13/07: Tuesday Goodie Bag

Welcome to our weekly “TGB Tuesday Goodie Bag”.

Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for further details and if you would like any recommendations drop us a Direct Message.


Restaurant Recommendations

  • Shed Bistro
  • Hillyard House
  • Pneumatic Park
gourmet boys

Shed Bistro


Shed Bistro opened its doors in 2012 and since then has been our “go-to” eatery on the Ormeau Road, and after a major refurbishment, we were excited to return to one of our favourite restaurants.

We began our evening with some Sourdough Bread served with Olive Tapenade, Bois Boudran and Butter, with a bowl of Marinated Olives. Our starters included Salt and Chilli Baby Squid with Lemon Aioli and Sesame Slaw, Pan Roasted Scallops with Cucumber Ketchup, Lime Mayo, and a Squid Ink Tuile,  Sticky Beef Salad with Sweet Chilli & Ginger, and Sesame Crusted Tuna Loin with Pickled Ginger, Asian Slaw, and Yuzu Mayo.

The main courses were even more delicious, and it was almost impossible to choose a favourite dish. The Manor Farm Corn-Fed Chicken was moist and succulent with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Pepper Sauce.  The Pan-Roasted Lemon Sole was served on the bone, and the Duck Breast was perfectly pink with Roasted Sweet Potato, Bok Choi, and a Cherry Jus. We also had a simply outstanding vegetarian main: The Panko Breaded Baked Aubergine with a rich Arrabbiata Sauce, creamy Mozzarella, and the most wonderfully crispy Polenta Chips.

To finish, we were so bowled over by the intriguing “Cheese Menu”, featuring both local and continental cheeses, that we couldn’t resist ordering the complete selection to share, and the Pineapple Carpaccio with Coconut Jelly, Rum Syrup, and Raspberry Sorbet was a refreshing palate cleanser. Stunning food, gorgeous wines, tasteful decor, and excellent service.


Hillyard House


The Yard Restaurant in Hillyard House Hotel has a bright, contemporary feel & locally sourced fresh produce is always on the menu. At lunchtime & in the evenings, the restaurant is becoming a popular foodie destination for both residents & the general public. 

We particularly enjoyed the Local Seafood Chowder: a beautifully creamy soup with Dundrum mussels, king prawns, salmon, & smoked haddock all served with Hillyard Guinness wheaten bread.  The Pan-Fried Monkfish Cheeks in a smoky tomato ragu with Hillyard toasted sourdough were tender & moist.

For vegetarians, the Spicy Gochujang Cauliflower Florets were smothered in a sweet, spicy Korean sauce, and the Roast Aubergine & Tofu Thai Curry was packed with the flavours of chilli, coconut, lime & coriander, served with a fragrant Jasmine rice. We would also recommend the Chilli Chicken & Mango Salad, the Seafood Linguini, & the Pan-seared Hake Fillet in a Portavogie prawn & chilli crab velouté, with baby potatoes, roast broccolini, baby spinach, & tarragon oil. 

Last but not least, the side order of Roast Beetroot with Fivemiletown Goats’ Cheese & Hazelnuts was so delicious, it deserves to be a dish in its own right! To finish we had the Hillyard Signature Chocolate Soufflé with candied hazelnuts & Martinos vanilla gelato, & a beautifully wobbly Coconut Panna Cotta with roasted strawberries & a refreshing lime and mint granita.


Pneumatic Park


We were invited down to Pneumatic Park to try out their food and cocktails along with a walking tour in collaboration with Rory’s Tours NI. They are working together to create a Sunday lunchtime deal that includes a walking tour of the Lower Ormeau Road with Rory, a Hellbent burger and a Pneumatic cocktail.

Food – we had the Halloumi Burger, which was available with either Mexican or Indian spices and a huge portion of dirty loaded fries. It was messy, mucky and moreish with plenty of those authentic South African spices which Hellbent have become synonymous with. Cocktails- we couldn’t resist ordering more than one! The first was a delicious Murderous Rage made with dragon fruit gin, peach schnapps, lemon juice, cranberry and an almond liqueur. We also had a pear flavoured version of a Frozen Paloma and an Aperol Spritz.

pneumatic rorystours

We could have stayed in this great sunny venue all afternoon. Rory’s Tours NI – if you have only used the Ormeau Road as a gateway into Belfast, you’re missing out on an area steeped in history. On foot, you get to see so much more than driving and this is especially true when you have a knowledgeable and entertaining guide such as Rory. 


Product of the Week

Pizza Table Cook at Home Pizza Kit 


Pizza Table has created a “Cook At Home Pizza Kit” using quality products to ensure an authentic taste of Italy.

The dough has been fermented for three days, & carefully prepared for the box, with simple instructions and all ingredients included. We made the Cheesy Garlic Bread with Chilli Honey, which was sweet and spicy, with a beautiful crispy crust and dripping with garlic butter. We also created a delicious Artichoke and Anchovy Pizza, with the addition of a couple of storecupboard ingredients!

pizza kit

Straightforward, quick preparation, & ready to eat after 6 minutes in a hot oven- Bellissimo!