Lovely Lolita's

Lolita's Homemade Tapas 

Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

She Said:

Lolita's will always hold a special place in my heart. Perhaps it's because it was the first place Brett and I ate the night i moved to my new life in Bournemouth, this strange new land of unknown possibilities.

Perhaps it was the instant connection we felt with the eccentrically fabulous host, Lucia. Or perhaps it was the fabulous food and wine, of which there is no shortage of here.

Dizzy and delusional with Jet Lag, the night Brett took me here feels almost dream-like. But i think that's just the feeling you get while here.

We went by around 6.30 on a Tuesday, but the windows were dark and the door was locked. I was gutted. Brett had visited Bournemouth several times prior to our moving here for work, and always came to Lolita's. He couldn't wait for me to try it, just knowing much I would instantly fall in love with this restaurant - it was right up my alley.

So, as you can imagine, I was devastated that it was closed. We walked through town and were turned down at a few restaurants for not having reservations.

Defeated and starving, we decided to head back home and order pizza. On our way home, we passed Lolita's again, and it was OPEN! We were thrilled. Turns out they don't open until 7. We were still stuck in our American Early Bird Special dinner time. Oops.

American and Australian "regulars"

We walked in, and were immediately greeted with open arms and unfaltering energy by the restaurants' host/namesake/vixen, Lucia (but we call her Lolita, per her request!). The best thing about Lolita's is you feel as though you belong there, thanks to the attention that Lucia/Lolita gives you. It's not something you can explain - you just have to go and see for yourself! The energy this woman has is unbeatable. Infectious. Fabulous.

Since then, every time i've been back, it's no different. We are made to feel as though we are the most special people in the world. The walls are painted bright passionate red. Photographs and art (mostly Dali) adorn the walls and there isn't a space in this place that isn't covered in something bright, sexy, and Spanish.

The Food - Amazing!

Since that first fateful night, we've been back countless times. It's the perfect Date Night spot, the perfect venue for a birthday or celebration, or just to sit with friends and sip on the sangria. The ambiance and energy of the place is unforgettable.

Second only to the atmosphere and ambiance that Lucia/Lolita creates for us, is the food. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE.

Their menu consists of an assortment of tapas - from large to small - all reasonably priced between £3 and £10. I suggest 3-4 tapas per person makes a good, well-rounded meal. If you're hungry.

But we always start with about 2 each and just keep ordering, as we see amazing dishes leave the kitchen, grabbing one of the fabulously Spanish waitresses and yelling, "WHAT IS THAT?! WE WANT THAT!!!"

Chocolate Fondue for Dessert!

The first few times we came here, too, Lucia/Lolita convinced us to order a completely different combination than we asked for - but it's always nice to get suggestions from her on what is fresh and special that night, so we sit back and enjoy her suggestions with an open mind (if you are the type who likes order and control, this is not the place for you!).

To me, this restaurant is just perfect. Ambiance, service, price, FOOD, drinks, fun.

While it won't be the most romantic place you can take your lady in Bournemouth, it certainly has the most character - and for me, that's a winner every time.

xo,
B&M

Lolita's Homemade Tapas
95 Commercial Road (in the Triangle)
Bournemouth, United Kingdom BH25RT
phone: 07588065360
lolitasrestaurant@gmail.com

Hours: (call for updated hours, but closed Sunday unless party of 15 or more)
Street Parking, or in garage behind Library
Accepts Credit Cards (but prefer cash)

Good for: Romance, Birthdays, Leaving do's, Stag/Hen's nights, ANYTIME!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Livin' on the Edge... Restaurant.

The Edge Restaurant
Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

She Said:

When we first moved to Bournemouth 10 months ago, Brett and I heard from our friends that we HAD to try the Edge Restaurant for a Date Night. 

While it took us a good couple of months to get here, we finally made an appearance last Friday evening. And it did not disappoint.

Located on the Alum Chine bluff overlooking the water, the Edge oozes elegance. Situated on the top floor of an apartment complex, it's not quite what you'd expect a fine dining establishment to be. But once inside, that's exactly what we found.

Brett had called the night before to make reservations for 8pm on a Friday night. 

