'different' restaurants in west yorks

[shirt]

I'm planning a family meal on saturday - me, parents, sis & bil and my uncle.

looking for something out of the ordinary with excellent food. african, arabic, japanese etc. italian, english and the rest also considered if the food is original and/or authentic.

family all live around leeds but anywhere within an hour's drive is fine. it's my combined birthday and leaving do so somewhere eventful is in order, but hopefully not too expensive!

any suggestions? bil is a fussy eater but I'm ignoring that

[Yetski]

http://rythrearms.co.uk/

[The_Doc]

Fairuz Lebanese in centre of Leeds.

Loads of food, think Greek/Turkish but more exciting, order the Meze and dip into everything.

Nice Lebanese wine from the Be'qaa valley too

NB: The famous Miss Fairuz was the middle east's version of Kylie Minogue in the 70's and 80's. Not a lot of people know that.

[YRRunner]

Mm. Me thinks this is reminiscent of a previous thread with the same question.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Did you not try The Orchid in Harrogate, or are you just looking for something different again? There really is no authentic (and good) Lebanese food in Yorkshire as far as I am concerned, although I would love to be proved wrong. You seem to be looking for something special, unique and quite extraordinary. When it comes down to this "special" requirement for ultra ethnic food, it's a case of pay your money and take your chances. There are Lebanese restaurants in Leeds (more in Sheffield as it happens), but none I would chance my stomach (and the wrath of bil and a picky uncle) on. If you want it to be a memorable dining experience, for me it's The Orchid every time, but it will cost you. The Foundry Wine Bar in Leeds is particularly good and consistent Modern English, Brasserie Forty 4 at the Calls is a nice environment (and cheap if you pick up the coupons on www.gravy-train.co.uk ), the Tapas bar in the cellar of Martinez's wine shop on the Grove in Ilkley is funky, as is El Gato Negro (locally known as Black Cat) in Ripponden. Sukhothai in Chapel Allerton for Thai. There is a Lebanese restaurant called Fairuz in Merrion St Leeds that seems to get some decent reviews (can't comment, never been) and it's apparently "quirky". Tampopo (Pan Asian) is OK but simplistic and Viva Cuba Kirkstall (Latin American) is always fun. L'Ornaise Cafe at Hyde Park in Headingley (Moroccan) is small but quirky and well liked by the student bohemians. Gaucho (Argentinian) is now in Park Row Leeds (friends of mine loved the food). Regrettably, Leeds hasn't got the alternative ethnic food choices that the smoke has! Food for thought.

Edited by YRRunner on Monday 11th April 14:08

[shirt]

thanks yrr, lots to go on there

i'd forgotten about that thread. never got anything sorted for a few reasons, but I'm heading to live abroad in a few weeks so we're convening.

I should say special doesn't necessarily mean posh. it could look like a dive as long as the food is worth it. I had an unbelievably good ethiopian meal for peanuts a few months back in london. as you say though, yorks isn't the place for such experiences. mum suggested the olive tree which i thought was poor.

anyway, some good suggestions there, thankyou.

[dave_s13]

We went to Anthonys in the corn exchange last sat night and must say the food was bloody lovely.

Nicest steak and chips I've had for a long time.

Fairuz: I've been twice. 1st time was pretty decent, 2nd time really rather $hit. I would go again though, I think the poor experience was due to staffing issues that night. Looks a dive but can be very good.

Chaopraya (sp?) is the best thai meal I've had in Leeds so far. Not the Sunday buffet though, that was a bit "meh".

[shirt]

I gave mum the links for the orchid, el gato negro (looks great!) and sukhothai. she chose the latter as she reckons it has the best chance of satisfying the bil. probably my last choice of the three but hey ho. I'll have to try the others when I come back for a visit.