Skip to content
  • Whitefield Weather Station
  • Family
    • Family Tree
    • Holidays, Trips & Great Days Out
    • Parties, etc
    • Our Home
    • Milestones
      • Night Sky
      • Adele & David
      • David
  • You’ll like this story..
  • Home
  • Great Food & Recipes
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Fifty Four and Counting

Fifty Four and Counting

Blogger, Photographer, Writer – just a good old honest opinion of restaurants, products, services and life in general

Category: Italian

Italian Food

Mezzaluna, Whitefield – Good food, service a little too casual

CountriesfiftyfourandcountingJune 14, 2021

The weather was warm, COVID still with us and an evening with friends was on the cards. We chose Mezzaluna and arrived, to be asked to sign in to meet COVID regulations, as the waiter wandered away. We eventually made our way through to the rear where the outdoor seating consisted of picnic tables and…

Continue Reading
CefalùfiftyfourandcountingAugust 14, 2019

Cefalú, Sicily – One of Italy’s crown jewels

Wherever I go, no matter where I am, I try to understand the character, charm and people of a city, all…
CountriesfiftyfourandcountingJuly 16, 2019

Trattoria Carppacio, Palmero, Sicily – Great food and value considering its location

5 mins from our hotel we came across a delightful, quaint restaurant located down a side alley. Honestly, I thought the…
BistrofiftyfourandcountingMay 12, 2019

Bellisimo Bistro, Burnley – Definitely not what we expected!

We were on our way to Gawthorpe Hall and decided to stop for a bite to eat based on local Tripadvisor…
FoodfiftyfourandcountingOctober 9, 2018

Pasta Evangelists – Creative Italian pasta dishes that make you look like a Gourmet Chef

Italian food is, without doubt, one of my all-time favourite foods so when I had the opportunity to try out Pasta…
AirlinesfiftyfourandcountingMay 25, 2018

Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece – Where 5 Stars exceed your expectations

I’ve travelled to many places in my lifetime and confess often to feeling slightly underwhelmed. Generally the staff look harassed and…
BuryfiftyfourandcountingMarch 5, 2018

Dooties, Bury – Great food and more..

When I last visited this family run business on the edge of Bury I confess I was not as observant as…
FoodfiftyfourandcountingMarch 5, 2018

Piccolo, Gatley, Manchester – Simple Italian food

I remember in my teenage years visiting Gatley where they had the local cinema .. it was one of my favourite…
BuryfiftyfourandcountingJanuary 26, 2018

Dooties, Bury – a family gem in an unlikely location

It’s an unlikely location to find a restaurant where little parking exists, where the road is narrow and situated at the…
FoodfiftyfourandcountingJuly 29, 2017

Croma, Prestwich – A draft with good food

When my oldest friend Simon recently paid us a welcome visit we decided to go out for a local bite to…
FoodfiftyfourandcountingMay 27, 2017

Bocconcino, London – Advance to Mayfair for Authentic Italian food within a Tuscan Setting

For those that play the game called Monopoly you’ll immediately know that Mayfair is Londons most expensive property location. It’s surrounded…
FoodfiftyfourandcountingMay 17, 2017

Gusto – Manchester – Italian food for the discerning

Behind every closed door lay secrets that often remain between four walls. When we think of trendy cities full of life,…
BritishfiftyfourandcountingFebruary 23, 2017

The search is on for this years winners of the ‘Fifty Four and Counting Best ‘Restaurant’, ‘Pub Grub’ and ‘Street Food’ Awards 2017

Spread the word! Fifty Four and Counting 2017 Awards are on! I know .. there are loads of great restaurants out…
BritishfiftyfourandcountingFebruary 12, 2017

Prezzo – Mill Hill, London.. surprisingly good food and atmosphere

Entering into the world of Prezzo for the first time in Mill Hill was somewhat of a surprise. I had no…
ItalianfiftyfourandcountingOctober 16, 2016

Porada Whitefield

Whitefield is quickly becoming North Manchesters quality restaurant hot spot. Last night the Porada was buzzing.. The food in this establishment edges…

