Peace and Loaf - Ultra-fine Dining Has a New Name

Despite the UK still very much recovering from a lengthy stint of recession, the social bubble that is Newcastle has seen an exciting number of new eateries pop up in late 2013/early 2014. The Fat Spoon being both greedy and insatiable, has of course already been on a feeding rampage to trial many of these new places. Peace and Loaf is exceptionally different to any of the other new restaurants and in fact different to anything else Newcastle already had to offer. Boasting a Masterchef: The Professionals finalist as the restaurant's head chef, as well as a very extravagant menu and a beautiful interior to match. Being a top-end dining experience, this new kid on the block certainly has enough bite to make some of Newcastle's other big guns quiver in fear and check their underpants with shaking hands. That's because the food at Peace and Loaf oozes arrogance, flare and sensation like none other. The menu has been put together with originality at the very forefront and thankfully has the skill to deliver these gastronomical bombs with devastating effect. The finest ingredients matched with explicit flavours, an outstanding level of service and well balanced atmosphere will make a venture to this beauty truly special. Although students will have to sell a kidney to afford stepping inside Peace and Loaf, the experience itself will make any special occasion a long lasting memory. What's also great is that the menu is constantly changing and developing, each dish as impressively artistic as the last. It isn't just about aesthetics here, the flavour heroes here will leave you feeling hot and bothered...and possibly a little wet....in a good way of course. 94%

Bistro FORTY6 - Shoe Box Superiority

These days the country is littered with generic contemporary Italian or contemporary English restaurants, with little character and uninspiring menus. Often there's nothing wrong with their food (aside from being borderline extortionist), but fine dining must be visually exciting and gastronomically arousing. The Fat Spoon demands it. Gladly, Bistro FORTY6 knows exactly what it's doing. Despite being the size of student's living room, the tantalizing aromas from the kitchen, attractive decor and decent clientele helps create a very pleasant atmosphere in this dwarf restaurant. Don't expect to have your food in a hurry, as the lone waitress covering the whole restaurant herself can only go so fast and why rush something that is going to be brilliant. Despite seemingly running the whole show single-handedly, this particular waitress had more banter than a drunk comedian, a big plus for the Fat Spoon. The menu is strong. It showcases a range of sound but interesting seafood and meat dishes. And they certainly have a knack for scallops, the tempura scallops starter suggests a dish resembling deep fried shoe sole. But this dish was executed with razor sharp perfection. The main dishes also have masses of finesse, a particular favourite being the belly pork dish. Sex on a plate. Although it isn't at the cutting edge of fine dining, it's pretty damn close. Bistro FORTY6 isn't the cheapest of restaurants, but at least that keeps the scabbier diners out. They do offer a substantial discount with the Gourmet Society card however, making a visit here an absolute bargain. 85%

Café 21 - The Ultimate in Celebratory Cuisine

Surrounding the festive period and New Years the majority of restaurants across the country, both good and hideous will whore themselves out with 'special' seasonal menus. Many involve feeble attempts at festive cuisine with pointless 'quirky twists' and minuscule portions, which only enrages the Fat Spoon. That said, some of the festive menus are outstanding, but there can only be one king of celebration. That is Café 21, which specializes in offering excellent yet fairly priced set menus all year round. And being part of the 21 Hospitality Group you can expect amazing dishes with a great deal of effort behind each one, made with the finest of ingredients and erupting with finesse. Café 21 is only really out shadowed by it's burly bigger brother, The Broad Chare. But when you want fine dining with all that glitz and glam guff, then Cafe 21 has to be your first choice. So break out the champagne and make your choice from the range of contemporary dishes boasting great game, rotund beef dishes and exquisite seafood. The beautiful presentation across all dishes will make your best efforts look like MasterChef gone wrong. High level food should look as good as it taste, as should the serving staff. Thankfully Café 21 doesn't disappoint. There is also a convenient Café 21 installation in Fenwicks, if MacDonald's doesn't cut it as mid-shopping bait. Definitely another big shot...94%

Malmaison - Brasserie Brilliance

The high-brow hotel chain's only site in the North East doesn't cut any corners. Here you'll find the same level of prestige service as would in any other of the 12 Malmaisons across the United Kingdom. This tower of excellence is as beautiful as you would expect on the inside and this theme is carried through into the restaurant. You are likely to feel like an extra in a Bond film as a result of the royal furnishings and superb level of table service. The seductive and dark, but not dingy styling will certainly set the mood. But the Fat Spoon places food above all of these characteristics and thankfully their menu reflects this high calibre style of restaurant. They offer a variety of iconic and decadent dishes from across the continent that are delicious without the need for being pretentious or tiny in portions. They combine exotic components with classic and homely dishes, resulting in excellent food that will leave you feeling very satisfied. The "Mal burger" is a must for burger lovers. And they of course complement this excellent range of dishes with an extravagant cocktail list and superb selection of wines. However, this sovereign menu doesn't come without a seriously hefty price tag...expect to pay through the teeth. A bank loan might even be required, because they really don't mess around. But for a truly special occasion, it's definitely worthwhile. But if you are a Gourmet society card holder then you can save a tidy sum. 92%

