The year of the tiger is almost, but not quite, upon us- but that doesn't mean we can't start the celebrations early.
Celebrating the history of the Lunar New Year and the meaning behind the traditions, modern Chinese restaurant, Tattu have decided to serve up an incredible cocktail that represents one of the most recognisable traditions in China.
Known as the 'Tattu Red Envelope Gift Cocktail, the sparkling orange-red concoction is topped with a creamy foam and torched to give it that toasted marshmallow finish. On the top of the decadent drink is a macaroon with a tiger stamped on top, representing the new year that we will fall into, the Year of the Tiger.
Then, on the side, a red envelope represents the Hong Bao envelope that has become a tradition for those celebrating the Lunar New Year to offer each other. Guests are invited to open the envelopes in search of a golden ticket that has a voucher inside.
Tattu said: "In China, Hong Bao envelopes are given to loved ones on New Year to bestow happiness and good blessings"
"Attached to your Water Tiger cocktail is a miniature red envelope, with the chance to find a golden ticket and win a Tattu gift voucher of up to £100". Will the Year Of The Tiger be your lucky year?"
As one of four Tattu locations in the UK, Tattu Leeds hosts a range of cuisine that are inspired by the quote 'it's all in the detail'. On the food menu, you'll find specials like the Char Sui Monkfish with a delicious honey glaze, served with morning glory, caramel orange and pickled cucumber, which is due to land on their menu soon.
There's also an incredible Chinese New Year dessert on offer: the 'Year of the Tiger Dessert'
A chocolate semi freddo base, topped with fluffy marshmallow, all encased within a tempered tiger print chocolate.
Tattu describe is as "A dessert that is rich and sweet, while the fluffy marshmallow balances these flavours and gives it a smooth lightness to the dish" and we're obsessed with that tiger print encasing.
The venue was closed last weekend as it was used to film the latest Marvel TV series, Secret Invasion.
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
Clementine Hall
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Sophie Smith -
27th January 2022 
