4,000 Mc Jobs
As Britain lurches into recession, the good news is that McDonald's is launching a recruitment drive to fill 4,000 new "McJobs" following strong UK growth.
Seemingly, despite government warnings about obesity and diet, McDonald's is serving an extra two million customers a month compared with last year.
I assume that people are eating more burgers etc, as a form of comfort food as the economic news worsens.
Showing posts with label fast food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fast food. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Fast Food Ban
Fast Food Ban
Planners in Los Angeles have imposed a moratorium on the opening of new fast food outlets of chains such as Burger King and KFC in South Los Angeles, in an attempt to encourage better eating habits among the area's mainly black and Hispanic population.
The full Los Angeles council is expected on Tuesday to approve the restrictions across the 32 square-mile area of the city, where fast food outlets make up 45% of restaurants.
The trouble is that fast food is only one part of the problem. Consumers need to take responsibility for how much they eat and what exercise they take. Additionally, the fast food outlets provide much needed employment in areas of poverty and deprivation.
This is not a cure all solution for the alleged obesity epidemic.
Planners in Los Angeles have imposed a moratorium on the opening of new fast food outlets of chains such as Burger King and KFC in South Los Angeles, in an attempt to encourage better eating habits among the area's mainly black and Hispanic population.
The full Los Angeles council is expected on Tuesday to approve the restrictions across the 32 square-mile area of the city, where fast food outlets make up 45% of restaurants.
The trouble is that fast food is only one part of the problem. Consumers need to take responsibility for how much they eat and what exercise they take. Additionally, the fast food outlets provide much needed employment in areas of poverty and deprivation.
This is not a cure all solution for the alleged obesity epidemic.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Scary Salads
Scary Salads
Seemingly you can take a fast food addict to salad, but you cannot make him eat it.
That at least is the conclusion of McDonald's, which have lost its core UK customers by putting a new range of healthy salads on its menu
The McDonald's UK chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, said that the chain intends to go back to basics by concentrating on burgers.
Mr Easterbrook said:
"In the past we have seemed somewhat apologetic about who and what we are, but you have to believe in the brand.
Our menu has evolved, and we now have a much broader range of salads and sandwiches. But we were alienating customers by pushing our salads."
People find salads boring, that's the trouble.
Seemingly you can take a fast food addict to salad, but you cannot make him eat it.
That at least is the conclusion of McDonald's, which have lost its core UK customers by putting a new range of healthy salads on its menu
The McDonald's UK chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, said that the chain intends to go back to basics by concentrating on burgers.
Mr Easterbrook said:
"In the past we have seemed somewhat apologetic about who and what we are, but you have to believe in the brand.
Our menu has evolved, and we now have a much broader range of salads and sandwiches. But we were alienating customers by pushing our salads."
People find salads boring, that's the trouble.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Burger Off!
Burger Off!
Proving yet again that the Olympics is about money and sponsorship, not about sport, the British Olympic Organising Committee have landed themselves in an embarrassing situation with regard to one of the sponsors (McDonald's) for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Green Party is demanding to know how McDonald's, the burger chain, fits in with promises to promote locally grown food. It should also be noted that the British government is currently conducting a very assertive healthy eating/anti obesity campaign in the UK, as such some people could argue that to associate itself with a promoter of fast food is a tad hypocritical.
The London organising committee, needless to say, are insisting that McDonald's would not have any exclusive control over catering and would be just one of a range of outlets supplying food.
Rather laughably McDonald's is the "official restaurant" (how on earth can anyone describe McDonald's as a restaurant?) of the Games, as a result of a long-term deal with the International Olympic Committee.
Money first, health and sport second!
Proving yet again that the Olympics is about money and sponsorship, not about sport, the British Olympic Organising Committee have landed themselves in an embarrassing situation with regard to one of the sponsors (McDonald's) for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Green Party is demanding to know how McDonald's, the burger chain, fits in with promises to promote locally grown food. It should also be noted that the British government is currently conducting a very assertive healthy eating/anti obesity campaign in the UK, as such some people could argue that to associate itself with a promoter of fast food is a tad hypocritical.
The London organising committee, needless to say, are insisting that McDonald's would not have any exclusive control over catering and would be just one of a range of outlets supplying food.
