Bobby Geetha is a chef you're likely to recognise around Leeds and beyond.
Whether you've sampled the foodie options inside Leeds 'most Instagrammable restaurant' Fleur or caught the chef of TV shows like Masterchef and the Great British Menu, the chef has continued to make a name in the city for standout dishes.
Now bringing one of his popular menu items to America, Bobby has been spotted on US show, Chicago Daytime TV.
During the telly feature, the chef shared how to create his signature Samosa Bomb with viewers, a recipe which was first served at restaurant Fleur. where Bobby is the owner and Head Chef.
Bobby Geetha on Chicago Daytime TV. / Image: Supplied
Fleur ranks its Pink Samosa as a bestseller, but the chef adapted the original recipe for this feature and created with Charcoal to transform the signature pink colour into a deep black.
Bobby Geetha said, “This dish is renowned at Fleur and is definitely a firm favourite on our menu. I knew I wanted to share what we’ve been working on in Leeds but with a little bit of a twist for American audiences. Which is why we adapted the recipe slightly to a Charcoal Samosa Bomb.”
This recipe was a success, and thoroughly enjoyed by Chicago TV hosts, Tonya Francisco and Amy Rutledge, so much so that Bobby will be adding this variation of his classic samosa to the menu at Fleur on his return to Leeds.
A new variation of the pink samosa added to the menu following the success in Chicago. / Image: Fleur
The Charcoal Samosa Bomb is also now on the menu over the pond at Indian-style gastro pub Bar Goa, and sells hundreds each day.
Chef Bobby said, “For me, it is always so important that my restaurants keep evolving to stay relevant. This is why we work with restaurants, chefs and other food experts further afield to make sure that we’re always at the top of the game. I think that the influence of other countries and cultures is a necessity to creating great tasting food.”
“I’m just so thrilled that I’ve been able to showcase some of what the Leeds restaurant scene has to offer, across the pond. I only hope that I’ve left nothing but a great impression of what we have to offer in our city and that it might encourage people further afield to take a trip to the incredible place I call home!”
Bobby intends to bring Chicago back to Leeds by hosting some of the city's top mixologists and add an 'American twist' to the exciting cocktail menu at Fleur over the summer.
Feature Image- Supplied
Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
26th January 2023 
