Frozen Mango + Rhubarb Smoothie Bowl

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, and usually porridge is my go-to. But this glorious sunny weather had me wanting to try something new this morning!

This mango and rhubarb smoothie bowl will ensure a super fruity and refreshing start to your day. It’s also so easy to whip up in a blender or food processor and uses just three ingredients.

I topped my smoothie bowl with rhubarb yoghurt, frozen blueberries, granola and a mixture of seeds and nuts. But you can decorate yours with anything – you could try sliced banana or even fresh passionfruit.

If only my breakfast looked this beautiful every day!

Smoothie Bowl:

125 grams of frozen mango

30 grams of rhubarb yoghurt

10 millilitres of almond milk or oat milk

Toppings:

rhubarb yoghurt

granola

mixed seeds and nuts

Frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries or raspberries)

Method:

First, add 125g of frozen mango chunks, 30g of rhubarb yoghurt and 10 millilitres of almond /oat milk to a blender or food processor.

Blitz the mixture together until you have a smooth and creamy sorbet consistency. You will need to scrape down the sides a few times in between blending to make sure all of your smoothie mixture has been incorporated.

Use a spatula to tip your frozen smoothie into a bowl. Top your smoothie bowl with a few more spoonfuls of rhubarb yoghurt as well as frozen berries and any mixed seeds and nuts of your choice!

Instagram: @phoebeandthefroyo

Bodega Cantina

An animated South American hub in Leicester’s City Centre.

In a city famed for its curries, Bodega Cantina brings something new to the table. With its vibrant South American inspired food and drink that can be found hidden just a few streets away from Leicester’s bustling City Centre.

We stumble upon it completely by chance. It’s a bleak, drizzly evening and my friend and I are frantically peering into restaurant windows trying to find somewhere warm and inviting to eat. Even from ten feet away, the colourful lights and quirky character of Bodega draw us in like moths to a flame.

It’s a Saturday, but the evening has barely begun so we aren’t surprised to see that the restaurant is relatively quiet. However, the atmosphere gradually builds up and by the time we are ready to leave, the place is crowded. Couples cosied in corners share tapas by the candlelight, and students kicking off their Saturday night laugh animatedly over their cocktails. There is no clear-cut template for Bodega’s customers.

Bold oranges, pinks and blues flood the tables and seating areas, complementing the duller and rustic looking interior brick walls of the restaurant. Candles light up the smiles of happy customers and exotic plants drape around the tables. Huge monochrome prints of Lucha Librefill the walls and elegant paper garlands trapeze across the ceiling, making us feel like we’ve just stepped into the middle of a Día de los Muertos celebration.

A friendly waiter greets and seats us by the window. As we peruse through the menu it becomes evident how versatile the food is here at Bodega. The dishes all range in size which is great for us as we aren’t ravenous and could choose what to eat accordingly. The chefs are serving up everything from classic Mexican street food for around the £6 price mark, to more authentic Brazilian and Colombian dishes which are slightly more expensive at £11 each. Tapas is also an option, with an assortment of smaller plates ranging from £3 – £7. The pricing seems very affordable, similar to bigger restaurant chains such as Nando’s and Wagamama.

I decide to try the marinated pork burrito with rice, black beans, tomato and onion salsa, sour cream and avocado. My friend, who is feeling slightly more adventurous, opts for two of the smaller plates; the Colombian papas chorreadas which were potatoes in a creamy tomato and cheese sauce, and the vegetable Ceviche, a zesty salad of raw vegetables. We are both quick to comment on how delicious and fresh the meals are. There is nothing pretentious about the food, it is completely no-fuss and wholesome.

As I eat, I observe the couple seated next to us who are consumed by the huge plate of bright salads, pearly white rice and succulent steak in front of them. I identify it as the one of the larger plates, Peruvian lomo saltado, and it looks delicious. The main meals may be the more expensive option, but they are very generous servings.

We are enjoying the atmosphere of the restaurant so much that we decide to stay and have a few drinks at the bar. It is, after all, happy hour and drinks are two for £8. Bodega’s cocktail list is very vast and the majority are rum or tequila based. We are intrigued to try Bebito, a fusion of white tequila and aperol mixed with pineapple juice and fresh mint. It’s an authentic Mexican recipe and it may just be my new favourite cocktail. We also decide to try a delicious Blueberry and Elderflower Margarita with orange liqueur and fresh lime juice, which is boozy to say the least. Just how I like it. And at just £4 a cocktail, it is incredible value for money.

