The Quarter, Liverpool

We visited for a light meal on Christmas Eve nearly giving up trying to find a parking space with it beginning to rain heavily. At the last try a space had become available right outside. We were quickly seated and told we had the table for 40 minutes. Mr Nom noted that since the last time he had visited some four years ago it had doubled in size.

The service was swift and efficient and dishes arrived quicker than I expected. The vongole pasta dish was lovely, fresh fettuccine with clams, tomatoes, chilli and parsley. There was a generous amount of clams and the dish had a kick from the chilli. I was surprised there wasn’t much sauce with the dish but it didn’t need it.

The pizza base was light but the tomato sauce lacked depth. Topped with small amounts of ham, mushroom, parmesan and pine nuts.

Time was ticking but we figured we could still fit some of the home made cakes. We chose red velvet and a gluten free cake.  The red velvet was delicious however towards the end it got a bit sickly.

The gluten free sponge cake came with cream and fresh berries and was quite good although Mr Nom was not particularly fond of the texture.

It was starting to get very busy which was surprising with it being Christmas Eve and we overheard other customers being told tables were needed back in 30mins. The service however was good and we hope to return when it is less quiet so we do not feel pressured to gulp down our food and drinks.

And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon, Didsbury

I always crave a slice or two of cake! I find it hard to cut cakes out of my diet; I would rather look at the dessert menu first before I glance at the main menu. When Mr Nom told me he was taking me to “And the dish ran away with the spoon” I was super excited!  A little gem of a cafe situated on Burton Road in Didsbury.

Luckily we found a table by the window as we sat down the cafe was brimming with new customers who had to wait for a free table.  I was overwhelmed by the drinks and cakes on offer, this was cake heaven! The beverage list was also large and interesting, I love selecting drinks just as much as I like food.

Mr Nom wanted to share the Nutty professor iced mocha, but I decided I wanted the banoffee iced latte.  We would feel sick together I guess! Mr Nom told me to pick the cakes as he eats anything. I went to order but I kept running back to ask whether I should get the Special (Cherry Almond cake) or the Blueberry Surprise cake. I was just like a kid in a sweet shop! After a few minutes I settled for the Rose & Pistachio cake, no surprises there since I love pistachio and I’m a huge fan of rose as well.

The Nutty professor iced mocha was made using hazelnut syrup and double chocolate ice cream.  The drinks were rather light actually, not thick so they were easy to drink.

The cakes hit the spot too; looking at the photo now makes my mouth water.  The rose and pistachio cake was light and moist, and most importantly, not too sweet, just how I like my cakes. The blueberry surprise cake was equally as scrumptious.

I was rather tempted to purchase more cakes to take home; I had my eye on the salted caramel brownie as they kept staring at me. However I refrained myself, we will just have to come back and try the rest of the menu. If you are a cake lover like me, you definitely need to visit here.  Slightly out of the way from the City Centre but it’s worth it and as a bonus, the cake and drinks are extremely affordable.

Leaf, Liverpool

Leaf is one of Liverpools gems which we fall back on whenever we feel like cake, breakfast or snacks and can’t decide on where to go because it is consistent and relaxing for a reasonable price.  Along with a decent selection of tea it is the ideal place to chill out in the afternoon without a care in the world.  Inside it is simple with marble and wooden tables and chairs with a couple of sofas.  There is also a small stage for gigs at night.  There is always a decent vibe and a constant stream of punters in the morning and afternoon.

We first visited for as Mrs Nom had one of her numerous cravings for cake.  The menu had us intrigued as what turned from a cake craving turned into a small feast of falafels with tzatziki, Moroccan chicken with roasted peppers and chorizo & bean stew along with Victoria spongecake and carrot cake.  All of the dishes we have tried thus far were very palatable and enjoyable comfort food to nibble on in a relaxed vibe.  Tea comes in clear pots, our favourites being the cherry blossom and fairy wings concoctions from the extensive range of beverages,

Subsequently we returned for breakfast there were there the usual suspects being a full English and the more intriguing and various egg variations including benedicts, florentine etc.  As good as any other that we’ve had in Liverpool for a similar price range.  We are spoilt for choice for breakfast in Liverpool and a future post will include all of our favourites as a guide to anyone interested.

Leaf comes highly recommended for drinks and nibbles.  It will also give you the chance to explore the many other eateries and shops at the top end of Bold Street where there has been a renaissance in recent years with the Italian Club establishments to the more recent Nolita Cantina.