Then I realised that it would be a great opportunity to explore the city. I only moved to Manchester a year and a half ago and while I like to think that I know my way around, it's fair to say that there are loads of gems I've yet to uncover; I still get lost for god's sake!
I decided to use the app to pick somewhere nice to go out for tea on Friday with Chris- the second free meal he's enjoyed with me this week (I won a free chicken platter from Nando's on the radio a couple of weeks ago!), my generosity knows no bounds. With Christmas coming up, neither of us have a great deal of spare cash to go out on, so it was really lovely getting to go out for an unexpected nice meal.
The app generally has an Italian flavour to it, though as I love a good Italian, I was already familiar with most of the Italian restaurants selected by their expert writers. We decided to try Grill on New York Street as we both love a good steak!
Here's what I wore:
Jacket: charity shop
Dress: c/o Forever 21
Belt: vintage
Chain bag: charity shop
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Ever-predictable, I was running really late, didn't have time to do my nails and couldn't decide what to wear! I don't do dressed up so well; the base of the outfit looked promising with a simple dip hem black dress from Forever 21 but obviously I didn't feel right in it so chucked on my new printed silk bomber jacket and clunky JC Lana's. A slick of red lippy makes it dressed up though, right? (MAC Red FYI)
Earrings: Gogo Phillip @ Topshop
The map function on the app came in handy on the journey there as the taxi driver didn't know where he was going. I don't know why we use them to be honest, just like to give them the trade as their office is down the road!
Upon late arrival at the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised that even though the place was full of office Christmas parties, it felt quite private as we were on an upper level in mini seating booths.
We had bread, Calamari and Mussels in cider and chorizo to start- all excellent. I had an incred. cocktail called a Mint and Violet Crush- tasted like Parma Violets!
For mains, I had 'Posh Surf & Turf'; a sirloin steak with garlic prawns, baby scallops and crayfish and Chris had a HUGE rib eye. Afterwards, we walked the short distance down the road for cocktails at The Alchemist- very well planned I'd say ;)
The app would be great for couples planning a city break. I couldn't believe how central Grill on New York Street was having never seen it thanks to it's location down a small side street. As well as the bars and restaurants, there's plenty of cool independent shops to discover too.
Have you uncovered any gems in your town recently?
Love,
Foxy x