Rather laughably McDonald's is the "official restaurant" (how on earth can anyone describe McDonald's as a restaurant?) of the Games, as a result of a long-term deal with the International Olympic Committee.
Money first, health and sport second!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
McDonald's Closes
McDonald's Closes
Scourge of the healthy food lobby, McDonald's is closing around 25 of its "restaurants" across Britain after five years of falling sales.
Britain is the worst performing country in the McDonald's chain.
I doubt, given the number of other fast food establishments in Britain, that anyone will starve as a result of these closures.
Scourge of the healthy food lobby, McDonald's is closing around 25 of its "restaurants" across Britain after five years of falling sales.
Britain is the worst performing country in the McDonald's chain.
I doubt, given the number of other fast food establishments in Britain, that anyone will starve as a result of these closures.
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Dangers of Salads
The Dangers of Salads
Those of you who think that you are being virtuous by having a salad in a fast food establishment, may have to think again.
Tests by Which? of items bought at McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken, have revealed that three salads were the saltiest options on the menus.
Each contained over 3g of salt per salad portion, this is over half the recommended maximum daily intake of 6g.
Which? also noted that the websites of Burger King and KFC were inaccurate, in respect of their food's nutrition content.
The report noted that there was in fact 19g of saturated fat in a Burger King Whopper and regular fries, which was 6g more than the 13g stated on the company website.
A KFC Zinger Crunch salad had 6.7g of saturated fat, almost treble the 2.4g stated by KFC. The company told Which? that discrepancies could be due to "over portioning" at some stores.
Which? editor Malcolm Coles said:
"Don't assume that a salad is always a healthy option - you could be getting a large helping of fat and salt on the side. Although fast food companies now offer more choice, it's hard to know what you're really getting."
Burger King said in a statement that the company website gave "typical" nutrition figures, intended as a guide for customers.
Fluctuations in ingredients used by staff could lead to some variations, it said.
The lesson here is, that if you are in fast food place, stick to the fries, burgers and chicken; at least you will feel full.
Those of you who think that you are being virtuous by having a salad in a fast food establishment, may have to think again.
Tests by Which? of items bought at McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken, have revealed that three salads were the saltiest options on the menus.
Each contained over 3g of salt per salad portion, this is over half the recommended maximum daily intake of 6g.
Which? also noted that the websites of Burger King and KFC were inaccurate, in respect of their food's nutrition content.
The report noted that there was in fact 19g of saturated fat in a Burger King Whopper and regular fries, which was 6g more than the 13g stated on the company website.
A KFC Zinger Crunch salad had 6.7g of saturated fat, almost treble the 2.4g stated by KFC. The company told Which? that discrepancies could be due to "over portioning" at some stores.
Which? editor Malcolm Coles said:
"Don't assume that a salad is always a healthy option - you could be getting a large helping of fat and salt on the side. Although fast food companies now offer more choice, it's hard to know what you're really getting."
Burger King said in a statement that the company website gave "typical" nutrition figures, intended as a guide for customers.
Fluctuations in ingredients used by staff could lead to some variations, it said.
The lesson here is, that if you are in fast food place, stick to the fries, burgers and chicken; at least you will feel full.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Palm Beach Innovation
Palm Beach Innovation
Hats off to the authorities in Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County restaurants may soon be asked to put a notice on their menus, alerting diners that their latest health inspection reports are available on request.
That doesn't sound like a bad idea, why not implement it elsewhere around the world?
Most certainly, fast food establishments should be targeted.
Hats off to the authorities in Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County restaurants may soon be asked to put a notice on their menus, alerting diners that their latest health inspection reports are available on request.
That doesn't sound like a bad idea, why not implement it elsewhere around the world?
Most certainly, fast food establishments should be targeted.
Friday, September 16, 2005
BOGOFF
BOGOFF
For those of you unfamiliar with the expression, BOGOFF is short for "buy one, get one free".
This is frequently used by supermarkets and fast food chains, such as pizzarias, to market their products.
However, in Ohio, the use of this phrase has caused a legal despute between "Master Pizza" and "Pizza Pan".
"Master Pizza" has advertised many buy one, get one free specials. However, "Pizza Pan" restaurant chain are now disputing their right to use this phrase.
It seems that Pizza Pan has trademarked the slogan "Home of the Free Pizza" and, they say, the concept of buy one, get one free.
Now this dispute is heading for the Lorain County Common Pleas Court.
