Yearly Archives: 2012

Review: Frankie & Benny’s new Cocktail Menu

14th November 2012

What seems like forever ago now I was invited along to review the new cocktail menu at Frankie & Benny’s, famed more for it’s American-Italian food than extensive drinks menu.

I put it off and put if off (I wanted to do it, but meals out are still a big deal to me) and eventually go together a small group of my girl-friends booked a table and prepared to enjoy!

As with the best laid plans it didn’t quite happen. The date we booked ended up being the week I was housebound with my foot, thankfully my lovely friends Trudi and Louise were willing to go along without me and enjoy some dinner and drinks and report back!

The choice of venue was the Cribbs Causeway F&B who were brilliant from the word go, super helpful and friendly when I phoned them to book and they accepted the vouchers I was sent with no fuss at all. Trudi commented that although the restaurant was busy there was a nice atmosphere and the staff were incredibly friendly.

The cocktail menu really was extensive with a few non-alcoholic versions for drivers/children/those who don’t drink.
The new cocktail menu includes firm classics such as the Cosmopolitan and Mojito, along with new favourites such as Espresso Martinis and Appletinis so hopefully there is something for everyone!

Prices were reasonable, £2.95 for the non-alcoholic drinks, £5.95 for most of the alcohol containing cocktails and there was the option of 2 or 4 person pitchers too.

The first drinks my girls tried were the Strawberry Daquari and Strawberry Shortcake from the frozen range, as pictured above. Apparently the Strawberry Shortcake was like an alcoholic, slightly nutty milkshake which sounds pretty damn awesome to me!
The second round of drinks was a non-alcoholic fruit punch which had a hint of almond in it too. Ever the traveller, Louise said this reminded her of the fruit punch she had in St Lucia! The Bramble which I believe they chose in my honour as it’s right up my street contained gin, lemon, sugar and chambord. I’m amazed they didn’t sneak me some home!

All in all the girls were really impressed. It should be noted that they both commented on how the food exceeded expectations too and each had a delicious looking main course and dessert to help soak up those drinks.

Thank you to Trudi and Louise for doing this review for me,
and thank you for Frankie & Benny’s for the awesome time. I think we’ll be going back, when I can safely drink again without fear of further accidents!

xxx

P.S. for something fun:

What does your cocktail choice say about you?

Mojito
Ladies who can’t resist a bit of spice will love this cool Cuban cocktail.  Made with fresh lime, mint and sugar, plus a generous splash of Bacardi rum, a mojito drinker is sure to be the first on the dance floor, ready to spice up any night.
Appletini
This fun and flirty drink is perfect for ladies who just want to have fun.  Packed with Eristoff vodka, pressed apple juice and gingerbread syrup, this delightful drink is sure to get the party started. 
Cosmopolitan
A sexy and sassy cosmopolitan is a great choice for those who like to keep it classic.  This zingy and zesty drink comprises vodka, triple sec and cranberry juice creating a cool and crisp taste.  Cosmo ladies love a bit of city glamour and always paint the town pink.
Classic Sour
For ladies who like to be adventurous, this quirky cocktail is available with Jack Daniels, Amaretto or Midori. Finished with fresh lemon juice and egg whites for added smoothness, the drink is topped off with sugar to taste.  It’s the ideal choice for someone who likes to stand out from the crowd.
Espresso Martini
This rich and sumptuous drink is ideal for ladies looking for a classic cocktail with a twist.  Fresh espresso teamed with vodka and a coffee liqueur offers an instant caffeine hit, a brilliant blend for any modern lady in need of a pick-me-up!
Gentle Breeze
A delicious non-alcoholic cocktail for those who like to behave rather than rave!  This drink combines a delicious blend of apple juice, cranberry and citrus juices and is served over ice, offering the designated driver something delightful to sip on.
Bramble
For ladies with a mysterious edge, this deliciously dark cocktail is a tasty mix of Bombay Sapphire gin and black raspberry liqueur.  An added kick of fresh lemon means this drink really packs a punch.

Posted in food, review

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return of the tights

14th November 2012

A couple of years ago tights were “my thing” and I always had a new and fabulous pair to share. Lately my collection has gone a little unloved (I still have around 100 pairs) due to a halt in my confidence and lack of motivation. An anonymous comment the other day mourning the lack of tights (sarcasm?) made me have a root through my drawer and I dug out these beauts which best friend bought me in Matalan last year. Paired with a realllly old Primark jumper dress this was what I wore for a lazy Sunday spent mainly feeling sorry for myself + coffee with my delightful Ellie friend. Shoe wise I went for those Blink boots from Sarenza that are starting to look a little worse for wear after my awkward attempts at walking, thankfully they are one of those styles that can stand being a bit beaten up. I cannot wait to wear proper, pretty shoes again, I have two brand new pairs waiting to be worn!

