Norwich nights Magazine Issue 4 - May

CONTRIBUTORS. Melissa Compton: Editor and Creator of Norwich Nights Magazine.

Melissa’s other credits include: writing reviews for Cardiff Times Magazine, published Poetry, and writing the Cardiff, Let’s Talk Theatre blog before relocating to Norwich to write full time in Norwich.

Zena Leech-Calton: Food Feature Writer. Zena runs Love Norwich Food, has became a good food blog-ger after her many years of experience in the food industry.

If you would like to be a contributor, get in touch with us.

Website: https://norwichnightsmagazine.com or Email Norwich-nightsmagazine@outlook.com

ZENA’S FOOD CORNER PRESENTS THE WEEKEND FIX. Foodie Weekends Ok so we can’t go out for dinner, we can’t go to the pub and definitely No socialising. Unless its dropping a birthday cake off at your parent’s house with a long stick and that’s only if it’s been sanitised & made with gloves and a facemask with a flour substitute because that’s all sold out!

So, this begs the question – how can we have super tasty weekend?

Well not all is lost, here are some mighty fine scrumptious ideas for our mighty fine city.

Saturday Night Takeaway (of course, other Norwich Nights are available) Deliveries – To stay a-float a few restaurants and street food vendors are offering a delivery service, with strict health and hygiene regulations. Meaning you can prepay for a knock and drop delivery service.

Here are a few of my favourites – Pono - delivering healthy meals & smoothies to Norwich www.staypono.co.uk / pono.norwich@gmail.com Sicily Market based on Norwich Market - Pizzas & Pasta deliveries www.sicilyvan.co.uk / 07742152690 / info@sicilyvan.co.uk Gonzos - Delivering amazing burgers, booze & wings. Order via www.facebook.com/gonzostearoom / 01603473763 Little Pie Patisserie – Offering sweet treats plus a Vegan supper club £5 per day or £22.50 pp for the week including delivery. littlepiepatisserie@gmail.com Gringos – Local Taco deliveries www.facebook.com/gringostequila.co.uk/ 01603 615832 www.gringosnorwich.co.uk

Moorish – Falafel bar meals delivered on a Thursday, Friday & Saturday www.moorishfalafel.com 01603 622250 Christopher’s Crepes – Savory & sweet classic pancakes, call Christopher on 07581 420352 for a Thursday to Monday from 4pm delivery.

Takeaways – Its quite possible your favourite or 5th favourite place is still serving a prepay, pick up food service. With of course social distancing in place.

Here are a few of my favourites – The Fish N Chip shop (Magdalen St) – 01603 660158 from 4.30 – 9.30pm everyday. www.thefishnchipshop.app4food.co.uk www.thefishnchipshop.com Donnelli’s Pizza – via deliveroo or just eat (NR1 – NR7) – call direct for pick up 01603 568095 Jorge’s – Portuguese Food - Takeaway or local delivery. Lunch & Dinner (Mondays closed) Large Tapas and Grill menu online - https://www.jorgesrestaurant.co.uk Jive – Mexican -Taco kit for 2 for £25 meat or veggie. Order via website https:// www.jivekitchen.co.uk / 01603 620330

Shiki – Japanese pick up or Norwich delivery Wednesday to Sunday. Order via bookings@shikirestaurant.co.uk / 01603 619262

Ready Meals with flavour – while supporting local, why not stock up on filling meals for your fridge or freezer.

Here are a few of my favourites – Al Dente – Offering deli produce, fresh pasta, ready meals and sauces. Delivery in and around Norwich on a Thursday or pick up city center. 01603 632580 ciao@aldentenorwich.co.uk / www.aldentenorwich.co.uk Currylicious – Authentic Indian curries & snacks. Delivered around Norfolk. www.currylicious.co.uk 07957 402402 sales@currylicious.co.uk Honest Kitchen Norwich – Delivering healthy tasty food with smoothies or kombucha 7 days a week, order the night before. 07470 646091 / https://www.honestkitchennorwich.com The One Food Company – Delivering delicious meals in Norwich weekly. ben@theonefoodcompany.co.uk 07590 561919 / www.facebook.com/theonefoodcompany Duck Truck – Cook at home Duck wrap kit for £20 (4). Order the day before for afternoon on a Wednesday & Saturday charley.watkins@theducktruck.co.uk 07815 781443

BBQ – For those who have a garden with a BBQ, there is nothing better than Al Freso cooking, getting caveman (or woman) pleasure from fire and meat. And for those veggies amongst us, fire impregnates gorgeous flavour in to veggies too. You can wrap whole onions, potatoes & corn in tin foil and cook on the embers for charred goodness.