Posts navigation

Older posts
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Great Recipes Cooked & Tried
Crushed Pistachios, Cranberries and Salmon Fillet
View All Recipes
Categories
  • +Cars (4)
    • +Car maintenance (1)
    • +Volvo (1)
  • +Chocolate (4)
    • +Hotel Chocolat (2)
  • +Countries (317)
    • +America (3)
    • +Austria (16)
      • +Vienna (8)
    • +Cambodia (10)
      • +Siem Reap (4)
    • +Greece (4)
      • +Rhodes (1)
    • +Holland (32)
      • +Amsterdam (16)
    • +Hong Kong (5)
    • +Israel (1)
    • +Italy (16)
      • +Sicily (8)
        • +Cefalù (2)
        • +Palermo (2)
    • +Poland (2)
    • +Russia (1)
      • +St Petersburg (1)
    • +Scotland (33)
      • +Edinburgh (17)
    • +Spain (8)
      • +Tenerife (4)
        • +Costa Adeje (2)
    • +Turkey (1)
    • +UK (105)
      • +Burnley (1)
      • +Bury (5)
      • +Gatley (1)
      • +Lake District (7)
      • +Leeds (1)
      • +London (5)
      • +Manchester (24)
      • +Prestwich (2)
      • +Telford (1)
      • +Whitefield (3)
    • +Vietnam (40)
      • +Halong Bay (3)
      • +Hanoi (5)
      • +Ho Chi Minh City (1)
      • +Hoi An (2)
      • +Mai Chau (3)
      • +Mekong Delta (2)
  • +Food (84)
  • +For Grandpas (24)
    • +Child Car Seats (1)
    • +Model Making (6)
    • +Toys (5)
  • +Gardening (3)
  • +Health (4)
    • +NHS (2)
  • +Home Improvements (2)
    • +Bathrooms (1)
  • +Lifestyle products (13)
    • +Clothing (1)
    • +Desk Art (2)
    • +Handy Tips (2)
    • +Jewellery (1)
    • +Leather cases (1)
  • +Music (4)
  • +People (30)
  • +Personal Family Events (9)
    • +Grandson (2)
    • +Mothers Day (1)
  • —Restaurants (242)
    • +Asian (6)
    • +Australian (3)
    • +Bistro (12)
    • +British (26)
    • +Chinese (5)
    • +Coffee shops (10)
    • +Dutch (3)
    • +European (12)
    • +Greek (4)
    • +Healthy (16)
    • +Hungarian (1)
    • +Indian (3)
    • —Italian (17)
      • Bellisimo Bistro, Burnley - Definitely not what we expected!
      • Bocconcino, London - Advance to Mayfair for Authentic Italian food within a Tuscan Setting
      • Cefalú, Sicily - One of Italy’s crown jewels
      • Croma, Prestwich - A draft with good food
      • Dooties, Bury - a family gem in an unlikely location
      • Dooties, Bury - Great food and more..
      • Gusto - Manchester - Italian food for the discerning
      • Mezzaluna, Whitefield - Good food, service a little too casual
      • Pasta Evangelists - Creative Italian pasta dishes that make you look like a Gourmet Chef
      • Piccolo, Gatley, Manchester - Simple Italian food
      • Pizza Express Hale - A popular place.. especially early on a Sunday night!
      • Porada Whitefield
      • Prezzo - Mill Hill, London.. surprisingly good food and atmosphere
      • Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece - Where 5 Stars exceed your expectations
      • The search is on for this years winners of the 'Fifty Four and Counting Best 'Restaurant', 'Pub Grub' and 'Street Food' Awards 2017
      • Trattoria Carppacio, Palmero, Sicily - Great food and value considering its location
      • Vesuvio - “Shame, could so easily be a precious gem but lacks sparkle and presentation”
    • +Lebanese (3)
    • +Master Chef (3)
    • +Mediterranean (12)
    • +Middle Eastern (7)
    • +Polish (1)
    • +Pub Grub (14)
    • +Street food (4)
    • +Tapas (1)
    • +Teppanyaki (1)
    • +Turkish (1)
    • All the Shapes, Prestwich Village - quirky with good food
    • Armenian Taverna - “Quality food in a warm atmosphere”
    • Armenian Taverna - Albert Square back with a modern twist
    • Artisan, Spinningfields, Manchester - Probably the Best Value Sunday Roast ever!
    • Australasia Manchester, Down Under again, but even better this time!
    • Australasia, Manchester – Down Under, Buzzing and Unique
    • Battlers Green Farm, Radlett, Hertfordshire - really nice shopping village and tea rooms
    • Bellisimo Bistro, Burnley - Definitely not what we expected!
    • Blackhouse, The Grill on the Alley, Manchester - Like Steaks? You need to try a Tomahawk!
    • Bocconcino, London - Advance to Mayfair for Authentic Italian food within a Tuscan Setting
    • Croma, Prestwich - A draft with good food
    • Dakota Bar & Grill, Manchester - Wow! I was not expecting this in Manchester!
    • De Bakkerswinkel, Amsterdam - Afternoon Tea but not as we know it!
    • Dearden Tea Rooms, Haslingden - Quirky tea rooms with great food
