Real Junk Food | Manchester

It’s definitely safe to say I have been beyonddd slacking with my blog. Partly because I felt unmotivated and was struggling to think of things I really wanted to write about, but also because my university workload has been a handful!
Nevertheless, I am back with a new post, finally trying to get back into the swing of things!

So recently I came across a restaurant called Real Junk Food, which is situated on Oxford Road in Manchester City centre and was intrigued by it whenever I walked past. Was it actual junk food, as in fast food? But what did the ‘Real’ aspect mean? Well, this particular restaurant is different from most because it is ‘not-for-profit’ and only uses ingredients and produce that would have otherwise been thrown out. The aim of the company is to ‘reduce as much food waste as possible’ therefore tackling environmental issues. The food is still served to a high standard just as any other restaurant would be.. even though the ingredients are all recycled ‘waste’, now that sounds like a pretty cool concept right?

Since the restaurant is not-for-profit, it functions on a pay as you feel basis. So, in summary, you pay what you feel the food is worth, or what you can afford to spare. Upon entering the restaurant it has refreshingly light decor, with hanging plants all around and chalkboard walls filled with artwork and writing. The decor makes the place feel fun and upbeat, which of course goes perfectly with the whole concept of the place. There is an immediate sense of community spirit to the restaurant, the staff are all volunteers so do not get paid for their time, yet were extremely polite and genuinely welcoming towards each and every customer.

I noticed evident regulars, particlary some homeless men, that were on a first name basis with all the volunteers and had genuine expressions of excitement as they paced down the stairs to the lower level seating area, food in hand. The restaurant also appeared popular with customers who are on their lunch break, dressed in suits and work attire, popping in for some lunch and a coffee fix.

I sat in the downstairs seating area and there was a small chalkboard menu of food available to order that particular day, a selection of tea and coffee, and then a help yourself water and juice station. I ordered Boston beans on sourdough bread, topped with a fried egg and some spiced yoghurt, then a latte to drink. As an avid coffee drinker who has unashamedly tried the large majority of coffee that is recommended in Manchester, I found the coffee here extremely enjoyable and would definitely go back for that alone.

The food arrived fairly soon after the drinks and looked extremely appetising and was presented to just as high of a standard as some highly regarded restaurants I have previously eaten at in Manchester. Now for the important part, the taste. Myself and my friend were extremely satisfied with the food, and finished every last bit. Something as simple as that dish was delicious.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience at Real junk food, and would certainly visit again. I chose to pay £7.50 for my latte and food, and left more than satisfied with a pleasantly full stomach.

Amelia x

Quick and Easy Home-made Naked Bars!

I'm always looking for new ways to improve my diet in order to be that little bit healthier. I find that one of my biggest downfalls is snacking! It's so easy to pick up that chocolate bar or biscuit(s) to go with your tea or coffee, or just whenever you're feeling that sugar craving in general (which for me is pretty often).

 I've tried the 'Nakd.' bars before but never really go out of my way to buy them.. I also think they're quite pricey! So I thought why not make my own? Plus once I have the ingredients in my cupboard it means I can always make another batch, therefore saving money in the long run. They are superrrr easy to make, and literally contain 3/4 ingredients depending on your preference. They require no cooking, just simply being popped in the fridge to cool once made.

Ingredients:

Makes around 12 servings.

2 Cups of Dates (I use Medjool Dates)

2 Tbsp of Cocoa -  to make them healthier use raw cacao powder, tastes just as nice!

2 Tsp of Vanilla extract (or orange, etc)

1.5 Cups of Cashew nuts - or others such as almonds. This can be skipped or substituted, I skipped because I didn't have any in the house.

The original Nakd Bars contain raisins but I only put in a very small amount, not even the full 1/2 pictured below. The good thing about these bars is that they are very adaptable so definitely mix and match different ingredients and make them your own!

Method:

Place all the ingredients into a food processor in order to get it to the right consistency which will be sort of soft and sticky, mine did turn out a little too sticky probably due to the lack of nuts which tends to bind the mixture better.

Then press the mixture into a container, I use a rectangular glass dish so that they're easy to remove and are around the right shape.

Then simply pop them into the fridge for anywhere between an hour or 2, you can decide when you want to take them out. Or, place in in the freezer for half an hour to speed up the process. Cut and present them however you like, I just go for the typical rectangular sort of bar shape. 

You can freeze them if you don't think you'll eat them very quickly which is perfect, or serve them up on a place and keep them covered in the fridge for friends and family to snack on!

Definitely give them a try for a healthier alternative where you still feel like you're getting that chocolate fix!

Amelia 

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