This phrase, as already noted, is widely used throughout the world.
I doubt that "Pizza Pan" have a leg to stand on.
For those of you unfamiliar with the expression, BOGOFF is short for "buy one, get one free".
This is frequently used by supermarkets and fast food chains, such as pizzarias, to market their products.
However, in Ohio, the use of this phrase has caused a legal despute between "Master Pizza" and "Pizza Pan".
"Master Pizza" has advertised many buy one, get one free specials. However, "Pizza Pan" restaurant chain are now disputing their right to use this phrase.
It seems that Pizza Pan has trademarked the slogan "Home of the Free Pizza" and, they say, the concept of buy one, get one free.
Now this dispute is heading for the Lorain County Common Pleas Court.
This phrase, as already noted, is widely used throughout the world.
I doubt that "Pizza Pan" have a leg to stand on.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Halal Burgers
Halal Burgers
Those of you visiting Paris, with a desire to eat a halal burger should pop into Beurger King Muslim (BKM).
This is a new fast food burger restaurant, opened in the northern suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois last month, catering for those who choose to eat halal.
The beef and chicken are halal, and there is also an imitation of bacon made from halal turkey meat.
Those of you visiting Paris, with a desire to eat a halal burger should pop into Beurger King Muslim (BKM).
This is a new fast food burger restaurant, opened in the northern suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois last month, catering for those who choose to eat halal.
The beef and chicken are halal, and there is also an imitation of bacon made from halal turkey meat.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Restaurant Strike
Restaurant Strike
Restaurants and bakeries in Dahka have begun a 2 day strike in the Bangladeshi capital, they are protesting at a government drive against sub-standard food.
The government campaign is targeting the vendors of unsafe food who are breaching safety standards.
However, the restaurants, fast food chains and bakeries say that the drive was punishing honest traders.
The campaign began two weeks ago, and has led to the jailing of some shop owners and fining of nearly 100 shops.
The campaign has been welcomed by consumer rights groups in Dhaka, who say that the restaurants often use unauthorised chemicals and colours in their food which are harmful and unsafe for human consumption.
Restaurants and bakeries in Dahka have begun a 2 day strike in the Bangladeshi capital, they are protesting at a government drive against sub-standard food.
The government campaign is targeting the vendors of unsafe food who are breaching safety standards.
However, the restaurants, fast food chains and bakeries say that the drive was punishing honest traders.
The campaign began two weeks ago, and has led to the jailing of some shop owners and fining of nearly 100 shops.
The campaign has been welcomed by consumer rights groups in Dhaka, who say that the restaurants often use unauthorised chemicals and colours in their food which are harmful and unsafe for human consumption.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Drink Licensing Shambles
Drink Licensing Shambles
The Federation of Small Businesses has said that the new system for licensing alcohol sales in the UK is a "shambles".
There are only six days to go until the August 6 deadline. However, 58% of the 180,000 licence-holders in England and Wales have not yet submitted renewal applications.
This means that over 100,000 businesses will miss the deadline, including; 30,000 restaurants and fast-food outlets, 26,000 hotels and guest houses and 6,500 shops.
Policy chairman John Walker said:
"The Licensing Minister may well be predicting that the new system will be seen favourably in a couple of years' time, but few businesses will forget that its introduction has been a shambles.
We have some sympathy with local authorities. The failure of businesses to renew their licences is a time-bomb of the Government's making, which we warned was set to explode this summer.
Ministers under-estimated the vast array of firms that come under the new regime, including many that make just a tiny proportion of their profits from alcohol.
They didn't listen when we told them that 26-page forms and a requirement to submit plans of premises were all right for national chains with in-house legal teams but not for independent traders."
This means that some areas may well face a dry Christmas.
You have been warned!
The Federation of Small Businesses has said that the new system for licensing alcohol sales in the UK is a "shambles".
There are only six days to go until the August 6 deadline. However, 58% of the 180,000 licence-holders in England and Wales have not yet submitted renewal applications.
This means that over 100,000 businesses will miss the deadline, including; 30,000 restaurants and fast-food outlets, 26,000 hotels and guest houses and 6,500 shops.
Policy chairman John Walker said:
"The Licensing Minister may well be predicting that the new system will be seen favourably in a couple of years' time, but few businesses will forget that its introduction has been a shambles.