Coal cooked pepper, chilli and halloumi kebabs and wow to bbq seafood.

Here are a few of my favourite butchers, Veg box delivery’s and fishmongers offering delivery or pick up – Archer’s Butchers – Meat boxes with local delivery. 01603 434253 www.archersbutchers.com Broadland Hams - Delivery all across Norfolk. All sorts of ham, gammon, sausages and bacon. sales@broadlandhams.co.uk / 01603 412125 / www.broadlandhams.co.uk Hazels Butcher – Norfolk deliveries. 01603 789556 https://www.facebook.com/ hazelsbutchers/ Norfolk Beef Company – Order online for Beef packages www.norfolkbeefcompany.co.uk Easters – Regular deliveries of dairy, cheese, fresh & frozen fruit & vegetables - 01603 622890 /www.eastersofnorwich.com Howard and Sons – Game, seafood & deli produce, delivery or pick up 01603 624928 / gary@fishmongersnorwich.co.uk Tofurei - Vegan sausages, tofu, burgers (plus vegan baking) www.tofurei.co.uk 01603627717/ info@tofurei.co.uk

Who said Dessert ? Norwich has you covered.

Artisan Bakers, Home Cooks, Bakeries, Cafes and Cake Makers are baking for your sweet treat pleasure. You can even have them delivered.

Here are a few of my favourites – Figbar – cake boxes with a selection of 8 for £25 add a 6 x sausage rolls for £6 on a Tuesday & Saturday for local Norwich delivery. www.figbarnorwich.com / hello@figbarnorwich.com

Simply Cake Co – Brownies and more delivered nationwide www.simplycakeco.co.uk And Eat IT - Brings you Saturdays deliveries of brownies, cookies, brookies and donuts order via https://my-site-101990-100826.square.site/? fbclid=IwAR0Kz56YhDzPJSBtqZIMO1N5yfQxIwV_KaPbzFvjq4VZAAvHy9ZpoHECAjk

Cupcake & Co – Delivery of cake and bakes on a Saturday 07585 443801 www.cupcakeand.co/onlineshop

Pub at Home - Did you know some people have changed their spare rooms, sheds and garages into pubs. It’s true – I’ve seen it with my own eyes (not literally of course, I’m staying safe) it’s all over social media.

People are having nightclub nights, romantic dinners for two, fancy dress parties with the kids, disco nights, pub quizzes online, dress up nights – they are even knocking on their own front door as if it was a private members club.

Yes, the worlds gone mad.

What gets a party started, even if it is with the person you’re isolating with, your kids, your parents or even yourself with your bestie on Facebook time

= local Norfolk booze.

Here’s a few of my favourites – CH Wines – Online wine orders with free delivery. www.chwinemerchants.co.uk / 07917 095068 Wildcraft Brewery – Artisan beer & ales. office@wildcraftbrewery.co.uk 01603 278054 Sir Toby’s Beers – Beers, spirits and local wine delivered locally. www.sirtobysbeers.co.uk Wild Knight Distillery – Norfolk Vodka, Caramel Vodka, coffee Martini and Gin. www.wildknightdistillery.co.uk St Giles Gin – Online orders at https://www.stgilesgin.com So, you really can self-isolate, keep your distance, stay safe, yet enjoy all the delicious food and drink Norfolk has to offer in the comfort of your own home – even if your dressed up like a Disney character with glitter on your beard.

But for the other 175 wonderful Norfolk foodie places offering delivery go to my latest blog on www.lovenorfolkfood.co.uk

Stay Safe – Stay Healthy-ish

By Zena Leech-Calton © Cookery Tutor and Food writer www.lovenorfolkfood.co.uk plus blogger @Love_Norwich_Food

Zena’s Recipe cards Sour Dough Starters - A natural Leaven yeast Three different methods A good temperature is important in summer leave aside in a corner - - not too hot not too cold – it likes to be comfortable as it bubbles and grows.

