Kitchen takeovers, collaborations, guinea pig tasting lunches and a new Sunday roast!
Lots of cool foodie events are happening in Leeds at the moment, which I'm very excited to tell you about.
Before we get stuck in, a quick mention that there are a few spaces left on this Saturday's guided food tour. As expected, January is a quiet month! So if you're looking for some last minute plans, join me on Saturday for:
- Six stops, with food included at all of them
- Cool venues with lovely stories behind them: from one of the oldest pubs in Leeds, to a stop in Kirkgate market, to the most unusual foodie shop in the city!
- Fun foodie facts, good conversation, and a full belly by the end
- 11.45am start, approx 4 hours, approx 1 mile of walking
You can book online here for this Saturday and future availability.
AIDA Takeover at Eat Your Greens
AIDA is a brand new pop offering modern Filipino fusion cuisine.
Their first takeover will be at Eat Your Greens on 24th January and the menu looks incredible.
AIDA is part of Dijon Boys, a pop up run by Jamie, Nicko and Cameron - all 22 years old but all with tonnes of incredible food experience.
Their passion plus their diverse heritage (English, Indian, Filipino, Cypriot and Scottish between them!) has lead to the most amazing food.
I've eaten their Sunday roast at their permanent kitchen at Number 8 Cocktails in Meanwood, and their street food at the Christmas market in the Corn Exchange. They can often be found at The Watermark too.
Nicko is Filipino so is the drive behind AIDA, which will be one of Dijon Boys' main focuses for 2023.
You can book your table at the Eat Your Greens pop up
here.
Stuzzi Launches Sunday Roast
Starting this Sunday (22nd January), Italian small plates restaurant Stuzzi will be serving up Sunday roasts.
Stuzzi is short for Stuzzichini, which are "
Little plates of italian cuisine served in small osterias and bars throughout italy especially in and around venice, traditionally eaten by hand, in-between drinks to “keep ones self going”.
Traditional recipes meet modern cooking at Stuzzi for the best arancini I've tasted and one of the best restaurants for dessert in Leeds (get the sharing board, don't share it!).
The food, wine and service are always spot on, and it's a beautiful setting too.
They haven't released many details of their Sunday roast yet (I believe the menu is being announced later today), but have said that their signature Porchetta will definitely be on there.
Very exciting news!
Guinea Pig Tasting Lunch at The Owl
This has actually sold out since I wrote this, but there is a
waiting list so get yourself on there if you're interested!
The Owl are constantly updating their menus in line with the season, and they are giving you a chance to be the first to try the newest dishes.
On 23rd February they are having a lunchtime tasting showcase where you can enjoy the dishes for £45pp rather than £84pp in a tasting menu format.
They have confirmed that there are definitely no guinea pigs on the menu!
Since they moved from Leeds Kirkgate Market to their canal-side location in Granary Wharf, I've only been once but loved every second of it. Every bite was intriguing, every taste impressed me, but it was relaxed and not at all pretentious. A drink in the sunshine next to the water was bliss too!
The Return of Whitelocks Dinner Club
Last year Whitelocks introduced monthly supper club style evenings, and they're back! These evenings give Whitelocks' chefs the chance to show off their culinary skills outside of the usual menu format, with a creative tasting menu format using local and seasonal ingredients.
The first one is 26th January (my birthday, in case anyone wants to send presents) and they are presenting a five course Burns Night inspired menu. It's £45pp and there's an optional drinks pairing on the night too.
You can book a table here.
If you end up trying any of these, please let me know as I love hearing when you've tried (and enjoyed!) my recommendations. The best way to get in touch is on social media - tag me in your pictures or send me a message.
Instagram - @leedsfoodtours
Facebook - @leedsfoodtoursofficial
Twitter - @leedsfoodtours
Leeds Food Tours xx