We have some sympathy with local authorities. The failure of businesses to renew their licences is a time-bomb of the Government's making, which we warned was set to explode this summer.
Ministers under-estimated the vast array of firms that come under the new regime, including many that make just a tiny proportion of their profits from alcohol.
They didn't listen when we told them that 26-page forms and a requirement to submit plans of premises were all right for national chains with in-house legal teams but not for independent traders."
This means that some areas may well face a dry Christmas.
You have been warned!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Veggie Burgers
Veggie Burgers
Kellogg Co. said Tuesday its Morningstar Farms unit will make a vegetarian "burger". This veggie burger will be sold at Burger King restaurants in the United States.
Burger King is the only fast-food restaurant to offer a vegetarian burger nationally in the USA.
Fast-food restaurants have been increasingly offering more health-conscious menu options like salads and fruit.
McDonald's does sells a vegetarian burger in some places, but has not announced plans to expand it nationwide.
Burger King has approximately 7,700 mostly franchised restaurants in the United States.
Burger King also recently launched another new product in the USA, an Enormous Omelette Sandwich.
The sandwich has one sausage patty, two eggs, two American cheese slices and three strips of bacon.
The calories content of this gut buster works out at 730 calories and 47 grams of fat; this is more than a Whopper sandwich, which has 700 calories and 42 grams of fat.
Question, do Americans really need to add calories to their diet?
Kellogg Co. said Tuesday its Morningstar Farms unit will make a vegetarian "burger". This veggie burger will be sold at Burger King restaurants in the United States.
Burger King is the only fast-food restaurant to offer a vegetarian burger nationally in the USA.
Fast-food restaurants have been increasingly offering more health-conscious menu options like salads and fruit.
McDonald's does sells a vegetarian burger in some places, but has not announced plans to expand it nationwide.
Burger King has approximately 7,700 mostly franchised restaurants in the United States.
Burger King also recently launched another new product in the USA, an Enormous Omelette Sandwich.
The sandwich has one sausage patty, two eggs, two American cheese slices and three strips of bacon.
The calories content of this gut buster works out at 730 calories and 47 grams of fat; this is more than a Whopper sandwich, which has 700 calories and 42 grams of fat.
Question, do Americans really need to add calories to their diet?
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Restaurant
Mamma Angela
90 High Street
Croydon
CR0 1ND
Phone:- 0208 781 0540
Overview
Mama Angela is a cosy family friendly Italian restaurant owned, and run, by Nicky and his wife.
Eva and I braved the bad weather, and visited it last Saturday; here is a précis of our evening.
Ambience
The restaurant is cosy, intimate and welcoming. All guests are warmly welcomed by Nicky, who also makes sure he says goodbye to them at the end of the evening.
The main part of the restaurant is situated on the ground floor. However, there is also a function suite and bar downstairs which is suitable for parties and larger private gatherings.
Placed in the front window of the restaurant is a large refrigerated display; where you can select your desserts from the tempting array of cream cakes, chocolate and fruit soaked in liqueur. At the other end of the restaurant is a small bar.
The tables are decently spaced, and are laid with pink linen tablecloths and white linen napkins.
Menu
The menu offers a very good selection of Tuscan food including; meatballs, pizza, veal, fish, poultry and a wide selection of pasta dishes. In addition to the a la carte menu there is a specials menu posted on the wall, which is changed daily.
Service
The service is very friendly, fast and efficient. As soon as we were seated we were offered our menus, and a couple of bruschetta.
Food
I started with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce. The meatballs were veal based and were firm and tasty. The sauce was rich and well flavoured with basil.
I chose the braised lamb shank for my main course. This was an excellent choice. The shank had been braised to perfection, and the meat literally fell off the bone. The lamb was served in a dark, rich wine and mint sauce which added an excellent flavour. The lamb shank comes with boiled potatoes; feeling hungry I also ordered some sauté potatoes as well. Both the boiled and sauté potatoes were well cooked and flavoursome.
Eva started with smoked salmon served with a side salad. This was generous in portion and of a decent quality.
She chose Veal Milanese as a main course. This consisted of a flattened escalope of veal coated in bread crumbs and fried in butter; served with spaghetti in a tomato sauce. The veal was tender and moist; it was well complemented by the generous portion of spaghetti which was served in a rich, but not overpowering, tomato sauce.