When adding water use cold in summer (from the tap is fine) and room temperature in winter (or ambient from the tap).

Discarding – some recipes ask for discarding some of the mix – 5oz, but you have to throw some of it away allowing the mix to feed and not get saturated in bubbly-ness (or helping the PH, allowing the yeast not to fight and ending up to starter-ish = to sour).

Alternatively give to someone nice.

A starter ready to use – should be doubled in size from the day before, bubbly and tangy with a sour smell – not too over powering.

Rye or whole-wheat is often used in day one as it contains more protein and can grab all the good stuff from the air around making it kick start its natural yeasty goodness.

Apart from the rye or wheat all flour should preferably be strong – alternatively plain will do – defo not SR! Lid off day & night 1 – lid loosely on all other days.

The simple Easy - Flour & Water ONE Day 1 Mix in a glass jar - 1 tablespoon rye flour 1 tablespoon strong flour 3 tablespoons water – leave over night (no lid) pinch Salt

Day 2 Repeat quantity’s and add to mix

Day 3 Repeat quantity’s and add to mix

Day 4 Ready for use.

The Yogurt base TWO Day 1 Mix 2 heaped tablespoons plain live yogurt 100ml warm milk - in a jar (no lid) and leave over night.

Day 2 Add 60g strong flour Day 3 LEAVE – nothing doing here.

Day 4 Add 100g strong flour 50ml water 20ml milk (cold from fridge is fine).

Day 5 Discard half the starter (too much) Add 60g strong flour 60ml water to the remaining half.

Day 6 Ready to use.

The well fed Whole-wheat starter Three Day 1 Mix 100g rye or whole-wheat flour 100ml water – together in a glass jar (no lid).

Day 2 Discard half the starter – too much Bob! Mix in 100g plain or strong flour 100ml water.

Day 3 Mix an equal quantity of starter with 100g plain or strong flour 100ml water Day 4 and Day 5 Repeat day 3 only do it twice – preferably feeding every 12 ours or what ever suits you-ish!

Day 6

Ready to use -

Tips on the good loaf – •

Make sure when you make a sour dough loaf you allow a slow rise – the mixed dough should be given the first rise or about 2 hours then the knocked down and shaped loaf should be left over night or between 6-8 hours if made during the day. You can wrap the loaf in a flour dusted T- towel somewhere ambient – i.e not too warm, room temperature is fine.

•

Use any bread recipe just replace the yeast with the starter – 6-7g dried yeast = 225250g starter or see basic sour dough loaf recipe below.

•

Make sure you reserve some starter for your next loaf! And keep feeding it – see tips on the next page.

Basic Recipe Sour Dough Loaf 450g strong white flour 250g sour dough starter 225 - 250ml warm water pinch salt pinch sugar Sift the flour twice.

In a mixing bowl add the flour, salt, sugar and starter.

Mix in enough water to form a kneed-able but still slightly sticky dough.

Kneed for 10 minutes or until well kneaded with spring back.

Cover with a damp T-towel and leave out for 2 hours (room temperature is fine, or if in winter leave somewhere warm).

Knock back and shape in to your loaf.

Dust with flour - cover and leave for 6 – 8 hours or overnight is making for a breakfast loaf.

Pre-heat the oven gas 6 / 200*c.

Place the loaf on a greased tray – bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and hollow to the tap! underneath.

Keeping the Starter FED They’ll be some left-over starter – repeat day 2, leaving it one or two days a week and discarding half of it every 2 weeks or when needed.

Give it a name – mines called BORIS. I did have Doris a few years ago but she sadly passed away with neglect. If you get bored and don’t want to feed him or her for a few days leave it covered in the fridge – the cold will send it to sleep for a well-earned rest for you both. (unfortunately, Doris got left in the fridge for several weeks and died of hypothermia !!!!)

Sour dough starters can last for decades – one was found in an Egyptian Tomb.

You can make bread, cakes and pancakes – but look after IT.

by Zena Leech-Calton © www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk @love_Norwich_Food U tube – Dyslexic Chef

Sunday Roast Challenge.

