Today is the first full week of 2014, which also means its the first full week of New Years Resolutions.
I never really know what to do with resolutions as I kind of have myself sussed out, and know 99% of the time I wont stick to them. Sure, if I was that type of person, I'd love to to lose 5lbs and complete the London marathon this year, but I know I'll never do it. So instead I've set myself the very broad, eat healthier and save money task.
I've started making soup to take to work which ticks both of those boxes, but it is the evenings that I really do struggle with, as if I want to see friends, it tends to be dinner, as what else can you really do? So until someone gives me a solution (please do!) then I'll have to ramp up the save money resolution.
I've had a Tastecard for nearly 3 years now, so I can't believe I've never told you about it before. It's no big secret, but in case you don't know what a Tastecard is, you need to know. Basically it gives you 50% off the total food bill, or 2 meals for the price of 1 at thousands of restaurants across the country. Yes, most are in London but big cities like Manchester have plenty of choice. It is such great value for money to join, and while it is £79.95, there are always offers for around £30 floating on the net which I'll try and scope out for you.
So armed with my secret weapon, me and Nessa headed to Meat People in Angel for some guilt free food.
Meat People is no imposing Gaucho, instead a local neighbourhood steak restaurant. Housed in a 1920s Grade II-listed building, it is very keeping with the era as it feels inspired by art deco themes with wood panelling and yellow booths- almost a jazz club feel.
Then menu is as it says on the tin, Meat, so vegetarians I'm afraid this might be one to skip. However carnivores, you are in for treat, as the more unusual animals made a appearance, including, Octopus, Zebra and Ox Heart.
We decided to plump for Zebra in a mango and pomegranate sauce (I say we as sharing is caring of course).
While the overall flavour is not wildly different to beef, it is sweeter and slightly lighter on the game-y taste. However what stood out was that it is incredibly tender. Paired with the mango, it really was a stand out starter.
We also ordered Foie Gras with figs and papaya purée out of pure curiosity to what exactly Foie Gras was.
Turns out it almost like a meat moose. I know that is an odd picture, but its a very airy, whipped meat consistency.
Now remember my resolution to save money? Well armed with the Tastecard me and Nessa got a devilish glint in our eyes. Eye spy a Meat Platter!
200g Rib Eye, 250g Onglet and 150g Iberico. It was a Meat sensation!
Keen to get stuck in, I left Nessa to the task of carving up our carnivorous platter, while I sat back and watched lazily.
They were all truly fantastic, flavoursome meats and while this is no Gaucho or Hawksmoor, I would would say it was up their with some London's best steak.
We both agreed the Onglet stole the show. It is a richer taste, and more game-y than rib eye or sirloin which was a winner in my book.
After defeating the mighty meat platter, we went to go pay the bill...
Now a word to the wise, you savvy money saving experts, always double check your Tastecard T&C's. Remember how I said it was 50% or 2 for 1? Well Meat People is 2 for 1, and how many mains did we have technically? 1. No discount!
Absolutely gutted that our resolution was broken already we hung our heads in shame. HOWEVER, the amazing people at Meat People must have took pity on us (or our stupidity) and offered us discount of a whole steak of the bill. I wanted to mention this, as they didn't have to at all, and yet their incredible kindness touched me, so a big big thank you to them!
There is still good in the world.
You can find Meat People here:
4-6 Essex RoadLondon
N1 8LN
0 Yorumlar