We finished with liqueurs, and I indulged in a nibble of the Stilton. However, the Stilton was too cold and had not as much flavour as I would have wished for; Nicky did not charge me for this.
The total bill, which included a good bottle of Chianti Reserva and several liqueurs, came to £80 before service.
Overall Opinion
Good quality food, served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I am happy to recommend Mama Angela, we will go again.
Mamma Angela
90 High Street
Croydon
CR0 1ND
Phone:- 0208 781 0540
Overview
Mama Angela is a cosy family friendly Italian restaurant owned, and run, by Nicky and his wife.
Eva and I braved the bad weather, and visited it last Saturday; here is a précis of our evening.
Ambience
The restaurant is cosy, intimate and welcoming. All guests are warmly welcomed by Nicky, who also makes sure he says goodbye to them at the end of the evening.
The main part of the restaurant is situated on the ground floor. However, there is also a function suite and bar downstairs which is suitable for parties and larger private gatherings.
Placed in the front window of the restaurant is a large refrigerated display; where you can select your desserts from the tempting array of cream cakes, chocolate and fruit soaked in liqueur. At the other end of the restaurant is a small bar.
The tables are decently spaced, and are laid with pink linen tablecloths and white linen napkins.
Menu
The menu offers a very good selection of Tuscan food including; meatballs, pizza, veal, fish, poultry and a wide selection of pasta dishes. In addition to the a la carte menu there is a specials menu posted on the wall, which is changed daily.
Service
The service is very friendly, fast and efficient. As soon as we were seated we were offered our menus, and a couple of bruschetta.
Food
I started with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce. The meatballs were veal based and were firm and tasty. The sauce was rich and well flavoured with basil.
I chose the braised lamb shank for my main course. This was an excellent choice. The shank had been braised to perfection, and the meat literally fell off the bone. The lamb was served in a dark, rich wine and mint sauce which added an excellent flavour. The lamb shank comes with boiled potatoes; feeling hungry I also ordered some sauté potatoes as well. Both the boiled and sauté potatoes were well cooked and flavoursome.
Eva started with smoked salmon served with a side salad. This was generous in portion and of a decent quality.
She chose Veal Milanese as a main course. This consisted of a flattened escalope of veal coated in bread crumbs and fried in butter; served with spaghetti in a tomato sauce. The veal was tender and moist; it was well complemented by the generous portion of spaghetti which was served in a rich, but not overpowering, tomato sauce.
We finished with liqueurs, and I indulged in a nibble of the Stilton. However, the Stilton was too cold and had not as much flavour as I would have wished for; Nicky did not charge me for this.
The total bill, which included a good bottle of Chianti Reserva and several liqueurs, came to £80 before service.
Overall Opinion
Good quality food, served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I am happy to recommend Mama Angela, we will go again.
Monday, December 08, 2003
The Hard Rock Café
Sveav. 75
113 50 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- 08 545 49400
Website www.hardrock.se
Overview
Eva and I found ourselves out rather late in Stockholm the other evening. As many of the restaurants were closing we went to the Hard Rock Café, which stays open late. Hard Rock Café is an American themed bar and restaurant, serving steaks, burgers and assorted American cuisine.
Ambience
Hard Rock Café is a lively, brash and cheerful American themed bar and restaurant. Everywhere you look there are TV monitors playing rock videos at a boisterous volume. You cannot escape the omnipresent video, even in the urinals; they have miniature screens built in at eye-level.
Those of you wishing to have a souvenir of the Hard Rock Café can buy T shirts and assorted apparel from the shop, conveniently situated near the door.
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of burgers, chicken and steak dishes. Starters include platters of baked potatoes, fajitas or combos for people to share.
They have a list of interestingly titled cocktails such as “Slippery Nipple” and “Purple Hooters”.
Service
The staff, from the doorman through to manager and waitresses, were all very welcoming and friendly. We were promptly seated, and menus and drinks brought instantaneously.
The service was very efficient, and when I asked for two fried eggs (not on the menu) to be served with my steak, the order was readily accepted. I was even asked if I wanted them sunny side up. Top marks!
Food
We started with the platter of baked potato skins to share. This consisted of eight skins, generously filled with potato, cheese and bacon. They were topped off with chopped spring onions and a sour cream dip on the side.
The skins were very tasty. However, they could have been a little warmer.