One thing we quickly realised about this challenge was no two roast dinners in Norwich were the same or comparable. Initially the idea was to compare two instead I am going to write a review of the two of the deliverable Sunday Roast’s available.

Up first is Sam’s Cafeteria in Suffolk square their ordering process is simple phone from 10 am onwards we would phone early. Order your roast dinner they post details of which roast meat their doing on their Instagram account so be sure to keep an eye on that. We are going to call this one the soft option.

The Soft Option: Turkey roast dinner.

They called this their small roast dinner, but we found it was more than enough, it came with green beans, cauliflower, savoy cabbage and carrots and 2 stuffing balls, roast potatoes thick slices of turkey breast and gravy. Every thing was cooked to perfection personally we like soft veg so this was a win for us the stuffing and roast potatoes, had a nice crispy to them and the gravy was supplied in a separate container and was rich and smooth, but not thick. Presented in a cardboard box lined with foil with high sides you did not need a plate. This reasonably priced meal tasted like a good home-cooked meal and was just the right size for lunch.

Sam’s Cafeteria Vauxhall Street, Norwich Phone: 07985504466 Menu can be accessed in their Instagram photos. https://www.instagram.com/samscafeteria/ Please note Sam’s provide a delivery service all week long.

Price: £6.95 + delivery (£1.00-3.00 depending on distance)

Second up was OffSeasons Ltd, we ordered through there Facebook page in advance, another one of the businesses we regularly check out on Facebook, again great ordering service we simply private messaged the page with an enquiry, they send me the menu and the order was placed via Facebook messenger, we paid via Bank direct payment, the handling thing about their Facebook approach is the payment confirmation and delivery advice 5-10 minutes before our delivery we got a message stating when the driver would be arriving.

The Crispy Option: Beef roast dinner with Apple crumple and custard desert.

The first thing we noticed is the sheer size of this meal, which included the largest Yorkshire Pudding, we have ever seen. We called this the crispy option because it was (with exception of the pudding of course). The meal was delivered in a square foil carton, with the crispiest roast potatoes, the veg was fresh and crisp and plentiful with two thick slices of beef a large serving of stuffing and a parsnip lay across the top, this meal is big enough for two, the red cabbage was brilliantly done and a nice addition. Now brutal honesty our editor had this meal alone and here’s what happen she managed to eat half the dinner, then needed a break because she was too full, then after about a hour ate the pudding, The Apple Crumble was a large portion with a small pot of custard which was perfectly done, the apples were soft and literally just melted in your mouth and the crumble has a incredible texture of slightly crisp but soft enough not to clash with the apples, the custard was smooth, thick and full of flavour.

It took her another few hours, before she finished the dinner for supper. Generous portions seem to be a reoccurring theme within OffSeasons portions ensuring you get great value for money.

OffSeasons Ltd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OffSeasonsNorwich/ Phone: 07539 393445 Please note OffSeasons operate on a Thursday and Sunday only.

BOOK PAGES: WHAT WE’RE READING. Bad People by Craig Wallwork.

THREE MISSING CHILDREN. Over the past three years, the quiet Yorkshire village of Stormer Hill has lost three of its children. No bodies were ever discovered. No evidence found. No witnesses.

THE WRITER. Struggling to find inspiration for his new novel, celebrated crime author, and ex-police officer, Alex Palmer, believes the story of the missing children could end his writer's block, but is he prepared for the story that's about to develop?

THE DETECTIVE. Tom Nolan, a seasoned detective and loner involved in finding each missing child. Nolan is tasked with chaperoning Palmer and walking through each case. But as both men revisit the past, and dig deeper, neither are prepared for the chilling discovery to why the children were taken.

THE BRETHREN. A secret cult. Two men, and a series of brutal and unimaginable murders spanning over seven years with one intention; to show the world that death can be justified if it's for a greater good.

Price: £6.99 Available from www.amazon.co.uk

My Life I decide by Rinku Sawhney Are you someone who cannot be spontaneous? Or someone who is scared to take charge in life and move on to greater things? Or someone who feels awkward when facing an audience?