I am thoroughly impressed by the clear passion all the staff have towards the food and atmosphere they are serving up for their customers. From the bar staff and waiters to the brigade of chefs in the kitchen, the service is the perfect balance of efficient and relaxed. We were instantly put at ease and never made to feel hurried despite how busy it became throughout the evening. Bodega has a kind of blissful casualness that comes naturally.

 

Supercharge Your Breakfast for Winter Wellness

Take your breakfast staples to the next level by adding immune-boosting ingredients and some rather intriguing newbies on the superfood scene.

It can be really hard to leave your duvet behind on a chilly morning. And even though Spring is just around the corner, getting through the last few weeks of miserable winter can be hard. That’s why it’s really important to ensure that you set your day off to a healthy and fulfilling start with a wholesome breakfast. Changing up your breakfast routine and eating a varied diet ensures your body receives all of the correct nutrients. That’s why we’ve experimented with immune-boosting flavours and ingredients to give your breakfast staples a makeover. These vitamin-rich foods are essential to make sure you haven’t crashed by lunchtime.

ADD SOME SPICE TO YOUR MORNING SHOT

Honey, lemon and ginger has always been a popular detox trio to soothe sore throats and nasal congestion. Try our easy-to-make ginger elixir shot which combines these flavours with fresh grated turmeric, cracked black pepper and crushed cardamom for a zingy infusion. You are probably already familiar with both turmeric and cardamom from Indian cuisine, but they are more versatile than you may think and the perfect addition to your morning shot. Cardamom aromatic complexity paired with the ant inflammatory and digestive properties of turmeric, make them very beneficial to your overall health.

A SMOOTHIE STRAIGHT FROM THE SEA

Smoothies are refreshing, easy to make and great on-the-go. The deep green colour of our antioxidant blend speaks for itself. Combining fruity favourites like blueberries and banana with spinach and a splash of coconut water makes for the perfect dairy-free concoction. The addition of powdered spirulina, a nutrient-rich blue-green algae, gives this smoothie an edge due to its cholesterol lowering properties. This concentrated source of vitamins and minerals has become increasingly favoured with the health-conscious. Add 1tbsp spirulina to your smoothie to give your morning a super boost.

CHOOSE CALM OVER CAFFEINE 

A steaming cup of coffee can seem like a lifeline on a misty morning, but try swapping the caffeine for a herbal infusion to ensure a calm start to the day.

Peppermint tea is the perfect companion for your morning commute due to its gut-friendly properties that will aid your post-breakfast digestion. Our peppermint and nettle brew combines minty and earthy flavours and is naturally decaffeinated. Nettles have been used in herbal remedies since the Medieval era as a natural pain reliever. They are also very rich in vitamin A,B and K and therefore the perfect cure for your morning blues. Simply brew 1tsp dried peppermint and nettle leaves in hot water for 3-4 minutes.

Moringa tea has officially dethroned matcha as the new brew everybody’s talking about. Its slightly grassy flavour may not be everybody’s cup of tea, however it has amazing energy boosting properties. It also contains three times as much iron as spinach, and therefore works as an excellent source of nutrients. A comforting cup of moringa tea can be made using either fresh moringa leaves or powder, both of which can be found in most health food stores. Simply add to hot water with a dash of honey or agave for a sweeter flavour.

TRENDY TOPPINGS FOR YOUR OATS

Overnight oats are perfect for breakfast as they can be made the night before and leave you feeling full all morning. For the base, combine 50g rolled oats with 100 ml milk or any milk alternative, and leave overnight. Popular toppings include berries, seeds, nut butter, yoghurt and honey. We’ve combined classic toppings such as honey, chia seeds and watermelon seeds with, the less commonly known, maqui berry to give your oats even more of a health boost. Maqui berries are a rich purple in colour and bursting with antioxidants and heart health benefits. Simple sprinkle 1tbsp maqui berry powder over your oats and tuck in.

Alternatively, for a fibre fuelled breakfast top your overnight oats with sliced banana, chopped nuts and nut butter. Cashew butter is a popular choice for spooning over breakfast foods, however pili butter is the new fad that every foodie is talking about. The velvety pili nut, originating from the Philippines, made its way to the US back in 2015, but even then, it could only be located in the trendiest cafes and health food stores. Jason Thomas, founder of the nut’s brand Pili Hunters, played an instrumental role in bringing them over from the Philippines. He says consumers will soon be seeing pili nuts on supermarket shelves and ‘the market is going to explode.’ swirl in or dollop on top of your oats for a perfectly nutty breakfast.

