The newest rotation of Trinity Kitchen traders has happened once again, and it’s doesn’t seem that long since the last time. With the warmer months slowing kicking in, traders have to work harder than ever to entice customers to come into Trinity Kitchen and want them coming back for more. After a couple of visits in their 1st week I think they’ve got a great bunch of traders in this month. Here’s my round-up taken over two sessions of stuffing my face with basically great street food!
1: Banh Mi Booth – I first tried some of Leeds based Emily Boothroyd’s food at her pop-up at Kirkstall Bridge Inn, and even though I liked it there were definitely areas for development. I’m glad to say she’s been working on her product, especially the bread which was a lot better, crisp on the outside and soft in the centre, the pork also had improved flavour too. A big draw for me is also Gloria, the van, which I think must be one of the best looking vans Trinity has seen to date!
2: Flavours Found – Lancashire based Flavours Found have brought a little of North Africa to Trinity Kitchen, with their take on flavours of Morocco. Inspired after a trip there, recipes were learnt and brought back providing the impetus for this venture.
I tried the Maroc the Kasbah and Chicken Bastilla, both were very enjoyable, the Chicken Bastilla benefitted from being deep fried to order, as its crisp filo pastry encased moist, well flavoured chicken, with plenty of herbs running through it. I can imagine these being popular and given the chance would have ordered many more.
The Maroc the Kasbah wrap was large and definitely worth the £4.50, watching it being made was a bit of a performance, the man’s definitely a bit of a showman! I did find it a little hard to eat though, as it was filled with beef mince which didn’t always want to stay in the wrap. Maybe beef strips would’ve been better, but then for £4.50 I shouldn’t complain and be so picky. One to definitely return to and try out the rest of the menu!
3: Indie Ices – I’m not ashamed to say it, but I’ve raved on about Mike Tattersall and his Indie Ices for ages, I just love the concept and the product. He’d brought Asha along to Trinity to bring a touch of Indian sparkle to Trinity! With mango lassi, ice cream and waffles on the go it makes the perfect street food for summer. The waffles and blueberry ice cream I had were great, lovely crisp, warm waffles with a delicious homemade ice-cream, topped with a rose syrup.
4: The Cauldron, these guys from the West Country have returned to Trinity after their first stint last year, I wasn’t lucky enough to try any of their award winning food then, so made a bee-line for them early doors.
I tried a huge wrap which they kindly filled half and half with pork belly on one side and beef on the other. Using cooking techniques like slow cooking certainly made the meat, as you would expect extremely tender and flavourful. The additional ingredients, such as black pudding were on the money, adding bursts of rich savouriness, whilst freshness was not neglected with the mint yoghurt dressing and fresh slaw and salad. They also make homemade drinks too, e.g. elderflower cordial and pink lemonade, I went for elderflower cordial which was light, refreshing and delicious. I’m looking forward to seeing what specials they come up with over the next few weeks.
5: Cook It Up – These ladies have brought the humble crumpet to Leeds with a difference, bringing inventive toppings as well as the usual butter and jam to the table. Selling them from the quirky vintage caravan, being a creature of habit went for the sweet crumpets, one with lemon curd and the other with strawberry jam.
All the crumpets, lemon curd and jam are homemade, I like them simple and unfussy so this was ideal for me. I liked the taste of the crumpet, but it was a little more doughy and heavier than I was expecting. I’ve only eaten ready made crumpets from the supermarket, never a homemade one so I can only compare it to them. The lemon curd and strawberry jam were both delicious. After speaking to others who’ve tried the savoury toppings they seemed to have gone down very well, making me think I may need to go back and try them again.
A Tale of Two Sittings 