My Life I Decide by Mind-shift coach, Rinku Sawhney, is a how-to guide that enthuses you to have unflinching courage, be optimistic and self-reliant. With some refreshingly innovative exercises and life-changing stories, this quick read not only helps you identify your self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviours that become roadblocks in the trajectory of your life but also shares simple and effective techniques which help you engage in a deep self-exploration and create excellence in both your personal and professional lives. Through nineteen thought-provoking ideas, this book empowers you to find your best possible self and live an extraordinary life.

Available from: www.amazon.co.uk (Kindle) Price: £5.99

More books!

The Third Sun: Daughter of the phoenix book one—Victoria Price.

The sun is dying, the windows to Earth are closing. Time is running out.

After the death of her sister, eighteen-year-old Fia Aldridge knows one thing for certain: she doesn’t belong anywhere. But then she tumbles into the parallel world of Ohinyan—a world where angels and witches walk amongst mankind.

An ancient darkness is taking advantage of the dying sun, and Ohinyan needs Fia’s help. She soon learns that her arrival is not entirely by accident and that Alexander, leader of angels, is not the guardian she thought he was.

Torn between their feelings and their duties, together they must find a way to return Fia to London before the darkness consumes her and she is trapped in Ohinyan forever.

A richly woven tale drawing on ancient myths and legends, bursting with adventure, elemental magic, angels, witches, shapeshifters and slow burn romance. Fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Laini Taylor and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials will devour The Third Sun: Daughter of the Phoenix Book One. Price: £7.99 Available from: www.amazon.co.uk

My Brother’s Keeper by Chris Calder.

Trouble-shooting like never before! Dominic Barratt is a Catholic priest who is ordered to help, in secret, other priests with problems.

But he has his own demons to confront.

Once engaged to be married, Dominic split up with his fiancée Hazel to join the priesthood.

Now she comes back into his life, hoping to convince him that he has made a mistake. She wants him to resign and marry her.

Already unsettled by events that challenge his faith, Dominic is tormented by his reawakened feelings for Hazel. Bound in conscience by his vows of Chastity and Obedience, he now faces a seemingly insoluble dilemma.

Price: £8.99 Available from: www.amazon.co.uk

Justice Within by Eddie Newell Would you risk your liberty to rectify an injustice? A successful businesswoman has the means, she has the motivation, she has a plan and if anyone tries to block her it will be punishable by death.

An epic, hard-boiled, cosy, crime thriller.

Eloise Langley has an idyllic life, loving family, successful, wealthy and she has had a significant impact on healthcare. Her electronic chip implants (Chipsules) have reduced waiting times for many medical tests. Over 5 million people have the implants. Then her eldest son is killed in a road accident by a driver many times over the legal alcohol limit and speeding. Yet, through the combination of a technicality, daddy’s money and the old boys network, the sentence the driver receives is negligible for such an offence.

Eloise wants justice and she is prepared to risk her comfortable life to achieve it. She informs the police of a potential suspicious death and alludes to the fact she may be involved. More than that, if justice is not meted out in the manner she wants it, many more lives could perish. Her extravagant demands are outside of the law, but to say no could put millions of lives at risk. The case goes to the highest echelons of law enforcement and government, but to call her bluff could let loose the biggest mass murderer of our generation?

Can one woman take on the whole legal system, and the forces of government, and succeed? Her ace card is that she knows so many people have justice within them.

Price: ÂŁ4.99 Available from: www.amazon.co.uk

THEATRE WITH ME: COME AND EXPLORE WHAT NORWICH HAS TO OFFER! With the country in lockdown, now is the perfect time to plan all the things you are going to do once its lifted, and we are finally back to normal. So, we have been thinking theatres: which of Norwich’s theatres will you visit first?

Do you have a favourite pre-show restaurant? Maybe the following breakdown will help.

The Garage: based on Chapel Fields North, there a performing arts centre and provide classes for all ages too covering music, dance, theatre, and fitness. We reviewed one of their youth performances earlier this year. The thing about the Garage is the variety in performances, they offer a range of shows covering varying age ranges in terms of performers and audience. From the small café located near the main entrance: which is a small independent café, so please support them by buying something if you visit in the future. The theatre it self is what you would expect it’s not luxurious but it is comfortable, I would say it is medium sized but the thing you are really going to take away from this environment is the atmosphere, It’s friendly, and a perfect way to relax.