    • Dooties, Bury - a family gem in an unlikely location
    • Dooties, Bury - Great food and more..
    • Eisvogel Restaurant, Prater, Vienna - its Unfair to label the food average!
    • Flourish Craft Bakery, Watford - Fabulous food located in an unlikely industrial park!
    • Grand Pacific, Manchester - An explosion of flavours bound with atm​osphere
    • Greenberry Cafe, Primrose Hill - The little Gem with an Organic Flavour
    • Grill on the Alley - Like a reliable friend
    • Gusto - Manchester - Italian food for the discerning
    • Guy's Thatched Hamlet - “Still great character, worth a visit.. but needs some attention”
    • Hanoi Street Food Tour.. and the meaning of 'sticky rice!'
    • Healy's Wine Bar & Brasserie, Accrington - “Great place punching above its station!”
    • Isis Hotel and Restaurant, Swinton - “Great food, fabulous pianist on a Thursday night”
    • Jasmine, Chorlton - Every table is taken, it shows how good the food is
    • La Tasca, Trafford Centre - Surprisingly good food and great service
    • Manchester House - an immersive culinary dining experience
    • Manchester House, Spinningfields - Probably the best champagne afternoon tea in Manchester
    • Manchester House, Spinningfields - Where flavour, texture and expectations get a reboot!
    • Manor House Restaurant, Oxen Park - Good food in a remote location
    • Marks & Spencer's Cafe, Manchester - a really great pit stop!
    • Metro Bar and Restaurant, Grassmarket, Edinburgh - Great Food, Good Service and in a Clean Bright Setting
    • Mezzaluna, Whitefield - Good food, service a little too casual
    • Moeders Restaurant, Amsterdam - Most likely the most motherly restaurant ever!
    • Nando's Middlebrook Bolton on Valentine's Day & Match night
    • Naturally fast food can be healthy from a motorway services
    • Oscars Restaurant, Ramsbottom - Not what you’d describe as fine dining
    • Pacifica Cantonese, Eccles - “Exceptional food and service ... Genuine 5 stars!”
    • Pacifica Cantonese, Eccles, Manchester - The Place to get Genuine Cantonese
    • Pasha Restaurant - Great food lovely staff but noisy upstairs
    • Piccolo, Gatley, Manchester - Simple Italian food
    • Pizza Express Hale - A popular place.. especially early on a Sunday night!
    • Platzki Restaurant, Manchester - Where Genuine Polish Hospitality is Served
    • Pllek, Amsterdam - OMG! I was not expecting this in a shipping container
    • Porada Whitefield
    • Prezzo - Mill Hill, London.. surprisingly good food and atmosphere
    • Restaurant Mini, Vienna - Hungarian Cuisine at its best
    • Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece - Where 5 Stars exceed your expectations
    • Sanity, Abnormality and an Escape from Reality - Porto Sani, Halkidiki, Greece
    • Spice Essence, Kirby Lonsdale - “So good, the head chef of the hotel we stayed at recommended it!”
    • Starbucks .. they're not all the same!
    • Starbucks Middlebrook Bolton
    • Sunset by Australasia, Manchester - A Beach Bar in the City with a Refreshing Twist!
    • Ta'aam, Prestwich - Tasty middle eastern food
    • Teppanyaki Restaurant, Costa Adejé Palace, Great food from a performing chef!
    • The Alchemist, Media City, Manchester - The Asgards have landed.. and they make great food!
    • The Avocado Show, Amsterdam - Probably the Freshest & Healthiest Meal I have ever had!
    • The Bridge, Prestbury - Probably the Best Fish and Chips I have ever had!
    • The Chocolate Cafe, Henley on Thames - A Riverside Pit Stop for a great lunch
    • The Coffee Cup in Hampstead .. popular, food ok, but in need of TLC
    • The Firepit - Rawtenstall .. attentive, great food and fab atmosphere.
    • The Frozen Mop, Mobberley - “Thought if try this place again...”
    • The Parkfield Inn - a place that's sociable
    • The Pavillion Bistro - "Well... I didn't expect this!"
    • The Prachee - a Great taste of India in Prestwich
    • The search is on for this years winners of the 'Fifty Four and Counting Best 'Restaurant', 'Pub Grub' and 'Street Food' Awards 2017
    • The Vine, Whitefield - An original menu designed with style
    • The Walled Garden Bistro, Preston - “Just love this place”
    • The Woodside, Worsley, Manchester- “Great Restaurant, but felt like cost cutting on the food side of things”
    • Too Mai, Hampstead - Fresh food that's just delicious!
    • Trattoria Carppacio, Palmero, Sicily - Great food and value considering its location
