Franco Manca - Masterclass in Reading, Berkshire {restaurant review}

Last June/July time Franco Manca opened up a branch in Reading and I was kindly invited along to an evening of pizza and limoncello drinking! I have been back since and I will say what I said then that the pizza from Franco Manca is one of my favorites. The sourdough base is everything and because the menu changes with the seasons it's toppings are always top notch. 

So, when they asked if I'd like to come along to try out one of their masterclasses I was there! This time around I was allowed to get in the kitchen and make my own pizza! Our instructor aka Master Pizza Maker Andrea was full of knowledge and showed us how the sour dough was made before giving us our own blob to turn into our own masterpiece! 

First you have to press it down gently and firmly with your finger tips, it's sometimes referred to as knocking it back, but this is a small piece so it doesn't need as much pressure or energy if you were making a loaf of bread. 

Then gently folding it over your hand you toss it gently back and forth - this does two things. One it knocks the excess unnecessary flour off and two it stretches the dough out ready to be pizza shaped. 

Once it's, as I said, pizza shaped they have a perfectly sized ladle to pour on the tomato sauce and spread in a circle. Then the fun part. Putting whatever you want on it! I choose lots of cheese, some garlic, olives, and mushrooms. 

Very gently you move it on a paddle which then gets placed into their special wood burning oven that is kept at something ridiculous like 500 degrees - it literally takes minutes. Then using another fun tool you check to make sure the bottom is properly cooked before gently sliding it out and turning it around and putting it back in and giving it another minute to make sure it's perfect and then you place it on your plate and enjoy!! 

I couldn't recommend the pesto more, it's seasonal so varies visit to visit, it's perfect to dip crusts in. It's essential, if you like lemons and liquor, to finish your meal with a shot of their limoncello, which is sourced in Italy and brought to the UK just for them! 

If you would like to experience making your own pizza masterclasses, in Reading, are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Classes are two and half hours and cost £30 including food, wine/soft drinks. Book or find out more: reading@francomanca.co.uk or 0118 995 2086.

Classes are also held at their Chiswick, Richmond, and Bournemouth to find out more of the details for those locations check the Franco Manca website here!  

Before we left they gave us a little goody bag with a bottle of wine, some pizza toppings, and a bottle of chilli oil for if we ever get the courage to try making pizza's at home! The book below was from my first visit and if you want to read that full review with more pictures check it out here! 

*I was invited to attend, but I was not asked to write a review positive or otherwise, no other compensation was given. Please see my contacts/policy page above for more information. 

5 Medieval Fun Foodie Facts & No-bake Medieval Gingerbread & fun at Reading Museum in Reading Berkshire

That's probably the longest post title I have ever had ..... but it's the best way to describe this post!

As it is the summer holidays I am always looking for things to entertain my children and after exhausting our craft supplies at home we ventured out with a friend to the Reading Museum! During the school holiday's they always have various activities going on. One half-term we went on a trail looking and drawing local trees, we've made hats at another event, and sometimes just explored the museum!

The Reading Museum is full of local history and host various events; family, special events, and talks & tours. It's definitely a place to stop if you ever happen to find yourself in Reading! I like writing about local events and things to do in Reading, but this was a one-off event and although it can't be repeated at the museum I am going to share the recipe we made here and you can then make it at home with your little ones teaching them about life and food during those times.

Here are a few facts you could include!

5 Fun Foodie Facts during the Medieval Times: 

1. Bread - if they (the people)  ran out of grain before a new crop could be harvested they would have to use old rye to make bread, but old rye could be contaminated with ergot a fungus that could cause hallucinations, gangrene, or death or possibly all three. 
2. Poultry - Chickens weren't the only birds they ate. Today Swans are protected animals, but back then they were a delicacy for the rich with recipes for roasted swan or swan pie! They also ate loads of other birds such as peacocks, turtle doves, cranes, and blackbirds. 
3. Bringing home the bacon - they ran wild and were quite vicious due to reports of them biting and killing people and back then animals would stand trial and if found guilty would be put to death and I assume cooked and eaten!  
4. Travel - the majority of people aka peasants probably didn't travel very far, however the trade business during those times were booming! Silks from China, amber and furs from the Baltic, and spices from Asia. Christopher Columbus at the end of the Medieval times was on a trip to Asia and ran into what we know today is America. The spices used in this recipe would have been expensive and considered a real treat! 
5. Pottage - Peasants ate pottage which was basically anything they had hanging around and cooked as a stew. Usually consisting of various root vegetables and sometimes meat. 