Luckily, they had an opening. We were shown to our table, and I think the last-minute booking was the reason for our location - we were the only table in the restaurant (apart from the seating in the bar) without a water-view. Our table was clearly the 'reserve' table, situated behind the coat-closet (where someone's cell phone kept ringing ALL NIGHT, ugh) the silverware station, tucked in the corner behind the bar. 

It was certainly not the best seat in the house, but it allowed us to really be in the middle of all the action (we could see straight into the kitchen every time the door opened). Lesson learned - call a few days before making a reservation here to ensure you get a good seat! 

The restaurant is quite small - but there are two levels. It has a very intimate feel. The lighting is perfect - not too dark but just romantic enough. The tables had their own salt and pepper grinders, which always impresses Brett. And the staff - they were remarkable. 

Brett and I had sneaked a peek at the menu prior to the evening, so we both knew exactly what we wanted when the waiter arrived. No wasting any time with the Robertsons when it comes to food!

Parsnip crisps

We ordered a bottle of red wine, and a few appetisers to start - Parsnip crisps, marinated olives, sun blushed tomatoes & feta (£5.50) which were UNREAL - you must get this. 

Tuna Sashimi

And also the Tuna sashimi (£10) which included pickled moulis & English radish, ginger & beansprout salad, wasabi mayonnaise. 

The tuna was perfectly rare and the wasabi mayonnaise just spicy enough to clear the sinuses before our mains arrived. Brilliant vinegar dressing on the garnish as well. All the flavours melted perfectly together.

Lamb Wellington

For our mains, Brett ordered cannon of lamb Wellington (£21) with fondant potato, baby vegetables, and red wine jus.  

I enjoyed the baked cod & parma ham (£20) which included crushed potatoes, tapenade & confit tomato. 

The Edge offers an assortment of sides to enjoy along with your meal, and we ordered a side of french fries (£4) to share. 

Baked Cod

Everything was melt-in-your-mouth exquisite. My fish was cooked perfectly - light and flakey without all the oil and butter you often find burdening a lean piece of fish like this. Brett was thoroughly impressed with his lamb - and he is a lamb snob, so this is no easy feat.

Homemade Chocolates

When it came time for dessert, I was good with my wine, and Brett ordered an espresso. 

At the end of the meal, our waiter brought out four pieces of homemade chocolates - two fudge, and two milk chocolate with almonds. I've never tasted anything more amazing than that fudge… And i'm not even a chocolate fan! Was the perfect end to the evening.

The Edge is perfectly romantic with an elegant ambiance. The staff is exceptional - we felt like they truly cared that we had an amazing time. But the food was the star - from the crispy parsnips to the home-made fudge, we found bliss in every bite. 

And for a fine dining establishment, the prices were reasonable. Our tab was under £80. Would highly recommend a visit here - whether treating your sweetie to a romantic evening, or a nice lunch meeting with co-workers. The Edge is a wonderful place to spend a few hours enjoying all that is great about life in Bournemouth.

xo,

B&M

Edge Restaurant
www.edgerestaurant.co.uk/
4th Floor, 2 Studland Road | Alum Chine, Bournemouth BH4 8JA, England

01202 757007
enquiries@edgerestaurant.co.uk

Mon-Sun 8-12am
Street Parking
Accepts Credit Cards

Good for: Romance, Special Occasion, Corporate

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Taverne Guildhall à Poole Quay

For today's blog post, you will need Google Translate!

That is, of course, unless vous parlez francais! In which case, lisez la suite!

She Said:

"Les... Pois...son, Les Poisson, how I love Les Poisson!"
- The Little Mermaid, 1989

Quand je pense à la cuisine française, fruits de mer est rarement la première chose qui me vient à l'esprit ... qui est, bien sûr, en dehors de cette scène brillante à partir de mon film d'enfance préférés, The Little Mermaid.

Eh bien, tavern Guildhall à Poole Quay aimerait me donner tort.

Ce restaurant de fruits de mer français, situé à quelques minutes du quai au coeur de Old Towne Poole offre un vaste menu qui comprend localement atterri délicieux poissons, le crabe et le homard, préparé dans une eau à la bouche et le style typiquement français.