EGGS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE

If you’re looking for something more substantial, nothing beats eggs for breakfast, they are easy to whip up and endlessly versatile. However, we’ve taken a step back from the fridge, and instead taken egg-inspiration from across the globe.

Seaweed has long been a staple in Asian cuisine; however, it has only recently been given its superfood status here in the UK. More and more recipes incorporate the underwater leafy green due to its beneficial minerals and vitamins. Also, it’s natural sea salt flavour and crisp texture make it the perfect partner for your morning eggs. Our reimagined Korean rolled omelette is a light breakfast that will guarantee to warm you up on a frosty morning. Simply add finely diced peppers, onions and mushrooms to an oiled pan. Once the vegetables have browned whisk two eggs and pour into the pan. As the omelette begins to form place seaweed sheets down the centre and fold into thirds, then serve and enjoy.

Having a diverse diet is really important. Don’t be afraid to change up your meals, experiment with the flavours and colours of different superfoods and bask in their nutritious rewards.

 

JC Stewart at The Islington

The Islington is a quirky independent pub and live music venue a stone’s throw from Angel tube station in N1. It’s location and leisurely feel make it the perfect spot for rising stars, and tonight it welcomes JC Stewart to the stage.

I had unintentionally stumbled across JC Stewart when he performed at the O2 Empire as Lauv’s support act back in June. My friend and I had instantly fallen in love with his music, so I was looking forward to hearing him perform again on his own.

We arrive at the pub, which looks pretty unremarkable from the outside, and head inside where we’re greeted with a surpisingly homely atmosphere. Freebies have been scattered on the tables and bar so we pick up a few bits before heading over to the lounge area. With no more than 20 of us sat around in armchairs tucked away in a cosy nook chatting away and bonding over music, it feels more like a small gathering of close friends than a gig.

The pub gradually fills up, to the point where it’s no longer clear who is here as a fan and who is here to perform. We all swarm around each other in a haze of alcohol and music. JC himself saunters through the door and heads through the curtains to the staging area, but not before making a stop at the bar and to say hey to a group of fans who have sidled up to him. It’s this free spirited informality that I love most about smaller gigs. 

The velvet curtain is pulled back to reveal the other side of the room with a small stage in one corner. We grab our drinks and head over. Its all very relaxed, no screaming girls, no excessive queuing and waiting.

The support act, Etham, takes to the stage, and I realise he’s the same guy who we saw in the wine aisle in Sainsbury’s an hour earlier. He’s the perfect warm up for JC, kicking things off with his soulful acoustic version of ‘I wish it was me.’

We’re stood so close to the front of the stage it feels like a personal serenade, causing even Etham to joke about the intimate feel of the venue.

At 9pm JC makes quite the entrance in his double denim ensemble, whiskey in one hand, guitar in the other. He’s accompanied by his drummer and bass guitarists, with him switching between the keys and acoustic guitar between songs.

From the moment JC steps on the stage he has such a cool laid-back vibe and looking around it’s easy to tell everyone in the audience is mesmerised by him. He starts with some livelier songs before whipping out the acoustic guitar for some ballads, stopping throughout the set to talk to the audience.

‘I’m just a guy who sings sad songs and has a funny accent’ he tells us, in his not at all funny and actually very lovely Irish accent.

JC Stewart, or ‘Professional sad boy’ as he bears proudly on his merch, might look like another run of the mill wannabe with his guitar and good looks. However, he already has an impressive 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a growing fan base including the likes of Lewis Capaldi who he co wrote ‘Hollywood’ with. His forte is mellow atmospheric music, not dissimilar to James Bay and Noah Kahan, and he creates the sort of sad and sorrowful lyrics that can only have come from a broken heart.

There’s no doubt, JC Stewart can put on one hell of a show! And I look forward to seeing him and more of my favourite smaller artists around London in the future.

Small gigs really are incomparable to huge arena concerts, so go support your local venues and smaller musicians!

 

The London Coffee Festival 2019

‘Coffee, cocktails, music and good times’

A little way down Brick lane, underneath the decorative arches and through the maze of East London’s groovy graffitied walls, you will find The Old Truman Brewery. The building is a spectacle in itself, with its industrial brick exterior and towering chimney, and was once London’s largest beer manufacturer. However for one weekend only, it plays host to more than 30,000 people from across the UK and Europe, all coming together for one shared passion; coffee. 

