Brunch @ Federal Cafe, Northern Quarter

I've spoken about how much I love eating out before, but I think I've reached new grounds here. 

After visiting Federal Cafe on Friday morning for the first time with my team at work (nothing like avo and eggs to set you up for smashing out the last day of the week), I knew I'd be back soon. Sunday morning soon, it turned out.. 

Breakfast on Friday

When I arrived at 8am on Friday there were already a few tables occupied; two girl friends having an early catch up over French toast and tea, a guy busying himself on his laptop with a giant mug of coffee beside him, people popping in in suits, for their morning caffeine fix - there was a really good atmosphere.

Inside, it's actually smaller than I expected, but I think it offers a more intimate, homely vibe (and explains reports I've heard of queues forming out the door - FYI it's worth the wait..). 

I was immediately drawn to the 'Smashed Avo' on sourdough toast with poached eggs & streaky bacon, and a matcha latte to green things up a little. My team mate ordering food misheard me on the matcha front and so I also ended up with a Macchiato Espresso, which I'm certainly not complaining about. I think I'd actually really enjoy coffee tasting; this particular little bean was fruity with hints of dark chocolate, and I must admit I felt very knowledgeable reading off the taste card and preceding to mutter things like 'oh yes I can definitely get a feel for those deep berries..,' to myself. 

 

Most of us went for similar egg based dishes - there were a couple of egg Benedict's, a mushroom and egg affair (which I'd get to on Sunday...), a salmon bagel and the thickest wedge of banana bread and mascarpone, which sadly I didn't sample but smelt amazing.

I was seriously impressed with the generous portions; I find a lot of places nowadays can scrimp on things like the avocado - but this was hearty and decent. Speaking of the avocado, it was zesty and softened the crispy sourdough crusts just perfectly in my eyes. The eggs were bang on and the bacon was everything you'd imagine - salty and crunchy. It's making my mouth water thinking about it again!

I could've sat there for hours but we were served and out within 45 minutes (sadly), to head off to work.

Brunch on Sunday

On Sunday it was a slightly lazier affair, popping in around 11, and the place was steadily filling up.

It was busier but held that relaxed vibe - lots of people dining solo reading books, people coming in with their parents, as well as groups of friends. The staff were smiley and welcoming too, which is always a bonus!

This time, I'd spied mushrooms, so went for the Shrooms & Halloumi, and James did the same (I was hoping he'd pick the French Toast so I could sample but we're both massive savoury breakfast fans, one to try for next time definitely).

Well. It didn't disappoint. More of that sourdough and perfectly poached eggs (see picture below for obligatory yolk porn), but this time with slices of thick, squeaky halloumi, garlic and thyme roasted mushrooms and a spicy tomato relish. It was lush.

The relish made the dish for me. I love a tomato based sauce any day of the week so it was right up my street, and paired with the yolk it made a great base to mop up with bread.

Drinks wise, you must get the chai spiced latte. This probably sounds OTT but it was silky smooth to sip with a nice cinnamony kick, one of those things you don't want to end. James's massive cappucino in the red cup was also a winner.

  

I think you can tell I'm a fan. Would it be too much to go *again* this week to try their Brinner menu?

If you've been to Federal and think there's a dish I need to try, let me know and I'll gladly try it out!

Brunch @ The Yard, Alderley Edge

After our Barrecore workout, Sarah and I were in need of one thing. Brunch. The Yard is somewhere I'd set my heart on trying; one of those places you desperately hope lives up to your expectations because you've been wanting to go for so long..

Compared to London, Manchester seriously lacks health food restaurants, although it's slowly catching up and The Yard is arguably the leader of the pack.

The atmosphere is chilled and homely. Set in a huge converted barn type building, you feel like you are in a big, but cosy, farm (a glamorous farm at that). It's been tastefully restored with whitewash walls, oversized oak tables and an open kitchen - always a winner with me. There's a shop tucked on to the restaurant selling super foods, local produce, crockery & cook books (aka foodie heaven) and it took some willpower not to splurge! It has a friendly cafe feel to it; you take a seat, choose what you want and order at the till.

We managed to squeeze in in time for the breakfast menu (it stops at 11.30 FYI), and the food is incredibly reasonably priced - I had organic poached eggs, seasonal greens (lots of asparagus and a huge portion of wilted spinach) and rye bread and it set me back all of, wait for it, £4.50(!!) Amazing. Sarah had scrambled eggs with smoked salmon & sourdough toast, which equally looked d-vinee. We both chose Matcha Lattes with coconut sugar - a winning combination.

The rest of the menu looked incredible too, I think it's safe to say I'll be heading back soon to sample what's on offer for lunch if this is anything to go by:

If you haven't been yet, you must - you'll love it. I absolutely can't wait to go back, and I hope that more restaurants in Manchester take a leaf out of The Yard's book!

Duck & Waffle

Duck & Waffle is fan-bloody-tastic. It's an incredibly special place to have breakfast, especially if, like we did, you get there for 8am on a Saturday morning and London is (almost) still sleeping.

The atmosphere is enchanting, from the glass lift to the open kitchen and vertigo inducing views from your seats.

I initially had my eye on the Colombian Eggs (avocado, eggs and chives on sour sough bread) but when push came to shove I changed my mind - I could create something similar any day of the week. Kate and Nichola had this though, and in fairness it did look absolutely epic.

Instead Alice and I went for the Duck & Waffle. Surprise surprise. A sizeable Belgian waffle topped with a fried duck egg and huge crispy duck leg confit, with a mustard maple syrup sauce to drizzle on top.

Yep. I know.

Soo good.

Given its location, prestigious setting and exclusive clientele (myself included, obvs), the price is more than reasonable, I would definitely recommend it for a special breakfast.

We were there to toast to friendship (any excuse) and also to celebrate Kate's birthday; she enjoyed the Marmite Black Velvet cocktail (champagne, Marmite and Guinness reduction), which sounds odddd but tasted lush!

We sat and drank coffee until the place filled up before reluctantly giving up our seats and heading off out into the rain - even when tipping it down the views are still captivating!

Baked Eggs in Pepper

This recipe is soo easy to make and offers an ideal solution for a quick brunch or light lunch.

You just need two eggs and either one large pepper, or two smaller ones.

Chop across the pepper in half, not down from top to bottom, but around the pepper, so that you have two bowl shapes. Deseed and get rid of the stalk.

Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until soft. Crack an egg into each pepper bowl, and pop back in the oven for 3 - 5 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs cooked.

I served mine with some watercress and tomato dressed in apple cider vinegar with feta, but it would work well on its own, or paired with a chicken breast too.