Ils doivent être bien faire les choses, parce qu'ils sont classés n° 1 sur les restaurants Poole 122. C'est formidable!

Lorsque Brett m'a amené ici pour Date Night, je ne m'attendais pas à la magnificence au premier regard.

L'extérieur discret crée une façade pub-like, pas un de cuisine française fine.

En entrant, vous remarquez subtile décoration française, mais sans le arrogance du "kitsch" que vous pourriez trouver dans un restaurant italien ou mexicain ... les Français sont un peu moins évidente.

Nous avons été accueillis et installés immédiatement, et a assisté à des détails du reste de la soirée. Le personnel était attentionné, sympathique, charismatique, et utile - et authentiquement français!

Le menu est vaste, avec l'option de produits laitiers ou sans gluten sur plusieurs des articles - comment très anti-français pour encourager la commande spéciale! Si j'ai essayé à Paris, je serais expulsé!

La taille des portions aussi défient la norme française - ils sont massifs. Nous avons commencé avec une sélection de canapés pour £ 2.90 par personne, incluant soupe à l'oignon française, saumon en croûte, grillades gambas et pâté. Tous étaient délicieux.

Pour notre secteur, Brett a ordonné au Carré d'Agneau Dorset (£19.95), alors que j'ai choisi deux entrées, l'une Moules Marinier la (£7.75) et une Gambas Mauritienne la (crevettes tigrées, £7.95). Brett principaux inclus frites françaises et le choix de salade ou de légumes frais. Une fois que tous nos aliments sont arrivés, notre table était couverte. Nous avons essayé de notre mieux, mais ne pouvait obtenir par environ la moitié de celui-ci. Et il était ridiculement délicieux.

Tout cela la nourriture incroyable, plus deux verres de vin et deux bières est venu à un peu moins £70! Quelle belle surprise!

Outre une expérience fantastique globale, taverne Guildhall offre également plusieurs événements spéciaux manger chaque mois - dégustation de vins, ainsi que d'une Soirée dédiée français, où vous pourrez déguster de délicieuses spécialités françaises avec un menu unique, musique live, et un quiz en français, vous émergents dans la culture française. [Réservations nécessaires.]

Nous recommandons vivement cet endroit pour la nourriture incroyable, super service, et un peu chaud française au milieu de cet hiver froid anglais.

Datante Heureux!

xo,
B et M

Restaurant information:

Guildhall Tavern

15 Market Street

Poole, Dorset

SatNav: BH 15 1NB

T: -1202 671717

Opening hours: Tu - Sat 11.30a to 3p, 5.30p to 10p.

(closed Sundays and Mondays for private functions.)

Menu: click here.

Coriander Mexican Restaurant

She Said:

When picking a good Date Night spot, there are several things one must consider - whether it's a First Date, or a 4,211th Date:

1. Ambiance: Does the restaurant have character? Does it have a fun and friendly vibe? So many restaurants we venture out to are stuffy and stale. The better the ambiance, the more relaxed one can feel, which helps enduce positive interaction and conversation.

2. Food: The food should be good. Bottom line.

3. Service: If the service sucks, you're left feeling bitter. Nothing ruins a Date Night like bad service.

4. BONUS: Activity/playful hook. Whether part of the meal/restauraunt (think dinner theatre), or built into the theme of the restaurant (crayons and place mats), it's always a plus when there's that little something extra that makes the night memorable.

Lucky for us, we found a local place that embodies [almost] all of the above! Coriander Mexican Restaurant, located in the heart of Bournemouth Town Center.

When Brett and I moved to the UK from the US, one of our expat friends warned us that there was a shortage of true Mexican restaurants in Great Britain. Now, there are countless Spanish restaurants, but Spanish is NOTHING like Mexican.

TRUST. ME.

So, when Brett and I saw that we were living a mile away from an authentic Mexican dive, we were PUMPED!

While it's no Azteca, Coriander Restaurant has charm of its own. Upon entering, you are overwhelmed with that south-of-the-border vibe (see #1 above!).


Sombreros hanging from the walls and from the gaudy chandeliers - up for grabs to wear whilst dining (see #4 above!).