I chose the 12oz New York strip (with two fried eggs) for my main course. This came with a choice of baked potatoes, fries or sauté potatoes. I opted for the fries.
The steak was tender, and had been cooked rare to my specification. Rather incongruously it came with cauliflower florets as a vegetable accompaniment, they were a little underdone.
That being said, I cleared my plate and sated the “inner man”.
Eva had a cheeseburger with fries for her main course. This was definitely a cut above the sad soggy specimens served by high street fast food outlets. It had been freshly made, and was served “open topped” rather than squeezed together between the two halves of the bun. Eva was pleased with her choice.
The meal, which included cocktails, a bottle of Chardonnay and Irish coffees, came to around 1200SEK.
Overall Opinion
We enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Maybe not a place for an intimate evening. However, worth visiting if you are out late one night in Stockholm and are feeling hungry.
Sveav. 75
113 50 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- 08 545 49400
Website www.hardrock.se
Overview
Eva and I found ourselves out rather late in Stockholm the other evening. As many of the restaurants were closing we went to the Hard Rock Café, which stays open late. Hard Rock Café is an American themed bar and restaurant, serving steaks, burgers and assorted American cuisine.
Ambience
Hard Rock Café is a lively, brash and cheerful American themed bar and restaurant. Everywhere you look there are TV monitors playing rock videos at a boisterous volume. You cannot escape the omnipresent video, even in the urinals; they have miniature screens built in at eye-level.
Those of you wishing to have a souvenir of the Hard Rock Café can buy T shirts and assorted apparel from the shop, conveniently situated near the door.
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of burgers, chicken and steak dishes. Starters include platters of baked potatoes, fajitas or combos for people to share.
They have a list of interestingly titled cocktails such as “Slippery Nipple” and “Purple Hooters”.
Service
The staff, from the doorman through to manager and waitresses, were all very welcoming and friendly. We were promptly seated, and menus and drinks brought instantaneously.
The service was very efficient, and when I asked for two fried eggs (not on the menu) to be served with my steak, the order was readily accepted. I was even asked if I wanted them sunny side up. Top marks!
Food
We started with the platter of baked potato skins to share. This consisted of eight skins, generously filled with potato, cheese and bacon. They were topped off with chopped spring onions and a sour cream dip on the side.
The skins were very tasty. However, they could have been a little warmer.
I chose the 12oz New York strip (with two fried eggs) for my main course. This came with a choice of baked potatoes, fries or sauté potatoes. I opted for the fries.
The steak was tender, and had been cooked rare to my specification. Rather incongruously it came with cauliflower florets as a vegetable accompaniment, they were a little underdone.
That being said, I cleared my plate and sated the “inner man”.
Eva had a cheeseburger with fries for her main course. This was definitely a cut above the sad soggy specimens served by high street fast food outlets. It had been freshly made, and was served “open topped” rather than squeezed together between the two halves of the bun. Eva was pleased with her choice.
The meal, which included cocktails, a bottle of Chardonnay and Irish coffees, came to around 1200SEK.
Overall Opinion
We enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Maybe not a place for an intimate evening. However, worth visiting if you are out late one night in Stockholm and are feeling hungry.
Thursday, April 17, 2003
Restaurant
Momma Cherri’s Soul Food Shack
11 Little East Street
Brighton
BN1 1HT
Phone:- 01273 774545
Website www.mommacherri.co.uk
Overview
Momma Cherri’s is Brighton’s only Soul Food restaurant. The restaurant is situated in a quiet corner of The Laines, and is open all day offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has two floors, and offers theme nights and live acts.
Eva and I spent Wednesday in Brighton, and decided to have dinner at Momma’s before taking the train back home.
Ambience
The restaurant is cosy, bright, cheerful and unpretentious. The simply laid tables are complemented by the wooden floor. The walls are covered with photos of Motown stars, interspersed with brightly coloured fairy lights. This being the week before Easter, there were cut out Easter bunnies and fluffy chickens adorning the windows and windowsills. The background music was a selection of Motown classics.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of Soul Food including; fried chicken, meat and chicken combos, stuffed skins, sweet potato pie and Jambalaya. On Saturdays they offer pig’s trotters; now that is something I am very fond of, but rarely have the opportunity to eat.
In addition to an eclectic wine list, the cocktail list offers you the choice of cocktails by the glass or by the jug (I liked that!).
