My Bristol Food with Amy Evans
Posted on: 10 Nov 2017In our My Bristol Food series, we talk with some of the most prominent Bristol foodies around to get their take on what makes the city's culinary scene tick and also get their recommendations. This week we spoke with Bristol foodie legend, Amy Evans.
Who are you?
I’m Amy, born and bred Bristolian although I was London based for a few years. By day I work in TV production making nature documentaries and in my spare time I write my food blog ‘This Girl eats’ which you can check out here.
Where are your most-visited food places in Bristol?
One of my absolute go to lunch spots is Matina in St Nicks market – they do the most incredible hot wraps for under a fiver! A ‘matina mix’ has freshly cooked lamb and chicken (halloumi option available) then is piled high with salad, pickles and spices. Delish! For an evening meal I don’t think you can go wrong with Bravas on Cotham Hill, order a large G&T with the aubergine in molasses.
Where in Bristol has the...
Best Burger:
Right, we’ll whisper this because it’s not a popular opinion in Bristol… I’m not really that into burgers. I know, I know, I’m a monster. However, when the mood for a burger does strike you really can’t go wrong with the Burger Joint on North Street. Order a hardshake (a milkshake with alcohol in it) along with your burger if you want to go all out!
Best Sunday Roast:
You can’t beat a Sunday roast can you? My favourite at the moment is actually my local, The Ashville (currently famous for its whopping 96oz steak challenge!). The roast lamb is always a winner for me with the veg piled high and a generous amount of gravy.
.jpg "Roast Dinner at The Ashville in Bristol")
Best Pub/bar:
I’m pretty partial to a cocktail or two and we’re lucky in Bristol that we have so many wonderful cocktail bars to choose from! Hausbar in Clifton is tiny but well worth a trip – be careful as the drinks are strong. Aluna in the city centre make some very flamboyant creations, many involving fire so watch you don’t singe your eyebrows.
.jpg "Cocktail at Aluna in Bristol")
Best Pizza:
Well this is getting awkward isn’t it? I don’t really like pizza either. What kind of food writer even am I? I’ll get my coat. When the pizza mood does strike however I usually order from Pimms Pizza on North Street. Super tasty, really affordable and gluten free options available if needed.
Best for special occasions:
Too many good options to choose from! If you’re looking for all out fine dining then you can’t beat Casamia, it’s truly outstanding. We went to celebrate our 6 month wedding anniversary (what? It’s a thing!) and were truly blown away by the food and the wonderful atmosphere. If you’re after something that will make your bank balance want to weep a little less then try Bulrush or Box E at the cargo 1 in wapping wharf – especially the Chef’s table where Elliott will take good care of you. You also can’t go wrong at The Ox if you’re in the mood for steak and cocktails.
Best Brunch:
The Malago on North Street does an absolutely superb brunch, if you’re in BS3 you need to try it. If you venture a bit further down the road you should also try brunch at The Old Bookshop – delicious!
Best indie producer/shop/market:
St Nicks Market, hands down. It’s such a vibrant, bustling place and caters for pretty much any craving you might have. Work your way through Grillstock, the Sausage Station, Eat-a-pitta, Chilli Daddy and Matina but save room for pudding – you don’t want to miss the cakes at Ahh Toots!
Best gyoza:
I couldn’t write about my favourite places in Bristol without bringing up Eatchu (again in St Nicks market). These little dumplings are loaded with filling and flavour and make the perfect lunch. Choose from a variety of toppings or do as I do and ask for a bit of everything!
Any other top foodie tips?
If you want a taste of some of the best Bristol has to offer, try the food markets. There’s plenty on offer between the harbour market, street food on wine street and the Tobacco factory. Also make sure you try the cargo units at wapping wharf, there’s some incredible food on offer.
If you were the Mayor of Bristol for a day what would you do?
Sort out the buses! They are blinkin’ AWFUL and it’s such a shame that Bristol can be such a nightmare to travel in.
You’ve got 24 hours in Bristol to show some visitors around. What are you going to do?
We would start with a stroll around Ashton Court to see the deer and then head off for brunch at The Malago on North street. Next a wander/boat ride into the centre to have a mooch around the harbour side before a wander into St Nicks market for lunch. Then a stroll up Park Street where we would stop for gelato at Swoon, onto Whiteladies Road for a few pre dinner cocktails at Her Majesty's Secret Service and a movie at the everyman theatre. We would wander home via The Grain Barge for a final drink to watch the paddle boarders and boats at sunset.
Where else can we find you?
You can find me on my blog, Twitter @This_Girl_Eats and Facebook @TGEBristolThis.Girl.Eats and Instagram this_girl_eats.
Article by:
Sarah is a writer and blogger, as well as running workshops and teaching. Her passions are food and travel, and you can follow her on Instagram at YesStarling and find her website at www.yesstarling.com .