Brightly painted walls and artwork stimulate the senses, while the staff greets you with open arms as you walk through the door (see #3 above!). The place is always packed, so reservations are highly recommended.

Upon being seated, you are given a bowl of crayons and a blank place mat, and are promptly encouraged to impress your date with your artistic talents (again, #4 above!). Brett and I are terrible artists, so we typically end up playing "guess what I'm drawing" the whole time. And we almost always lose.

The menu is chocked full of traditional Mexican offerings.

The only thing missing is a taco salad, but I'm not complaining. While there is quite a selection, the food isn't amazing. HEY, you can't win 'em all.

So, 3/4 of the above bullets ain't bad. Coriander is a lively and fun date spot, where you're sure to have a great time, plenty of laughs, and hey - a tequila shot never hurt anyone!

Hasta luego!

xo
Mandy

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

At-Home Christmas Date Night!

She Said:

Well, no doubt you've noticed that it's that time of year again -- Christmas!!! This is bar-none, hands-down, no doubt my absolute favourite time of year. There are no words to describe the excitement I have for the Christmas season. It starts around June October-ish, and builds and builds into the climactic moment of Christmas morning bliss.

Actually, I think i prefer the build up to Christmas more than the actual day: decorating the house, trimming the tree, shopping in over-heated and over-crowded shops, the smell of mulled wine on the hob, baking bad-for-you foods, and of course - terrible Christmas Movies on television.

It wouldn't be Christmas at the Robertson household without a Christmas-themed Date Night -- we've actually had about three, but who's counting???

Itineraries for an at-home Christmas themed Date Nights can be as random as you want! That's the best part.

Whether it's decorating Christmas cookies together, wrapping presents together in front of the fire, putting lights up on the house, decorating the tree, or simply watching Christmas movies - celebrating in your own way is what makes this Date Night great.

It's a great time of year to simply celebrate each other, and to embrace coziness - so take advantage!

For Brett and me, it's easy. Food, spiced wine, and nostalgic movies. Done.

Brett's been glued to the food channel recently (lucky me and the extra 10 lbs I've gained this month!) and was inspired to make a Christmas ham, so our first to-do this Date Night was a trip to the market to pick up the meat, as well as fixin's for mamma's mulled wine! For the recipe we follow every year - a FOOL PROOF mix for the world's best Mulled wine - is courtesy of Jamie Oliver and can be found here.

The ham recipe we went for was courtesy our new favourite, Nigella. This recipe can be found here.
We got home and Brett started in on the ham. (We very quickly realised our apartment didn't have a pan to fit the ham, so off toASDA we went to snag a bigger one - just a quick 30minute Date Night Detour!). Back in the kitchen, ham boiling away like a happy little piggy, I started in on the Mulled Wine and some homemade mushroom and spinach tarts.

The smells coming from the kitchen were extraordinary.

While we waited for our feast to finish, we curled up on the couch in front of the fire with an array of classic Christmas movies at our disposal - which included Home Alone, Elf, and of course, A Christmas Story.

The ham was finally done and cooked to perfection, so we dug in.

Happy Birthday Jesus, this ham was amazing.

For more great Christmas-inspired recipes, check out this link! Food Network UK is doing their countdown to Christmas, and we're obsessed. Join us, won't you?

Happy Christmas, all!

Looking for some local fun to be had this Christmas?

Here is some inspiration!

• Date Night in with an all-time favourite Christmas Movie Marathon! (Die Hard will win you extra points with your gentleman)
• Christmas Cookie Decorating (perhaps show up in this little number to score even MORE points!)
• Visit a local Christmas Market for some spiced wine, shaved meat, and beers! Here is a list of local markets happening near you now! [List of local Christmas Markets]
• Drive and look at the Christmas Lights! Some neighborhoods are better than others...
• Take your sweetie to see the Nutcracker in Bournemouth
• Hit up a local Christmas Tree Festival!
• Go see A Christmas Carol at Poole's Lighthouse Theatre
• Or, head over to London where there are limitless ways to celebrate Christmas with your sweetie, including Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. I've heard it's AMAZING, and we're heading out this weekend to check it out for ourselves!

Have other GREAT Christmas Date Night ideas? Let us know! We'd love to add your event to the list.