Deli in the Grainger Market recently to have a little look about and see what culinary delights they had to offer. Sloppy's offer a great selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks. Claire was particularly excited to see a packet of cheeseburger crisps and was literally lost for words when she saw them.

 photo e5a4a43b-7708-4497-b853-fa2cc2fd72a2_zps26618e28.jpg

 photo cac687c4-2e25-471f-8ea7-fff72a78567f_zpse5be8426.jpg

 photo 473af93d-5138-43b8-b309-42ef003edaf4_zps408a0fb4.jpg

 photo 22404373-a442-4352-9b2b-e5deda2d3f21_zps80ae02fb.jpg
Garlic and Breaded Chicken
The owner John explained to us that he was keen for the Grainger Market to be a stop for great food, where someone would drop in for lunch and would be a destination for fantastic quality food. He explained he has plans to convert another unit near Sloppy's into another eatery which would bring the ever popular street food feel to the strip.

 photo 50c5b59b-f473-4673-80d2-d2c5421349b5_zpscaa3ce5c.jpg
Smokey Joe Panini
 photo 11bcd88f-3dbd-44a2-bd58-1c537a63ad09_zps4c4e0d35.jpg

We sampled a few of the fillings that Sloppy's had to offer and each one of them were great. My personal favourite was the Smokey Joe panini. Claire particularly enjoyed the garlic chicken. The bread was great as well and is supplied by the wonderful French Oven (owned by his daughter!). Sloppy's have a few offers on at the moment so if you're in the area head over and pick up leaflet to take advantage of these. You won't be disappointed.

Bryden x