    • Twenty Five Hours hotel, Vienna, where they claim to be mad!
    • Vesuvio - “Shame, could so easily be a precious gem but lacks sparkle and presentation”
    • Vlaamsch Broodhuys, Amsterdam - A Delightful lunch in this Rustic Bakery
    • When to Mock a Crispy Duck!
  • +Tech Reviews (1)
  • +Theatre, Cinema and Performance (60)
    • +Cabaret (1)
    • +Canal Café Theatre (1)
    • +Cinemas (8)
      • +Film reviews (3)
      • +Odean Trafford Centre Cinema (1)
    • +Comedy (9)
    • +Drama (1)
    • +Hopemill Theatre (2)
    • +Lowry (1)
    • +Magician (1)
    • +Military Tattoo (1)
    • +Musicals (1)
    • +Palace Theatre, Manchester (1)
    • +the Edinburgh Fringe (11)
    • +Whitefield Garrick (1)
  • +Tour Companies (12)
    • +Big Bus Tour (1)
    • +I amsterdam city card (7)
    • +Lovers Canal Tours (1)
  • +Trains (9)
    • +CAT (1)
    • +GVB (1)
    • +OBB (1)
    • +S-Bahn (1)
    • +Virgin Trains (1)
  • +Travel (170)
    • +Airlines (15)
      • +British Airways (2)
        • +Avios (1)
      • +EasyJet (3)
      • +Hong Kong Express (1)
      • +Jet2 (1)
      • +Vietnam Airlines (2)
    • +Attractions (46)
      • +Amsterdam Museum (2)
      • +Angkor Wat (1)
      • +Ann Franks Museum (2)
      • +Dutch Resistance Museum (1)
      • +Ferris Wheel (1)
      • +Hill Top, National Trust (1)
      • +Hofburg Palace (1)
      • +Ironbridge Gorge Museums (1)
      • +Jewish Museum (1)
      • +Lovers Canal Tours (1)
      • +Rembrandts House (2)
      • +Rijkmuseum (2)
      • +Royal Coster Diamonds (1)
      • +Royal Coster Diamonds tour (1)
      • +Schönbrunn Palace (1)
      • +The Royal Yacht Britannia (1)
      • +The Tulip Museum Amsterdam (2)
      • +The Willet-Holthuysen Museum (2)
      • +Tiergarten Zoo – Vienna (1)
      • +Verzets Resistance Museum (1)
      • +Vienna (1)
    • +Baltic Cruise (16)
    • +Cathay Pacific (2)
    • +Cruise (1)
      • +Victoria Cruises (1)
    • +Guest Houses (5)
    • +Holiday homes (1)
    • +Hotels (34)
      • +25Hotel – Vienna (1)
      • +Alberi del Paradiso (1)
      • +Atrium Platinum (1)
      • +Cityview Hotel – Hong Kong (1)
      • +Frederico II Palace Hotel (1)
      • +H10 Costa Adeje Palace (1)
      • +Hanumanalaya (1)
      • +Ink Hotel, Amsterdam (2)
      • +Sani Resort (2)
    • +Jet2 Holidays (1)
    • +Manchester International Airport (1)
    • +Taxis (2)
      • +Uber (1)
    • +TransIndus (1)
  • +World Affairs (45)
    • +Greater Manchester Police (1)
    • +Health (12)
    • +UK Politics (12)
Recent Posts
  • U-gear, tower – a fun project to build
  • The truly shocking truth about getting COVID
  • To be British means you’re not racist
  • A Wooden Dolls House, Petite Amélie – What every child wishes for
  • Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Cumbria – Beatrix Potter’s House a national treasure
Archives
A Wooden Dolls House, Petite Amélie - what every A Wooden Dolls House, Petite Amélie - what every child wishes for #petiteamelie #woodentoys #dollshouse
I decided to turn my hand to something different, I decided to turn my hand to something different, during this lockdown. Having completed a number of projects recently such as the Truck for Max, Medieval Village the Lisbon Tram, I came across a world of miniature model kits. The finished marketing results looked less achievable when first opening the cardboard box that the kit comes in. #craftkits #minihouses #modelmaking #Robotime #Rolife
I have to admit that this pandemic is wearing me d I have to admit that this pandemic is wearing me down.... I actually didn’t put this roll-on under my arms .. but what I did was memorable! #antipersperant #deepheat #Dovemensantiperspirant #rollonantipersperant Find out the whole story at www.fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/Wordpress/a-really-surprising-reaction-from-a-roll-on-antiperspirant