No-bake Medieval Gingerbread

1 cup breadcrumbs (brown/seeded)
4 tbsp water (warm)
2-4 tbsp honey
1 large pinch cinnamon
1 large pinch ginger

In the case of using a cup of breadcrumbs, we were given an actual plastic cup full of breadcrumbs so I would say an average mug would work too. Pour the breadcrumbs into a bowl and then add the honey and give a bit of a stir quickly to stop it soaking into just some of the bread. In the same cup mix 2 tbsp of water with the cinnamon, and ginger. Add the spiced water slowly to the bread crumbs, get your hands in there and mix together. The breadcrumbs should be moist, but not wet. When you can mold the breadcrumbs into little balls without falling apart then you can stop adding the water. Then leave in cupcake cases or on a plate.

If you want you can also decorate paper plates with medieval-ish patterns here are some great examples!

My mini-bakers and their friends had a great time making the gingerbread probably more then they were interested in eating it. They did try it, but weren't too fussed they were more interested in decorating their plates with medieval patterns (some not so medieval), and exploring the museum. Definitely give the website a look for other events and activities. Most events are free or like this one had a minimal fee and as it's all drop in, make sure you get there early to get a spot! 

*I paid for my children to attend the event and as stated above was invited on the day by a friend. For more information see my contact/policy page.

Revolución De Cuba - Reading, Berkshire

Revolución De Cuba has it all! When I say it has it all I mean it has everything you could ask for to have a great night out: Cocktails, food, and dancing! The atmosphere was sophisticated yet it was very chilled.

For you old Reading-ers it's located in the old HMV on Friar street and it's huge inside! It looks amazing with great front seating and a place to dance in the back. The upstairs, where we were taught how to make some great cocktails, is the room they rent out for events and it's gorgeous with an outside patio that can be covered if need be!

We started the night with Strawberry Daiquiri's before taking one of their Cocktail Masterclasses! We were taught how to make a classic Mojito and told a bit about the mojito. The very lovely lady who was showing us explain that all cocktails have two straws because in probation times cocktails were expensive and therefore were shared between a husband and wife. The bent straw is for the lady and the sticky up straw is for the man.

Then we were taught how to make the Zombie with their own secret Zombie mix topped with pineapple and orange juice.  I volunteered to make this one as it meant I got to use a torch to light it on fire! It was a lot of fun to make and it had an interesting flavor that makes it stand out from other cocktails!

The last cocktail we were shown how to make was the Pornstar Rumtini - made with rum instead of vodka. If you have never had one I suggest you do! It comes with a shot of Prosecco to use as a palate  cleanser although some people pour it in or just drink it as a shot. Weirdos.

It was a lot of fun learning how to make cocktails and hearing the stories behind them! If this sounds like a great night out to you check out their website, linked below, for the different Masterclass's you can book for you and your friends! Best bit is that you get to drink everything you make!

For me the night wasn't over we were offered a variety of their tapas before learning how to salsa! It was a bit daunting, but the instructor was good at telling us what to do! I felt I caught on okay towards the end!

If you haven't checked it out yet, I suggest you do!

Revolución De Cuba - 138-141 Friar St, Reading RG1 1EX

*I was invited to visit and review - all opinions are my own - no other compensation was given.

Summer Food Fest {at the Oracle Reading, Berkshire}

The Oracle in Reading is my shopping centre! I go there not only for the shopping, but for the food! The Riverside has an amazing variety of restaurants all in one spot! From sushi, to burgers, to tacos and pizza there is something for everyone!

This weekend (August 12-13th) sample food from some of the restaurants and if you have the Plus App check it out for some amazing deals this weekend from Jamie's Italian and Boost!

The Oracle invited a group of us bloggers out for another supper safari! We got to try Ed's Diner's shakes and floats (amazing by the way) and our main course was from the well known Miller and Carters followed by dessert at Las Inguas !!