Their online booking system is also fast and easy to use.

One of the great things is during the current health crisis The Garage has been streaming lots of fun videos.

Check their website for more information: http://www.thegarage.org.uk/

Theatre Royal Norwich: Theatre Royal Norwich, forms part of Norwich Theatre with the playhouse and Stage Two. Theatre Royal is located on Theatre Street, Norwich. You can find a lot of the big shows here. Like all theatres they are currently closed but are due to have performances of The Book of Mormon, and Northern Ballet’s Merlin later in the year as well as a variety of performances.

If a luxurious theatre trip with access to big shows and celebrities is what you are after Theatre Royal, Norwich have you covered. Check out their website for details and do not forget the friends and supporters page where you can find details of membership packages. https://norwichtheatre.org/ N.B We are not in anyway connected to our affiliated to either Theatre Royal, Norwich or any of the theatres featured.

Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich.

Whether it is music, comedy, or Dickens, Bronte, Shakespeare you want you are most likely to find it here. Located in St John’s Alley, Norwich. If you walk to the birdcage it is heavily signposted from there, or simply use the map on their website.

But there is so much more on offer here than just performances, from Red Mad Theatre School to volunteering opportunity to their bar and dinning experience. We love Maddermarket Theatre with its Tudor-style exterior it is perfect for watching some Shakespeare.

Check out their website for more information. https:// maddermarket.co.uk/ We can not wait to get back to visiting our favourite theatres.

Games for May 2020.

Minecraft Dungeons, The dungeon crawler game is set to be released on 26 May 2020 For Windows, Xbox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Please see for more details: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/ a

Maneater, Being released from Epic Games on 22 May 2020. being released for pc, Xbox and PS4.

Start out as a baby shark but do you have the survival instincts to become a Maneater.

Please see for details: https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/product/maneater/home

Something for the kids: check out the art work on upcoming game Fledgling Heroes.

Fledgling Heroes is a side-scrolling flap ‘em up game featuring brave birds taking on a wild world. Each feathered friend has their own treacherous tale to tell as they dodge dastardly pirate lizARRrds, dash through frozen forests, dive through sunken temples, and flap their way from fledglings to fully-fledged heroes! Fledgling Heroes also features a fully customisable online level editor enabling gamers to build their own adventures and test them against their friends or other players across the globe! Coming to Nintendo Switch on 7th May 2020, launching globally in the Nintendo eShop for $9.99 USD / £7.99 / €8.99. Pre-orders go live on 23rd April featuring a 15% discount ($8.49 USD / £6.79 / €7.59).

Ask The Editor…

Hi, so in the absence of question I decided to talk about what it is I have been up to. We are living in difficult uncertain times right now and we all have to be adaptable as best we can. After a short spell of being ill, I got back to work.

Here at Norwich Nights we think a lot about our readers and our advertisers I remember personally every book or advert than has been placed and a lot of the personal stories that come with them.

We have been lucky enough to be contacted by some great author’s but only a few of these are from Norwich. Our book pages fill up fast, In fact the last three months filled up in a day. So we are currently creating the ‘Creator’s Corner’ where we can showcase local Artists within the entertainment industry to help shine a light on local talent. The plan is that the feature will be up and running by the June Issue.

As Editor/owner I am responsible for a lot of planning of the magazine and its general direction. I undertook so business coaching this week, to help me assess areas where we can improve things and bring in new ideas, I am very proud of Norwich and our local readers as well as our global ones and we currently have a focus on expanding our audience, because the truth is we can only continue if people and businesses support us.

I think people underestimate how much editors do, from placement of features to assessing suitability, to approving design and features, to proofreading and editing, then there’s the social media , website and that’s before you get to the admin which is why you can me questions about almost anything honestly (no personal questions though).

I will keep you all updated on any changes we plan to make moving forward as like all businesses right now we are finding it difficult, but are determined to ride this out and look forward to happier times. Below you will find a thank you list to specific people who should their support regular and for whom we are very grateful.

Thank You’s: Mike and Dawn Boyd, S.A Harris, Love_Norwick_Food, Reynard City chronicles , Small Business Shoutout, Norfolk Food Bloggers.

We Love you all.

Love Melissa x

COMING SOON!