The Broad Chare - The Gourmet Gold Standard

Although The Broad Chare describes itself as a proper pub, with proper beer and proper food, it is a far more exhilarating experience than gives itself credit for! The menu hammers you with a variety of contemporary British cuisine, with a few international twists, exhibiting the finest local cuisine. The modest exterior opens up to a very warming pub and rustic upper dining room. For such a relatively small venue the range of real ales, international beers and outstanding wines is amazing. The hybrid pub/restaurant offers a series of bar snacks, pub lunches and exquisite gourmet dining experiences, that all work in harmony with one another. Without a doubt the best scotch eggs in all of Newcastle. Other menu highlights include the rib steak sliders, the fried monkfish cheeks, the pork crackling, the hand-raised pork pies, the Lindisfarne oysters, the duck hash, the mutton masala....actually the entire menu is exceptional. You will require multiple trips to this fine establishment. And that's just the regular menu, they always deliver a number of outstanding specials. The Fat Spoon's favourites include the venison and trotter pie, and the slow-cooked shoulder of lamb. Opting for the lamb is the pinnacle of existence, serving 5-6 humans this ultra-tender, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth, super-flavoursome mountain of meat (served with vegetables and Dauphinoise potatoes) is very reasonably priced. There are many reasons for why The Broad Chare deserves the Fat Spoon's highest rating yet, but you have to go try its wonders yourself, immediately! 96%

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Newcastle - A New Level of Excellence

Situated in Newcastle's new Hotel Indigo flagship installation, this ultra-highbrow restaurant delivers a new standard of outstanding cuisine to our city. The a la carte menu really does speak volumes, and it isn't all about grilled meat. It features a number of other exquisite contemporary dishes with a variety of international influences. As you'd expect from a restaurant ran by a 3 Michelin starred chef, the quality of food is exceptional and delivered with finesse rarely exhibited in Newcastle. The level of table service is equally outstanding, and genuinely aim to ensure you have the greatest meal possible. They are also very accommodative towards larger groups and celebratory functions, making your special occasion memorable. Although there is the option of an evening set menu, compared to the gourmet wonders on the a la carte, it resembles the McDonald's saver menu. Thus highlighting the only negative point to the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, the expense. If you aim to indulge to the finest of the menu, i.e. the bresaola, the signature t-bone steak, the cheese board, etc. then you might have to consider a bank loan. But in all fairness, you will be content, at MPWs you get what you pay for...sheer brilliance. Certainly not a place for those on a budget however. 91%

Tiger Tiger Newcastle - Great Food in the Most Unlikely of Venues!

Don't worry, the Fat Spoon hasn't completely lost it. In one of Newcastle's leading stag/hen party hell holes (second only to the Bigg market) lies Tiger Tiger's restaurant. And it really is a hidden gem of great contemporary cuisine, cooked to a pretty decent standard. If your attending on a Friday evening you will have to fight your way through the trolls of society, but once you reach the back of the bar you'll be greeted by a serene and stylish restaurant. The menu would be a rather expensive, if it weren't for the fact that they operate a 50% discount off food and drinks most evenings between 5-9pm. This highly affordable menu covers everything from simple pub classics such as bangers 'n' mash to more decadent features such as rose veal schnitzel and lobster frites. The staff are friendly but possibly drunk, either that or incredibly clumsy, but are happy to accommodate large parties with private rooms and attentive service. All in all, a very satisfying restaurant that is suitable for students and gourmet-seekers alike. 72%

The Stand - Food That isn't a Joke

The Stand's primary function may be to provide Newcastle with a wide and diverse range of comedy acts, but it's "Box Office Bistro" restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Amongst a very simple cafe/restaurant can be found an excellently executed contemporary lunch and dinner menu. A variety of bold but balanced dishes are to be had, with Japanese, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences that utilise local produce. With every dish presented superbly and brimming with taste and finesse you would expect a hefty price tag. But again The Stand surprises us by offering all of these great dishes as part of a fairly priced set menu. Excellent table service, a decent bar and having the option to see some great comedy acts for very reasonable prices all make for an excellent and alternative evening. Wednesday night showcases Newcastle's home-grown new and upcoming talent for a minuscule £2, although some of these acts are about as funny as a kick in the groin, some of the other acts are great. All in all, a great little restaurant that is worth a visit in it's own right. An absolute must for fans of comedy. 87%

The Silk Room Restaurant - Gourmet Excellence

This quayside gem offers an excellent range of expertly prepared contemporary dishes, at relatively fair prices. The set menu's are always well put together, with a dish to please every taste at a more affordable price range. Although the intimate and soothing décor is great. The range of ambrosial champagne and cocktails are outstanding if you want to splash the cash. And the soulful music really sets the mood...but for the Fat Spoon, its all about the food! Visually impressive and innovative dishes really make this place well worth a visit. Perfect for special occasions, and very happy to take on larger table reservations. The Silk room's customer service would rival Buckingham palace, always a bonus when you're eating out. Overall, a Pant-wettingly good little restaurant. 88%