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Moomba Loughborough

After a really tough week we decided last night that we should get out of the house and go and have dinner in Loughborough. We had planned to go to the Swan Street Social where we went at Christmas time and had a nice lunch but it has ceased trading – what a shame.

A bit of research threw up Moomba Australian Restaurant & Bar so I booked a table and off we headed after a cheeky drink in the Orange Tree on the way.

The atmosphere was really lively and the staff were welcoming, attentive and efficient. We started off with a cocktail while we browsed the menu. There were some really interesting options including camel pie (I asked and yes – real camel apparently) , kangaroo burgers and a kangaroo rump steak.

We chose the Moomba Platter to share as a starter which included spicy squid, spicy chicken wings and garlic ciabatta. It was very fresh, tasty and didn’t last very long!

We both chose a special for main – Jon had a swordfish steak and I chose the “spider” beef steak which was cooked medium rare and served with delicious creamy mash and a red wine sauce. Both were delicious and all got eaten. We also ordered a Barbera Shiraz at £13.95.

The bill came to just over £60 which felt like great value considering what a relaxing, enjoyable time we had had. We will definitely be returning – I’m sure my daughters will enjoy it just as much!

Moomba Australian Restaurant and Bar on on 01509 210202 – check it out.

February 16, 2013
Apple Traybake

This is a really simple traybake using store cupboard ingredients which can be served hot with cream or custard or cold, cut in to squares for school break time or a coffee break. Make sure you have good quality vanilla extract – try Dr. Oetker. You can use cooking or eating apples – cooking will be a little tarter. (more…)

February 7, 2013
Pasta Puttanesca

Perfect for a quick lunch if you fancy something spicy, tasty and comforting. This makes enough for one person but obviously you can double up for a speedy lunch for two. You need anchovies from a jar rather than those little tins. The traditional recipe uses black olives but I prefer green – either is good. I like the seeds left in my birds eye chilli as I like this really spicy but you can remove the seeds for a more family – friendly version.

February 7, 2013
Prepare Ahead Dinner Party Menu Idea for 8

February is normally a pretty miserable month but at least the six nations kicks in and you can justify staying in and enjoying the rugby. This weekend we had friends staying over so I needed to do food for 8 with as much as possible planned in advance so that after a long walk with the dog I had little to but enjoy the rugby.

We skipped a starter but had canapes instead whilst watching the rugby. We had already marinated the prawns for Juicy King Prawn and Chorizo Skewers so they just needed popping on to cocktail sticks with the sausage and frying for 5 minutes. I also warmed through some Spicy Chilli Sausage Rolls which I’d taken out from the freezer that morning. Informal, tasty and warming with a glass of wine.

I peeled and sliced some potatoes earlier in the day so just needed to assemble the Potato Dauphinoise and put in the preheated oven for an hour while I slowly warmed through on hob the Coq Au Vin I had cooked the previous day and finally cooked assorted vegetables.

Finally we finished with a Classic Custard Tart which had been prepared that morning so needed no preparation at all.

Preparing ahead means you can enjoy the evening without spending hours in the kitchen. This worked really well and everything got eaten. Obviously you need plenty of red wine to wash it down with!

February 5, 2013
Custard Tart

A traditional, classic pudding which can be made in advance to take the pressure off if having a dinner party. Custard Tart was really popular in the seventies and eighties but has made a come back and is a popular dish for a retro dinner party.

You will need a nutmeg grinder to get the authentic taste.

February 5, 2013