After the Blognix Retreat Sophie from Onetenzeroseven, Fran from Frances Bee and I felt so inspired that we popped a date in the diary to meet the following month. We planned to have a business mastermind and goal setting session. If you’re self-employed or a blogger then you must try to get involved with mastermind groups or arrange your own. They give you the chance to share something you’re struggling with in your business and gain feedback and tips from people with different perspectives. The first time I attended one was at Cam Biz lounge in Cambridge – the next one is on 15th April and I’m pretty sure I’ll be there.
Jamie’s Italian kindly treated us all to their Super Lunch Deal. I’d previously only been to Jamie’s Italian in Cambridge and having had a few fantastic experiences I was looking forward to trying the Leeds restaurant. We had the option to pick 2 courses for £10.95 or 3 for £12.95. I went for 2 courses; Fritto Misto and Gennaro’s Chicken Club.
I like that each of Jamie’s restaurants have their own unique style. The buildings are always very intriguing and formed from renovated old banks (or at least the Cambridge and Leeds ones are). I found the atmosphere very relaxed in both restaurants and the staff were very friendly.
Just look at these beautiful tiles.
I had Fritto Misto to start. This was a selection of crispy fish, squid and what I think was sweet potato slices in a very light batter. The fish was delicately soft and tasted so good with a big squish of lemon on top. The dip was a garlic and lemon aioli but it wasn’t overpowering at all. I think this was the best aioli I’ve had. There was a generous selection of fish and squid beautifully presented for this starter, almost enough for 2 people.
For my main I went for Gennaro’s Chicken Club. This was a soft, lightly toasted brioche bun. It was filled with marinated chicken, crispy pancetta and crisp fresh rocket and tomatoes. This was very tasty. The chicken was full of flavour and the fresh, crisp salad added lots of texture. I personally would have enjoyed a few more chillies in the burger, but I’m a bit of a spice fiend.
We shared some Funky Chips which were honestly the best chips I’ve had in a long time. They were crunchy on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside. One portion is more than enough to share at lunch.
In the two of Jamie’s restaurants I’ve been in they’ve both have something beautiful to look at on the ceiling.
Isn’t the decor beautiful?
We finished off our day with a cocktail at Pintura. I went for the refreshing Menta Fina. It was packed full of mint, ginger and rum. They have a tapas style restaurant as you enter and then downstairs there’s a cosy little bar where you can hideaway for the evening.
We made a note of our goals for the week and month ahead before heading home our separate ways. I left feeling full of ideas and self-confidence in what I can achieve. A day with like-minded business/blogging friends is so important and I’m so grateful that I have met Fran and Sophie through blogging.
Don’t forget to check out my YouTube video about my day with Fran and Sophie.
Location: Jamie’s Italian, Leeds, 35 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JL