As an American I love a good retro American Diner and Ed's doesn't disappoint with their amazing shakes and floats! I of course had a classic rootbeer float and it was just what I had wanted after a walk through town!

I had heard amazing things about Miller and Carters, but never had the pleasure of visiting before. I can honestly say the steaks were so good that I can't wait to take my friends there!! We were given a variety of all the sides and salads to accompany the steaks. The steaks we were given to share were the 8oz sirloin and the famous Tomahawk steak! Both were cooked to perfection and served with a sort of onion hash brown that I couldn't get enough of! That's saying something because I generally don't like onions! The waiter served us an great red wine (Newton Johnson: 2013 Full Stop Rock) to accompany the dinner and it was a perfect pairing!

We ended the night at Las Iguanas with a cocktail and their dessert menu! We couldn't decide so they gave us one of everything! My favorite was the churros and the chocolate cake!! The cocktail was a bit like a mojito, but is called a Caipirinha that is made with Las Iguanas Magnifica cachaca, fresh lime, and sugar. I found it refreshing after such a rich meal of steak!

Overall a great night out and I met some amazing new bloggers that I've only met or seen in passing at other local events! Find them on twitter: 

Mode Madeleine @MaddieMagpie 

Emily @thebelljarblog

Sophie @sophieroseheart

The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

notes: I was invited out by the PR group that handle the Oracle and was not asked to write a positive to review, but to share and spread the news of their summer food fest this weekend! For more information see my contact policy page!

ARTIGIANO - Summer Cocktail Menu {Reading, Berkshire}

The night before I moved into my new flat I tagged along with my friend and fellow blogger Alyssia to Artigiano in Reading town centre for a fun night of cocktails and pizza!

Artigiano has been providing great coffee in Reading for over a year now! There are four other locations in the UK - St Pauls, Reading, Exeter, and Working St, Cardiff - I can’t speak for the other locations, but I love the Reading location it’s comfy and trendy!

During the day they sell the best coffee and by night they serve some amazing cocktails and provide entertainment. Follow your local Artigiano Facebook page for events and such as the website doesn't provide that information!

They showed us how to make 5 different cocktails from their new summer menu before allowing us each to have a go at making our favourite! Mine favorite was the Arti’s Espresso Martini - Artigiano is known for it’s coffee so it’s no surprise but first they showed us how to make their most popular cocktail....

The Porn Star Martini served with a shot of Prosecco. The Prosecco is meant to be sipped while drinking the martini to help cleanse the palette so to speak.

Then we made a Margarita, Arti’s Espresso Martini, Cointreau Fizz Tea, and last but not least the Bramble! The thing with cocktails is that they do actually contain a fair amount of alcohol and by the time you’ve had one or two you feel a bit tipsy! For the full menu why not stop in or visit the website for more details!

We finished up the night by trying out their artisan pizza. They were very good, the vegetarian one was my favorite!!

Overall it was a good night out - they provided us with a goodie bag full of everything we needed to make our own Gin and Tonic! I have more photos/videos over on my instagram - go have a look! 

If you are thinking "Gee! Not only does drinking cocktails sound fun, but making them sounds even more fun!" then visit the Exeter branch as they are offering a Create - Your - Own Cocktail Experience where one of the resident mixologists helps you create 3 different cocktails. At £20 a person, 4 people or more, it's a pretty good deal! See the website for more details and stay tuned perhaps the Reading branch will be following suit? 

As I mentioned I went along with my friend! 

Why not check out her post over on her blog Alyssia Rose!!

notes: I was invited along as a guest with another blogger, therefore I was not asked to provide a review nor was I given any form of compensation except for the food and drink on the night. All opinions are my own - for more information please see my contact/policy page above!

Smash! VIP Night - Ping Pong, Pizza, and Drinks!

Ping-Pong is the name and the game at Smash, a new bar in Reading town centre. I was invited to check it out before it opened the doors to the public last Friday night!

There are plenty of bars in Reading, but none quite like this one. I felt right at home as it has a very American feel through the decor and the fact that they call themselves a bar.

I've done the nights out on the town just hanging out in a bar/pub and I can say that Smash offers something different, a game, one that I've learned I'm not very good at, but was so much fun trying!