When Compensation isn’t Compensation! #deliverie When Compensation isn’t Compensation! #deliveries #myHermes I recently had a need to send a parcel and so decided to use MyHermes. I've used them in the past and to be honest never had an issue with their service. On this occasion, due to the lockdown and social distancing I opted for the pickup from my home for an additional 60p rather than the drop off service I've previously used. The following day, Wednesday, I left the package on top of my dustbin as I had instructed, if out, this where the parcel could be found. We're living in very difficult times, I understand this and so was not totally surprised that no one collected by the end of the day. After all I could understand the drivers are probably overloaded. So the following morning, Thursday I again put the parcel out, but once again it was not collected. So Friday morning, I eventually tracked down a number to call MyHermes. After an hour holding on, I was answered by an assistant. "My parcel was not been collected as planned on Wednesday" I said. "Yes that's right" said the customer service agent "The drivers are not collecting from homes. We should put something on the website!" "Oh!… Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/when-compensation-isnt-compensation/
2020 Global Pandemic, is this really happening? Th 2020 Global Pandemic, is this really happening? Thank Goodness for the NHS! #Coronavirus #CoVid-19 #Health #healthemergency #NHS #Politics Panic buying, people die-ing, the army on standby, schools and shops closed, self-isolation, hardship and all because of a virus disease that we can’t see. These are unprecedented times. A period like we have never known in our lifetime. So how do we get through all of this? To start with you stay calm and follow government advice. But other than this all we can do is sit this out, keep well and accept that we are all in this together for the long haul. Whilst we’re keeping our act together, attempting to avoid the daily increasing death count, our NHS subject themselves to the dangers of a highly contagious and invisible disease. This week the people of the United Kingdom stood at their front doors and applauded the frontline Hero’s .. those who together protect us from this virus. Our NHS is part of our defence. Fighting a battle like no other. Stay safe. Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/2020-global-pandemic-is-this-really-happening-thank-goodness-for-the-nhs/
Lockdown! – Boris calls time!Perhaps an alternat Lockdown! – Boris calls time!Perhaps an alternative approach? # After a softening up of the British people and one final sunny Mothers day, the Prime Minister has finally brought down the curtain and started a very long interval. It's definitely not something we are used to. But I have a view regarding the approach the government has taken. I wonder if others would agree if this would work. What would have been so terrible if the country froze stock markets, stopped businesses from issuing invoices, prevent payment of purchase invoices. No one to receive wages or any bills, no taxes, nothing. No rent to be paid, no rates, mortgages, gas or electric bills. Instead issue every person with essential weekly food vouchers that have a total value of say £90 a week that can only be delivered. This way no one starves, no one profits, and no one is forced to pay any bills. I’m sure there is a flaw in my thinking but what do I know! Link: https://fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk/wordpress/lockdown-boris-calls-timeperhaps-an-alternative-approach/
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Recent Posts

  • U-gear, tower – a fun project to build

    July 18, 2021

  • The truly shocking truth about getting COVID

    July 18, 2021

  • A Wooden Dolls House, Petite Amélie – What every child wishes for

    July 18, 2021

  • Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Cumbria – Beatrix Potter’s House a national treasure

    July 18, 2021
Recent Posts
  • U-gear, tower – a fun project to build
  • The truly shocking truth about getting COVID
  • To be British means you’re not racist
  • A Wooden Dolls House, Petite Amélie – What every child wishes for
  • Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Cumbria – Beatrix Potter’s House a national treasure
December 2021
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jul    
TAG Cloud
Amsterdam attractions Baltic bistro Brilliance of the Sea british Bury cambodia comedy Coronavirus CoVid-19 Cruise Edinburgh Edinburgh Fringe featured food fresh ingredients good food good value great food Hanoi Health healthy healthy food I amsterdam city card italian food Italian restaurant Lake District Manchester manchester restaurant museum Pandemic prestwich pub grub quick lunch restaurant restaurants Scandinavia Sicily siem reap theatre travel Vienna Vietnam virus
Copyright © 2018 Fiftyfourandcounting.co.uk. All rights Reserved
Boston Theme by FameThemes
 

Loading Comments...