Service
The service was very cheerful, attentive and prompt. Additionally, during our main course, the owner/chef (Charita) popped out of the kitchen to ask her customers if they wanted more food on their plates. Other restaurants would do themselves no harm by adopting this policy.
Food
I started with the stuffed potatoes skins. These were three baked potato shells stuffed with refried beans, chillies, cheese and kidney beans. They were very piquant and absolutely delicious, definitely an excellent way to start the meal.
I opted for fried chicken for my main course. This dish consisted of three pieces of well seasoned, floured chicken fried to perfection; served with chunky English chips, corn sticks and a small portion of potato salad. I was impressed, the chicken was clearly home-made and bore no resemblance to the greasy fat laden fast food variety. The potato salad, albeit it a small portion, was exceptionally smooth and creamy. The chips and corn sticks provided a perfect accompaniment.
Eva opted for Jambalaya as a main course. This was served on a hot metal griddle, and was a flavoursome mixture of rice, Chorizo, chicken, prawns and peppers. The ingredients complimented one another, and the dish had a wonderful smoked flavour. It proved to be an ample main course. Eva then chose pecan pie for dessert, which was served with cream and ice cream. The pie, which was home-made, was excellent and was generously topped with pecan nuts to add texture and flavour.
We finished off with a couple of Irish coffees.
The overall meal, which included a bottle of Voigner, came to £57 including service.
Overall Opinion
In my opinion an excellent restaurant for a relaxed evening and a wholesome meal. We will definitely go there again, and I am happy to recommend it to people; if you don’t live in Brighton then why not just jump on a train?
Momma Cherri’s Soul Food Shack
11 Little East Street
Brighton
BN1 1HT
Phone:- 01273 774545
Website www.mommacherri.co.uk
Overview
Momma Cherri’s is Brighton’s only Soul Food restaurant. The restaurant is situated in a quiet corner of The Laines, and is open all day offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has two floors, and offers theme nights and live acts.
Eva and I spent Wednesday in Brighton, and decided to have dinner at Momma’s before taking the train back home.
Ambience
The restaurant is cosy, bright, cheerful and unpretentious. The simply laid tables are complemented by the wooden floor. The walls are covered with photos of Motown stars, interspersed with brightly coloured fairy lights. This being the week before Easter, there were cut out Easter bunnies and fluffy chickens adorning the windows and windowsills. The background music was a selection of Motown classics.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of Soul Food including; fried chicken, meat and chicken combos, stuffed skins, sweet potato pie and Jambalaya. On Saturdays they offer pig’s trotters; now that is something I am very fond of, but rarely have the opportunity to eat.
In addition to an eclectic wine list, the cocktail list offers you the choice of cocktails by the glass or by the jug (I liked that!).
Service
The service was very cheerful, attentive and prompt. Additionally, during our main course, the owner/chef (Charita) popped out of the kitchen to ask her customers if they wanted more food on their plates. Other restaurants would do themselves no harm by adopting this policy.
Food
I started with the stuffed potatoes skins. These were three baked potato shells stuffed with refried beans, chillies, cheese and kidney beans. They were very piquant and absolutely delicious, definitely an excellent way to start the meal.
I opted for fried chicken for my main course. This dish consisted of three pieces of well seasoned, floured chicken fried to perfection; served with chunky English chips, corn sticks and a small portion of potato salad. I was impressed, the chicken was clearly home-made and bore no resemblance to the greasy fat laden fast food variety. The potato salad, albeit it a small portion, was exceptionally smooth and creamy. The chips and corn sticks provided a perfect accompaniment.
Eva opted for Jambalaya as a main course. This was served on a hot metal griddle, and was a flavoursome mixture of rice, Chorizo, chicken, prawns and peppers. The ingredients complimented one another, and the dish had a wonderful smoked flavour. It proved to be an ample main course. Eva then chose pecan pie for dessert, which was served with cream and ice cream. The pie, which was home-made, was excellent and was generously topped with pecan nuts to add texture and flavour.
We finished off with a couple of Irish coffees.
The overall meal, which included a bottle of Voigner, came to £57 including service.
Overall Opinion
In my opinion an excellent restaurant for a relaxed evening and a wholesome meal. We will definitely go there again, and I am happy to recommend it to people; if you don’t live in Brighton then why not just jump on a train?
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