There are four ping-pong tables set up in the back of the bar and if you want to have a try you can book a table in hourly slots and is a minimum of £5 for that hour. If you get hungry they have a nice selection of handmade pizzas! And if you get thirsty they have a variety of craft beers and ales as well as an exciting cocktail menu!

With ping pong, pizza and pints you can't go wrong!

Book a table today to avoid disappointment! Also watch out for their events! Every day from 12pm-4pm enjoy their Daily Smash offer, which allows you to play ping pong and enjoy a pizza and a drink for only £6.95!

Do you think you have what it takes to be a ping pong champion? Join in a Ping Pong Tournament this Saturday (4th of June 2016) starting at 3pm!

Ping Pong isn't the only game you can watch at Smash visit this Sunday (5th of June 2016) and catch the Sweden v Wales Euro 2016 warm up game. Book a table for you and your friends and enjoy the match with a pizza and pint!

Find out more about Smash and their events on their website: http://www.smashbars.co.uk

from What's On Berkshire 

Did I mention that I got to be Ollie Locke from Made in Chelsea? I did!

notes: I was invited to the VIP night as a guest - All opinions are my own - I was not compensated in any other way for this post. For more information please visit my contact/policy page tab above.

Making Smoothies with Boost at the Oracle!

Everyone has had a smoothie at some point in their life. If you are reading this thinking "I have never had a smoothie in my life!" then one you're weird and two you should remedy that like right away by visiting your local Boost! 

Mine is in Reading at the Oracle and I am ashamed to admit I have been walking past it these last few months looking, but never stopping. Until last week when I was invited to get a behind the scenes look at how they make their smoothies! 

Boost was founded in Australia and was introduced to the UK in 2007 by Richard and Dawn O'Sullivan. They saw a lack in the UK market for freshly made smoothies and changed that by opening a Boost here in the UK. The first shop is in Manchester and is to this day the 2nd most popular store in the world! Melbourne of course is number 1.

Smoothies, although a very simple concept, are super good for you and taste great! There is probably a diet trend or someone out there ready to disagree with that statement. There are a million arguments for and against blending and juicing fruit and vegetables. 

From what I gather is that no one has a solid answer. Because some fibres are increased and some decreased by blending and some nutrients absorb better when juiced and others not so much. At the end of the day people today don't eat the amount of fruit and vegetables that they should be eating. A smoothie has at least one type of fruit or vegetable and usual contain more. In my opinion that can only be a good thing and when they taste amazing it's hard to argue how they aren't good for you.

I chose to make the Strawberry Squeeze, it is made with strawberries, banana, apple juice, no fat milk, TD4 strawberry yogurt and ice. I replaced the apple juice with orange juice. It means I got to use the fun orange juicing machine pictured above! One of the perks of Boost - you can make the smoothie your own! Swap fruits or juices or add a supplement; Boost want you to like and enjoy your smoothie so they are flexible!

I believe all of us added or changed things in our smoothies one of us even asked for something off menu! We all had a lot of fun making our smoothies and were all happy with our choices! After my experience I will definitely be stopping by for a smoothie and not just walking by looking at it! I know my girls will love it too!

Boost 

Unit 20, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Located in the Upper Mall 

notes: I was invited to visit Boost by the Oracle and Boost as a PR event, I was compensated for my time, but was not asked to give a positive response - all opinions are my own please see my contact/policy page for more information.

Oh and one last thing we were given a gym bag full of fun Boost stuff! Polo shirt, cups, key chains, hats, and stuff!! 

Day Out: Free Half Term Event at Reading Museum {Doodle Tree Trail}

It's half-term! Again! Half-terms have a tricky way of sneaking up on you unexpectedly. You're busy taking the kids to school, picking them up, doing homework, and other school things and then it's half-term and you have to plan all these things! I don't know about your children, but my two are now used to a routine and struggle with not being told what to do next.

That means it's up to me to give them suggestions or to take them out! It can be hard to get out and about without spending a lot of money at the movies or indoor play centres. I went looking online at free stuff for kids to do in Reading over the half term and was directed to the museums site.

Now this event was outside, but I thought rain or shine it's a good way to get out of the house for the afternoon. There is only so much baking, crafting, and watching movies parents and children can do!