After yesterday’s post involving tights a lovely twitter follower pointed out these wonderful penguin ones which promptly became a 7am purchase before work,

I think the tights fiend is back! What are the best pair you’ve seen lately? Do you have a “thing?”

Off for my 7:15am start at work now, happy mid-week!

xxx

Posted in outfits, tights

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Birds + Bees

13th November 2012

Just a quick little outfit post today; dug out this summer bee print dress from Dorothy Perkins and made is season appropriate with my lace type top from C&A, I wish I had picked up more of these when I was in Holland- they were under a tenner each and are so comfortable and versatile.

Starting to get back in to fun tights again, this pair are flock cut out detail and were from Tesco some time back. I didn’t want to draw attention to my expanding legs, but meh…gonna learn to love them and flaunt them whatever; bring back the tights fun! I still have around 100 pairs but plan to cull them soon and then buy some pretty awesome new ones. I quite fancy a festive themed pair if anyone has seen any at a reasonable price?
Finishing off the outfit is my Yull Chelsea boots which are undoubtedley my best buy ever. I’m finding I can branch out a little more with shoes and my foot, but heels are out of the question still, it’s really getting me down; not the shoes as such but the general pain and hassle of being on crutches and it feeling worse than ever after five weeks. Fingers crossed the physio has some answers on Thursday!

Right, must wrap this up and ger sorted for work. After the horror show that was yesterday afternoon I’m kind of dreading it!

How did your week start off?

xxx

Posted in outfits

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Zatchels x Hello Kitty

12th November 2012

A while ago I posted about Zatchels collaborating with Where’s Wally and I was pretty excited about that. Their latest pairing with none other than Hello Kitty literally saw me squealing with joy, especially when the news came with an invite to the press event. Sadly, thanks to the crutches I wasn’t able to make it up to London, but I still have information to share and images to drool over…

London born Hello Kitty teams up with British label Zatchels creating a series of high quality and fashionable leather bags. Lovingly handmade in the UK these bags are the ultimate accessory for every Hello Kitty fan and fashionista.

Part of the “Hello Kitty Loves UK Manufacturing” initiative for 2012 and beyond whereby Hello Kitty will continue to partner with prolific UK manufacturing fashion brands, supporting our home- grown brands and their role in the UK economy. Each hand crafted satchel and bag has a unique digitally printed finish, featuring a unique Hello Kitty design

Using custom made inks and state of the art equipment Zatchels have been able to print the bespoke Hello Kitty designs onto their signature satchels, barrel bags, and saddle bags without compromising the quality of the leather and originality of their hand crafted designs. Hello Kitty fans will be pleased to know that this collection of unique designs will launch in early November 2012 and will appeal to girls and women of all ages.

Collection prices:

Zatchels x Hello Kitty Barrel Bag: £55

Zatchels x Hello Kitty Saddle Bag: Small 23.5cm- £65  Large: 29.5cm £75

Zatchels x Hello Kitty Satchels: 11.5”- £110 13”- £120 14.5”- £130

The exclusive Zatchels x Hello Kitty Collections will be available online soon at www.zatchels.com and within selected retailers UK wide.

Aren’t they gorgeous? I am seriously tempted to treat myself to a saddle bag in the Black and White polka dot design…I feel in need of a reward for gaining my first whole stone towards my healthy life, over half way there now!

Which one would you go for?

xxx

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Sarenza Shoe of the Week

12th November 2012

Forget for a moment the Little Black Dress,  this week I’m all about the Little Black Shoe. It may look simple but the Bertie Accalia priced at a resonable £75 has the power to do it all. Pair it with a tea dress or heavy skirt + jumper combination for day and then dress it up with sequins and glitter for night, it might not look like the typical party shoe but the chunky heel and hidden platform will leave you dancing till dawn, and should you not make it home, then…hey you have your work shoe for the next day too. Cost per wear I’m pretty sure I could get this down to pennies in weeks (well, once I can wear such shoes again)
What do you think?
Would you like a “one pair does it all” kind of shoe? Or are you a “more is more” kind of girl. I know which category I tend to fall in, but I could be swayed, if I owned these I don’t think the rest of my collection would get a look in!

Posted in sarenza, shoes

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