Jamie's Italian

What could be better than a plateful of pasta and a glass of white wine on a gorgeous summer's evening? A plateful of pasta and a glass of white wine at Jamie's Italian in Cardiff - who now, finally, takes bookings - woo!

I've been a few times before, once for a midweek lunch when it was relatively quiet, and then twice more for my leaving do and the Other Half's surprise birthday - both times we had more than 8 people.

For months after Mr Oliver opened its restaurant doors in the 'Diff, there would be queues round the corner for a table as they didn't allow bookings for fewer than 8 people. But now, things have changed, and I'm delighted.

I've always been happy at Jami'es - tasty food, busy atmosphere and very attentive staff - I wasn't disappointed this time round either.

On this occasion there were 4 of us - my dad, his Other Half, me and my Other Half - a fun double date.

I went for squid, wild rabbit pasta and frozen yogurt - and I couldn't really fault any of them.

The squid: was plentiful, light and crispy - not a chewy mouthful in sight. And although the garlic mayo was goood and had a great kick to it, I could've done with more.

The wild rabbit pasta: was light and left me feeling satisfied but not bloated. The sauce was just right and the rabbit itself was very moist.

The frozen yogurt: was a great end to the meal - very fruity (the strawberries had been soaked in elderflower - yum!) and full of flavour - the poppy seed filo crisp was a great addition.

Amongst the other dishes on our table were the delicious prawns wrapped in angel hair pasta, the baked mushrooms that was enough for two people, a gigantic burger with all the trimmings, a good old Carbonara and a meaty Sausage Pappardelle.

Everyone left smiling.

And once again when it comes to food, I managed to take a couple of quick photos before scoffing the lot. Good thing I'm not a food blogger, ay?

A sunny day with the family

This weekend, my dad and his Other Half came to stay for a few days, and luckily for us, the sun was out the whole time - perfect!

We had lunches out, ate ice cream in the park and went to St Fagans National History Museum.

It's only 3 miles from home but I hardly ever visit. However, dad was keen on a day out there so off we went.

We spent a good few hours walking around the orchid, having a nose around the old houses and enjoying a well deserved cold drink in the traditional cafe. 

It was a bit hot for a whole day there so we decided on an afternoon in Cardiff Bay - zooming around on a speedboat, enjoying a cheeky cider in a beer garden and then finishing with some delicious food - more on that in another post.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend in the sun?

Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival

Last weekend, the Other Half, our friends who were visiting from New Zealand and I spent the day at the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival - a 3 day event celebrating British food - from chocolate brownies (yum!) to Welsh beef burgers (yum!).

 

I spent my money on the aforementioned brownies, a variety of cheeses and way too much cider. A great day was had by all.

 

Th festival is held in the Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay and it was a scorcher of a day. And the best part? The event was free - that however does not mean it's a cheap day out - you (well, I) spent a looot of money on a variety of foods and drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a really busy weekend (I'd highly recommend going on the Friday as it's a little quieter) with a great selection of food and drinks, the stallholders are very generous with their tasters and the music tops it all off...especially with a pint in hand in the sun.

 

 

 

 

I was planning on taking a few food related pictures as this was a Food Festival, but unfortunately I devoured all of my treats in seconds - sorry!

 

However, amongst the highlights (just in case you decide to go next year!) were the stuffed pittas at the Persian Food Stall (there was only one) that offered a decent sized pitta filled to the brim with a variety of falafaels (plain, olive or sundreid tomato), fresh salad and a good choice of sauces - I went for the tahini sauce.

 

I also opted for the oh so good  and gooey brownies - the creme brulee flavour was my favourite!

 

And as for a little nod to my North Walian roots, I also devoured several cheeses from the Snowdonia Cheese Company - the Black Bomber was particularly good.

 

Starving yet?

 

Our New Home

Yaaaaaay!

Finally. After months and months of viewings, negotiations and stressed out phonecalls, we have a new home.

Our contracts exchanged today (yaaaay!) and we'll hopefully be moving in next month (double yaaaay!).

Can you tell I'm excited?

We tried buying a few months ago, but due to a failed survey we had to pull out. The survey for this one was so much better, but there was still some damp-related negotiations to be made. 

Anyway, we're all done with all of that now. And we have a house - our very own house!

All those months of cutting out ideas from home magazines will finally pay off - I can't wait to get started on the painting, the decoupage and all the other crafty little things I have planned. The Other Half won't know what's hit him.

So, a very good day today. I hope you've all been enjoying the glorious sunshine we've been having.

Friday

 

I am so glad it's Friday. It's been another busy one full of doctor appointments, busy office days and stressful trying-to-buying-a-new-house phonecalls and emails.

I haven't got much planned for this weekend. I'm having my hair cut tomorrow - just a trim - and then possibly a date night with the Other Half tomorrow night. He doesn't know yet.

I quite fancy going to watch Boyhood. I've heard great things about it, and personally, when anything gets over a 7 on IMDb, I'll give it a go, but a 9, and I'm sold.

 

And then maybe some food - either an Italian and a bottle of wine, or the local curry house with some beers. We've learnt from experience, that if we're planning going to the cinema, food always comes aftwerards, or we don't tend to get to the cinema...

Have you lovely people got any plans? Or any recommendations for other films for the wet weekend ahead?

 
Photo from Art-Canyon
Video from YouTube

Dumbwalking

Yesterday I came across a new term - dumbwalking. And now, I think it might actually be my favourite word.

It refers to people who walk around with their eyes down reading emails or texting their mates, completely and utterly oblivious to anyone else around them. Why should I move, right?

Be prepared for a proper old rant...

Now, I'm 27. I have a smart phone (not an expensive iPhone). I have an iPod. I also have a laptop, a television and various other gadgets in my home. However, I never walk around so rudely as to expect everyone else around me to move as I have a text that just can not wait, as I'm just sooo busy.

Why have we morphed into this population of people that can't bare to live life without tech? I've seen friends have a meltdown when they realise they've forgotten their camera on a night out. And colleagues that have actually driven home to get their forgotten phone, just in case.

Just in case of what? Just in case eBay send an email reminding you of their Bank Holiday Sale that You. Cannot. Miss. Just in case a 'friend' you knew at school ten years ago has commented on one of your photos on Facebook. Just in case, nothing. The world will keep spinning if you leave your phone at home.

So, this was meant to be a post about dumbwalking, but it's actually turned into a full blown rant about tech. Again.

Sorry.

I really do hope other people agree with me and that I'm not prematurely turning into a grumpy old git...hmm, maybe I am. What do you lovely people think?

Photos from:

PhoneArena
RunItLikeAMom
SmartSign
Kulfoto

The maxi skirt

I fell in love with this skirt. It's the perfect length, has amazing colours and fits just right.

I don't normally go for long skirts but as they're so 'in season' at the moment, I couldn't resist this one.

It was £18 in my favourite shop for this summer - Peacock's. And for £18, you can't go wrong can you?

I wore it to a local food festival yesterday with a plain black vest top, flat sandals and a few bangles - I felt amazing - glamorous without the heels - my type of glamour - comfy!

Anyone else have a favourite summer outfit?