The event was called the Doodle Tree Trail: discover some extremely special trees in Reading town Centre. It sounded different and interesting so I signed us up!

We started outside of the museum with a fun activity pack that asked us not only about the trees, but included fun facts of the trees or local history!

Trees we saw: 

Hornbeam (carbines betulus)
Judas Tree (circus siliquastrum)
Mulberry (mores nigra)
Maidenhair Tree (ginkgo biloba)
Weeping Willow (sail babylonica)
London Plane (platens xhispanica)
Indian Bean Tree (catalpa bignonioides)

The crew of people who were running the tour were very friendly, informative, and patient with the children... and adults who had questions! My girls seemed to really enjoy it. At 8 and 6 they might not have taken it all in, but they liked walking around the different parts of town we rarely go too and filling out their activity packs along the way.

This tour won't be happening again, unless they get funding, but they will be leaving the activity packs and a map of the tour at the Reading Museum for anyone interested in checking it out! If anything it takes you around the town centre and shows you a bit more then just shops!

I would recommend checking it out if you happen to be in Reading and looking for something a bit different to do! Plus there is so much more to see and explore at the museum as well as hosting other free half-term events!

Find it here:
Reading Museum
The Town Hall
Blagrave Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 1QH

notes: all opinions are my own and in no way associated with the Reading Museum - I really enjoy local events and sharing them with my readers, for more information please see my contact/policy page.

Makeover! with Urban Decay & The Oracle

A couple of Friday's ago I was invited to The Oracle for a Valentine's event. I know it's been a couple of weeks, but the event is relevant Valentine's Day or not!

This particular night we went to House of Fraser and were greeted with a glass of prosecco and three very lovely makeup artists! They were friendly, bubbly, and know everything there is to know about Urban Decay.

There were four of us and we did a sort of speed dating makeover. So, one of us started with either face, eyes, or lips and the fourth wondered around taking photos!

What I learned: 

Lips - that lip liner isn't just for lining your lips! It's best to fill your whole lip(s) in with the liner before applying the lipstick. 

Eyes - if you wet an Urban Decay eyeshadow it gives you a bold and shinier color! Which can help create a different look. 

Face - it's better to match your foundation to the color of your neck then your face so it doesn't look like you're wearing a mask. 

Urban Decay was started in the mid-90's, when Wende Zomnir was tired of boring lipsticks and nail enamels and with her co-conspirators created their own! Influenced by the decaying urban landscape they filled a void that no one knew existed - products that gave beauty with an edge. The brand has exploded since the 90's and includes all sorts of high-performance cosmetics and skin products.

My Top 3 Urban Decay Products (that I use): 

1. Naked Palette - Smokey
2. Perversion Mascara
3. B6 Vitamin-infused Complexion Prep Spray

3 Urban Decay Products I want in my life: 

1. Revolution Lipstick 
2. Naked Flushed - Bronze, Glow, Blush pressed powders
3. Eyeshadow Primer Potions

If this blog post hasn't convinced you to check out more products by Urban Decay then I suggest you hit up the counter in House of Fraser and meet one of the lovely assistants and ask them anything! Maybe even get a little makeover while you're there!

What we got in our goodie bag to try at home: 

• Little Perversions bag: 
• perversion mascara - black
• ink for eyes precision eye pen - black
• all nighter eyeliner - black
• subversion lash primer
• 24/7 glide-on eye pencil -black 
• Afterglow 8-hour powder blush - Quiver 
• Eyeshadow - Bust 
• 24/7 glide-on eye pencil - Deep End & Goldmine 
• Browbeater (pencil and brush) - Taupe
• Sheer Revolution Lipstick - Sheer Walk of Shame 

House of Fraser - Urban Decay Counter 

The Oracle Shopping Centre,

Reading,

RG1 2AG

Oh and I forgot we also got a treat from Hotel Chocolate - also located in the Upper Mall at The Oracle!
Don't Forget to Check out Alyssia Rose's post over on her blog here! 

note: I was invited to the event by Frank PR - all opinions are my own and there was no other compensation besides the goodie bags. If you haven't noticed The Oracle is my "local" shopping mall and I love promoting local businesses and events - if you need an event covered in Berkshire please see my contact page and give me a shout!