Iberica

I spend most of my days searching for new places to eat and I was so excited when I came across Iberica, it went straight to the top of my list and I couldn't wait for an occasion to visit. We decided to go there as my Christmas gift to my boyfriend; after all what greater gift is there than food?

Iberica is a Spanish restaurant offering amazing tapas and has chains in Manchester, Leeds, London and Glasgow, so if you are ever near one I would highly suggest you take a trip. I love going for tapas  as you get to try so many different things, however, with a menu as good as Iberia I just wanted to order everything.

Half and half board

Octopus a la Gallega

We decided to have a half and half board to get a taste of their cheeses and meats. This has to be the best chorizo I've ever tasted and the cheeses complimented the meats so nicely. Next was my favourite dish that we ordered, the octopus. This was served on a bed of potatoes and a garlic sauce; not everyone's cup of tea but it was cooked to perfection and tasted amaaaaazing.

Mini burgers

Mixed paella

Of course there was more to follow as we then had garlic prawns in pasta and mini burgers. The burgers came with a delicious mustard sauce, it's just a shame they were mini because they were gone before I knew it.
After stuffing our faces on the tapas, our paella was finally ready. This is one of my favourite dishes ever and Iberica did not disappoint. We chose the mixed paella with seafood and chicken and were amazed with the size of the dish, it was huge! You know something tastes good when you both can't stop saying "oh my god" after each mouthful, and this paella was just that.

Despite how full we both were, we didn't want to leave anything behind as we would definitely live to regret it. Everything was full of so much flavour, there wasn't anything I didn't like. This is definitely top of my list of favourite restaurants in Leeds. I am dying to go back and devour all the above all over again; I can't recommend this place enough! (ps. you have to check out their toilets, it looks like the Chamber of Secrets in Harry Potter!)

The Cartford Inn

The Cartford Inn has been a favourite of mine since I was a child as my parents used to take us there quite often. It has since evolved into a fine dining restaurant offering sophisticated dishes using the best seasonal ingredients.

When it came to picking a restaurant for celebrating Mother's Day, The Cartford Inn was top of my list as it had been ages since my last visit. One thing I love about this place it that they change their menu seasonally, I think this is a great sign of fresh food and creative chefs.

My mother and I decided to share two starters as we were tempted by too many and found it hard to make a decision. Our choices were 'marinated pork belly and watermelon with sweet pickled cucumber, mint basil and goats curd' and 'fresh crab and nori gnocchi with enoki mushrooms, yuzu and wasabi foam.' Both tasted amazing, but I have to say the pork belly was my favourite; the combination of flavours worked so well together, I didn't want it to end.

Marinated pork belly and watermelon

Fresh crab and nori gnocchi

For main course I set my sights on the whole roasted Lytham poussin, served with a sourdough, lemon and thyme stuffing, maple jersey royals, chard, butternut squash and chorizo. I could not fault this dish, all elements worked so well together and was presented so well, like all of their dishes. 

Whole roasted Lytham poussin

I very rarely order desserts as I tend to stuff myself silly, but the dishes at The Cartford Inn don't over face you and leave you feeling satisfyingly fed. However, this also means I feel the need to squeeze in pudding and of course when informed that the special for the day was chocolate fudge brownie it would have been rude to say no. I asked to swap the vanilla ice cream for Wallings toffee crunch as this is a favourite of mine and I rarely get to visit with me living in Leeds, and it made the dessert taste even better! The brownie was soooo gooey, I was in heaven.

Chocolate fudge brownie

The Cartford Inn is a place all the family will love. Great food and great service as the waiters ensure you are well looked after throughout your meal. This is also a great place for lunch as they offer a lunch menu; I once had a pulled pork sandwich with coconut coleslaw and it was to die for, I am still living in hope it will return to the menu one day!

We had an amazing day celebrating an amazing woman and will be returning very soon for sure!