At the moment there seems to be a festival for everything, with hundreds of food and drink festivals taking place right here in London. Giddy for gin? bonkers for brunch? Vegan food more your thing? whatever your craze is, there will be something for you.

I’m a big coffee lover, my body runs on it’s bittersweet fuel. So as you can imagine, when I found out that there was a whole festival celebrating all things coffee, and that it was right on my doorstep, I knew I had to get tickets.

This unique festival has been running for nine years, and offers, what the team call, ‘an unparalleled playground for coffee aficionados.’ We bought our tickets online for £15 each, for those more spontaneous, you could choose to pay upfront on the day, but the tickets were a bit pricier.

On entry we were handed a limited edition tote bag filled with various bits of information about what the day would entail. At first glance the venue appeared to be just one large room with various stalls, with a seating area in the centre, bustling with people as they gathered round to enjoy the love music performances happening on the stage. However we soon identified that the TARDIS-like venue stretched on and on and there were in fact four huge floors of coffee shenanigans for us to enjoy.

Exhibitors and sponsors lined the walls, in front of them tables spilling with freebies and samples. Coffee was obviously the star of the show, however there were plenty of non- coffee treats too, including cakes, biscuits, energy drinks, and lots and lots of tea. Some of the stalls were being pretty stingy with their samples whereas other were practically throwing things at you.

We knocked back shots of coffee, as artisanal roasters explained their origins and what made them unique. For those proper connoisseurs, there was also a blind tasting room  with a lesson on how to detect the different notes and flavours of coffee. And on the Upper ground things got a bit more interactive at latte art live, where the audience’s barista skills were put to the test.

I was really impressed with how they made the expereince really inclusive to everybody, being a dairy dodger myself, and having a decaf drinking mum and a gluten intolerant older brother. There was still loads for us to try, and we fell in love with the gluten free coconut passion cake from Cakesmiths.

Needless to say, after all those samples we left on a crazy caffeine and sugar high!

I loved that there was no cookie cutter mould for what the Coffee Festival’s visitors looked like; everyone from professional baristas and coffee companies to families and young couples were there.

The London Coffee Festival will be back again next year, and regardless of you’re a coffee maestro or a complete novice I’d highly recommend it!

Kacey Musgraves – Still the girl from Golden

It appeared that not many people had heard of Kacey Musgraves when she won the award for Best Album at the Grammy’s last week. I was first introduced to her songs a few years ago, and before that had never been the biggest lover of country music. The tunes tend to be quite repetitive and the lyrics are always a bit lame and whiny. But I became hooked on her sound, she manages to make country seem effortlessly cool and bohemian.

The rhinestone studded, Texas born and raised superstar released the Grammy award winning Golden Hour back in March 2018. On this album she has strayed slightly from the sound of her earlier works, with it featuring a lot more stripped back and relaxed acoustic love songs.

The first track featured on Golden Hour is the appropriately named Slow Burn, as the album gets off to a rather slow start and builds gradually. The song Mother appears halfway through the album, it’s a beautiful and raw one minute melody about the singer’s relationship with her Mother. One of my personal favourites from the new album is Happy and Sad which perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being on edge and worrying when life seems to be going too well. Her lyrics are particularly thought provoking, one example being ‘I’m the kinda person who starts getting kinda nervous when I’m having the time of my life’ really make it relatable.

Kacey Musgraves’ first two albums, Same Trailer Different Park and Pageant Material, had a very ‘country’ feel to them. Consisting of upbeat, foot-tapping kind of songs about everything from nosey neighbours and beauty pageants to the complications of family relationships, complete with banjos and fiddles. Arguably, one of her most popular songs and the one that begun my love for her, Biscuits, features the lyrics, ‘Pouring salt in my sugar won’t make yours any sweeter, pissing in my yard won’t make yours any greener.’ Which perfectly captures her quirkiness and charm.

One element that has stayed consistent throughout all four of Kacey Musgraves’ albums is her impressively observant lyrics; within the space of one song her words can be witty yet woeful. She has an outstanding ability to capture and put into words, fleeting and complicated emotions that we have all experienced at one point or another. 

Kacey Musgraves has revolutionised the sound of country music one do-si-do at a time. So before you claim to hate it, listen to Golden Hour and prepare to change your mind.